I think you're correct nanna8. I joined GN about a month ago and am noticing a difference recently. I do think this is just a lull. Someone was commenting about the lack of interesting threads yesterday. I didn't agree, but didn't say so. However, it made me wonder what, for some, makes a thread interesting or perhaps it's more the comments themselves that make it interesting.
Look forward to reading the article. I follow a few other social media sites and disputatious*{grin] yes - but some are arguments are vitriolic. I now do what you do Kim19.