During the Best of Swap, there was talk of locking down our forum to protect the privacy of our members by making it so that only logged-in Members could see any of our forums here. As it stands right now, Guests (which includes users whose accounts are currently awaiting approval) can see and view all the forums, but can't post or participate until their account is manually approved by one of the admins.

The change being discussed would make it so that the entire forum, or at least the Fun & Games section, becomes private and viewable only by logged-in Members. A lot of you were entirely for this option, with little to no dissent against. One point which was still being decided however was whether or not to lock down everything, or leave a couple of forums open for Guest (non-registered user) viewing.

Because we've always tried to remain open and encouraging for others to join us, we definitely feel that such a radical change requires further examination and discussion. Plus we'd also like input from other forum members who weren't participating in this year's Best of Swap, so I've started this thread in the hopes of more thoroughly discussing and exploring these changes.



Additional considerations:
- Change the text that appears at the top of the page for non-logged in users, possibly including an email address for the admins so that existing members who may have forgotten their password (and don't realize they can change it themselves, or else have a new email address) can contact one of the admins for help.

I don't think just "Fun & Games" section. We also have "Meet Ups & Get Togethers". I'd hate for non-members to know I'm going to be in such and so place meeting someone. Someone weirdly strange may decide to join us! Not sure about the other sections. I'd vote either way on those.

I'm good with the whole thing being locked down until and unless you are a full-fledged logged in member.

I'm good with full lockdown. There are personal things in all sections that should remain private within the community.

I do like the idea of a note for members who have forgotten their password.

Lemonitsa wrote:I'm good with full lockdown. There are personal things in all sections that should remain private within the community.

I do like the idea of a note for members who have forgotten their password.

I'm also good with a whole lockdown. Would there be an explanation of what all goes on here visible? Like maybe the basic rules to swaps, VBBs, relays, and exchanges, so that people can see what it's all about?

VeganMedusa wrote:I'm also good with a whole lockdown. Would there be an explanation of what all goes on here visible? Like maybe the basic rules to swaps, VBBs, relays, and exchanges, so that people can see what it's all about?

I was thinking about suggesting this too. Glad we all seem to be in sync so far.

VeganMedusa wrote:I'm also good with a whole lockdown. Would there be an explanation of what all goes on here visible? Like maybe the basic rules to swaps, VBBs, relays, and exchanges, so that people can see what it's all about?

Sounds like a good idea to me.

I vote for a full lock down as well. I would like to keep my conversations, phone number, etc. private to only members.