Poll: Unregistered Posting

[Muhammad]

Considering a number of factors, including the percentage of posts made by registered users vs unregistered; the number of registered users we have; the number of posts; and the percentage of deleted posts and threads posted by unregistered vs registered users, we're considering making registration (and that you be logged in) to the forum a requirement to post.

Tell me what you think...

 

[MChalkley]

Muhammad - I've already cast my vote in the affirmative. I'm strongly in favor of allowing unregistered individuals to read all they want, so they can see the value of registering so they can participate. Some will always want to just reap the benefits of others labor - they do it in real life, so why not in "virtual" life? - but it would very useful for anyone who stumbles across TBN for the first time to see what's here. Once they understand the resource that's available, those with something worth contributing will think it incumbent upon them to register and give something back. Those who realize they have nothing worth contributing won't bother to, and we won't be bothered with them, either. How's that for two cents worth stretched into a dollar? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

MarkC

 

[Bird]

I agree with what Mark has already said. And then I have some ambiguous feelings about those who put so little information in their profile. I guess I can sort of understand some folks' concerns about privacy and giving out personal information, but when they don't put their name, at least the state they live in, etc., well . . ., I think that's unfortunate at best.

 

[gator]

Darn, trying to vote twice for yes but sly ol Muhammad wont let me!/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Wally <font color=green>JD 750 "GATOR"</font color=green>

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Since I am not a registered user, I can't vote, however I thought I would express an opinion anyway.

I have been here on a regular basis since this site and it's predessor were first started. I always thought this was a place to exchange ideas and learn. Everyone has something of value to contribute. Even those that do not register or post, increase traffic at the sight. This increased traffic makes advertizing here more valuable and indirectly contributes. It is unfortunate that some feel that unregistered people are somehow taking something they don't deserve.

I have not noticed unregistered posts causing any significant problems. If there is an unregistered individual(s) causing trouble they could be prevented from accessing the site.

I used to post frequently, but do not post nearly as much now. I wrote a B2400 review that last time I checked was still on this site. Mike Simpson has posted pictures of some of the things I made on his web site. Several people at this site have made concrete 3pt weights and wheel weights made from weight lifting weights after seeing my design on Mike's site. I have made several attachments that I would like to share, but as an unregistered user I am not allowed to post pictures of them. When I have posted a description and offered to post pictures if Muhammad would allow it, instead of an explaination of why I can't post pictures, I get multiple requests to register (3pt leaf blower). Why can't unregistered users post pictures? I have asked this question before and it is never answered. What harm would it cause?

A while back the Jplan web site started requiring posters to be registered. It seems like the number of posts has dropped off considerably over there. Not sure if the two are related, but I rarely go there now that I can't post.

I always sign my real name and if anybody really cares I live in CT, although I don't see why that is anybody's buisness.

Andy

 

[Muhammad]

Andy,

I would have uploaded your photos if you had e-mailed me with a request... but if you requested it in the forum I guess I overlooked it.

We don't allow unregistered users to upload attachments, because of several issues related to authentication. First, we need an e-mail address to go with the file, if there are any issues with it now or in the future. Also, other users may want to contact the poster privately about the file, and that can't be done if you don't have an account ... but registered users can send and receive private messages.

Personally, I don't see the reason to not register, if you want to frequently read and/or contribute to the forum. There are benefits on both ends... and in our upcoming release of the forum, the benefits will be even greater.

While we don't have a major problem with any users, the majority of the problem posts are made by unregistered users.

 

[MikePA]

While I am for requiring registration to post, what will such a change do to JM III? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif

 

[MChalkley]

Muhammad,

<font color=blue>Personally, I don't see the reason to not register</font color=blue>

I'm not sure, but I don't think I ever had a line on my 1040 asking me if I'd like to donate a dollar to the administrator of the TBN web site before I registered... /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

MarkC

 

[MossRoad]

I voted yes.

I lurked and read for several months before I butted into the conversation. And I think it is only polite to introduce yourself before butting in/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif.

As far as the profile goes, I think it should remain the way it is with few required fields. Some people are not comfortable giving out information about themselves and that is fine with me. As I become more comfortable with the people on this site, I add more information to my profile. And more information reveals itself in my posts. I have found several people that live in my area and have several things amazingly in commom with. Those things came out in conversation, not from the profile.

<font color=green> MossRoad </font color=green>

 

[Bird]

OK, Andy, I'll agree that you have something worthwhile to contribute, and I don't have an answer to your question, but I, too, have a question. Why have you not registered? And I'm serious? Is there something to fear from registration? As someone else has already said, would you (even as an expert in the applicable field) butt into a discussion in person with a group without introducing yourself? Perhaps you have a good reason that I just don't understand.