I read on Time magazine that most forums in the USA are up in members by 18% and down 53% over the last 3 years in traffic/time logged/page views.

I predicted this back in late 06 early 07... However, never thought it was going to be as bad. That's why most forums were up for sale or sold.. But being in the online business for so long, you couldn't really compete , unless you had a deep budget.
When you add that factors that Mike just added with his post , it may just get worst.... Just 5/6 years ago it seems like quite a few 23 to 25 year old Had better income then today and were more creative.
It was easy to see at a car show or drag strip several car owners saying they dropped 50k into their cars.. And YOU COULD see the investment... Now a days, .. You see only a few IF THAT. The rest are seriously a joke... Rusted hood, home painted crap..bubble gum wheels.. Etc... What at one time was normal... Is now something special.

I love cars, Will always admire nice cars..always will.. Honestly, I do not miss waking up at crack of dawn for a car show.. Or spending all night at the strip to get in 3 runs.. Not worth it, for now.. Will I ever do it again.. Who knows.. I have a family, + a beautiful daughter and a great career. All those important things keep me tied up and have more value over anything.

I will continue to drive my CRV around and admire nice whips when I see one....if I want to cruise around and enjoy the nice weather, I'll drive the C5.