I did some site maintenance last night so that may have helped. I did find a database error that I can't fix, plus this version of the forum software is now really old. I know it is possible to upgrade but I've read up on it and it's beyond me (or at least, I don't have the enthusiasm to put the effort into it).
I am tempted to start from scratch with the latest version of the software, or even a different forum program. My host has a range of different systems available. If I went to a different one, it'd still work much the same way so no big drama there, the only issue would be anyone's bookmark's or favourites but that's easy enough to fix. I *think* it's possible to port all member accounts across so no-one would need to re-register.
If I go down that track, I'd close this current forum off and keep it as an archive. That means that it'd still be able to be searched or read or linked to.
Alternatively, if there's anyone with a clue about this stuff that could help fix the database and upgrade the software, I'd be most grateful.
At this stage, I am looking for opinions. Whaddya reckon?