Safety for teen users of The Ledge

[HejiraNYC]

I think becoming a "members only" forum would pretty much eliminate the Ledge from popping up on Google searches, which would essentially make the Ledge invisible online, thereby largely eliminating the joining of new members. Considering the relative dearth of active posters on here as it is, do we really want that? The history of the Ledge is marked by the constantly changing/evolving cast of players. Without change, the Ledge is done.

I vote NO.

Yes- 2
No- 2

[holidayroad]

Originally Posted by mylittledemon

There's not a whole lot you can do. Anyone can lie about their age.

True, but if someone is posting the name of the name of their high school/ junior high, then they are essentially telling their age.

[holidayroad]

As for The Ledge being members only, I think it would be an excellent idea. I mean, we are all here for a reason to post/talk/enjoy/etc. things to do with Fleetwood Mac. If a 'guest' cares enough about being able to come here, then they will be happy to join! I do think a good idea would be to let the guests know ahead of time that the forum is changing.....say about a month ahead of time. Also, I know some people who have not been here before may like to see how the boards are before they join, if someone is willing to provide their e-mail address to the moderators, then maybe they could have a 'guest pass' for a couple of days to see if they like it here.

Yes-3
No-2

[LukeA]

Originally Posted by holidayroad

Also, I know some people who have not been here before may like to see how the boards are before they join, if someone is willing to provide their e-mail address to the moderators, then maybe they could have a 'guest pass' for a couple of days to see if they like it here.

In other words, registering? (seems kinda pointless to me, in my opinion)

[holidayroad]

Originally Posted by LukeA

In other words, registering? (seems kinda pointless to me, in my opinion)

Well, not exactly, they could choose to not become a full member. I may not be wording things the best today! I mean, when I signed up for here, you had to wait a couple of days before they approved you or let you post on the boards.

[iamnotafraid]

Originally Posted by LikeAWillow

Would you support the ledge becoming members only?

Yes- 1
No- 0

No, No, No.

[LikeAWillow]

Originally Posted by iamnotafraid

No, No, No.

Yes- 3
No- 3

Can anyone confirm that what HejiraNYC said is true-- that making the ledge members only would eliminate it from google searches? (Not that I'm doubting you, Hejira, it's just that you said you think, not you know, and you have a really good point if that is the way it works.)

[LukeA]

Yes, its true.

[LikeAWillow]

Originally Posted by LukeA

Yes, its true.

Thanks, Luke It doesn't change my vote, but it's still good to know.

[SapphireSister]

Censorship is un-american .

[holidayroad]

Originally Posted by SapphireSister

Censorship is un-american .

Maybe, but I think if anyone said something too off the wall, the Mods would take it out. Even since I've been here, I've seen a couple of pictures deleted by them.

[MissLadyLoki]

Once upon a time, for many years till I quit a few months ago, I was a member of IMDb's boards and they were private, but did get tons of traffic. The Ledge should be no exception and, like someone else said, someone looking for dirt on the Mac could easily get this site come up in a search and them find us here.

Yes- 5
No- 3

[nailatixela]

Originally Posted by holidayroad

Maybe, but I think if anyone said something too off the wall, the Mods would take it out. Even since I've been here, I've seen a couple of pictures deleted by them.

Right, and the mods are able to allow or disallow anything they want...it is their site. They determine the rules. Same goes for any forum.

I'd think the "homepage" or at least the index of the forums would still show up in a search for "fleetwood mac forum"?

But put me down for a yes.

[hayley]

Yes!

I'm a member of a couple of boards that have thread topics and sub-forums visible but in order to view threads and profiles you have to be registered. There's middle ground.

[holidayroad]

Also, situations such as right now tell me it would help for the boards to be private (or at least semi-private). There are 57 people on the boards right now, 17 members and 40 guests!