I often wonder about certain posters, too, xtsgalaxy.
The ones that worry me are the ones who show up for a day or two all full of positive energy, and then disappear. I suspect that many of them caved to the crave early on, and were too ashamed to come back. I only hope that they still come around and read and know that they can come back when they are ready...or even when they are just getting ready. (I hung around here for months before I had my actual last cigarette.)
However, once in a while, one of these short-time posters will pop up a few months later and report success. That's always a nice surprise. Some people just don't feel the need to post as much to get through this, I guess. (I've also read a few posts from people who seem to have been quietly reading for a long time without posting. That is all that they need, in terms of social support.)
I think a lot of the long term quitters just gradually fade. Over time, you just think less about smoking, so the thought to come here doesn't pop up as often. Plus, coming back to this board and talking about smoking can sometimes trigger a crave. Not to mention the fact that sometimes there isn't much more to say than "just don't smoke." (Amazing that I've written so many posts over the past couple of years that still come down to that simple message.) I've had a little of all of those scenarios. I used to come to this board every singe day, sometimes several times. Now, it's usually several days between check-ins. I suspect that my participation will fade more and more as time goes on.
One reason that I keep coming here is that I genuinely like reading peoples stories and interacting with them. There are so many different and interesting people here. Our only common thread is addiction and the desire to be free of it. Kind of cool that so many different types can come together for a common purpose like that.
