Guests Can No Longer Post Images or Links

[johnnygoodman]

Howdy All,

We were unable to hold the spamming hordes at bay any other way. We worked to make the error messages clear and the ways around our policy accessible for guests that run into it.

To test it, log out and try to post a picture or URL.

The "polls" say that this is the right move, my gut is screaming that it isn't. I am thankful to those who police our streets and clean the spam. They do a lot more zapping than I do and see a lot more porn/spam/badness. However, on balance I'd rather see a CPAPtalk where there's some spam and all guests with questions are answered than no spam and a guest who reads an error message as "you can't post here, move on."

I will watch new user post activity closely in the coming days. If its hurting guests, we've got to turn back.

Johnny

[sleepyangler]

For what it is worth, I agree with you Johnny but it's not my call to make. Frankly it is no one but yours and the "majority" ought to step back and realize this isn't a democracy. If your gut tells you it is a bad idea it really shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.

[ChrisC]

Thank-you. I think this is a step in the right direction. I think the chances of a user being turned off by pornographic images/spam and never coming back is much higher than a user trying to post an image/link and getting an error message.

[johnnygoodman]

Thank-you. I think this is a step in the right direction. I think the chances of a user being turned off by pornographic images/spam and never coming back is much higher than a user trying to post an image/link and getting an error message.

Well said and very likely true.

[ColinP]

However, on balance I'd rather see a CPAPtalk where there's some spam and all guests with questions are answered than no spam and a guest who reads an error message as "you can't post here, move on."

Johnny

I agree with you there, but on reflection I can't remember when last I saw a guest who needed to post links - by the time someone has got the software and is trying to post data for feedback, they've usually signed up as members. On the other hand, as gross as some of the stuff I've personally deleted in recent weeks has been, I'm not exactly needing therapy about any of it - we're all adults (at least I think we are), and it's quick enough to hit either the delete spam or the back button when that flashes up on the screen.

It's a tough call that you've had to make, and which ever way it goes, the majority of us will support your decision.

Thanks for providing us with the forum...

Colin

[Bearcat42]

Thanks.....

[kteague]

Johnny,

Thank you!!!! I for one opened an obvious spam post for the purpose of dutifully deleting it and up popped embedded images of hard core porn. While it wasn't anything I wanted to see, I was not "damaged" by it. I just immediately felt protective of any members or guests who might happen upon it that would be offended or affected. I refer people to this site ALL the time, one of them in times past being a dear friend in her nineties that I would not want to be bomarded by those images. And I know we have at least one forum member who is a nun. I am one who defends this board's general self policing policy. And I certainly don't want to complicate any guest getting the help they need. However, images and links are not critical to an initial HELP! post, so I don't see this policy change having any collateral damage. Just dead-on bullseye as aimed.

One more thought. On any messages a guest may see regarding trying to add a link or image, wording is everything, with emphasis on what they can do, not what they can't. If I were a legitimate guest, I'd rather read something like "Please continue with your image and link free text Guest post."

Thanks again.

Kathy

[OldLincoln]

... no spam and a guest who reads an error message as "you can't post here, move on."

As I understand it, guests can still post and reply, just not post links and pics. I don't see why that would be a hardship on a guest.

[GUESSED]

Every genuine newbie post that I have seen in the few months I've been with the board... has been text-only questions anyway. So I think this is a good move.

[araminta]

... no spam and a guest who reads an error message as "you can't post here, move on."

As I understand it, guests can still post and reply, just not post links and pics. I don't see why that would be a hardship on a guest.

ditto for me.

[plr66]

Johnny, I have to say that I ditto completely with what ColinP said above. I cannot remember a time when a Guest has posted a link or image related to their OSA. Guests can still post freely and have their questions addressed. If your concern is the Error message blowing people away, is there a way that they can receive an alternate message about registering in order to enjoy full privileges, rather than just an Error message?

[dsm]

However, on balance I'd rather see a CPAPtalk where there's some spam and all guests with questions are answered than no spam and a guest who reads an error message as "you can't post here, move on."

Johnny

I agree with you there, but on reflection I can't remember when last I saw a guest who needed to post links - by the time someone has got the software and is trying to post data for feedback, they've usually signed up as members. On the other hand, as gross as some of the stuff I've personally deleted in recent weeks has been, I'm not exactly needing therapy about any of it - we're all adults (at least I think we are), and it's quick enough to hit either the delete spam or the back button when that flashes up on the screen.

It's a tough call that you've had to make, and which ever way it goes, the majority of us will support your decision.

Thanks for providing us with the forum...

Colin

Actually guests often post links but unintentionally. This happens when a guest posts a reply to another post. If that quoted post has links in it then the guest post fails. That was how it happened before & is a PITB to guests. But as one of those who supported ozij's request to stop the links I am pleased to see it being done. On the other hand Johnny has an excellent point re traffic & newbies & that is his call & I will respect that.

DSM

[rested gal]

Good solution and good move. Thanks, Johnny!

[builta]

Let's hope that it doesn't cause anyone, who is looking for support, to turn away. I personally hate limiting freedoms. It is the "spillery slope" issue. But thank you Johnny. It was unfortunately a prudent restriction.

[Hawthorne]

Thanks Johnny!

I think legimate new posters should have no problems with this.