That also creates an administrative task in terms of controlling access to members.

 

This is already done as there are currently members only areas of the forum.  

As far as moderation goes. I agree that it has become much easier as time goes by. But that may be an artifact of the presence of the moderation. I mean look how we asked and talked about it before anything was done. Rules are not meant to limit you, but to help you stop and limit yourself.

I have read and will continue to read every post on the forum. Mostly because this is the public face of NANFA. I don't want a tavern mentality associated with our organization. If we host the conversation we are responsible for it.

I think that having a focus (North American Natuve Fishes) gives us a purpose, even a higher calling, than just being a place to hang out. I'm glad that we are not an academic group and glad that we are not a conservation group and glad that we are not an aquarium club. We are all of that and it is that inclusion and focus that I want to maintain.

 

True. But presumably it's a one-time setting ?

 

I don't know how the software works.  Is there a database that gets checked automatically?  Is there a special, members only password?

I would like to see something like this happen, but I have some reservations as well. The member only part may not be an issue, nor non member views, but avoiding and moderating topics that become political or whatnot could really suck. I would be open to giving it a shot, but ready to shut it down just as quick. However that would depend on the staff all being on board. If we do not all agree, then I am with the rest. Michael and I read almost every post. Not sure we want to make anymore work for ourselves. I reckon we don't have to be that vigilant, but who else is doing so. We shut spammers down like it's our job.

I keep a membership database up to date... and yes, I make sure that everyone's status is correct.  There are already places that only members can see... and there are also places (or I can make them) where only members can post, but everyone could see.

 

And that pretty much becomes the problem that I am concerned about... what we say on the forum is a direct reflection on NANFA.

Thank you, Matt and Mike for doing that work!!!  I'm so glad to know that you guys are on the job and keeping NANFA rolling.  I've been out of touch and not paying attention to what's going on.  I can see why you might want to limit the scope of the forum.  I'll let you decide whether you think there is any benefit to these ideas and whether that would justify their cost, in terms of manpower and stress.  Again, I have no agenda.  Just making noise.