Poll: Unregistered Posting

[MossRoad]

Once again, thank you for this site.
MR

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

 

[Anonymous Poster]

MossRoad, No apology needed. I did not feel you were commenting about me, however the comment was repeated and redirected to me in someone elses post and that was what I was answering.

Andy

 

[jfakerj]

Andy
I think one of the big reasons for registering is it would give Muhammad a little more controle over content and in my opinion a little more contole is not always a bad thing. I've only been here for a year or so and in that time have noticed the board growing pretty fast. It's like comparing a small town to a large city. In the small town you don't notice the undesirables that much because there's not that many of them. In the large city the ratio of undesirables is about the same but they stand out more simply because of the larger numbers of them. I see nothing wrong with registering and if this comes about I hope you and people like your self do register and continue on this board.

Jerry

 

[billboe]

Muhammad,

I have to agree, registering on TBN is painless and you can give as much or as little information as you want (including a bogus email address, I presume). However, people new to TBN don't know how well this forum is run. They are probably use to other forums that have invasive registration processes and ones that use your email address for spam... Forcing people to register could "scare" off potentially valuable contributors. After folks get to know the site, I'm sure most will register. As far as Andy goes... Given that he now knows how easy registration is, I don't see why he doesn't /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Billboe

 

[GrantMO]

I voted no but after thinking about it I want to change my vote to yes. It does seem like the problem of trolling usually comes from unregistered users. This is a free site for users but there are no guarantee of first amendment rights and there shouldn't be. The restraint and manners shown by members and some non-members is what makes this site unique and allow us to have discussions on a wide range of topics in a respectful manner. I think the policing of this would be easier for Muhammad and the rest of us if registering was required to post.

 

[JohnMiller3]

I think it would be interesting to present the same survey and allow only "unregistered" members to vote...

and then compare both polls.../w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Talking about polls... will there be any polls for Best of 2001 compact tractors/implements/dealers/vendors,etc... {again run two separate polls, allowing non-registered vs registered to compare results and see if anything is skewed either way...}

Let's just not have any hanging chads though.../w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

"You are what you eat, drink, think, say and do..."

 

[JohnMiller3]

Muhammad,

Do you have any numbers of "unregistered" members that have Posted vs. total of "unregistered" members...?

Also what is the percentage of "trolls" vs overall members?

You can place a warning at the top of the screen, that a destructive cookie will be sent to all trolls, turning them into worse idiots than they already are, advising them continued trolling will render them sterile, produce olive fingers, and ultimately leave them brain dead forever...

"You are what you eat, drink, think, say and do..."

 

[GlueGuy]

I voted yes, but must admit that I'm somewhat ambivalent about it. What tipped me over was pondering the issues that Muhammad might be dealing with that we never see.

The GlueGuy

 

[Harv]

Hey, Andy! /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

I've enjoyed your contributions both here and over on Mike's site, but I guess I'd have to say I'm in favor of registration. I simply don't see the down side of it. Registering makes certain desirable features (like voting) possible, and I see no privacy risk whatsoever. As it stands now, you don't have to expose any private information to the general membership, so that's not an issue. And if you've been following this forum for as long as you say (and I don't doubt you), you can't possibly question the integrity of our forum master.

I like to see profile information on members because it enhances my enjoyment of their posts, but when it is not there I certainly don't lose sleep over it. /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

I understand your desire not to be "forced" into anything, but to me at least, registering is just a way for me to get a little more of what I want -- features! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

However this works out, I sincerely hope we don't lose your participation.

 

[Gatorboy]

I think you should be registered to post on TBN.

No one forces anyone to use this site, so if the owner of this board requires registration to post -- so be it. If having "another" password is such a bother, then one must assume that some unregistered users are registered at other sites that require passwords to enter, and thus feel TBN is not that important to them. However, TBN uses a cookie to remember you (if you desire), and you never have to type in your password twice.

No one forces me to buy cable TV, but I like the services it provides, so I pay for it (BTW, TBN is free). Anyone can walk into a BJ's Wholesale Club and look around, but if you would like to buy something there, you need to be a member.

I think it is a small price to pay to avoid some of the disgusting posts some unregistered users have placed on here.

Now, I realize that there are a few "unregistered" users that are actually regulars here who are of great benefit to this site. This is where the actual problem lies. What I think "should" happen (whether Muhammad can do it or not), is that from here on out, visitors must register to post, however, the previous "unregistered" users are grand-fathered in some way to allow them to post, etc.

Muhammad: Is there any way that you can allow our "unregistered" old-timers (not by age mind you), to be registered using a bogus email address?


Dave "Gatorboy" Hoffmann

 

[Thomas]

Well here goes.
I feel one should be able to choose.
This site not your average site,for the TBNer's repect one another in many forms.
I myself look into other site from a distance and ask questions,but something was missing..just didn't feel right and kept seeking.
TBN family welcome me aboard not once but twice and I still thank them..
Nobody likes to feel pressure in joining something that not sure of at the moment..they need time..maybe after so many post {dozen or so} they should consider joining.
Just look at the numbers of how many have join and its not requirement...still growing.
Just my penny worth.

Thomas..NH /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

 

[HR_Mutt]

Muhammad
I like the fact that you are asking for input, giving reasons, & a vote. Another reason this is such a great forum. I'll accept management decision either way.
Happy Holidays to All
Mutt

 

[Boondox]

I don't see registering as a problem provided unregistered folks could still lurk. If you have something to say, putting your name on it tends to encourage civility.

Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[snowman]

One reason to allow unregistered participants was mentioned in some other forum in the past week or so.

Someone mentioned how they could not log on at their computer at work because, it turns out, their office system did not allow cookies.

Therefore, there may be instances where individuals who are registered may want access without being able to log in.

 

[Boondox]

Andy -- Sure, knowing where you live is your own business, but given that information helps me in followups to your posts. Let's face it, we New Englanders face a different set of environmental conditions than, say, Bird in Texas. If you post comments about digging a foundation, for instance, I am more inclined to study your input since you probably know what a frost heave is.

I've never received any spam from TBN, and have enjoyed many a private correspondence with others I've met here. Much of this sharing is because we were able to scan each others' profiles (providing a profile is entirely voluntary) and find those commonalities.

It really is painless. Pete

www.GatewayToVermont.com

 

[Egon]

I'm quite content with having unregistered persons being able to post. If one just ignores the undesirable post their will be no pleasure for the person posting and he should dissapear. Now conversly, from profiles, there are many on this site who would be qualified to comment on my comment.
As I do not have to pay to register the decisions should be left to whomever is owner of the site.
Egon

 

[Bird]

Andy, I can respect whatever decision you want to make, but I can't necessarily claim to understand, for a number of reasons.

<font color=blue>I do not want another password, I have to many of those already</font color=blue>

Hmm, I have too many myself; have to keep a list printed out, but this apparently means that you have registered other places; why not this one?

<font color=blue>If I am left to my own free will, I may decide to go down a path, but if I am being pushed down that same path, then I resist</font color=blue>

Isn't that true of most of us?/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif Rules are great; so long as they don't apply to me./w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif I don't think anyone "pushed" any of us into participating on this forum at all, but if we decide of our own free will to do so, Muhammad is entitled to make some rules; don't you agree? The way I see it, no one "pushes" us into voting in this country and participating in the election process, but if we want to do so, we have to register. No one "pushes" us into driving a motor vehicle on the roads, but if we want to do so, we have to get a license and identify ourselves. There's no end to it, is there?/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Oh well, at least on this forum, all are welcome, don't have to pass any eligibility tests./w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[cowboydoc]

If someone wants to just look and see what's going on then no they shouldn't have to register. But if you want to put in your two cents worth and have some valid conversation in a subject matter and be held accountable for that then yes you should have to register. It's too easy to just be anonymous and spout things off. When you have to be held accountable for those actions it makes a difference in how you post and adds some validity to what you say.

It amazes me at some of these sites that people think that they have some sort of constitutional right to say and do whatever they feel they want. People forget that it costs a small fortune and an immense amount of time to put these sites together. They are by no means free and have no "rights" that go along with them. The rights are what are prescribed by the administrator. Some are bad, good and some are outstanding, like TBN. But like it or not it's still the administrators website.

 

[MarkV]

Interesting points being made by all. I’ve been registered for awhile and never had any problems with spam or any other solicitation that has made me regret registering. Of course I am the type of guy that will give you my address if you want to stop by and chat. Now I also understand how some people have been taken advantage of by varies Internet sites that sell information and have said they will never get into that situation again. Naturally that is their choice and I respect that.

As I think about all the philosophical reasons why we should or should not require registration to post, what comes to my mind is what is easier for Muhammad? This is a free site for me and as I understand it, it is yet to be self-supporting financially for Muhammad. I am not a computer person, but I sure can understand how what was started as a small discussion group has mushroomed into what has to be a daily management concern. Most visiting the site are sincerely grateful for what Muhammad has given us and I am sure he and his staff appreciate all of the gratitude expressed. There is also rarely a week that goes by when you don’t hear, ‘Hey, Muhammad, can you add this’ or ‘Can we change that’. Many great ideas, but someone has to do the work.

Now when I see entrepreneurs develop a new idea it seems that one of two things happen. They become successful and everyone says, ‘wish I had done that’. Or, the returns don’t match the effort required and the project eventually disappears.

I have rambled on long enough, so, Muhammad, although I voted, please feel free to change my vote to whatever makes your site work best for you. I will be pleased to support and defend whatever that is.

Happy Holiday Ya’ll

MarkV

 

[TerryinMD]

I agree with most that people should register to reply to post. The minimal information you need to provide is non-intrusive.

It provides a trace to offenders whether they mask their address or not. It provide a little protection for the forum membership.

As of this post, nearly 72% of the respondents replied in the affirmative. I like JMs idea of getting unregistered votes. Might be interesting. I would image that the numbers may prove to be low.

Muhammad what is the percentage of active registered posters within the last six months and last year? If you have the time and don't mind.

Terry