ECCIE is not what is used to be, but neither is the world at large. Perhaps the board just echoes the antagonism, hostility, and discontent that permeates society? I believe we all have to strive harder to create the positive environment we want, but that's probably far less entertaining than train wreck dramatics and soap box grandstanding. (It's said we get the government we deserve, so maybe the Hobby hood, too?)
There are still many wonderful gentlemen on ECCIE. I gratefully appreciate my longtime Fancy followers, and a few new fans I've acquired lately.
With the preponderance of negativity and upsurge in carnal competitiveness, thoughtful marketing becomes more crucial. Providers have to find, and sell, a niche that cannot be easily filled by others, and remember that every word they type in every post, ad, signature, Showcase, email, and PM speaks volumes. REALLY consider what you write and how you'll be perceived as the person behind the keyboard before pressing the button. (The same goes, with more limited application, of course, for fellows as potential clients.)
That's what I learned in the extensive PR/communications career I had previously, anyway. It's all about brand building, maintenance, and recovery when an "oops" occurs, and how one represents oneself over the long haul.