[Max Taxable]

I typically check subscribed threads first. After that I go "New Posts" and scan the titles. If nothing interests me, I hit "Mark Forums Read." If something does interest me, I read and might even reply. I always hit "Mark Forums Read" though, to end the session while never actually hitting the "Log out" link.

I visit 4-5 times a day, and there's typically always 100 or so unread posts for me. I've found that when it's not overly busy here, it's also not overly busy on my board, or the other 6 boards I am on. Some of those 6 are BIG ones, and they have ebbs and flows as well.

It's all subjective. You can't really conclude "traffic is down" just based on your observations.