Should Guest Posting be allowed?

[Nomad]

I think that in order to post in the forum you should have to register. But still be able to read them without being reg. Just an idea.

[Jeff]

Currently anyone can post or start a thread as a guest.

Registering and posting as a logged-in user allows you to:
1.) edit your posts if you make a mistake
2.) receive email notification to replies
3.) see and use the quick reply box
4.) vote in polls

The original idea behind allowing guests to post was that it allows a visitor to post a quick question while they otherwise might be scared away by having to register. And once the discussion gets going, they will find the forums of value and will register.

However, I've received two suggestions now that registering should be required to post, so I think the time may have come to throw the switch the other way.

Any strong opinions one way or the other?

[Nomad]

Have you checked out that site Thehulltruth.com Jeff?? Might give you some ideas thats where I came up with the no guest posting. But they have it for a different reason.

[Jeff]

Yes I have - it's a nice site. Actually vBulletin by default (and most forum software) does not allow guest posting - it's just a box you click one way or the other in the cp. We haven't had any specific problems (e.g. spamming) by guests, but it would be nice to get to know the people who are posting. Maybe I got it wrong in the first place to allow guests to post and it's time to switch it now.

[Portager]

I don't see a problem with guests posting as long as it isn't being abused. Is it being abused? I tend to hope for the best in people and then react if they don't meet expectations. If guests start abusing the privilege then shut it off.

Cheers;
Mike Schooley

[duluthboats]

Letting guest post is OK with me. It helps me when I’m answering a question to have a name and a location for the person who asked. Communicating with a keyboard is not easy for me. I have to get on a conversational level, if that makes any sense. That’s a tough thing to do without a name. But I wouldn’t want to discourage anyone from posting. Once they are comfortable here I think they will register. I’m proof that any one is welcome.
Gary
:eek:

[Willallison]

Ditto - I think anything that encourages people to take part is a good thing. From my own experience, I think I initially posted as a guest. When I found how great the site was, I decided to register.

[Nomad]

Guess it's setteled for now then.

[lockhughes]

I voted for folks to sign-up... introduce.

Demographics might be useful to the site operator for promoting the site... attracting other members (and commercial members <gasp>... like in ad revenues :-( <dble.gasp>,) etc., to help maintain the site, with the finances, I mean? Good for the users (and a certain satisfaction for the instigator).
L

ps... I use the term "commercial member" `cause it's warmer and fuzzier than "commercial sponsor".

[Nomad]

Lock did you vote for the right one cuz' the is one or for the other one. Or someone else voted one of the two.

[lockhughes]

Originally posted by Nomad
Lock did you vote for the right one cuz' the is one or for the other one. Or someone else voted one of the two.
Pretty sure I voted to register before allowing a post... Betcha the system logs could confirm/correct me! :)
L

[Ted1785]

I think guests should be allowed to post whatever they want whereever they want. I havent been a member long but the time I've been here I've been looking for info for my boat and the best info I've been getting from guests.

[trouty]

I doubt I'd have stuck round and become a regular if i hadn't been able to make that first post as a guest.

While this is a great site, it is quite intimidating to the first time visitor...and I think the guest category may be it's saving grace as far as people dipping their toe in the water!

If it aint broke don't fix it!
;)

Cheers!

[Ted1785]

I agree with trouty about the first time posting. The majority of the better posting for info. came from people outside. We should encourage people to join yes, but we shouldnt discourage them from giving their 2 cents on a descussion if they know something we all dont.

[Polarity]

Not to mention that for one reason or another members may want to post as Guests...

[Nomad]

Only a 3 star Forum?? COME ON!!! :)

i don't think guests should be able to post ;)

[duluthboats]

:D

lol

[Nomad]

lol

[trouty]

I don't mind helpin anyone out with some advice or whatever.

WhenI log in here and see myself and one other member and 16 guests logged in thers something wrong.

People shouldn't be able to post IMHO unless they have a name - any bloody name other than "guest!" :rolleyes:

Annonymity is all well n good - but try strikin up a conversation or asking for advice from a guy face to face in the street - when you can't even pony up a name by way of introduction.

It's symptomatioc of whats wrong in society today where grannys get bashed by some drug crazed speed freak lookin for his next fix and everyone looks the other way coz 'they don't wanna get involved' :rolleyes:

Fine - then move along and don't crowd the sidewalk.

To my way a thinkin, "Guest" = asswipe until proven otherwise, by ponying up with a name - any bloody name - even a pseudonym...

I want some kinda feature where I can "not see" anyone whho posts or otherwise logs in as "guest' like adding it to my ignore list so i can just respond to those with the basic human decency to at least proffer up a name (any name) in place of a face.

Guest is just plain 'Rude' IMHO.

Cheers!

[Oyster]

A simple question from anyone, is quite different than writing a book of inquiries, as I just read by someone building a boat for the first time, and was unable to get a reply from the person that desgined the boat in the first place. And then you go and take the time to reply, never to hear from them again. BUt thats what forums are all about. Someone else may read it, but never acknowledge it, though , also. People come and go, but the questions remain the same and can be annoying to anyone that hangs around a site for a while.

But I feel that its like a person walking down the street and sticking their head in an open door to ask directions, and then contiinue on into the night. Thats what I think when I continue to read guests on any forum.

[betelgeuserdude]

It is particularly frustrating to deal with so many guests on a single thread.

I'm all for mandatory registration. It's anonymous and free. Just pick any pseudonym that strikes your fancy, and start building a history.

It is so hard to judge a poster's credibility when they hide behind the anonymity of "guest", particularly when opinions are concerned.

There are a whole lot of members here, whom I have grown to recognize and respect. Many use pseudonyms.

DC

[gonzo]

Well trouty maybe in your part of the world, wherever that is, anonymous people bash grannies for crack money. Over here there are people who are law abiding in spite of not signing their name. I think it would be possible to express your opinions without insults or crude language. I shows maturity and professionalism to choose respectful terms that give the other person an opening to dialogue.

[betelgeuserdude]

Gonzo, it might be argued that your reaction is your responsibilty.

Dialogue was opened sufficiently to warrant a reply from you.

DC

[SailDesign]

The problem really arises when there are 3 or 4 "Guests" involved in a thread, and no-one knows who is which. If they all have differing opinions, it is a bit simpler. Sometimes the posts sound familiar, and then a voice say "Hey, that Guest was me!" and it all becomes clear for a while. Sometimes not....
I cannot think of a better way to do it than what we have, though, without turning it into a "members-only" forum, which would undoubtedly result in more in-fighting ;-)
Steve

[duluthboats]

Having a conversation with a CRT using a keyboard is not something that came easy for me. Some of you may know, I seem to have gotten over that :eek: . I agree it is frustrating sometimes trying to respond to “guest”. I try to keep in mind that every time a question is asked there are many who are looking for the same help. I’m not answering just the guest but talking to the world. :D If we all keep that in mind, this will continue to be a great place. Some guests will disappear, while others will register and become active members.

Gary :D

[Guest]

May be they they are all the same person. Like the cartoon Deputy Dan.....

[tonyvv]

They are just lazy.... Just don't answer unregistered

[Jeff]

I also hope guests will take a minute to register - I agree it makes the discussion much easier to follow.

On the other hand, I fear a lot of folks will post first as guest to feel out the forum and then register later, and I don't want to lose these potential future members. Also many might find our forum as they search on google or elsewhere and might have a really interesting tidbit to share that we might not get if we required registration.

There is a "nag screen" on the homepage which requests visitors to register if they haven't already (only visible if you're not logged in), and also the Quick Reply box at the bottom of a thread only appears if users have logged in and does not appear for guests so as to further encourage people to register before posting as guests. And of course, guests can not vote on polls, post attachments, or edit their own posts as registered logged-in users can.

[Corpus Skipper]

I agree with Trouty, it is annoying to see all the guests. I am new here and I took the time to register. I do tend to put more faith in posts from registered users than from guests. I guess I feel if you're gonna stick your 2 cents worth in, you should stand behind it with your name.;)

[riverboathank]

I favor the name with the idea, even pseudonyms give an insight into the person. I don't know these people, but I wouldn't want my mental image of Oyster, Sail design, or Corpus Skipper , helpful people all, to change.

[Unregistered]

This is one of the few places a "guest" can post.
They can read only, or register to post, that's my vote.

[Unregistered]

This is one of the few places a "guest" can post.
They can read only, or register to post, that's my vote.

HEY, I'm registered! Why didn't I get my nanme on here

[ted655]

HEY, I'm registered! Why didn't I get my nanme on here

Thats Better.
:p

[gonzo]

It makes it easier to answer some questions that are particular to a region or country with a registered member. However, many members don't put their place of residence. Also, there is no way of telling if they are telling the truth, so it is a lost cause. I think it should be allowed for guests to post answers.

[PAR]

Isn't the whole point of living in a country like the USA about posting as a guest?

Personally, I take most guest posts with a grain of salt, though some lately have shown remarkable insight. Maybe this is for the same "don't know who it is" reasons already stated, but there is something fundamental about being able to ask a quick question or add a relevant comment that bears defending, inspite of the inconvenience or confusion, guest posts can bring.

Possibly a number can appear for each guest during that thread . . . ?

[Jeff]

Even if we switched to requiring registration, that doesn't take away the option of anonymity - people can still register with any screen name of their choice.

At first, I felt strongly that guest posting was a good idea. My main concern (a year or two ago) was that we would lose some valuable insight because busy practicing designers and those who were not ‘computer people’ would simply not take the time to register or would be intimidated by having to do so. Allowing people to post as guests, I thought, would allow people a chance to test the waters first. And I’ve always liked the idea of a forum that is as “open” as possible.

But now, I’m starting to agree with those that say requiring registration is a good idea. The registration form is much simpler and quicker to fill out now and it takes less than a minute to register and login. I’m also a lot less worried now that the registration form will turn people off since I’m pretty sure most people finding our site for the first time are already comfortable ordering online and using other sites where registration is required now. Registration makes discussions easier to follow, and it also means that people have the (default) option of getting an email when someone replies to their question, which I think is a good idea for folks who have just discovered our site. And it creates a stronger feeling of community to get a reply from a name than from a “guest”. I can still see both sides; currently I'm divided 50:50, so I'll let the poll decide.

[Jeff]

Possibly a number can appear for each guest during that thread . . . ?But you still would have no idea whether Guest1 is the same as Guest2 or Guest3 since many are still on dialup (dynamic IP's) or through a proxy.


Personally, I take most guest posts with a grain of salt, though some lately have shown remarkable insight. Maybe this is for the same "don't know who it is" reasons already stated, but there is something fundamental about being able to ask a quick question or add a relevant comment that bears defending, inspite of the inconvenience or confusion, guest posts can bring.
And that's the reason for resistance to change in a nutshell. We have had some very interesting posts by unregistered visitors. The million dollar question is if registration was required, would they have taken 30 seconds to register and maybe even become stronger members of our community here, or would they have not posted?

[PAR]

I know it is possible to discern between different computers with an ID that is sent from the address you are connecting from. Guest 1 would always be guest 1 during the same thread if posting from the same machine and address. In fact, any post from the same machine/address would come up as "welcome back guest 257" They would always have this number from that location - correct?

This would not prevent some confusion if the guest post responded from a different location, but I'd think during a discussion the poster would be at the same machine.

If a conversation with a guest or two gets confusing, those that where involved, in the discussion could ask for some ID of the guest poster, explaining the confusion. This may lead them to registration.

I still think talking should be free to those with a mouth, or fingers in this case. I'm fundamentally against any requirement to speaking freely.

It's a whole can of worms if registration is mandatory. Maybe there should be a fee, for example, to insure only serious replies are made, or questions asked. Possibly a time out penalty for bad spelling, or foolish questions (to some, but the person asking)

This isn't a private club, where we could ban admission because of ugliness (legal according to the Supreme Court) Lets keep it what it is, unless the privilege becomes abused. Is it being misused or just a bit confusing at times. Hell, if being a bit confused at times had to be mandated against in my life, I'd be out in the cold more often then not . . .

[Jeff]

I know it is possible to discern between different computers with an ID that is sent from the address you are connecting from.I'm afraid I do not know an easy way to do this or any forum software that currently does this...what type of ID are you referring to? The only way I currently know how to do this would be to use an 'automatic guest cookie' but I don't think that is different enough from simply registering as "guest123" to warrant the additional work necessary to implement such a system, not to mention that it would be less reliable, tied to a specific computer, erased when cookies are cleared or a new browser is used, and wouldn't have the benefits like being able to be notified of replies or edit your post, etc.. Remember that by "registration" we're simply referring to the request and ability to choose any username and password you want, whether that is Jeff, PAR, or Boater123.

[PAR]

I know that when I log on to other sites that I have registered with while using this machine, but with the other half's screen name (She was on, I jumped in and checked on stuff) I still am recognized as the registered user at that site.

For giggles I just tried to log on to another forum, where I'm currently registered, as a guest, but it recognized the machine as mine, though I was using her screen name at sign in.

I don't know how easy this is from a technical stand point, but clearly the software (cookies?) was able to hand shake with this machine and see through the bluff and replied with "welcome back . . ."

[duluthboats]

If you empty your cookie jar now and then, when you come back you are treated like a guest until you login with user ID and password. This is the same on all the forums for which I'm a member. I have a few posts here on the forum under “guest”. I login as a courtesy and a warning so that you know the post is from me and to take it for what it’s worth.

Gary :D

[Suede]

There could be many reasons for not being logged in, and there is a lot of spam related to many forums....it could be bad experience or company policies not allowing to register anywhere. I see many gusets signing with names so is there a problem?
Even if a few threads could be on the edge, the majority is as good as the members, when it turns to the oppsite....this discussion might be relevant. Closed forums has a tendency to dry out from time to time, and keeping track of all nicks and passwords is not an easy task for an aging brain.... ;-)

I belive you should keep as much as possible open.... it's the quality of the threads that keeps people to come back.... I agree that keeping tracks on several guests in thread might be a problem....but on the other hand..you have to read it to make an opinion....while it's easy to sort out some nick's.
rgds

[Blether]

Registration - giving an unknown website your e-mail address - has its issues. There again, as a visitor to a forum site, you read around to assess the content and level of discussion, maybe coming back a few times.

When the 'join in' urge hits, you don't want to wait while you complete online forms, wait for an e-mail, complete the registration and go back and log in - you want to get that thought down !

Does your forum let you make it compulsory to enter a name for your message, as an unregistered poster ? As a standard-issue lazy guy, I know that'd gradually bring me to register. And unless I've some evil intent, I've no reason not to use the same, intelligible name.

Allow unregistered posts, require a name.

[ErikG]

Registration - giving an unknown website your e-mail address - has its issues. There again, as a visitor to a forum site, you read around to assess the content and level of discussion, maybe coming back a few times.

When the 'join in' urge hits, you don't want to wait while you complete online forms, wait for an e-mail, complete the registration and go back and log in - you want to get that thought down !

Does your forum let you make it compulsory to enter a name for your message, as an unregistered poster ? As a standard-issue lazy guy, I know that'd gradually bring me to register. And unless I've some evil intent, I've no reason not to use the same, intelligible name.

Allow unregistered posts, require a name.
Even though Jeff is a good and clever fellow he can't change stuff in the forum software as he pleases, this software is a commercially available software that can be controlled in many ways but only in the ways intended by it's developers (or so I believe).

Wheteher an Email adress has to be there on the signup form I don't know... I believe this can be configured by Jeff either way.
As a side note, this forum, as most forums that are run by people with a serious interest in a specific subject, would never sell or use it's members email adresses in foul ways. That would damage the site so much that he'd never get anyone to go here so don't worry.
If you are a registered member, I can't see your email if you don't want me to. I can still send you an email (as long as you allow it in your profile) but I would not see your adress per se. The oly way to get your adress would be if you responded to my email directly, until then I would have no knowledge of your actual enail adress. And if you dont want us to be able to send you emails you can turn that off and just accept personal messages (PM's) if you have recieved any new msgs it will say so on the mainpage until you read it.

So membership... GOOD STUFF!

Not to mention that you can edit your posts and have one page of all threads with new messeges just clicking on the new posts link. Great thing!

[Jeff]

or company policies not allowing to register anywhereThat's an interesting point that I had not fully considered.


Does your forum let you make it compulsory to enter a name for your message, as an unregistered poster ?
You know that's an excellent suggestion and probably not that hard to do. Edit: Now in place barring any problem reports; unregistered are prompted to login/register and must otherwise specify a name (though they could still type guest I suppose ;)


this software is a commercially available software that can be controlled in many ways but only in the ways intended by it's developersWhen you buy a license, you do get full unlocked unencrypted source code so you are free to modify it as you like. However, as you say, one large advantage of using the software as close to the original distributed version as possible is that you have 500,000 users or more testing it for bugs, browser issues, etc. so it takes a large burden off the webmaster and members of the particular forum. Also even if a simple modification might take only 1 hour to figure out initially, over the life of the software, that could easily require 5 or 10 hours to maintain and continually reintegrate, which if you make many modifications can add up.


As a side note, this forum, as most forums that are run by people with a serious interest in a specific subject, would never sell or use it's members email addresses in foul ways. That would damage the site so much that he'd never get anyone to go here so don't worry.
Thanks Erik. As you say, I don't think any legitimate site where members have a dialogue with each other and the webmaster would ever intentionally spam their members. It takes hundreds of hours to build a web site and community of members and almost everyone would rebel against such spam so it would be self-destructive for any site to do so. I also hate spam.

A valid email address is required because it’s the only way to reset your password if you ever forget it.

Also most people appreciate the option to receive an email when someone replies to their question. If anyone does not however wish to receive email notifications of new replies to their threads, you can easily set this to “no” under your user control panel.


So membership... GOOD STUFF!
Maybe that would be a nice replacement for the current nag screen :D

[MarkC]

Good grief! There are 5 registered and 59 Guests viewing!

[gonzo]

When I first access the site it is as a guest. My internet is set up to delete all cookies and files after logout. If there are any answers I want to post, then I log on. Even if all these guests were unregistered, it would mean there is a lot of interest generated by the site. I see it as a good thing.

[ErikG]

When I first access the site it is as a guest. My internet is set up to delete all cookies and files after logout. If there are any answers I want to post, then I log on. Even if all these guests were unregistered, it would mean there is a lot of interest generated by the site. I see it as a good thing.

I'm starting to understand that some folks do what Gonzo does, clears out the cookies pretty often.
I just wonder why??? It totally defeats the purpose of having cookies...
Cookies in themself normally aren't dangerous. But if you are worried about them, there's a setting "ask for each site" in the prefs so that you can block out cookies from sites you don't trust and accept ONCE the cookies you trust.
Then there is NO need to clear the cookies at all IMHO.

Gonzo. If you aren't logged in when you enter the site you have to manually remember what threads that are "happening" and also remember where in the thread you last looked at it. I would go crazy if I had to do that. Keep the cookies and when entering the site just click on the "new posts" button, great function I say.

[ErikG]

hmm... I guess it could be necessary if you work for a mean bastard company that tries to check you up. But deleting on the puter is useless for that, any decent firewall or router can keep logs of where you've been anyway. There's no way to hide if they really want to find out.

[gonzo]

Some websites won't work unless you set cookies on accept.

[Corpus Skipper]

I'm starting to understand that some folks do what Gonzo does, clears out the cookies pretty often.

So my boss doesn't know where I've been goofing off at!!!! :D :D :D

[Corpus Skipper]

But deleting on the puter is useless for that, any decent firewall or router can keep logs of where you've been anyway.

We don't have one, the company's too cheap! :D

[ErikG]

We don't have one, the company's too cheap! :D
Well then. Empty your history but keep the cookies!
As long as he's not seriously out to get you he wont be viewing the info about every cookie on the computer, even if he did it would only say what server placed a cookie on your computer [stay away from porn :)] and when the cookie expires. It doesn't say that youv'e been there today.

And if he really looks into your computer to check what you are doing there are a number of ways to keep stuff like this hidden.
Get one extra browser get a password protection program or a program that can "hide" files and folders. Keep the browser in there along with its support files. Use the other browser for serious work browsing.

But if he IS checking you, you either spend to much time online or need a new job! :D :D :D [JK]

Erik

[Guest!]

I think anyone should be able to post becasue like me , i only have one thing i watned to post about (and this) i don't build boats, never have , probably never will. i just have to build a tiny one for a science project and was just asking some advice. I'm glad i didn't have to register because its a waste of time if you arent planning on coming back like me (no offense)

[Jeff]

Due to some bad apple spamers, guest posting has been disabled for now.

[Raggi_Thor]

I voted for the opposite...
This thread is called "Should Guest Posting be allowed?".
I clicked on the link and voted "No".
Then I realised that the question in the poll was turned the other way around...