Hi,

I don't know how practical a suggestion it is but could Guest posts not be set up so that they have to be pre-approved before they appear on the board?  For example, ( as I don't expect Admin to be manning the board 24/7 ), announce on the Guest facility that it can take a *minimum* of say 6 or even 12 hours before their post may appear "subject to approval"?  That way legitimate guests would (I think) still post and if it was a topic needing an urgent response they could be reminded that the opportunity is available to join.   Some of these posts are getting to be really abusive and this way (or hopefully something similar) Admin could also ensure that disgruntled members aren't posing as guests.

Just a thought.  I know similar threads have been raised before but the problem seems to be worsening
Teri  

I think this would be an excellent idea - this would give Admin time to verify the validity of the poster - I'm afraid that we are losing too many good people on this board because of personal attacks - I hate the thought that the so-called guest posts are from members of CD, but I do accept the fact taht there are people in the world who have different agendas to the rest of us, and as I said in a post earlier this week, I am firmly of the opinion that there is a "sniper" out there, picking off respected, knowledgeable reputable people on the board.

Margot

Hi Margot

>this would give Admin time to verify the validity of the poster<

That was the sort of phrase I was struggling to achieve :P  

Teri  

I'm in favour.

HOwebver moderating is not always easy.  I used to go on a teens boards run by BBC which were moderated (kept us lil kiddies safe!) but they had to close and if you wanted advice about what to wear in 2 hours you might not get a response, likewise if someone wants an argent reply on something.

Overall though I'm for it, would it be possible for a trial period?  See how it works?

do we NEED a guests board? why not EVERYBODY has to be reged to post?

Because admin said when Margot (?) brought up about getting rid of it!  However can't the users have a vote?  After all we are the ones who use this forum.  I know some are for and some are against the guest board going, so can we find out teh ratio in a "go" or "stay" poll?

it could go & the space used for a nice little dog sports board!

Ohhh not something you REALLY want is it Michelle!!!!!!! :D  Like it's not like you've wanted a dog sports board for AGES is it! :D

youve got me there!!!!

Admin,

Is there any chance you could do *something* about the Visitors section - it's getting totally out of hand. 

Thanx, Teri

i agree we need to do something about these childish guest posts i think if admin cant do anything we could  tell guest that if they want there question answered then it would be easier to join and we can refuse to answer questions posted by guests and if they are serious they will join and every ones happy !!

I keep reading these things about the visitors section -but the same thing rears its head every time -If you don't respond it will go away -report the post to admin and it will get removed - the more you reply the more fun the OP has and others will copy -PMSL beginning to sound like Melody :D

Ah but it is sooo true :D :D The trolls get a kick out of watching everyone tie themselves in knots

The problem that I see is that these things often kick off on a Friday evening/Saturday/Sunday - and even Admin have to have time off for family things at some time

So at these times, a small spark can (and has in the past) escalate into a forest fire!!!

At the moment "guest" seems to be just plain, bl**dy childish - not vindictive as earlier in the day.....

So if we take our bats, balls & skipping ropes (not to mention dogs   ) home, they'll have no-one to play with.......

Margot  

But what if it is a genuine question, and they have surfed the web and came upon CD BOARD then read through a few posts and thought well these people will know i will ask on here(the visitors board)and no one gives advice?

I used to get wound up/confused/laugh at guest posts but then one day I thought, why bother? And I clicked on 'options', scrolled down to 'Visitors questions' and clicked on 'hide'. Now they don't appear at all and I can just concentrate on the boards I find more interesting.