Suggestion To Remove/Modify # Of Post Requirements

I trolled this board for a bit before joining, and donating to support it because I think it provides a lot of people with a lot of help related to a hobby that we all love.

I do somewhat understand the reason many bulletin boards put posting requirements on new members. It stops random posts, snipers, etc. It also is used to drive participation.

However, there are also drawbacks. For example, another member of this community had a request for assistance. I am willing to assist this member, but because I don't yet have sufficient *quality posts I cannot respond to the post or email the member. Also, some people are learning and may not have a lot to add to a topic, or may not be comfortable starting a new topic.

I have asked the moderator to assist me in contacting the person and I hope that goes through.

But, it is interesting to me that on one thread we are discussing how to support and expand the hobby, yet I join a discussion board and donate to the cause but am blocked from supporting the community.

So, my specific recommendation would be to reduce the # of posts required to fully participate in the board (50 *quality posts is pretty substantial, and/or removing the # of post requirements to fully participate for persons who donate/subscribe to the board.

Sorry, but no. This is a discussion forum first and foremost. Buying, selling, and trading are a bonus for participating members.

I didn't think so, but thank you for your careful consideration.

Personally, I was suprised at how fast I got to 50 posts. You'll be there before ya know it!

I know that you cannot email them, but I am sure that you can respond to their posts. (Maybe not in the buy/sell area, but everywhere else.)

As littleriverphil replied, you will get to 50 posts before you know it. I have no idea how I got to 1500+ posts, but here I am.

Good luck and keep posting your comments.

BjRollison was trying to use the email system to get around the rules of the forum.

Once he was denied here, he didn't stop with the deceit.

One hour later he decided to go to the Giveaway forum and posted this in the hopes the member looking to buy it would see it.

So now, I have refunded his donation and he is done here.

Just FYI, the error a member receives when trying to email explicitly reminds the user about the BST rules with a link to them. BjRollison completely ignored it and went on to try other ways to break the rules.

So to recap...

1. Tried to post in the BST section and got a warning explaining exactly why he couldn't with a link to the rules.
2. Tried to email the member and got a warning explaining exactly why he couldn't with a link to the rules.
3. Posted here and got an explanation why he couldn't have his way.
4. Tried to go around the rules AGAIN and hour later trying to get his wishes to the other member in a forum he is allowed to post in.
5. Goodbye

I've been here on and off for many years, and am a firm supporter of the current posting requirements. It's for the protection of long-term members AND new members. And it works pretty well. As littleriverphil noted, it really doesn't take long at all.

To all the new posters that may be reading this: sit a spell, make some posts, get to know everybody, and let everybody get to know you. It's not a restriction, it's the way this board has chosen to encourage conversation and also protect the forum members. Develop the friendship first, before expanding toward trading/giveaways/buying/selling. Then the later becomes much easier and the trust is already established.

Banning was a little harsh. Just my .02.

Yes, he broke the rule and there should be consequences, but, was he actually attempting to steal from someone, which, from my understanding, is what the rule is intended to prevent?

I guess I can see it both ways. I do see how, as a moderator, one would be inclined to hold him in high contempt over his multiple attempts to circumvent the rule (albeit, in a short period of time).

On the other hand, he might otherwise be a perfectly good member and citizen who understands the rule is simply intended to prevent stealing, and, because that is not his intension, he feels no harm is done by USING THE MEANS AVAILABLE to avoid it.

Again, not condoning it or saying it should go unpunished. Rules are necessary and need to be respected.

Absurd, he blatantly broke the rules multiple times. He just didn't care. Banning was the Staff's only option. Our hand was forced.

I'm surprised he wasn't banned earlier after he was warned repeatedly.
The Admins here have been quite reasonable and a lot more patient
than I would have been.

Just saw this post, but as a fairly new member with less than 50 posts, I wanted to say that although I too have bumped into the restrictions, I'm happy for them. There are too many (imho) places online that are less discussion and much more product-swapping / selling.

And that's fine. I need to figure out how to unload my dupes, too, so I appreciate the need for those types of sites.

But this forum has excellent discussions, and a great deal of knowledge is shared -- fostered, in large part, by the rules and limitations in the beginning.

My 2c. :)