Private board?

[catnapper]

I've been talking to someone about this - a private board where only people who are registered members can read the threads. A lot of us post photos of family and such... and you never know just who is looking at the photos. At least with a private section we can be relatively secluded and know most of the folks who are reading about our family -- whether its woes or triumphs.

Anyone else think this is a good idea? I know a lot of other message boards provide a private section for more personal threads.

[Kfamr]

While it may sound like a good idea, ANYONE can register and see it as well. There are many registered members who have never posted.
So, it's kind of pointless, IMO.

[jenluckenbach]

While it may sound like a good idea, ANYONE can register and see it as well. There are many registered members who have never posted.
So, it's kind of pointless, IMO.

Very good point. Is it possible to be limited to members who have "x" number of posts, or people who have been a member for "x" number of months. Or even a combination of both? (I ask because I don't even know if this is a real possibility)

[k9krazee]

I love, love private boards. I go to another forum and after a certain number of posts (I think it's 50) you're allowed to a private area, and after you have 100 posts you can see the next level. It just makes me feel much more secure if posting about personal issues or pictures knowing that only the members can see it.

[buckner]

Very good point. Is it possible to be limited to members who have "x" number of posts, or people who have been a member for "x" number of months. Or even a combination of both? (I ask because I don't even know if this is a real possibility)

The only problem with this is for members like me. I don't post much, but I'm always reading. And I believe I'm a pretty trusted member here. :/ So those private boards would prevent members like me to view them, which wouldn't be very fair, IMO.

[Jessika]

The only problem with this is for members like me. I don't post much, but I'm always reading. And I believe I'm a pretty trusted member here. :/ So those private boards would prevent members like me to view them, which wouldn't be very fair, IMO.

Well if it's a time issue (as in, you've been a member for X months, etc) then # of posts wouldn't be a problem

I forgot to add, I think this is a GREAT idea, and I also think it should be based off of how long you've been a member and not by the number of posts (if this is implemented).

[Kfamr]

The only problem with being allowed on said private board after X many months - ANYBODY can still read them.

Someone who has 1,000 (just an example) usually isn't just anybody, although we've had our fair share of creeps and liars.

[Hellow]

Do you want me to make one? I know where to make one.

[G535]

Private forums are not usually as private as some people think. Most forum software can be hacked, in fact all forum software can be hacked, some are just easier than others.

[Kfamr]

Do you want me to make one? I know where to make one.

They are talking about a private board here on Pet Talk, exclusively for active members. Not on a seperate forum. It was nice of you to offer, though.

[sirrahved]

Another forum I'm a member of has an upper room, where only members with 500+ posts of substance are allowed. The admins allow people in on an individual basis.

[SemaviLady]

I have a PHP forum (private, special topics) on a domain I own.

Yes, it is possible to have special groups and subgroups that only have permissions for people that are given administrative permission to be on certain groups - sample groups can include board members of a club for discussion of club related issues; special committee chats such as rescue fund raiser discussion groups; genetics discussion; sections of the forum where only members of the club can chat, and sections where nonmembers can ask everyone else how to train a livestock guardian dog (for example) or solve a problem, and so on. Special permissions can be given to guest speakers, such as someone who might discuss wolf conservation among members who ask to join a private discussion group on the one board after being polled.

People with special permissions automatically see the -hidden- topics when they log on. Everyone else just sees the generic areas.

This board, Pet Talk, for example may have special subjects that only Moderators can see (this is most common), and special subjects that only certain other groups see.

This is posted with due respect to Karen and other admins. I think they have every right to administer as they see fit and fits their resources.
I think they are very generous with their time!

The only issue I'd have with special request groups on my forums is that it is more work for the admin(s). So the value of the special group and their "group" & "permissions" depend on priorities and resources available.

[luvofallhorses]

I know on the cat site I belong they have a premier lounge but you have to pay to be a member, which is cool with everyone because it helps keeping the site running and its not even that much a month. it's just a private lounge where people are comfortable sharing stuff with another.

[sweetpatata6]

I love the idea I know I dont post pictures of my self because you never know whos looking..........

I agree... Even if others can register, I would still concider posting pics of me.

[Randi]

At first I thought it was good idea, but after thinking about it, I'm not sure it is. There are some things to consider.... if I want someone who is not a member, and don't intend to join, to see a thread here, then I wouldn't be able to send a link to that thread. I sometimes send a link to John's family about Fister, instead of explaining it one more time and sending them the photo's in an e-mail.

As someone pointed out, anyone can just register and VIEW what they like anyway. I think we should all be careful not to post anything we don't want the world to see.

I think what we all want, is to avoid trolls coming here and posting BS, and Karen has already made changes to prevent that in the New User Policy.