Forum dynamics

[FranklinG]

I looked at Venezuela, actually Margarita Island, as a second home a few years ago. There was an expat community that was thriving and a good expat forum. Now the forum is dead with less than 5 postings a month and most of the expats that I know have left the island. The rise in crime is terrible with people now being killed instead of just property theft. Home invasions are now taking place with foreigners being assaulted. My good friend that left said the only visitors still visiting are from the former Eastern block countries since Chavez is courting the Russians. Power outages, black outs and grocery shortages are now very common. This is sad because Margarita is a beautiful island with beautiful beaches.

Franklin

[Wooh]

Margarita isn't nearly the most beautiful that Venezuela has to offer, either. The eternal shame of Venezuela is that they can't get their tourism together (the one upshot being that when you DO go, it's much less touristy).

[eddiecohen]

That’s sad about Margarita Island. We spent a week at the Barcelo Dunes on Margarita Island back in 2000. Although the resort was a walled compound, we spent a good bit of time touring the island alone and also with a group, and never felt threatened. We also spent several days in Caracas, and that was another story….

Eddie

I looked at Venezuela, actually Margarita Island, as a second home a few years ago. There was an expat community that was thriving and a good expat forum. Now the forum is dead with less than 5 postings a month and most of the expats that I know have left the island. The rise in crime is terrible with people now being killed instead of just property theft. Home invasions are now taking place with foreigners being assaulted. My good friend that left said the only visitors still visiting are from the former Eastern block countries since Chavez is courting the Russians. Power outages, black outs and grocery shortages are now very common. This is sad because Margarita is a beautiful island with beautiful beaches.

Franklin

[Syd]

Well, Sara, it doesn't seem that the forum is so dead after all. Just post the right article and look what happens. The whole range from vile bile through well reasoned arguments. More personal connections to and reminiscences about Venezuela than I expected.

[carlos]

it doesn't seem that the forum is so dead after all.

but still funny how many people told me about the lack of uruguayans writing in a forum about uy...
how many would you say are actually writing? two? three?

--

[loei]

it doesn't seem that the forum is so dead after all.

but still funny how many people told me about the lack of uruguayans writing in a forum about uy...
how many would you say are actually writing? two? three?

--

Just be glad that we don't have nutters like Chavez to moan about in this fair land

Patrick.

[Sara]

Well, Sara, it doesn't seem that the forum is so dead after all. Just post the right article and look what happens.

I started this thread to see what would happen - and something did...!

I got worried after hearing three forum people comment that there were only six or eight people posting regularly - glad to see many more come out of hibernation.

Sara

[gaberoo]

It's always good to hear from new people with new viewpoints, so I'm glad we're not alone in posting.