Simple poll rewally, it'd be nice to have a wide spectrum of users comments to decide the board policy methinks. I know this is something I agree with, and that others have sugggested before. COmments welcome as well.

I voted yes because, at least up until now, any problems we've had with guest users have been innocent mistakes.

I use auto-log on here which means I never have to log in, but the guest user account is convenient for anybody who is passing by.

The disadvantage for the guest user is that she/he cannot set a topic to e-mail notifications of replies, so it is in the interest of a guest user to register for the extra facilities.

Yes,

I find that if you go down the registered only route, you end up with a very closed forum. Can happen gradually, and you don't realise it. Before you know it, things have changed but the site is still focused on the past or a shrinking sector.

By that, I mean that you end up with forums like those of PocketPC Thoughts. Though sometimes interesting and unbiased, most of the time, views of the PDA world become blinkered. i.e. Wince is brilliant everything else is rubbish. At least with open access to others, you can be "woken-up" from time to time. Even at the risk of getting a few Trolls.

A number of times, I've been to sites like PocketPC Thoughts, and considered posting a counter view (useful rather than Troll) but did not think it worth the effort of registering etc.

I think I've made my point now, so I'll stop babbling.

Just wait for all the Trolls to come in and tear me apart :D

Zuber

Haven't voted yet. All the comments posts above are for the same side. What's the argument for preventing guests from posting?

I still hold onto a no, because it can allow people to misuse the forums by loging in as a guest even if they have their own accouts. E.g. posts for software piracy, flames, and other general unbecoming behaviour. I also don't like referring to people as guest, there's a more human factor by registering and showing people your name even if it is only a nickname. Every other forum I use you need to register first, as such I expect it now after seeing what guests can do to a forum (including posting malicious HTML in a post, exploiting yet another hole in IE, the latest letting some HTML delete/run files on your computer).

Perhaps it would be possible to restrict what forums guests can post on, what they can post etc. e.g. no images, links etc.
Posts only posted after a quick check by a moderator or something.
Limited quota of guest posts to make mainainance practical.
Temporary suspension of guest posts when problems occur etc.

It all depends on what is possible, how much time is available etc. If it has to be done then fair enough.

In addition to being lazy, people don't like handing over email adresses for fear of ending up on mailing lists, spam etc. I know this site is reputable etc. but guests probably don't.


SwitchBlade,

Have you been to forums like the one at PockePC thoughts ?

They tend to come across as fan clubs. Nothing wrong with that as such, but you loose the big picture.

I know we have enough "interesting" (*he coughs*) characters here to stop it becomeing a fangirl site, but don't you think it migh start drifting that way.

Zuber

I have to agree with SWITCHBLADE... i hate the idea of replying to invisible man... "Guest" can also do some cowardly action too... like:

"Nosferatu is a cute bastard..." - guest.

"Nosferatu is a cute bastard..." - guest.

Is this meant for the Prosecution or the Defense? :-p

i voted yes. so that visitors can post some questions or queries.

if there are high instances of improper netiquette on forums, then our webmaster has the discretion to put limitations or so...

:)

Having read some of the contributions made by the forum regulars (and having tried to use various web transators in an attempt to understand them), I am starting to wonder if it should be those with the most posts that should be barred ;)

Zuber

Why prevent guest from posting in this forum? There are a lot of people that just stop by because they are looking for answering / help and that is what they get and more! Without allowing guests to post, this would be a bit more closed and geeky forum.

Voted YES, BUT...

Some Basic Rules are Freedom & Respect for all...

So guests, please sign in and enjoy the following, otherwise...

You can post new topics in this forum
You can reply to topics in this forum
You can edit your posts in this forum
You can delete your posts in this forum
You can vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum

Filakia