Tom,
In my opinion, this is still a great Discussion Group, but if I do have a mild criticism it is that there is too much of a focus on technology and it's effect on how far and how straight players are hitting the ball. As I write, I count 10 threads just on the first two pages that relate to technology, increased distance, etc.
To me, while that is an architectural-related issue, it really is tangential to the main focus of this website. Throw in OT threads and there can be quite a bit of digging for threads directly related to golf course architecture.
GolfClubAtlas.com is presented to promote the frank commentary on the world's finest golf courses.
This appears on the home page of GolfClubAtlas.com. In my opinion, this Discussion Group is about as far away from that ideal since I joined the Discussion Group in 2002.
It's difficult to do but if you go back and look at threads from a few years ago (for example go to
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forums2/index.php?board=1;action=messageindex;start=12800 to see threads from July 2003 and then you can move page by page from there) you'll still see some OT threads but very little talk about technology, reduced distance balls, etc. In fact, I looked at five or six straight pages without a single thread about technology-related issues.
It's one thing to talk about specific measures that specific courses can take or are taking to counter improvements in technology--that in my opinion stays on topic--but it's another thing to talk about spin rates, square grooves, shaft lengths, COR, etc. That's not discussing architecure--that's discussing technology. And I wonder if constantly discussing technology may give outsiders the impression that this is an agenda-driven DG--the agenda being the protection of classic courses from advances in technology, or perhaps the protection of the game as a whole from advances in technology (noble causes, by the way).
That being said, I'm still on here every day reading practically every thread! But since you brought this up I thought I'd offer my opinion. I'm not saying this is THE reason that you perceive GolfClubAtlas to be "out of touch", but it may be a contributor.