Notice to Admins

[djfeelgood3008]

Ahoy there, folks. First off, I wanna say that I LOVE this site and I love what you do around here.

That being said, however..

The other day, I was on another forum RP site, and the conversation got moved to other forum RPs. I mentioned the 'Verse as one of my favorites, and I posted the link so people could come visit. A big problem many people had was the amount of forums that were invisible to guests, as well as the fact that one could not post in the Chatbox as a guest.

I have to say that I agree with these criticisms. While I've been searching forums, the Chatbox has been INVALUABLE as a tool to chat with the people before hopping on, and getting some questions answered. I think barring it from guests is a very bad idea.

The forums being invisible to guests, I can go either way on. That's not quite as big of a deal to me, personally.

But I do want to say that we may have lost a few potential players because of these issues.

Again, I love this site, and I don't want to criticize anyone. I just wanted to let you guys know. And i really do think the chatbox should be open for guests to use.

[Jove Gadria]

While this is, regrettably, one of the main recruitment features we've lost, the reason the board was made invisible, and the chatbox a log-in was to prevent spammers, trolls and flamers.

I get what you're saying, though. It's a shame this deters people that actually might consider joining, but it'd also create a lot more work for the Admins if anyone can hop on and disrupt things.

Of course, I semi-agree that it makes the board kind of less-welcoming and closed off-- almost like it's a private little community. But nothing is stopping anyone from making a quick little account and taking a look around. We're just trying to keep things from getting out of hand if random guests hijack the chatbox and flood it with spam while admins aren't present.

I appreciate the information, though, and I'm sure the rest of staff do as well. If nothing it can help us to try and work a way around this. We all did wish it didn't have to come to how the board is now. Sadly, people ruined it for those that just wanted to ask questions.

I'm sure the other mods will take a look and give you their own opinion on the matter.

Many thanks, Jamie.

[djfeelgood3008]

I totally get that, I do. And it's a shame, like you said, that the few have ruined it for the many.

I appreciate your looking at the post all the same, and thank you for being cool about it all I do hope some more admins/mods look and give their opinions as well.

I will put in my official vote that I think we need to open up the chatbox to be public once more, just to give it a try. Maybe the spammers have been deterred. If it doesn't work, close it again, but I say we try once more.

Anyhoo, thanks again! If you don't think that's safe to do, I'll back your decision. Just my two cents

[Kyla Monroe]

It is rather unfortunate that things have had to be closed off because of a few instances. I would be okay with opening the c-box up to guests once again, but I'd say if we end up with the same issue as before it may not last long.

With the forums, I'm pretty sure we could open some up to be viewable by guests but not give the ability for guests to post in them as well. I'm good with guests being able to read through things but I'd prefer to restrict the posting ability though.

That being said, Chris would be the one to make the final decision on things.

[djfeelgood3008]

Aug 18, 2011 11:28:29 GMT -5 Kyla Monroe said:

(snip) I'd say if we end up with the same issue as before it may not last long. (snip) I'd prefer to restrict the posting ability though.

I agree 100%

[Admin Account]

All of the OoC boards are already open to guests, but I suppose I can open up the roleplay boards for guests to view.

I'm also open to allowing the chat box to be open for a trial period...We just need to be extra vigilant.

[djfeelgood3008]

Indeed. Thank you very much! Like I said, if you open it up, and it's spammed, then I won't fight you closing it and I won't bring it up again