????Sara Noel????

**MRAHoffman** · 01-07-2009, 05:19 AM

I was just curious, with the economic downturn REALLY beginning approximately Aug. 2008, how much increase in activity on the Frugal Village have you seen? Take care and God bless.

**Sara Noel** · 01-07-2009, 10:37 AM

We've really picked up traffic wise (by the thousands per day). I'm getting a lot of interview requests (I can't do them all), my column and sites are being featured more often and I'm just happy to help and hope more people reach out and get the help and support they need. We'll need another server upgrade soon again. We'll be placing the forums on its own server. I actually got a server too busy error the other day.

**nvmommyx6** · 01-07-2009, 10:42 AM

I know I have noticed it IS busier and busier here!!
That is a good thing!!!

**momof2joys** · 01-07-2009, 10:45 AM

This is the most wonderful forum ever!!! It has helped me a lot. Thank you for creating such a wonderful place to learn and share!!!

**InDiAnNa** · 01-07-2009, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Sara Noel

We've really picked up traffic wise (by the thousands per day). I'm getting a lot of interview requests (I can't do them all), my column and sites are being featured more often and I'm just happy to help and hope more people reach out and get the help and support they need. We'll need another server upgrade soon again. We'll be placing the forums on its own server. I actually got a server too busy error the other day.

Me too. Got several in fact. At the time I thought it was probably down to the recent influx of visitors.

Even though now is the time for people to be seeking a more frugal lifestyle, it is to your credit that they choose to come here

Since coming here, amongst MANY other things, I've learnt to count my 'daily gratitudes' and I always count 'Sara, Gabe and FV' in the everyday things I try to remember I am grateful for. I'd be lost without this place now!

So many life lessons, beautiful DEAR friends, awesome.

**UUMomof3** · 01-07-2009, 12:24 PM

Frugality is becoming fashionable again. DH just heard a radio segment about that very thing. Of all the sites I've seen, this is the friendliest and most useful.

**Debbie-cat** · 01-07-2009, 12:39 PM

I agree Sara. You have done a wonderful job creating this site. I have many new great friends on here.

I too have gotten busy server notices. I just figured that we are all trying to get on at the same time and I think it is great!

FV has helped alot of people realize that being frugal doesn't mean you are poor. It means you have the sense to use your money wisely.

Thanks again Sara! I don't know what I would do without FV now!

**TexasPeanut** · 01-07-2009, 12:39 PM

I've definitely noticed the Village getting busier. So many new faces and older ones coming back recently. It's awesome to have new people to get ideas from and help out when you can. It's a great thing for the forums and all of us for sure. This is by far the friendliest place to be on the internet for frugal living and a cool group to be a part of. But I have to admit I sure do miss being able to hit "New posts" or "Today's posts" and going through 2 pages not 6+ lol. Whew! That's takes awhile now. I've also noticed more and more people posting in their blogs instead of the forums to keep it nice and tidy. More social groups. More sub-forums. I'm so lost now lol.

**C@rol** · 01-07-2009, 12:53 PM

This is one of the best sites put together I have seen. There is so much here and I don't think I have viewed everything yet. Sometimes I look up and I have spent hours here. And the best part is I get to share with so many others.

Thank you Sara and Gabe! :chighfive:

**Sara Noel** · 01-07-2009, 12:55 PM

I think eventually the search will pull up information from all sections, so it will be easier. The upcoming year should bring improvements to tie it together and making it more accessible.

**C@rol** · 01-07-2009, 12:59 PM

Originally Posted by Sara Noel

I think eventually the search will pull up information from all sections, so it will be easier. The upcoming year should bring improvements to tie it together and making it more accessible.

Oh no! I'm not complaining. I love the search and
the new things I find. More fun on FV! :cdance:

**Michelle** · 01-07-2009, 01:02 PM

I remember when it was just the two of us plus maybe one or two more people chatting on the forums.

"You've come a long way, baby!"

**Missourimom** · 01-07-2009, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by UUMomof3

Of all the sites I've seen, this is the friendliest and most useful.

I agree with this. I've been floating around frugal boards for many years and there is a WEALTH of information here for FREE. Not only are people friendly, but members are permitted to have opposing views and opinions, as long as they are given in a tactful way.

I must say, I've wondered why Sara never turned this into a pay site. She certainly has a large number of members and a wealth of information available on her site to offer people, but I'm very glad to see she hasn't done that. It takes a lot of time, work and patience to run a site like this and I know I could never do it.

**guest002** · 01-07-2009, 01:46 PM

I'm so thankful for FV as well. I think it's so exciting to have new folks visiting over here. I too got the server busy message a few times. Being on here almost daily helps keep me motivated.

Thanks Sara! Keep up the great work.