Should I allow non-registered users to post?

[simon]

In an attempt to get more people to post, I'm wondering if I should set it so you don't have to register to post. Although I would prefer it if people registered, I think you should be able to just post quick messages or something without needing to be registered.<br><br>So, what do you say?

[Softpaw]

Most message boards I've seen have an option to post anonymously, seems like a good idea to me.

[Sabre]

I think that if they have to register some people will sign up and only post maybe once or twice.<br><br>So if you leave it open it would be interesting.<br><br>Btw:<br>When this site becomes highly populated, if you need help with moderating, Im here for ya.

[simon]

Love your optimism about the site becoming populated. <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://definecynical.mancubus.net/forum ... /smile.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile.gif' /><!--endemo--> I was thinking about moderators and stuff the other day, but I thought it'd be kind of useless untill more people came. You were certainly on the list.

[Jerry Roosevelt]

I chose the last choice, and I say only in the O&M forum.<br><br>And I hope we get plenty of new people here. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://definecynical.mancubus.net/forum ... s/wink.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink.gif' /><!--endemo-->

[arkbar]

I think its probably a good idea to allow them to post because it might attract new people to the forum but they should probabl only be allowed to post in the actual Ozy and Millie forum.

[Muninn]

Although i'm new to this forum i have had long experience on other phpbb (and other) forums where non-members were allowed to post and the moderators were swamped with spam and vulgarity and hackers.<br><br>Personally i recommend that they register first, although what Sabre said is true, at least it gives an added protection from potential spammers and members only lulls people into thinking you're part of an elite (i think). Of course it's your forum, the desicion is up to you.

[Salad Man]

Most boards I've been to require you to register. I think that's a good idea since guests can spam without consequences, whereas, if they are registered and they spam, they can be banned or something.

[Magorien]

i say have 'em register, it cuts down on spamming and is really easy... although maybe put somewhere that everybody is welcome and we dont bite... usually... *evil grin*

[simon]

Guests can still be banned by their IP address. Although IP bans can be avoided....hmm.

[simon]

I've decided to make it so you need to register to post on any board.

[The_Sparrow_]

I'll have to go with make 'em register, it's not exactly hard and as people have already said, it helps to stop spamming.

[dnwq]

I suggest requiring a moderator to approve an application, too... It helps reduce the amount of people with evidently vulgar intentions, or multiple accounts.

[Supersmoke]

I agree with makin 'em register first. Most boards I've been to make you register first, and post after. Protects against spammers, as many others have already pointed out.

[dnwq]

Registering alone doesn't block spammers; some just sign up with a fake address, post <i>once</i>, then leave forever. Require a moderator to approve the registration through email...