The next stage for UCL Chatter?

[Administrator]

I wanted to pose the question about whether it is time to go members only on the whole site or a least have a members only section of the forum.

The reason for this is my annoyance at the number of different guest usernames being used from the same couple of IP addresses.

The pro’s are it filters out people with hidden agendas and who want to hide behind postings.

The cons’ are that some of our guests who have chosen not to register have provided us with some great discussion points and postings.

Three options then, members could you vote, guests could you post comments below.

[grassroots]

I agree!

Having a members only (or members area) makes it more controlable!

[Administrator]

It is a tricky decision (as the current state of the poll would indicate!)... some of our guest posters contribute a lot and this community would be all the poorer for it...having said that it does annoy me when the same IP address seems to have about three aliases.

[kilnparkman]

I have had experience of this before, making the forum private resulted in a slow death to it, as there was a lack of freshness to it. I have also experienced dire problems with rogue posters.... I would not suggest a private veiwing forum, but I would suggest a public veiwing forum with only members being allowed to post.

Failing that, keep it as it is! But do not make it a private forum, you will regret it Jimmy!

[grassroots]

Thinking about, I agree with you Kilnparkman.

I think that people cant be bothered to register as a memeber and cant be bothered to log in each time they want to post (or they forget???).

Maybe you should keep it how it is and if someone leaves a comment thats not a member, leave a message for them to try and encourage them to join? I know on some of the posts you have done that jimmy.
Mind you we all should encourage non members to join!?!?!
Come on! Be one of us!!!!!

[jamie]

I think it should be guests but also have a member section

[ianh]

kilnparkman said:

I have also experienced dire problems with rogue posters.... I would not suggest a private viewing forum, but I would suggest a public viewing forum with only members being allowed to post.

I Think most people have experienced those problems, they cannot be banned so they come and make slanderous/derogatory/libellous remarks..... yes, they can be removed but why have them in the first place. Also you have spammers/advertisers (Drugs/Porn).

if you have a forum that can be viewed by anybody, and if they want to reply to a post, they can register/join and hopefully promote the forum and league.

[Administrator]

I want us to take a bit of time to make the decision, but at the moment I am thinking all people can view the site with members only posting...

but as I say I don't want to make a rash decision.

[kilnparkman]

Probably a good way forward. But I'm not sureif it's the best way forward? What exactly is wrong with the way that it is currently?

[Administrator]

People are getting annoyed with people being able to post crap and not neccessarily being accountable for it.

I am keen to try and get the powers that be at the UCL on side and whilst I would expect them to be able to read constructive advice and comments on the board, I think it is unfair to expect them to respect the views of nameless people who can say anything they like.

Imo!!!

[kilnparkman]

If the "powers that be" at the UCL cared that much about this forum, then they would publicly acknowledge it.

Fair enough, a degree of accountability is required, and comments should be kept within reason, and should not be offensive (but can of course be critical) - but shouldn't this website be more widespread and officially acknowledged?

There should be publicity for this forum in all the programmes, and all official UCL literature and online material. Then they have a say. Otherwise, I feel it's a big NAH NAH NAH NAH NAH with tongue out and thumb on nose, waggling fingers!!

IMO

[Administrator]

The issue of whether we can interact directly with the league is ongoing and hopefully we will have something to say on that matter in the next few weeks. The league are naturally wary of a 'new' media for their competition and that is fair enough.

Enough internet message boards have soured in the past for them to be right to tread carefully at the moment.

Conversely, I think its fair to say that we don't want to be seen as an official mouthpiece for the league and we need to retain a degree of independance as a community. We also have a responsibility to ensure that the UCL is promoted in a positive and constructive light.

It is that balance that I am seeking to keep and the members only posting debate is one of the things under consideration in doing that.

[ianh]

In response to KPN, this forum has been advertised on UCL literature.

You dont want to run along with the UCL line, more of along side as the people on here may have contrasting views, which is one of the reasons, why I visit.

but have also given my views, (roughly the same as Jimmys) above

[jamie]

ianh said:

In response to KPN, this forum has been advertised on UCL literature.

You dont want to run along with the UCL line, more of along side as the people on here may have contrasting views, which is one of the reasons, why I visit.

but have also given my views, (roughly the same as Jimmys) above

Just keep advertising your website. Jimmy, have you added it to any search engines, Google picks it up, add it to yahoo or something?

[grassroots]

Just a suggestion? Jimmy. Are you able to put something at the bottom of each Guest post, for example a message or comment saying ' why not become a member with a recognised ID, just click this link to join' With a link in place (or something along those lines)?
I dont know if its a silly suggestion, just a thought and maybe a way of getting or encouraging people to join the UCL meassage board as a member?

Please be honest with your comments and thoughts on this. I wasnt sure if it was a silly suggestion as i havent a clue on how to start a message board or run one???