I'm guessing there two things going on:

1) Doug and equipped.org are getting increased exposure with his PSK being sold everywhere.

2) People are getting more anxious about terrorism, and this is by far the most sober, reasonable site for getting preparedness info, at least in my opinion.

Can you imagine how popular this board would be if they update the site software and advertise the forum a little more prominently on the equipped.org home page?