Many new ladies have recently joined some of the other discussion boards in order to get the attention of hobbyists, and let us know you're still in the game just by your presence.  However, San Diego seems to be just the opposite.  Don't have a clue why that is, but it seems counterintuitive to me.  On the GD board, many more threads than usual are being started by providers.  The Inland Empire board recently disappeared.  I believe it was lack of use.  I don't think anyone here wants to see that happen to SD.  Its important to have participation from both hobbyists AND providers.  

 
Modified to correct typo

-- Modified on 5/10/2018 8:28:07 AM

an uptick on other regional boards. Seems OC and LA are nearly dead too. The TJ board has always been underutilized and I don't know why Gold Coast even exists.

 
That said, I agree with your underlying premise that providers posting on regional and general boards is free advertising. It's all about awareness and name recognition. On the other hand, with online users down 90%, maybe the providers feel they are fishing in an empty barrel.