Should we allow guest posters?

[EllieArroway]

Jun 1, 2012 22:55:26 GMT -5 @LT Lurker said:

When I say "cliquey," I mean being just so nasty/mean/spiteful that you make people go away who would otherwise be regular posters. After helping out Evee today, the "guest' was called a dork and boring. Way to make someone feel welcome and encourage them to create an account.

Are you referring to the forum as a whole, or just ML? Because I will admit that there are certain boards here with their own 'cliques' that are hard to break into if you are new, but that really doesn't have anything to do with whether or not you are a guest poster. And there are (a lot more) boards here that are welcoming of all new posters. As with any established board on the internet, it's best to lurk for a while to get a feel of things before you jump in. But again, none of that has anything at all to do with guest posters and everything to do with regulars vs. newbies.

[candyapple]

Jun 1, 2012 20:53:18 GMT -5 @stpete said:

I guess I'm an anarchist, the fewer rules the better.

:Y:

[EllieArroway]

The more I think about this the more I like the idea of creating accounts. The only big forum/website I can think of that allows guests to post is 4chan... Do we really want to turn into that??

[MarmeeNoir]

Jun 1, 2012 22:55:32 GMT -5 margotmacomber said:

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

Fucking false, idiot. I fit none of these standards and have been accepted for the most part. By not being a moron, using correct grammar and sentence structure, and not whining consistently.

It isn't that damn hard. Come up with something relevant to say, under your own screen name. Or go the fuck away.

Unless you have awesome MUD that gets ML up in arms in an entertaining way.

Holy overreaction.

[Suckitbiches]

You all are just a bunch of entitled, priviledged bitches anyway. You get a little taste of "power" and jump off the deep end.

[pixy0stix]

Jun 1, 2012 23:15:22 GMT -5 EllieArroway said:

The only big forum/website I can think of that allows guests to post is 4chan... Do we really want to turn into that??

proboards would delete us before that happened.

[lemondrop]

I think the amount of guests in this post should make the case to require registration.

[pedanticwench]

Is there a way you can set something up that people can use a guest account, but only for like 5-10 posts? Then, if they want to interact more, give them the option of creating an account? Or will that just create a bazillion more guests?

[smock]

Jun 1, 2012 23:53:16 GMT -5 @Suckitbiches said:

You all are just a bunch of entitled, priviledged bitches anyway. You get a little taste of "power" and jump off the deep end.

No shit Sherlock. Why do you think I wanted to be a mod?

[guest]

Jun 1, 2012 22:55:32 GMT -5 margotmacomber said:

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

Fucking false, idiot. I fit none of these standards and have been accepted for the most part. By not being a moron, using correct grammar and sentence structure, and not whining consistently.

It isn't that damn hard. Come up with something relevant to say, under your own screen name. Or go the fuck away.

Unless you have awesome MUD that gets ML up in arms in an entertaining way.

Way to prove her point.

Bitch

[winston]

I think I missed the part where posting as a guest instead of just making an account will somehow make you more a part of the group.

And if you don't like the majority of the regulars, why would you want to waste your time here? There's a lot of butthurt in this thread from people who aren't interested enough in the community to even come up with a username.

[2vermont]

Jun 1, 2012 22:52:05 GMT -5 EllieArroway said:

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

If we wanted to be cliquey, we could ban guests from viewing the boards at all and require all new accounts to be approved. Or just close registration completely. I fail to understand how allowing absolutely anyone to create an account makes us cliquey? It's no different than TN, or basically any other message board in existence.

I change my vote. The above post is just so ridiculous.

Most boards I have been to require you to create an account before posting. I see no issue with doing the same. Carry on.

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 1, 2012 21:58:28 GMT -5 nicbreeful said:

Jun 1, 2012 21:12:23 GMT -5 @Flitter said:

There are less than 2k members and over 8k guests. What does that mean to the host of this board? Do they bank on member clicks/posts/ads seen/pages seen or on that of both member and guest alike? The answer to this is your best course if making bank is the goal here. If this site is privately funded, and hit counts don't matter, then it's up to the vision of the owner.

Since you are asking, I assume user preferences matter. Read no further if it turns out you were only talking to members. I believe disallowing guests to post will decrease current and future guest counts.

I would guesstimate no more than about 30% of Guest posters will become qmembers. These people want to stay and post. Another third just surfing around will just disappear once discovering inability to post. The last third want to stay and post but don/t care to submit info that may be shared to third parties to become a member.

If there's a board owner, it depends on how big and busy he/she wanted this forum to get and how fast. Growth would be restricted, but membership would still grow.

Feel free to adjust these numbers. Or try it out and see what happens. You can reverse this move if you don't like it right?

I don't think they make much money from ad clicks. I believe they get their money from the members that pay to make the ads disappear up to a certain number of posts.

$7- 50,000 posts until ads
$14- 100,000 posts until ads
$21- 150,000 posts until ads
And so on.

Lol that siggie makes this post. No really.

I agree with dev. I have a registered regular name. I like the lazy option of posting as guest sometimes.

[copzgirl1171]

Jun 1, 2012 20:32:47 GMT -5 @stpete said:

I don't see a huge proliferation of guests compared to best ae posts. I don't see how having someone do an extra minute of work is worth limiting freedoms here. I mean really, do we need to police ourselves that much?

I am not a fan of whim changing rules. Cripes it's an message board not an exchange of CIA secrets and NASA plans. I can't keep up as it is with the self made TOU in here, but I also am not a fan of this format. At least with the nest there was consistency (even if it was shit) and I knew where we stood.

This sort of self regulating is really harshing my buzz and I am probably going to drop this board altogether because of it.

[2vermont]

Jun 2, 2012 7:10:08 GMT -5 @copzgirl1171 said:

Jun 1, 2012 20:32:47 GMT -5 @stpete said:

I don't see a huge proliferation of guests compared to best ae posts. I don't see how having someone do an extra minute of work is worth limiting freedoms here. I mean really, do we need to police ourselves that much?

I am not a fan of whim changing rules. Cripes it's an message board not an exchange of CIA secrets and NASA plans. I can't keep up as it is with the self made TOU in here, but I also am not a fan of this format. At least with the nest there was consistency (even if it was shit) and I knew where we stood.

This sort of self regulating is really harshing my buzz and I am probably going to drop this board altogether because of it.

I'm chalking this up to the normal beginnings of setting up a message board (or any new group for that matter). It makes sense to me that there will be a need to make some changes and to reevaluate in the beginning. I think over time (and it really hasn't been that much time yet) things will settle down and settle in.

[dylanite]

I'm surprised this question is even worth asking, and way more so by how the poll is looking at this point.

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 2, 2012 7:10:08 GMT -5 @copzgirl1171 said:

Jun 1, 2012 20:32:47 GMT -5 @stpete said:

I don't see a huge proliferation of guests compared to best ae posts. I don't see how having someone do an extra minute of work is worth limiting freedoms here. I mean really, do we need to police ourselves that much?

I am not a fan of whim changing rules. Cripes it's an message board not an exchange of CIA secrets and NASA plans. I can't keep up as it is with the self made TOU in here, but I also am not a fan of this format. At least with the nest there was consistency (even if it was shit) and I knew where we stood.

This sort of self regulating is really harshing my buzz and I am probably going to drop this board altogether because of it.

Lol. No you won't Copz. You just can't quit us!

[SirSleepsALot]

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

Haha. This isn't going to make them want to let us guests stick around. I was a semi-reg on MM over the last few years and frequent lurker. I don't/didn't post a lot b/c I tend to get flamed all the time - I don't translate well over the interwebs.

But I like the MM board and I like the advice and the option to come on once in a while and post. I haven't decided if jumping into the new format is for me - so I haven't registered. I guess if you ban guests, you don't allow people to "test the waters" before joining.

You might get a lot of people who are on the fence who don't bother.

On the other hand, if you don't want dissenting opinions, banning guests is probably the way to go.

I never thought about someone impersonating me. Not that anyone would want to. But you never know. I guess if I had my own screen name it would eliminate that. I'm what's known as a "late adopter". Always slow to change/switch over. haha.

[Deleted]

Jun 1, 2012 21:23:33 GMT -5 @Guest said:

The reason I never created an account was I was around to remember times when a lot of personal information was revealed, including Elle's employer being emailed (whether it was lore by then or actually happened, I don't remember the time frame).

Um, just creating an account isn't going to get your employer emailed. Fair or not, failing to be selective about what you post (whether you have an account or not) is how personal info gets abused.

[Deleted]

Jun 2, 2012 9:45:05 GMT -5 @smace said:

Omg people. Wtf is so hard about creating a damn account? Get over it.

:Y:

[PeonyParty]

Jun 2, 2012 8:49:00 GMT -5 @SirSleepsALot said:

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

Haha. This isn't going to make them want to let us guests stick around. I was a semi-reg on MM over the last few years and frequent lurker. I don't/didn't post a lot b/c I tend to get flamed all the time - I don't translate well over the interwebs.

But I like the MM board and I like the advice and the option to come on once in a while and post. I haven't decided if jumping into the new format is for me - so I haven't registered. I guess if you ban guests, you don't allow people to "test the waters" before joining.

You might get a lot of people who are on the fence who don't bother.

On the other hand, if you don't want dissenting opinions, banning guests is probably the way to go.

I never thought about someone impersonating me. Not that anyone would want to. But you never know. I guess if I had my own screen name it would eliminate that. I'm what's known as a "late adopter". Always slow to change/switch over. haha.

I don't understand this. Just make an account, give it a spin. If you don't like it, it's not like you're chained to the account and need to post under it forever once it's made. It's the same as you're doing right now except we will probably trust ya a bit more because we will know it's you.

[poorpoodle]

God forbid one has to create a fake name and use a fake email address in order to post. IT IS SO HARD. MY LIFE IS SO PUT UPON. WHY ARE YOU PERSECUTING ME!!!!

[SirSleepsALot]

God, you guys are just a bunch of fucking idiots. Just let us do as we want!!

[PeonyParty]

Jun 2, 2012 10:11:48 GMT -5 @SirSleepsALot said:

God, you guys are just a bunch of fucking idiots. Just let us do as we want!!

Do you like how I can just use your name to say anything I wanted to?
People should have to register.

[2vermont]

Jun 2, 2012 8:49:00 GMT -5 @SirSleepsALot said:

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

Haha. This isn't going to make them want to let us guests stick around. I was a semi-reg on MM over the last few years and frequent lurker. I don't/didn't post a lot b/c I tend to get flamed all the time - I don't translate well over the interwebs.

But I like the MM board and I like the advice and the option to come on once in a while and post. I haven't decided if jumping into the new format is for me - so I haven't registered. I guess if you ban guests, you don't allow people to "test the waters" before joining.

You might get a lot of people who are on the fence who don't bother.

On the other hand, if you don't want dissenting opinions, banning guests is probably the way to go.
I never thought about someone impersonating me. Not that anyone would want to. But you never know. I guess if I had my own screen name it would eliminate that. I'm what's known as a "late adopter". Always slow to change/switch over. haha.

As someone who tends to have dissenting opinions on here, I can not get on board with this thinking. It is just another excuse not to create an account.

[SirSleepsALot]

Jun 2, 2012 10:11:48 GMT -5 @SirSleepsALot said:

God, you guys are just a bunch of fucking idiots. Just let us do as we want!!

Yea,!! because nobody could ever abuse the ability, in an effort to act like a ball less wonder, and post as guest.

[scotty]

Jun 1, 2012 22:47:11 GMT -5 @LTLurker said:

Banning guests just sort of reaffirms the idea that you all are cliquey and not really willing to accept new people unless they fit into "I'm a Democrat, athiest/agnostic, don't own a simple human trashcan, pay off my credit card bills in full, carry designer bags all the time and drive a BMW/Mercedes/Lexus" stereotype or are otherwise a special snowflake to be accepted because the ML elders say "you're so special! You should staaaay!" or say "She's so full of good trainwreckiness that we must have her around." The only really nice regulars on this board anyway are Tamb, Stellas, Dowager and Flexie.

It takes two minutes to sign up.

[lemondrop]

Jun 2, 2012 9:56:15 GMT -5 PeonyParty said:

Jun 2, 2012 8:49:00 GMT -5 @SirSleepsALot said:

Haha. This isn't going to make them want to let us guests stick around. I was a semi-reg on MM over the last few years and frequent lurker. I don't/didn't post a lot b/c I tend to get flamed all the time - I don't translate well over the interwebs.

But I like the MM board and I like the advice and the option to come on once in a while and post. I haven't decided if jumping into the new format is for me - so I haven't registered. I guess if you ban guests, you don't allow people to "test the waters" before joining.

You might get a lot of people who are on the fence who don't bother.

On the other hand, if you don't want dissenting opinions, banning guests is probably the way to go.

I never thought about someone impersonating me. Not that anyone would want to. But you never know. I guess if I had my own screen name it would eliminate that. I'm what's known as a "late adopter". Always slow to change/switch over. haha.

I don't understand this. Just make an account, give it a spin. If you don't like it, it's not like you're chained to the account and need to post under it forever once it's made. It's the same as you're doing right now except we will probably trust ya a bit more because we will know it's you.

Like everyone has said, make an e-mail account using your screen name and register. Noone is trying to approve new posters. If you try it out and don't like it, don't come back. It's as easy as that.

[dylanite]

Jun 2, 2012 9:45:05 GMT -5 @smace said:

Omg people. Wtf is so hard about creating a damn account? Get over it.

WTF does it bother you so much for guests to post? Get over it.

[scotty]

Jun 2, 2012 11:28:37 GMT -5 dylanite said:

Jun 2, 2012 9:45:05 GMT -5 @smace said:

Omg people. Wtf is so hard about creating a damn account? Get over it.

WTF does it bother you so much for guests to post? Get over it.

Because most of the guests are assholes.