I'd bet that many of the out-of-towners are former DC types who have since moved away.

Like me. My new city doesn't have anything like DCUM, and BabyCenter does nothing for me. So I'm still a regular on this site.

For me, it remains a great resource for non-DC specific parenting topics, and I still feel a connection to the DC community, though I'm no longer physically there. I also like the virtual people-watching, though it involves a trainwreck or two sometimes.

As for OP's original point, I'm not sure things have changed that much. I've been a regular for a long time, and there's always been a mix of people. Sometimes that adds value and interesting perspectives. I've definitely learned A LOT from posts by people who are very different than me (especially on the Off-Topic board where the issues have more range.) Other times the diversity on this board triggers drama and distraction -- especially when conversations touch on economic differences or age differences (20-something moms vs. 40-something moms.) But it is what it is. This board is open to all. Works for me.

Remember a few weeks back when someone posted that thread with the link to the test that was supposed to tell us all how in the bubble we were? I seem to recall the vast majority of responders were pretty bubblized - even if they were posting from Kansas. Doesn't seem to be a huge influx of "those" people. (FWIW - according to that test I am one of "those" people, though I'm right here in the DVM.)

ITA about the TTC forum.

Op of the hat thread here and I live in Georgetown.

Anonymous wrote:I've also noticed that the TTC board, which tends to be filled with compassionate and supportive posts, has been seeing some mean and frankly cruel comments lately.

I've noticed that too. It's also obvious on other boards. It used to take a while for a some posts to devolve into madness, but even completely innocuous posts are getting mean posts now. Maybe the summer heat has set more people on edge.

The level of intelligent discourse has definitely dropped a few notches.

I've also noticed that the TTC board, which tends to be filled with compassionate and supportive posts, has been seeing some mean and frankly cruel comments lately.

Or this one in the travel forum about where to go:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Jordan (see Petra, camp in a bedouin tent in Wadi Rum, see where Jesus was baptized, float in the Dead Sea, etc.)

I'm sure it's just me, but I'd prefer to sit at our neighborhood pool.

Eh, the only thing that bothers me is when people make parenting suggestions that presuppose suburban lifestyles. Like keeping a spare potty in your car or grabbing stuff from big box stores. So I guess the non-urban annoys more than non-DC.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know Jeff ran the numbers recently on how many hits were local versus elsewhere, but really. From the poster on the Amber Alert threads talking about u guys framin his brother by man ipulating stats [sic], to the poster encouraging widespread pesticide use to a few others, I'm feeling more and more BabyCenter and less and less DCUM! Is it just me or has there been an uptick in posts that are not of the mid/upper-income, highly educted, DC area-based demographics posting on DCUM?

I've been a social worker in DC for 8 years, and if that is how you characterize the population of this area, you are overlooking a VAST array of people.

You missed the important piece POSTING ON DCUM. Well aware that a vast majority of this area isn't on DCUM. What's interesting is the huge number of people who seem to be finding this forum for the first time who have nothing in common with DC other than having it be their nation's capital.

Anonymous wrote:Don't forget the 17week pregnant alcoholic preeclampt lady in expectant mom lol

And Chipotle mom.

OP, you are on to something. As a frequent reader/ poster, I, too, have noticed that as of late, we seem to be losing the DC in DCUM. And yes, I find it troubling. Why in the hell would I care what someone from Kansas City thinks?

Don't forget the 17week pregnant alcoholic preeclampt lady in expectant mom lol

Anonymous wrote:I know Jeff ran the numbers recently on how many hits were local versus elsewhere, but really. From the poster on the Amber Alert threads talking about u guys framin his brother by man ipulating stats [sic], to the poster encouraging widespread pesticide use to a few others, I'm feeling more and more BabyCenter and less and less DCUM! Is it just me or has there been an uptick in posts that are not of the mid/upper-income, highly educted, DC area-based demographics posting on DCUM?

I've been a social worker in DC for 8 years, and if that is how you characterize the population of this area, you are overlooking a VAST array of people.

I think things have been changing on the board for the last 6 months.

Anonymous wrote:Except that if people are coming here for a certain type of discussion, markedly changing that type is also going to drive those first people away. May be fine with you; may not be for Jeff.

Did I miss the memo stating jeff wanted only certain types of people posting ? Jeff includes all types even those that disagree with your social opinions which I bet sway liberal.