'Probie' Status for New Members

[Nolamom]

Here's the Welcome New Members thread - for general introductions

[kiadau]

Hi all,

The mods have actually been planning this change for quite a while now, and the recent problems have prompted us to implement it now.

From now on, all new registered members will enter the forum in Probie status. This is almost identical to the previous entry-level usergroup, Basic Trainees, except their posts are automatically queued for moderator approval and they cannot create photo albums on their profile page.

ETA: They also will not have access to the profiles of others or themselves, or be able to send or receive Private Messages. And their Visitor messages will be moderated. This includes the use of signatures

'Probie' status is intended to be short-term. It is a measure to help protect our community from spammers and other abusive users, and by no means punitive.

The mods are on most hours of the day, every day, and will do their very best to approve posts from new members promptly.

New members will be automatically promoted to "Basic Trainee" when they meet a minimum threshold for posts, length of membership, Reputation. (These thresholds will not be disclosed, for obvious reasons, and may be periodically adjusted.) The moderators are also empowered to manually promote new users if they are convinced that they are "law-abiding" citizens and not spammers in disguise.

Thanks to everyone, and especially to our newest members for their patience and understanding.

This is very helpful, especially to somebody new here and to forums. I wish I had read this first. Thank you for your info.

[ColonelJack]

Ah, this explains why I can't edit my profile info. Like, adding an avatar and stuff

[SamanthaJenniferChloe]

Hello!

I just wanted to know if there is a set number of post that one needs to make or is it the time that is on the board before the Probie status gets changed.

Thanks!

[Skydiver]

There is a 'magic number' but it does change and we don't publicize it, largely because we have literally had spammers make dozens of posts trying to find it so that they can get their spammy message through. (I've literally woken up to dozens of queued posts in the hope that their one 'download porn here' message gets posted)

Probie graduation is a complex formula of several things and does vary from person to person.

We know it's a drag to be stifled in the first few days, but unfortunately we delete dozens of spammy posts a day so we have no choice.

[SamanthaJenniferChloe]

Hello!

I thank you for your response. I will just have fun posting until I get to that whatever number.

I know that moderating a message board can be rather interesting. I have moderated a board before so I know that you have to keep on your toes sometimes.

[Solidstrike]

Though it is to my disadvantage here (I want to start on the RP) but I can clearly understand why you implemented this. It certainly is an effective way of rooting spammers out.

[Skydiver]

I know it's no fun and I wish we didn't have to do it. All I can suggest is to join in and have fun and you'll be off probie status in no time.

[St@r:chickwithpun]

Can probies join groups on here? If yes, I can't see how to. If this has already been answered elsewhere, would you mind directing me to it?

[Bagpuss]

On Probie Status,you can read and subscribe to Groups but can't join them.

Sadly ,the Spammers and purveyors of net filth forced a lot of restrictions onto new members.

You're on Probie Rank though ,according to your current settings,so have another look at the Social Groups,and try again.

[St@r:chickwithpun]

So probie rank and probie status are two separate things...? Didn't realise. Couldn't see any way to join groups last time I logged on, but today I managed to join a group before seeing your reply...unfortunately nobody else appears to have posted in it recently though.

[Bagpuss]

"Probie" can be a bit confusing : when you first join ,you go onto Probie Status.Then after a while,you go from Probie to normal unmoderated posting.

Probie "Rank" is post-count related.Eg, yours will say "Probie" from 0-24 posts,then your post rank'll change to "Airman" and so on.

( There's a list of the post rankings in this post : LINK)

The social groups are a bit quiet these days,and a lot of people are probably away on holiday,but hopefully some of the other group members will notice you posted and swing by to reply soon.

Hang in,and Happy Posting & Scaping !

[St@r:chickwithpun]

Probie "Rank" is post-count related.Eg, yours will say "Probie" from 0-24 posts,then your post rank'll change to "Airman" and so on.

Thanks for the explanations, that makes more sense now. Liking "airman" purely because it's an anagram of Marina (and I'm a Marina Sirtis fan...and an anagram fan actually)

[Stubba2]

Bravo, I love the internet; however, I hate spammers and relish the restrictions if it means I can interact with like minded individuals without being hit with porn or gambling pop ups and redircts. Well done!!!

[tinnec]

The explanation was quite helpful! I was wondering why I couldn't edit on my profile. I totally respect the post count/moderation.

[curmudgeon7]

Hey All,
I have been a member for a while, this answers the questions I had about editing my profile and my photo. Guess I had better get posting so I don't get deleted. A couple of other forums I am on have had issues with spammers and hackers. So I feel your pain.
Curmudgion 7 Out

[John Emmanuel Ramos]

JM Ramos from the Philippines, returning fan of Stargate (especially the movie, SG1 and Atlantis). New member of the forum.

JM Out

[SF_and_Coffee]

Welcome, John. The newcomers' lounge is right this way...

[John Emmanuel Ramos]

Thanks

[EgyptianG0d]

So, I have to post to not get deleted, eh? Not to worry! My name's Walter, as in 'dial it up, Walter!', and I get a kick out if this forum, here. I have already put it into a story of how a character I created saved Eli, by the way. You have to read it on 'Star Trek Hidden Frontiers' forum. It's a little vague as I don't want to be sued. I am already in the process of putting an SGU story together. Does this fulfill the basics? I've joined you! Please let me out of my cage! I promise not to soil the carpets!