I disagree as to the extent of the effect of social media. Other forums I am a part of are thriving as AT gradually dies. But then those other forums don't lifetime ban many of their most prolific and popular users. Users generate the content on forums, and by getting rid of them, you're gradually causing the forums to die off. I'd say more, but then I'll get banned again under the much abused "mod callout" rule.
I'll say this though: I've never seen mods on other sites generate so much hate that users went out and created their own forums. And AT users went out and created three other forums by my last count.
I learned early on that the guys from Purch do not give a s--t about improving these forums. They'll just ride it into the toilet and blame something else, like the rise of social media or something.
We have told you multiple times where to go if you want to complain about the moderation.
It is not here.
esquared
Anandtech Forum Director