Hello... I have some thoughts to share about group activity.
(Yes another long post that some will not want to read...lol. So for you... you're welcome to go ahead and move on, it's ok.
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In a variety of groups I've read several threads over the months on the topic of "I've tried to get people to post more"... asking for ways to do it, asking what's wrong, why isn't anyone posting etc etc etc...
There are different kinds of groups/group managers....
There are those who have the goal of being a top-rated group activity wise, or who have the goal of being #1.... and so for those kind of groups, I can understand the hunger and need to find ways to keep those members hopping on their keyboards.. post, post, post... talk, talk, talk...anything they can think of to keep the members hungry to get to the group and read, post, reply.. to anything and everything. And for those who like that.. you are ok to like and want that. All things are a choice, and all people are free to choose their own path.
There are also other groups... which are people focused... relationship focused....friendship focused....etc.. and they are just as interested in interaction between members as the type of groups mentioned above, just for different reasons.
Through it all.... I have to wonder about the feeling of desperation that is sometimes expressed about people not being 'active' in a group. I say that only because with that cry for ways to get members to post more... is what I see as a possible underlying message that it is not ok not to post. And my personal take on it is... that it is.
In reality ....people come in many varieties of personality types.. even in group boards.
And sometimes there are going to be members that just are not real interested in being real involved and chatty.. on a consistent and daily basis.
Sometimes there are some people that are not real 'social'.... do not relate easily to other people... do not find it easy to open up and write a book about themselves or their lives. Others... can write on here for ever and ever.... like me...lol. (If I was with you in person I'd be quiet as a mouse!... but here on the computer it's totally different and I write like crazy... which is not pleasing to people who don't have time or interest in reading long messages...)
Some people have a wall up... only allow themselves to put so much of themselves on a group board... nice, short, to the point, and non-personal type info and replies. Others... want to be best friends, and as close as family with everyone and learn everything about you as they share everything about themselves.
Some people like to read and learn and absorb... without doing much interaction of their own.
Some people... don't have a life at home, for a variety of reasons. Sadly... some people are ill, bed or home bound... and the computer allows them to get back out into the world. The computer and especially groups can become the world for some people, sometimes 24/7. And when others slip out of that world... I'd imagine it makes them kind of lonesome and sad.
Some people... have very busy, active home lives, family circumstances, careers, jobs, school/college.... and the computer is only a place to go chill, to relax, get away from the stresses of day to day responsibilities.. have some fun. For them... it is a place to visit.. not to live.
There are very high-energy... go,go,go types of people... out there in the thick of things...loving the action, the speed, the fast pace of life. Others...get overwhelmed if things get too fast... they need a slower pace.. a calmer rate of travel and interraction with other people... and freedom to 'not' be involved... to just be quiet and by themselves for a while when needed.... to rest... to ponder.
The list could go on and on... maybe some of you have some types to add.
One of the things all new managers go through in the learning process of managing a group is the realisation that slow or no activity does not mean that you do not have a good group, and it does not mean you are not a good manager of your group. It just means, that for whatever the reason.... you are going through a quiet phase. And that is ok.
People change. Their home lives change. The weather/season's change. And the group itself goes through changes.
If the manager hangs in there... and goes through the cycle of the changing seasons, both on and off the computer.... you will get comfortable in time with the slow times and will be able to patiently wait for the season of increased activity that will come again, as surely as the sun rises every morning... (wether we can see it or not).
Groups have various rhythms... and so do the members in those groups. Some times those thing clash and colide.. and sometimes everyone is going the same direction at the same time and at the same speed.
Fluctuation, balance, change comes with groups .... and patience sees one through it all.
I'm of the personality type... if I feel forced to post on a group... I can't stay a member there. High speed and pressure gets me confuddled...lol. I'm the type... I need to lay down and rest after a fast paced day at a big mall. I do like to talk with these keys ... but I have to be free to do it at my own pace, and in my own way, and at the time that's convenient for me.
It very well could be that for some managers looking for more activity .... if they have people like me in their group, those members are being driven off their board with constant "ways" put on there to get them to talk and post. And it's not a personal thing/reaction ... it's just a physical reaction to too much mental stress.. or confusion.
Sometimes the very thing you want... is costing you and keeping you from getting it... if it's being pursued in the wrong way.. or a way that is uncomfortable to some members.
So to me, it means a manager needs to not only analyze what kind of group theme etc. is desired...but what kind of members does the manager need/want... for her/him to be able to be happy with the pace and style of that group.
One last thought....
"Interest" and "coercion".... are two distinctly different things.. and members can tell the difference... and will react accordingly...in which ever way is comfortable to them. Some will jump right in and go for anything and everything... others will feel overwhelmed and back off.
Part of getting the desired increased activity is knowing clearly and honestly 'why' that increased activity is needed, wanted, or desired. I believe that if you know that.... then the 'how' to get it will be more clear also.
Thanks for taking time to read this, if you did. I hope it may have helped someone in some way.. to be more at peace about the activity level of the members of your group. Hugs, Grace
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.. thank you each for taking time to read, and I'm glad it was a 'good thing' for you. 
Hang in there. Hugs, Grace
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