Limiting access to Members Only section of forum

Everyone,

I am in the process of implementing a change to registered members access to the "Members Only" section of the forum. In the past, access has been granted to every registered member of the forum. However, there are several registered members who either have posted very little or have never posted at all, and in fairness to the ones that are, I think we need to make some changes.

Once the new rule is implemented, only members with 300 or more posts will be allowed access to the restricted area of the forum. This will prevent "lurkers" from simply registering so they can peek and see what's going on....not that we have anything to hide, but I think it's only fair that active members have a place to go that's a bit more private. I believe the Members Only section should be a bit more exclusive, sort of like a VIP section. If anyone wants to have access to it, they will need to take an active part and "work" for it.

i like it! kinda gives the "chatters" a little perk!

It's done now.

Hope this will bring out more members to the fun areas.

Sounds very reasonable.

Making the number higher would encourage spamming, and posts that are only there to increase post counts. I've seen those elsewheres. They are very irritating, waste site space, and make the forum worse than boring.

It's not been taken to epidemic level here yet.

I don't want to be taken as a serious member. I don't want to be taken at all.

Like the idea, DK.

I hope to see more people get involved here!

I think this is a great idea and I suggested it on another site and was fiercely thrashed about the head and neck for the suggestion. Whew!

Also, this will mean no more lookie lu for Gerry. He'll have to post in order to read what we say about him, just like the rest of us.

Ger

The Members Only section has never been accessible to guests, only registered members. I just tightened the belt, so to speak, and made it accessible to members with over 300 posts.

I'm glad you all like the idea.

The lookieloos can still see everything that aren't in the Members Only section.

i like that it's GLOBAL! lol!!!

I think it's appropriate for a Gman site to have these qualifications. Maybe not for other types of forums, hence the clashing of ideas elsewhere. I think the more popular a forum is, or rather the reason for the forum, the need for such changes is greater.

With the forum I have for this other guy, I have a members' only section for things I feel only fans would understand. There is another section for fans who either I already know, or have a certain amount of posts, and with those qualifications, they have access to another part of the forum.

It's not that I'm hiding things, because you can't really hide anything online. It's more about what I feel comfortable sharing with those who would understand within the forum.

I made a similar suggestion to another Gerry site because things that were said and discussed were ending up being fodder for posters on JJ. Also, there was fan writing/poems, etc., that would be safer if on a more secure site as well. I suggested that only the forum be blocked to members only or have a members only section but no go. Also, I felt like if someone wanted to view news and pics, they should be a member and that would encourage membership. My suggestion was not met with, "Not for now, but we'll consider it." or "Good suggestions, but we like being exposed." Instead, the site owner basically attacked me for even making the suggestion. People need to lighten the eff up!

Donna's way is better making members at least post and participate.

Ger

It all depends on the owner. Maybe they wanted people to see what was on their forum. I think most forums, when they start, want people to find information that they have.

Even though we do have a members' only section, please be aware that whatever you say can be seen by others. Unless you want the whole world to know, don't say it.

Oh but I'm new and I will try to check in everyday....get busy sometime....please don't keep me from being limited!

So If you're new and don't have 300 posts do we still get to meet with you Donna????

We get to meet Donna?

No one's limiting anyone, we just decided to limit the members only section to members who post regularly. The main reason is because I don't want people joining here simply to spy and report back to the "mothership" or wherever. Not to say you do that, Giny.....or anyone else here, for that matter. It's an extra level of protection for the members.

But---but-----I've heard that Donna was dangerous. So, if we meet Donna, will restraints be involved?

Dangerous Donna! I like that.

Donna is dangerous if you lie, sneak, connive, or stab her in the back. Or say bad things about her kitties.

I don't know if the kitties are on leashes.