Should MNMSTA be a members eyes only forum?

[beedawg]

It seems futile to ask a question and poll for answers when the thread is locked and poll results are hidden.

For what it's worth, I don't really care if the forum is restricted to members only.  The only good reason, in my opinion, for any restrictions, is to keep spammers out.

Brent

[Chris]

I see both sides, keeping it to registered users and allowing everybody to see everything.
1) if you would like to ride with mn-msta sign up it's free, there are 190+ members right now, there are about 20 that post regularly.
2) having the page open, allows for "lerkers" who may join and contribute.

[PKPK]

What Chris said.  There are plenty of new riders who Google for MN riding boards and sample.  It's not very friendly if we say you can only view material by registering.  When I surf for other boards, I don't bother with ones that are hidden until you register.  I like it the way it is now and see no real reason to lock it to "members". 

BTW, some of this attitude demonstrated lately does not show our friendly side to people looking for a responsible, safe, friendly sport touring crowd. 

[tk]

I agree conpletely with what PKPK said.  Also, spam doesn't seem to be a problem here like it was on the Yahoo board (kinda missing the "HOT RUSSIAN WOMEN" stuff we used to get).

[GUZZI JOHN]

  We don't need any elitism. I like the fact that an old fart like me can post unorganized rides(no GPS,route sheets,etc)and get a few others to show up and enjoy trying to get lost in the 'Hills'. Maybe next year I'll make it to an 'official ride'. I hope the Frosty pumpkin goes well for those who went. Guzzi John

[mikey]

if your gonna lock it to registered members, then why not just lock it for paying members?  then you would have a forum of maybe 15 paying members in minnesota.  Yes Lloyd i am a paying member.  I just dont understand all this 5yr old thinking around here.  It seems like if people dont agree with a particular persons views, then the rampage begins on insulting people and throwing a temper tantrum.  The whole " im not getting my way,  so im quitting" thing is just dumb.  A few, 2 that i can think of due this quite often on here and other boards when called on their bullshit.  Its no big secret who these people are.  Very rarely is anything beneficial contributed to the forum other then personal attacks on people.  An example,  is kinda of like people posting up an invite only ride in a public section.  If its invite only, why not keep it to yourself and those you wish to attend privately.  Sorry another rant,  i know people who wont join any of these boards just because of all the drama that a few bring to the table.

[flyinlow]

I agree on the invite only, if its invite only, just send people a pm or email, no sense posting it.

[Stinger]

 

[nOOky]

Next year when I want to ride with you guys I'll simply hope my telepathy is working that day.
If you want a good example of what paying to be in a club and or forums does, visit the Chippewa Valley forums and read some of their posts.

[Stinger]

I'm good with how it is setup now.

Thanks Ray for all your hard work on putting this site together.

[Greg]

Next year when I want to ride with you guys I'll simply hope my telepathy is working that day.
If you want a good example of what paying to be in a club and or forums does, visit the Chippewa Valley forums and read some of their posts.

I've had trouble logging in over at the Chippewa Valley club's forum the last couple of times I've tried.

Is their site dwindling? Is it a "pay" club now? If so, perhaps that's why I can't log in?

[aschendel]

i say it basically depends on the stance of the board owner; if he wants to let us decide, then it's up to us to sort it out.

i personally don't think that restricting board access will address much of the unfortunate personal disagreements/dislike and apparent lack of respect that we have seen recent examples of here.  as a new-ish member, i really like the "ride-focused" nature of this board thus far and i hope that the prevailing vibe is one where differences can be dealt with or put aside and we can all match up with the riders and rides that we enjoy.

would i pay to be in this club?  maybe.  would i register to view / participate, well, that depends on how i got here and what was available to see prior to joining.  a personal invitation from someone who knows what i like would have sufficed, as would a publicly viewable mission statement (or something) that describes how much you guys like serious rides.  i doubt anyone who does sign up and then doesn't find the forum to be what they want to participate in will be completely offended and go badmouth it...  so from that perspective the risk is pretty small.  i guess you'd also risk not having people join because of the restrictions, but that comes back to having some public content that would convince them that signing up is easy and worth it.

a.s.

[Elk]

i really like the "ride-focused" nature of this board thus far and i hope that the prevailing vibe is one where differences can be dealt with or put aside and we can all match up with the riders and rides that we enjoy.

+1 !

[Greg]

I'm good with how it is setup now.

Thanks Ray for all your hard work on putting this site together.

+1

[Lloyd]

if your gonna lock it to registered members, then why not just lock it for paying members?  then you would have a forum of maybe 15 paying members in minnesota.  Yes Lloyd i am a paying member.  I just dont understand all this 5yr old thinking around here.  It seems like if people dont agree with a particular persons views, then the rampage begins on insulting people and throwing a temper tantrum.  The whole " im not getting my way,  so im quitting" thing is just dumb.  A few, 2 that i can think of due this quite often on here and other boards when called on their bullshit.  Its no big secret who these people are.  Very rarely is anything beneficial contributed to the forum other then personal attacks on people.  An example,  is kinda of like people posting up an invite only ride in a public section.  If its invite only, why not keep it to yourself and those you wish to attend privately.  Sorry another rant,  i know people who wont join any of these boards just because of all the drama that a few bring to the table.

Since your post is once again apparently there to provoke a response.


Congratulations on being a MSTA member. If there was a gold star smiley or something to pin on your chest, I would post it up.