The activation email

[Tim]

I'd be interested in what the general opinion was on making the board 'read only' to new members until they've posted in the Welcome area. It could be done easily.

I think that's a good idea Nick.

[Reid Malenfant]

I think that's a good idea Nick.

Likewise

Apologies as you appear to be asking newish members this question

It's not rocket science, asking for some kind of introduction before going headlong into the forum isn't asking very much imho

[Beechwoods]

No apology needed Mark! I'm interested in longstanding members' opinion as well.

My only concern is that it might discourage members from jumping in and then scuttling off to do their duty in their second or third post. Don't won't to have active membership stagnate by being overly controlling. That's why I'm interested in new members' views as much as older ones.

[synsei]

This sounds like a better solution Nick. I think in general the only people who will be put off are those who are looking to jump in to buy or sell stuff.

[Barry]

I too have noticed an increase in 'reminders'.

Apropos those who join simply to buy items Members have advertised, well this has happened to me on at least three occasions. In all cases I had to send the 'newbie' an e-mail requesting they introduce themselves before I could consider their interest. And in all cases I had to go through the preamble of "...AoS is more than just a Forum, it is a community...." and "... we think it 'bad form' to join just to take advantage of the items for sale ." etc. etc.

In all cases the miscreants followed my request and bought the item. However despite my request that they let the Forum know how they got on with whatever it was they bought, I never heard from them again.

I don't think allowing new members viewing rights only, would be see as being too heavy handed. Introducing yourself is not too difficult to do, nor is it too much to ask.

[Marco]

Yes, let's get some views on this, and if most people are in favour, we could trial it and monitor the impact

Marco.

[The Grand Wazoo]

I'd be really interested to hear from some new members who got 'the treatment' from the First Post Police and are still with us. Did they think we were being heavy handed or displaying a light touch?

I've got to say, with the best will in the world, it's hard to display a light touch to the ones who rock up on a for sale ad for their first post. - easy to lose your patience when it's the second or third one in a day.

[michaelhigh]

When writing those posts you have to tread such a fine line between grumpiness & friendliness! It's tricky.

BUT... having newbees do this separates The Art Of Sound from all other fora, in that it shows a genuine attempt to personalize the experience! I think it is a rather endearing aspect of our community. Word it as strongly as necessary, and watch as it takes on a personality all its own, like many areas of the forum.

[Puffin]

Yes, let's get some views on this, and if most people are in favour, we could trial it and monitor the impact

Marco.

In favour.

[Reid Malenfant]

Yes, let's get some views on this, and if most people are in favour, we could trial it and monitor the impact

Marco.

I'd be really interested to hear from some new members who got 'the treatment' from the First Post Police and are still with us. Did they think we were being heavy handed or displaying a light touch?

While I'm not a new member I do think that we still tend to ask for a new member who has missed the introduction to post one, I can't recall any posts demanding it except a certain member who managed to post about seven posts before Marco got a little stroppy, I can't blame him in all honesty Yes it'd be nice to hear from someone new, but I doubt they'd be put off by it as they woudn't have posted an introduction if they felt offended in any way. Just the way I think.

In favour.

+1