Guest Posting Preferences

[quote="NightHawkeye"]Herewith, a poll to see how our "members" feel about allowing "Guest" postings vs required registration . . .

Some of the thoughts I have about "Guest" postings are:
1) Many fall into the "Spam" category.
2) Many fall into the hit-and-run category, whereby a "Guest" simply attacks a member with no fear of retribution.
3) Some appear appear to be commercial plugs for CPAP.com.
4) Some contribute worthwhile information.
5) Some seem to be new folks reluctant to register.

There are probably other categories as well, but these are just the few that come to mind this morning. Of these, items 1 and 2 add no value to the forum.

Item 3 adds commercial value, of course, but having a member state it would be more effective, and the members here actively encourage new folks to get their gear from CPAP.com all the time anyway.

The folks using item 4 could just as easily do so with an alternate identity, such as "Cloaked", or "NameWitheld", or even "GuestToo". The possibilities for alternate identities seems endless. The forum admins have access to everyone's IP address anyway, so they can see who the posters are regardless of what moniker they use, registered member or guest.

Item 5 is a good argument for allowing "Guest" postings, but surely there's another way to accomplish the same thing.

Just a few ramblings for this morning. Good day all.

Regards,
Bill

[quote="Anonymous"][quote="Wulfman"]I've always been in favor of "guest" posting, and don't plan to change my mind. That's one of the things that makes this forum GREAT.
If you folks want this forum to become like TAS (and parts of ASAA), then that's what you'll get.
I believe that many/most of the problems we've been seeing can be solved by router or firewall programming.

Just my $.02 worth......after the ResMed price increases, it'll be $.75.

Den

Den,

This is what I was talking about. You have to learn to filter out the "nuissance" posters, guests or non-guests. This forum is a great place with plenty of people who have actual help to contribute or need that help from others. You have always been there for everyone, so just ignore the riff-raff.

rested gal wrote:"When I read post from a guest and it is articulate, thoughtful and informational do I really care that the person wishes to be a guest? No."

Nor do I; but that point is immaterial to the poll, in my opinion.

rested gal wrote:"I think allowing guests to post is a good thing on this board. Registering may seem like a simple thing to do for those of us who are accustomed to using the internet and participating in message boards. However, I can see where a person who might not be very comfortable with "internet stuff" - perhaps all they ever do is email and look at a couple of favorite websites - might be very reluctant to "register" for ANYthing on the internet.
If they've found this message board in a desperate search for help before dropping out of treatment completely, I believe the easier it is for them to make their first post, the better.

I agree with you; thanks for bringing up that point, which I failed to consider.
Those 'guests' who are in that category are quickly urged by us to register, in order that we may PM them, follow their posts, etc.

Mando Johnny wrote:Could someone just please explain to me why everyone can't register and log in? What is the aversion to that? Is it that hard to do? Really, I just want to know.

On the other hand, it really is NOT THAT DIFFICULT TO REGISTER!! What a dilemma!

Despite the poll numbers so far, the vast majority who actually responded to this poll are in favor of Guest posting, and are some of the most respected of our group here:

Snoozin' Bluezzz
Bonnie
Wulfman
rested gal
"Guest" (reply to NightHawkeye)
-SWS
Sleepless on LI

I previously posted my thoughts on this issue which can be seen at:

viewtopic.php?p=91628&highlight=#91628

However, I would like to reinforce those comments by adding my agreement with those listed above, and the Administrator of this Forum, that Guest posting should continue to be allowed.

Well, the guests could change my mind, and probably some others, a lot more effectively with a decent argument than some of the anonymous diatribe I am seeing here. So here's thier chance, and I only have one question:

Could someone just please explain to me why everyone can't register and log in? What is the aversion to that? Is it that hard to do? Really, I just want to know.

Anonymous wrote: Many of you are just a bunch of hypocrites looking for a place to socialize.

Would you please change your opinion to SOME?

Wulfman wrote:In MY mind, there's a distinction between a "Guest" and a "JERK" who posts anonymously.

Getting personal here? Yeah, that does happen, and all too often.
Also, some "parrot" one of the previous posts; makes you wonder if they've read them, or just want to be published.

Post deleted by Amigo.

It doesn't matter too much, to me. It just annoys me that we have Guest experts, spouting facts that are false and mis-leading, So Bee It. I'm smart enough to know, water runs down hill, and that most of the the regulars, know the difference, no problem. If someone takes the word of a guest, that can't create a presence for theirselves, true or false, on a forum as a Expert, It's buyer beware. Most of the people who post here do it to find answers to their problems, or at the least, find comfort and suggestions on what worked for others. Some just for the chance to cause trouble and confusion. I hope I'm not classified in the latter group, I get over the edge some, I believe that a little humor makes the pill go down better.

I post under a screen name, The same one on five forums, It's not a hassle, same name same password, for all, I post a true profile on all, I'm not ahamed of who I am, or what I've done, I have nothing to hide and no agenda, except to express things, as I feel them, right or worng, but if I say something, it's because I believe it to be fact. I don't go by what others say, I use my experences form my life. I never got a Degree, except from the School of Hard Knocks, I got a Master's there.

As far as I'm concerned, the Guests might as well be Dr's or DME's, they generally have the same level of knowledge of how things work, limited. Some have no real idea of how science or physics works, practically in the real world applications.

Just my thoughts on the subject, take them with a grain of salt, But at least you won't have to guess who wrote it "Goofproof" Jim



And if you read this all the way to here, like Me, you need a life.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): DME

Hi guests and non-guests,

I voted for long live the guests.

This issue rears up most infrequently and has been due to some members taking offence to the sometimes crude tongue lashing they received from a guest. Unfortunately, the member is somewhat to blame by escalating the conflict and perhaps thinking that as registered member, they should have the last word. Not really the best attitude for good public relations. Just to take this one step further, I recall the best battles were between the members themselves. As far as I am concerned I relish the odd disagreement and the ultimate name calling. Seems to add life and excitement to the forum. Most of you seem to think so too, as these always seem to be the most viewed threads. We all like to weigh in and set the world right.

Overall, I think this forum has gained much more than it has ever lost from guest posting. If you feel offended sometimes you have to just grin and bear it.

This latest call for restricted guest posting has really nothing to do with the real issue. It has been prompted by an unprecedented attack by truly unthinking spammers. To me, it becomes a security issue, not a guest posting issue. The question becomes - how can we let the guests in but keep the spammers out.

So there - that's how it should be. And this is now the last word on the subject, well except for neversleeps!

Bob F

Thanks Amigo!
I was kind of floored when I saw my name attached to that one.

Best wishes,

Den

unclebob wrote:Hi guests and non-guests,

I recall the best battles were between the members themselves. As far as I am concerned I relish the odd disagreement and the ultimate name calling. Seems to add life and excitement to the forum. Most of you seem to think so too, as these always seem to be the most viewed threads. We all like to weigh in and set the world right.


Bob F

Remember what "MAMA", told us... "It's all fun & games, until Someone Looses A Eye" Jim

26 responses and 5 hours later, I'd like to change my vote, thanks in large part to the posts from Lori and unclebob, both of whom embody the voice of reason in this melee.

While the sudden influx of Spam has been annoying, eliminating guest posts altogether might indeed leave someone who's in need of help out in the cold. Can you imagine what it would be like to be a CPAP newbie, find a forum that purports to be an online support and information group, and then be told that you couldn't ask a question or throw out an idea because you hadn't registered? Sounds a little callous to me.

We're already an exclusive bunch because of the fact we're online and not available to those without internet access who are, most likely, left to their own devices and at the mercy of their doctors and DMEs. Do we dare exclude yet more people who could reap some benefit and yet prefer to stay on the sidelines?

Kurtchan

PUBLIC APOLOGY TO WULFMAN:
I am so sorry about my clumsy mistake, and failing to double-check my editing! If I had, I would have caught ther error of my ways because I know that YOU would have never made that quote.

PLEASE forgive me, Wulfman. These webbed 'fingers' aren't working too well today; also attribute to being Offerocker - not a good day.

Wulfman wrote:Thanks Amigo!
I was kind of floored when I saw my name attached to that one.

I'm going to confession now; I'll probably get a 30-day sentence for negligence.
Thanks again, Amigo; MY original post has been corrected.

Offerocker wrote:PLEASE forgive me, Wulfman. These webbed 'fingers' aren't working too well today; also attribute to being Offerocker - not a good day.

ABSOLUTELY!

(Actually, I got a chuckle out of it....that somebody else, besides ME, made a mistake)

We ALL have some of those days.

Best wishes,

Den