Advice has been given before, in all the other threads like this one that have popped up. It may be unfortunate to say, but people get tired of repeating themselves over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over ... see what I mean? Annoying, isn't it?
Now, before you say it's all dead and quiet ... well, ISRP does, has, and always will go through waves of activity. Some months/weeks it'll be active, some months/weeks it won't. It happens. It's called life. Unfortunate, be that as it may, but it's a fact. Sorry, the truth hurts; Wal Mart sells Kleenex, I hear. (EDIT: Now, THAT is teasing; if I want to tease, you will know. Trust me.)
The fact that there are many threads similar, if not identical, to this one does not necessarily equate a chronic disease of ISRP or its players.
If a small number of people = X, and if those small number of people have trouble entertaining themselves = Y, then X + Y doesn't = C, that it's everyone else's fault.
Neither do I think this is a blame game that can be played, on anyone.
I know a number of newbies who have active characters, and whom DO NOT have a problem getting noticed or roleplaying with people. What that suggests to ME is that the people who are complaining are too shy to actively get out there.
The common fallacy is the mentality that if the following emoticon is entered: Character Bob enters the tavern and stands in the doorway, looking around
then everyone will jump immediately to interact with poor, lonely souls who don't have anyone to talk to. What isn't realized is that everyone ELSE in the tavern is probably either involved in a conversation or doing the same thing.
So buy a drink for a random character. Observe the present conversations, and join one. Comment on a part of a character's description to start a conversation. Play mad, insane character, who may or may not be loveable. Play some music for the tavern. Join a current storyline, if your problem is being involved.
In short ... DO something. Just the same as has been already said. Don't fall to the "ego" trap, thinking that you ARE the center of the universe, and the world should come to you, not the reverse.
All right, I've repeated myself enough now. Let the rotten vegetable throwing resume.