Members Only? What's this?

[Jim]

Hey folks,
Peter and I are discussing the tone of the Rope Shed lately.
And the fact that "Guest" seems to be lowering said tone.
As a possible solution, we're considering having a "Registered Users Only" section.
So this is a test.
What do you think?
It's not even visible to people who aren't registered.

But the options are pretty endless. It could be visible to them but not readable, or visible and readable but they couldn't post.

What makes sense?

Jim

[swbikelady]

Although I don't care for exclusivity, the caustic "guest" remarks do not speak well for Monhegan. I have never been to your beautiful island except through photographs and stories told by those who have been there. I wonder if posting your "possible intentions" on the main board would do anything to make others think twice about the appropriatness of their remarks. If that didn't work then I guess an exclusive members only section would be an option.

[Jim]

Yes, I also don't care for exclusivity.
But for me, the beauty of this system is that it allows one to register with a name that can be pretty much anonymous.
So registration shouldn't be a barrier, except for those who want no accountability at all. And I have no problem excluding THEM.

[Douglas Wray]

"Run it up the flagpole and see what happens."

For now, registered users could just chat here about the Rope Shed - not only about the caustic tone of late, but also what it is that we might want the Shed to do, e.g., trade stories and memories, discuss and try to solve issues, ask for information, etc.

We already have a discussion started. Let's keep it going for a bit and see where (if anywhere) it goes.

I'm sure, however, that if "Guest" is on Island, he or she will find out about this soon enough and register under a pseudonym. The old tone will then be recognizable once again.

Shame, though ... "Guest" does raise some valid points from the other side of issues; too bad that "Guest" then has to get so insulting and demeaning, because it overshadows the original issue/position.

[Jim]

I'm sure, however, that if "Guest" is on Island, he or she will find out about this soon enough and register under a pseudonym. The old tone will then be recognizable once again.

Yes, and I think that's fine for two reasons:
1, at least then we know it's the same person. (As it is now, ANYONE can call themselves "guest".)
2, the administrators would have a working email address for that person, making them anonymous to most but not entirely free to be jerks.

Shame, though ... "Guest" does raise some valid points from the other side of issues; too bad that "Guest" then has to get so insulting and demeaning, because it overshadows the original issue/position.

For me, all the more reason to register.
Accountability makes us more responsible, I think.

[lynne]

Hi...I'm actually very new to "the rope shed". I enjoy coming to the island very much, and i wouldn't really say something caustic about it. I was looking for a place where I could get information and share experiences. I hope I don't sound too touristy ,but i like to come out to the island to relax for a few days. Its very beautifull and different from where I live and work. I have been coming here for a few years and I'm very quiet, respecting the island and its people. But I'm also curious about the people who live year round,the artists,the fishermen...everything!!!I think if i posted this on the main board ;people wouldn't think much of this;or maybe I'm wrong. I'm hoping I'll like chatting here.

[KEVIN I]

THIS IS GREAT.........
KEVIN I............/ JULES.....
NICE WORK THERE....!!!

[R A Szostek]

Holy Mackerel, I know in general, I am so far behind that I think I'm first...but I can't believe it took me this long to get here, and right off the bat from ready the posts I feel it to be comfortable place already.....how nice to be in the "Inner Sanctum"....mmmmmm...guess that ages me .....

I agree that the administration should have a relatively effective grasp on things should it get hairy on a message board, when a poster pushes the limits of civilized communication and if registering with a legitimate email address is all it takes I don't think anyone who has some intent of being responsible for their posts through identification would have a problem.

It's nice to see you all here and I hope many of the other folks who post responsibly on the Shed find it and come over also. As Douglas said, it is a place to share and discuss and ask questions and not have to feel that there will be an incoming sniper attack coming from an anonymous source....I do have to confess that I have not logged in every time on the "other side" and made a comment or two, but nothing hurtful or demeaning, those kinds of things make me cringe no matter who they are directed at. IMHO, in reality, we are all "guests" here and there, and especially while on the island itself, and should behave as such.

and yes Jules, this is great! RA

[mike920]

Is not uncommon and widely acceptable. You may have some threads that are "visible", but one cannot post unless they are registered, which only makes sense. In addition, registered members can also have a section that is not visible to non-registered viewers. Let's face it, if people do have a sincere interest in what is going on here, registration should not be an obstacle if they feel they have something to contribute/post. However, to leave this wide open for anyone to come in and create a "situation", should not be. No forum needs interlopers.

I belong to many forums, and on all of them, you need to register to post. Why should this be any different? Just my 2 cents.

Nest regards,
Mike

[RichardFG435]

I think my modem broke... this page is half loading