Has Inked Inc.'s ning site been abandoned by its founders?

[Black is the new Black]

Beyond member contributed content I've noticed the site has been static for a long time.

The "member of the month" has been the same since 2008. The "featured photos" have been the same since 2008. Also things that seemed to previously be censored/moderated are going largely unchecked.

I'm not complaining at all, I'm just curious. I'm assuming Dave (or someone) is still paying to keep the lights on, but is otherwise mostly hands off.

I think it speaks volumes about the community on Inked Inc. that the site can keep going based solely on member added content and discussions. It especially speaks strongly to how civilized we all are that there aren't many arguments going on in the forums (other ning sites I belong to have mostly devolved into snarky flamewars). I suspect most non-tattooed people would be surprised at the warm camaraderie here and how generally accepting everyone is.

[Bones]

I've been wondering the same thing. There was also a large migration of activity that was once here to places like facebook. Hard to keep all these social networks going.

[Black is the new Black]

Have lots of people on this site become facebook "friends"?

I have to admit that beyond perusing the photos and maybe once a month looking at the forums I've not paid much attention to this site.

[Bones]

A few that I can see. I have it on my RSS feed. I wonder if people are also hunkering down and not getting much work b/c of the economy right now.

[Black is the new Black]

Could be.

My artist is booked two full months in advance, but he's in the Bay Area and things are different there.

[J.R.]

I've thought the same thing on the abandonment issue (and have also been surprised at the lack of snarky flame wars). Black, who is your artist? Nice work!

[Diamond Dave]

i agree, it goes to show that the broad based misconceptions of us tattoo'd criminals, bikers, thugs and ex-cons are just wrong :)

it would be nice if there was some moderation in terms of updating, etc, but it's obvious we all are on a mature level where flaming and nonsense just isn't commonplace. I'm proud to participate here with like minded people who appreciate the art of fine tattooing.

[kapitiK]

Yes, there does seem to be a distinct lack of stewardship. Not that it matters, we all seem to get along just nicely.

[Chris aka Creepinbean]

We're like one big tattooed family without the parents (being the founders).

[Inktman]

But it's getting a bit creepy now.

[Johnny]

lol... how so?

[kapitiK]

Hey! Let's all have a group hug!

[gookymo]

lol.. i love my tattooed family..