IceInSpace Milestone - 9,000 members!

[iceman]

Hi all

It's with great pleasure I can report that IceInSpace has passed another mildly significant milestone -

We passed 9,000 registered forum members!

While not a huge deal in the scheme of things, it's significant in that it shows the consistent growth of IceInSpace - which shows we're doing something right.

It was only in September 2010 that we passed the 8,000 member milestone - so we've achieved another 1000 members in only 7.5 months!

We're also growing our Facebook presence, with our IceInSpace Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/iceinspace) now having over 1,370 'Likes' and growing fast. It's easy to share with your friends - simply post a Link to our Facebook page, or click the 'Share' button in the bottom left of the Facebook page.

As a bit of a treat, atached is a graph showing the rate of growth of our forum membership. The left axis shows the number of new members in that month, while the right axis shows the total number of members.

It's important to note that these membership numbers do not include spammers, banned users, or users who have not activated their account.

The interesting spikes in January 2007 and August 2007 are due to two fantastic celestial events - Comet McNaught and the Total Lunar Eclipse. Whenever a celestial event gets some major media publicity, our IceInSpace visitor numbers and membership numbers spike accordingly.

We love to acknowledge these milestones and see them as a great opportunity to celebrate and recognise our fantastic community. We wouldn't be here without you and it's only thanks to you that we have a place that's worth coming back to, day after day, week after week, and the enormous wealth of information on the site and in the forums is thanks to your contributions.

It's also rewarding to know that every day we're helping newcomers into the hobby and helping people discover the wonders of our fabulous hobby of Astronomy.

Here's to the next 1000 members - 10,000 will be a big one!

[[1ponders]]

Congratulation Mike on the success of your idea nearly 7 years ago. Its been a pleasure and a journey. Its a great community that has developed over that time. Thanks

[jjjnettie]

Thanks again Mike for providing me with my home away from home.
Just waiting now for the next big milestone. :D

[wavelandscott]

Congratulations Ice in Space

[xstream]

Congratulations Mike and of course we must not forget Terry! It's been a pleasure enjoying the ride. :cheers:

[sheeny]

Congratulations Mike, Terry, the moderators and everyone else who makes IceInSpace what it is!

:thumbsup:

Al.

[Octane]

Go team, IIS. :)

H

[avandonk]

How come there are only about fifty regular posters.

bert

[iceman]

I can assure you there are many many more than that, Bert.

[Brundah1]

Mike,

Yes there are lots of active members, but can you track members who have not logged on in the last two years?

Just because members log on but don't post does not indicate lack of interest,
or participation.

However there would be a percentage who have gone on permanent walkabout.

What is the real number of current participants.

Congrats anyway, this is a great website community.

David

[iceman]

Yes, certainly. People always come and go.

There are also large numbers of users who browse the forum as guests, and don't log on at all.

Nowhere am I claiming there are 9000 active participants. We all know that's not the case.

There have been 9000 registrations since we started the forum over 6.5 years ago (not including spammers, banned users, or users who did not activate their account).

[astroron]

Thanks Mike and Terry on starting iceinspace nearly seven years I am proud to have been along for the ride for six of them :thumbsup:
Cheers

[Lester]

Ice in Space has helped my enjoyment of astronomy over the past years like no other forum. I can remember back to the 1970s and 80s when astronomy for me was a isolated hobby, I am glad that has changed.

Thanks Mike and others involved.

[GTB_an_Owl]

i must be getting OLD

how did i miss the oncoming of 9000 ?

congrats to Mike and Terry - and the community

geoff

[luvmybourbon]

awesome job mike. i don't post very often but i always enjoy dropping in to see whats happening.

[RobF]

Great work and thanks again for such a fantastic resource and home away from home Mike. I used to be a bit of an astronomy obsessive in my late high school years and early 20s and agree with Lester its such a stimulating and educational experience now to be sharing the hobby virtually (and at local IIS member's properties) compared to the lonely days in the backyard (or sometimes with friends) in the 80s. I'm sure I wouldn't have discovered even 1/10th of the things I've learned in the last 3yrs if it wasn't for this great community and the helpful people that "inhabit" it :thumbsup:

[erick]

I did a quick count. If I got it right, there are over 600 with 100 or more posts and over 800 with 50 or more posts. That seems to me like a good number who have had active engagement with the forum at some stage, at least.

I'm pleased to see the Forum's ongoing popularity. It does its primary objective well:-

"IceInSpace is a community website dedicated to promoting amateur astronomy in the southern hemisphere - including Australia, New Zealand, South America, Southern Africa and parts of Asia. We aim to help stargazers from around the world discover, discuss and enjoy the beauty of our night sky." :thumbsup:

Well done to Mike, Terry and the team.

[CoolhandJo]

Something to be proud of!

[Brundah1]

Thanks Mike and Eric,

" I did a quick count. If I got it right, there are over 600 with 100 or more posts and over 800 with 50 or more posts. That seems to me like a good number who have had active engagement with the forum at some stage, at least."

"Yes, certainly. People always come and go.

There are also large numbers of users who browse the forum as guests, and don't log on at all.

Nowhere am I claiming there are 9000 active participants. We all know that's not the case."

That paints a better picture for members. Not slinging mud, just asking for that sort of activity statistic.

[Mick]

Thanks Mike, Terry and everyone at IIS for all your hard work. :thumbsup:
I don't post often but I visit nearly every day to view the new images and read posts that interest me. Even though I don't have a huge post count I've been here since day one and have enjoyed every minute.

[Caerwen]

I'm new to posting here as well :) Have spent time browsing the forums and reading articles. Hopefully, as I get more understanding of the deeper aspects of astronomy, I will be able to participate in the forums as well. At this stage all I can say is it is wonderful to find other star gazers to connect with :thumbsup:

[multiweb]

That's a lot of rego indeed over a short period of time. Well done. :thumbsup:

[M54]

Congratulations IIS!:cheers:
Thankyou for being here.:D

[Paddy]

Congratulations and thanks to Mike, Terry, moderators and all contributors. This fantastic community has nourished my increasing obsession over the past 4 years, providing so much information, support, second hand equipment and inspiration and I've met so many wonderful people on line and at star parties. It's increasing strength show that many people feel the same way.

[Jen]

:clap::clap::clap: woohoooo congrats IIS :D

:party::party::party:

There is some amazing people on this site that has made it what IIS is today :thumbsup: cheers to the next 1000 members

thanks guys xoxoxo

[Ric]

Congrats to everyone for making IIS the amazing place that it is.

[norm]

Great news. Again thankyou very much Mike and Terry.:):thumbsup:

You guys are without a doubt legends!

Cheers Norm

[Dennis]

That’s great news indeed Mike. You and the IIS team continue to provide an excellent resource for astronomy and related topics.:thumbsup:

Quoting from the IIS ToS, I particularly value and enjoy the “friendly, family-oriented atmosphere” that you and the moderators have managed to establish here - not an easy task given the diversity of views within the community.;)

Congratulations on the continuing growth and success of the Forum and well done to you, your team and the wider community.:)

Cheers

Dennis

[RCOS1]

Just curious guys but,
9000 Members is indeed a milestone, however I cant help but ask that with 9000 + Members, there are only 28 replies to this 'Milestone', which equates to about 0.003 percent of the entire 'membership'.
Perhaps Mike means 9000 registrations and not 9000 actual members..
Sorry but the numbers of so called 'members' dont stack up IMHO.

[Ric]

Hi Bert, that issue was cleared up earlier in the thread.

[jjjnettie]

These negative posts have destroyed the whole happy celebratory vibe of this thread.
Just a hint guys, on threads like this, if you don't have something positive to say, don't say anything.
Just my 2 bits, Mods, you can remove this post now if that is your want.

[iceman]

I agree with you Jeanette. These type of threads always bring a certain type of character out of some people.

[RCOS1]

Sorry Mike.
If thats the case, then I look forward to seeing the Up and Coming
10,000 Registrations (Not Members) Milestone Announcement!!

[jjjnettie]

If you've joined IIS, you're a member.
If you don't want to be counted as one of the community. Well, you don't have to be here.
I'm finding this very distressing.

[RCOS1]

Sorry you feel that way. But Im only making the point that there is a vast difference between a 'Registered Member ie: Human Being' and a 'Registration' as in Search Bots, Spam Bots etc etc that are allowed to register. You and indeed I would be more upset as potential paying advertisers thinking you were getting a 9000 member audience when thats not the case.
So why keep pushing these 7000, 8000, and 9000 'Membership' announcements as such?
Thats my point.

[astroron]

Obviously you did not read this part of the post from Mike

There have been 9000 registrations since we started the forum over 6.5 years ago (not including spammers, banned users, or users who did not activate their account).

Take a political Party that has Two million members :question:
Only about maybe 10% of them are active,are you saying that one million eight hundred thousand of those members should not be recognised:question:
I am happy to be one the 9000 MEMBERS of iceinspace :D:D:D:D:D

[RCOS1]

Um..whats the Name of this Thread called again Ron?
and what was the Heading in the Email Announcement sent out
regarding this very topic?
Im saying the 'spin' is misleading, pure and simple.

[jjjnettie]

I love that IIS allows us to block people who make us feel uncomfortable in our community.
Such a useful function.

[Dennis]

To be sung to the tune of Telegraph Road (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telegraph_Road_(song))by Dire Straits.

A long time ago came a man with a dream
Walking thirty miles with a vision in his bean
And he put down his Forum where he thought it was the best
Made a home for like minded souls on the internet
Built a community and a friendly astro gathering place
And he ploughed in his time with Terry and the Mods
Then other astronomers came from googling the web
And they never went further cos they liked what they saw
Then came the flames then came the carping posts
Then came the ToS then came the rules
Then came the astronomers and the dobs with their views
And the little old Forum grew and became quite cool

Then came the whiners and then came the bores
Then there was the hard times then there was a war…

Cheers

Dennis

[Ric]

Tall poppy syndrome, pure and simple.

If something is doing well why does it always have to be knocked back or put down?

As a member of almost 5 years I have seen this forum grow from strength to strength. It provides an invaluable service to all members young and old and I for one have benefited greatly from the knowledge shared here.

As JJJ mentioned, once you have joined/registered you are a member. If a member then chooses only to browse and not participate there is no problem in that, they are still able to enjoy the images posted here and benefit from the knowledge of others. I have seen other forums that don't even allow you to browse, that serves no purpose.

I for one look forward to the 10,000 member milestone and to be a part of it as well.

[jjjnettie]

:bowdown: Dennis, that's brilliant. You've put a smile on my frowny face. :D

[astroron]

Bert! I don't get the emails so I couldn't tell you what it says:shrug:
It is only spin if you want it to be :rolleyes:
Cloud Nights has over 30.000 Members are you telling me they are all active:question:,or should cloudy nights also change the way it calculates it's membership:question:
Dennis's post said it all.:D
Carp on if you wish,I can assure you that you will be in the minority in your thinking:rolleyes:
Cheers:thumbsup:

[iceman]

Bert, re-read the post.

9,000 does not include spammers, bots, banned users or people who have not activated their membership. If those were included, we'd be well over 10,500 by now.

9,000 Registrations = 9,000 members.

If you don't like it here, don't visit. Or don't use IceTrade to try and sell your gear to its community.

[Luke Bellani]

Well done Mike and all others who make IIS a great place.
Looking forward to the next big milestone.

Cheers,
Luke

[Hagar]

Ignore him people. Treat Berts comments with the contempt they deserve.

Congrats Mike, A great service presented for all to use. Unlike some.

[RCOS1]

Seems that getting personal is the argumentative line for some eh?
Wheres a Moderator input on this one?

[that_guy]

talk about glass half empty! jeez

[bartman]

Graet job here Mike!!!!!
Keep it an the community alive!
This place has been invaluable....sorry.... very valuable to me!!!!!



Bartman

[danielsun]

I think 9000 registered members is a huge achievement!:thumbsup:
What a great site and community it is. Well done and thanks.:thumbsup:

Cheers Daniel

[Rob_K]

Yep, great job, congratulations and thanks! :thumbsup:

Cheers -

[marki]

Well done Mike, I really enjoy participating as a member on this site and have met a lot of great people at the same time.

Cheers

Mark

[asimov]

Thanks from me as well. I only look at facts, & the fact is there are 9000 signups which = 9000 members I reckon. It's beside the point how many are actively taking part, otherwize the thread would be called something else entirely.

I left here once, but now I'm back. Too many online friends here to just give 'em the flick!

Congrats Mike & team.

[jjjnettie]

We're glad to have you back too.
Lot's of friendly folk here.

[Hagar]

Hi Bert, If your comment was directed at my comment. It is anything but personal, more like just stating fact.
The service Mike provides is open to all who choose to register. Some, with time, may be found unsuitable and banned but only after a few chances.
The site is still open to them as guests without the ability to post but it is still not a secret society with secret lists etc.

Again congratulations Mike and thanks.

[Draconis]

I've loved visiting this site since 2007 as a lurker and then finally joined up this year. I'm an infrequent poster with being new to the hobby and not much to offer in the way of quality astro related input compared to the vastly more experienced and knowledgable folk on here. I have found the site and the forum to be an invaluable resource while learning the basics of amateur astronomy and hope its around for a long long time to come! I spend a lot more time on the site than my post count suggests, its very addictive and usually my first port of call when I turn on the PC at home and also in work.

Congratulations on the 9000 members milestone..well done and well deserved.

Mick

[multiweb]

I think you've summed it all up. Reading this felt so much like deja vu. I joined same time, I'm also guilty of spending far too much time here and feel exactly the same way as I've learned everything from everyone's posts. Great community.

[RB]

Congratulations Mike and Terry.
What a great ride it's been.
It's been a pleasure to see the site grow and to see so many members join.

Through the site I've made so many new friends, a lot of them close, and it's all thanks to a vision a young bloke had for a friendly place that like minded people can share their passion for astronomy.

Some of the most memorable astro related events I've had have been with friends from this wonderful site.

So thank you Mike and thank you all for your friendship and company.

Regards
Andrew

[Kal]

Congrats Mike and Terry!

I just did a quick search of how many individual users have posted in the last 7 days and it is nearly 400 which is a pretty healthy number! I know at times I don't post on here every week for example, and I'd guess that there are alot more lurkers that simply enjoy reading without posting.

All in all healthy growth and that 10K milestone will be here before we all know it (I know this one snuck up on me, just noticed it now!!!)

[MrB]

Spot on!
My post count may not reflect it, but that's exactly how it is for me... I drop in maybe once a week, more likely once a fortnight.. sometimes I'm gone for months.

Congrats Mike and Terry and the Mod Squad! :lol:

[Jen]

:eyepop: oh dear i do have a problem i pop in more than once a day :lol: or i start to get the shakes :lol: too scared ill miss out on something :P

[bartman]

Hehehe I have to admit I do the same. At least once a day if not twice depending on my shifts at work ( and even then, I look at the site ' unregistered' ). Just browsing and looking for info that peaks my interest.
I dont always respond to posts that I like cause it has either been said already or said already.....um I said that already didn't I.....

Bartman

[mr bruess]

9,000 members :welcome:is simply an astronomical number!!!
keep up the good work guys!!!!!!!:D:D:D:D