I figure it really can't hurt having a free area to chat. While OT posting was always allowed in moderation it was discouraged if it began to dilute the forum and got in the way of talking about music. Now people can feel freer about posting threads that they may have before.

I really don't mind if interest does drop off though I hope it doesn't. I guess some people will come here rarely, others will check in regularly. Like you say only time will tell.