State forums for members only.

[Slab]

It has been suggested that to read the state forums, you should have to be a member, and I'm seriously thinking of implementing that. PArt of the reason I'm entertaining it is members are beginning to hesitate to post fishing reports because they think the world is looking in. So I'll very likely make a change the first of the year as an experiment to see how it goes.

There will be no changes at all to all the other forums. Only the State Forums will be changed, and the only change that will be made is that you have to be signed on as a member to read or participate on them. I might try a few states at first when I roll it out. But it's something I'm seriously considering to at least experiment with after the first of the year. It may open things up for more information sharing here on the site knowing they are only sharing it with fellow members. Thoughts?


THE FOLLOWING IS AN UPDATE ON THIS TOPIC AS TO HOW I'M CURRENTLY THINKING ABOUT THIS:

I change nothing at all to the existing forums. It all stays working just the same way it works now.

I add an Members Only Forum (for states that request it), where detailed fishing reports can be posted out of view of non-members. All threads started there have to be approved by a moderator before members can see it. After approval, members can post to that thread without needing further approval.

These Members may have to be "Established" members with a certain number of posts. I'm not sure how many posts it should be.

So in essence, all I'm doing is adding to the site, not changing or taking anything away. This new forum will give "Established" members a spot to share detailed fishing information whereas they might not have shared it before for fear the general public would see it.

So again, it changes nothing, adds information for existing members, and encourages viewers/lurkers to join/participate. I'm thinking it's a win win scenario.

But remember, I'm not doing anything till after the first of the year anyway.

[Cray]

Great idea, I know a couple of guys who won't join or participate but check it everyday for the fishing reports.

[RagflyJigMan]

I think its great idea Ed. Go for it.

[Rees Guide]

I like..

[jaxsprat]

i think its great idea ed. Go for it.

x2

[G.Gordon]

Do it.

[jeepguyjames]

do it

[brimbumm]

great idea do nc.

[monkscrappie]

I am not sure members want to info!

Monk

[STUMP HUNTER]

Best idea I have heard. I know a good many that has stopped posting reports. I wish there was a way if you wasn't a active menber you couldn't read the state boards.