New User Titles - Please Read

[sydude]

To continue and diversify the vibrant growth of the forums, I'd like to see more of the 'lurkers' actively participate. One way I can do this is to restrict users with low post counts (less than 3 for example) from viewing certain forums. Replies will count as posts.

I was thinking of allowing users without sufficient posts to view and post in the Pictures & Videos forum only. When they've reached enough posts, then they can see the others.

What do you think?

[tomahawk]

You're kidding, right?

:tomahawk

[MJAmok]

Like next to their name it says "Bum Looker" (ala Simon from SNL years ago...), or their avatar is a scarlet "L", until they reach the proper threshold. I wouldn't restrict them from looking.

I would though like to know everyone's name. Can you make it a requirement that they submit their real name to the administrator?

[sydude]

Originally Posted by MJAmok

Like next to their name it says "Bum Looker" (ala Simon from SNL years ago...), or their avatar is a scarlet "L", until they reach the proper threshold. I wouldn't restrict them from looking.

I would though like to know everyone's name. Can you make it a requirement that they submit their real name to the administrator?

I'm not kidding, but not sure if I really want to do it. The problem with putting a 'scarlet letter' on a non-poster is that the only place you see the scarlet letter next to the member's userid is in the member's list. Who cares about that?

We have 42 members out of 90 who haven't made any contribution to the site other than enjoying it. I'd like to motivate them to do so. How, though? I'm up for suggestions.

Of course, some of them aren't allowed to post, but that's something we can give special dispensation to.

And, users are not required to provide names right now. It's something that I can do, but then I'd have to enforce it by checking.

Please give me your thoughts.

[tomahawk]

I don't think that you should obligate people to participate...seems like a recipe for disaster. Also, "Freedom of Speech" is different than "we have ways to make you speak".


Most forum-centric websites typically have more lurkers than active participants. The challenge is to convert them into active participants by offering a venue with articulate, thoughtful exchange of ideas, opinions and conversation. To the extent that trolls dominate baiting other posters, participation would decline. It's up to the moderator(s) to police the site.

The camaraderie that we all treasure from our experiences with SBRS and expanded beyond that cannot be forced...or else it's lost.

JMVHO...

:tomahawk

[nuvo]

that's kookie talk

[MJAmok]

Hey Sy.. perhaps you struck a chord, and Tom was right. You found something to get Nuvo to talk! First post! Not very articulate, but hey... it's a start!!