PLEASE READ THIS FIRST BEFORE POSTING!!!

[Ektachrome]

And if the answers are found and there is no need to post, the user is purged from the system for violating the "zero post policy".

To wit:
______________________
Zero Posts policy, please note

In an attempt to keep the forum active we operate a zero posts policy.

All members with a join by date older than 2 months that haven’t actually
posted will have their account removed.

Our records show that you fall into the zero posts category.
If you are not intending to post to the forums then you do not need to
register.
Posting to the forum now will retain your membership in tact.
_______________________

Damned if you do; damned if you don't.

John
(version 4)

[lata]

Hi Ektachrome

and welcome to the forums

Not a problem, non registered people have full access to the forums, can view and read all posts, all that is required to post is to register.

Members not posting will be removed, this is to encourage usage of the forums keeping it active.

We have in the past been subject to spammers wishing to disrupt the forum, internet vandals if you like, many hide within the forum, not posting, it is these so called human beings that we wish to remove.

You may feel it wrong that we go to such lengths to keep the forum clean.
Unfortunately it is a necessary step, which does not affect in any way your usage of the forums.

So answer this, what difference does it matter whether you are a member or not if you are not intending to post?

[Ektachrome]

Re:
“So answer this, what difference does it matter whether you are a member or not if you are not intending to post?”

As a “member”, it would be nice to be able to post a question or answer when I feel the need to, and not have to take the time to register –again- to be a member before I can post. It’s a fairly easy concept for most people to understand.

Not everyone has the time to go through the registration process just to provide a quick answer to a simple question. If an individual takes the time to register, why should they have to repeat the task again and again? It’s easier to not be bothered.

Forums work best when you have individuals contributing; you are undermining the basis for having a forum by making ridiculous requirements that serve no serious purpose.

If you are concerned about spammers, you implement a registration process to limit posting to members and you make sure those that have registered are the only ones that are able to post.

It is easier for the forum moderator to remove a spammer by revoking the individual’s membership, than to require everyone that does not post regularly to re-register.

Thank you for your attention.

[BrianCee]

as you have now made two posts you will be removed from the zero post category - so you have solved your problem.

[rcdanek]

How does a zero-post policy help control spam? Wouldn't it be likely that in order to generate spam, you'd need to be able to post. Therefore, only members can generate spam. Seems like weird logic.

[lata]

Hi rcdanek

and welcome to the forums

Well yes you are correct.
It is also to keep the forums active and free of unused stagnant accounts.

But spammers register on the forum and don’t post straight away, maybe wait 6 months then come out of the woodwork and post, but now we would have to manage their accounts one at a time.
Believe me there are a lot of spammers, simply put internet vandals. Some are however just after free advertising space.
Without the Zero Post Policy the registered list would contain as many unused accounts as used accounts.

No problems as anyone can read the forums without registering, if you need to post then you need to register.
If you do not post you will be removed, again that does not change the way you visit and view the forums.

As you have now posted to the forums your account will not be removed. and its as easy as that.

It would be good if all new users would post..............

[BrianCee]

How does a zero-post policy help control spam? Wouldn't it be likely that in order to generate spam, you'd need to be able to post. Therefore, only members can generate spam. Seems like weird logic.

EXACTLY - zero posters ARE members and are able to post. Zero posters are members who have activated their account but for what ever reason have not made any posts - many people register - activate and then never ever visit the forums again - even to just read them - -WHY ?

if you want to post it takes seconds to register - it is no big deal - look at the board details - we have 11167 registered users and that is WITH the zero post policy - there is no logic to being registered if you are not going to post - it just clogs up the forum database.

Since you have now posted you have been removed from the zero post category - so you've solved the problem and will not be deleted - easy wasn't it ?

[rcdanek]

Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense and sounds less weird.

Regards,