The activity level has always been low since the forum opened 10 years ago.

But that's not the point. The purpose of this forum is to provide information, whether it's about Laos, or Judy Garland, or the ruby slippers. Many people come here to find information and I've never encouraged any participation but I appreciate them.

With social media use on the rise such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, Lao people are turning to those outlets to interact and we are the only Lao related forum left standing. Lao Pride is an old forum and we will continue to operate for a long time to come.

I haven't been active lately on the Lao side of the forum due to my heavy work commitments with the Judy Garland side of things, but there will be exciting times ahead and something to look forward to on this forum because our pair of ruby slippers will be in Pakse, Champassak and hopefully make their way to Wat Phu UNESCO World Heritage site at the end of 2016.

True, it's mostly old white guys, but they do know a fair bit about opening a business in southeast asia. It tends to be a mix between severe misogynists who swear by SE asian women and hate western women and aging social justice warriors.