Take a look at the members list
Between members and registered users there are a large number of folk who are in positions to influence policy. Look too at the contributors to the blog and the magazine. You can be sure that the site is read by senior members of MNF-I. And Marct struck some nerves in his profession. So, there is a lot of evidence that the message is reaching any number of intended audiences.
Not a lonely voice in the wilderness
Some of us are still engaged in SW policy, doctrine, etc. The feedback on this site, from experts, from practicioners, and from people with interest but no particular background are all exceptionally interesting and useful!
Whenever I am out in the informed community, I try to recruit new members, especially ones who are placed where they can make a difference.
We need to keep up the discussions.
More kudos for Dave & Bill
Let me join in on the chorus of kudos for Dave and Bill and all the contributors as well. The site is awsome.
From a (now) civilian point of view I have recommended the site to my students ever since I discovered it. In looking over the members list I have found a few of them (there were only 20 to begin with - I only teach one course a semester) to still be lurkers on the site. This fall, in my forthcoming course on small wars, I will make the recommendation stronger and urge them to contribute. I won't make it required reading but I suspect that we will have some new contributors.
Finally, Zenpundit's analysis of this phenomenon is both superb and fascinating. And, last (I know I said 'finally' above) you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Cheers
JohnT