Registered user access only ??

[admin]

I am considering making this forum Registered User access only because ..  

1. People are ignoring the previous request that they log in when accessing the Forum. (See this forum post.) I continue to follow IP addresses that appear and find that the information is already on record from a previous visit by a registered amateur radio user.

2. I am having to lock out possible users from all over the globe, some of whom may be valid amateurs trying to access this resource, but it is difficult to distinguish just by an IP address giving their country info. That lockout action provides rejection of spammers and hackers, all in the view that the Forum stays 'clean'.

That Registered User access means that the "logging in" choice is removed. You log in or you don't see the Forum contents.

I am basically ready to 'flick the switch' on this but will listen to valid reasons not to, at least for the next few days. Post your arguments... for or against.......

Admin

[VK3LU]

If it keeps the forum "clean" just do it.

Nev

[VK2ZRH]

I agree with your proposed course of action.

[VK3YCQ]

Anything that keeps spammers and hackers out is worth doing.

Flick the switch!

regards,

Ian
VK3YCQ

[VK4BLP]

Not sure myself if it would be as good a thing as what might be thought.

Not sure if we'd then loose stuff from places like Google, which should be attracting people here.

Yep, don't want scum that want to spam or otherwise detract from the forum though.

[admin]

I will set the Forum to closed access on Monday 31st July for a trial.
 
Whether it stays as closed access after that has yet to be determined.

The one week period is to ensure that many ( /most / all ??) registered users have an opportunity to read this topic so if/when they are hit with the Login screen, they don't panic. 

If you leave the 'Remember Me' box marked on the login screen then Forum access is immediate each and every time as you are automatically logged in.

I have put a work-around in place so only Google, Bing and Yahoo will continue to spider the Forum even when the closed access is in place and search results will continue to be available and updated.

The countries currently being denied access will also be reviewed so that valid amateur radio users worldwide have the option of registering, reading and posting comments.

Admin

[VK3YCQ]

Hello Admin

It's good to have a trial.

I wonder if a compromise position could work... i.e. allow unregistered visitors very limited access (and provide some encouragement to register). There will be casual browsers who surf in from Google or elsewhere who will be discouraged if there are limits. However, the keen ones will make an effort and they are the people we need in here.

73s

Ian

[VK2KRR]

Log in to view is a good idea.

[admin]

BUMP to the top of the list.

From next Monday (31 July) morning, you will need to be logged in to access the forum.

Admin