On Sun, 26 Jun 2005 16:48:07 -0600, RomeoMike
wrote in ::

I can't prove it, but my impression is that,
compared to 5-6 years ago, there is less hard core aviation discussion
here and more chit chat amongst a group of friends, ...

It can be proven, but it's pretty obviously true. It could be that
those serious about aviation who would like to participate in sober
and thoughtful discussion are driven away by the frivolity and
indecorous conduct unbecoming responsible airmen that occasionally
occurs in rec.aviation.piloting currently.

A while back, there was a suggestion for the creation of a new
newsgroup for those who on occasion preferred to participate in
'hangar flying' rather than exchange _information_ relative to
piloting. I have to agree, that the chit chat seems to dilute the
"hard core aviation discussion." I would support the creation of the
proposed new newsgroup, but someone else is going to have to carry the
ball to see that it gets chartered.

There also seems to be a good deal of discussion about EAA revenant
issues, that is an arcane subset of piloting discussion, and may be a
candidate for its own newsgroup as well.

How about these suggestions as seeds for proposed newsgroup charters:

rec.aviation.hangar-flying

Discussion among aviators, and those interested in aviation,
about aviation related topics, events, and tangential political
issues. A friendly place for chit chat, camaraderie, and jocular
inanity. Anonymous identities gleefully accepted.

and

rec.aviation.EAA

Discussion among Experimental Aircraft Association members, and
others who have an interest in the activities of the EAA,
concerning EAA issues, events, and philosophies.