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Bugs Bunny · May 7, 2001, 11:16 PM

I vote NO.

mindwaves · May 7, 2001, 11:21 PM

No in this forum; however, in the OS X general discussion forum, some non-registered posters convey important information so for those kinds of forums, then yes!

xyber233 · May 7, 2001, 11:22 PM

I don't see why they dont just register. It is a lot easier.

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ctt1wbw · May 7, 2001, 11:23 PM

I say no, I mean what does it take to register to post forums? Come on, it's free, for cryin out loud.

Kestral · May 7, 2001, 11:31 PM

NO. Anyone who can't put their name behind their words has no right to speak, and is not worth listening to.

Timo · May 7, 2001, 11:31 PM

I vote Yes.

I lurked for a long time before I registered. Some people like me want to ramp up to it.

I really don't see where the "problem" is with unregistered comments.

T

SillyMonk · May 7, 2001, 11:33 PM

Sure, they should be allowed to post.

Why be forum nazis about it?

Cipher13 · May 7, 2001, 11:35 PM

No. They use their unregistered status like a mask of immunity and therefore there are no consequences to them for flaming or giving false information.

But a lot of traffic is unregistered users...

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

Bugs Bunny · May 7, 2001, 11:43 PM

No. They use their unregistered status like a mask of immunity and therefore there are no consequences to them for flaming or giving false information.

Couldn't have said it better myself. And lurking, and reading, and getting a feel for what's going on is one thing, but if you've got a contribution, we need a name with that face

SillyMonk · May 7, 2001, 11:48 PM

Who cares if the odd person posts total BS? I mean, its not like MacNN is the New York Times. And I've seen registered users in the OS X forum post junk like: "try rm -R /, its real fun!"

Its not like being registered means responsible or reasonable, or even accountable, so why impose that?

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Timo · May 7, 2001, 11:56 PM

Non-accountability because you're not registered?

Nah, I don't see it that way. You can usually sniff out the BS comments from the legitimate comments. Anyone who posts without being registered is "on probation" in my mind anyway, and if they're posting junk, it's simple to ignore.

As for flaming, it doesn't work if it's goes ignored. So we can ignore it.

An open forum, where anyone can post, allows for a greater chance that a question is answered. For instance, if someone purusing the forums for the answer to a question saw something they could comment on, they may well be dissuaded from sharing their opinion if they have to register.

By excluding people who don't register, you also exclude people who just hate sharing any personal information with this "who knows what its recording" MacNN database. Perhaps they're paranoid, sure, but when I have a question, I still want to cast the net as wide as possible -- and I can sort the wheat from the chaff, registered or not.

T

[edited for clarity (yeah I know, could use some more)]

[This message has been edited by Timo (edited 05-07-2001).]

BRussell · May 8, 2001, 12:06 AM

How is being registered more accountable? You're still totally anonymous, unless you choose not to be. (Oops, better go change my profile now

).

Cipher13 · May 8, 2001, 12:11 AM

Originally posted by BRussell:
How is being registered more accountable? You're still totally anonymous, unless you choose not to be. (Oops, better go change my profile now ).

Cause if someone sees an unregistered user, they will take their post with a grain of salt.

If someone sees a user with 600 posts, and who seems to post intelligently, they'll take that advice more seriously and be more trusting with it.

Hm... I'm just thinking back to the newbie/keyboard/Ca$h incident...

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

Xeo · May 8, 2001, 12:21 AM

Originally posted by Cipher13:
Cause if someone sees an unregistered user, they will take their post with a grain of salt.

If someone sees a user with 600 posts, and who seems to post intelligently, they'll take that advice more seriously and be more trusting with it.

Hm... I'm just thinking back to the newbie/keyboard/Ca$h incident...

Cipher13

Everyone has the right to take anyone's post with a grain of salt. That's the small price for being unregistered. If someone posts intelligently, they have every right to be listened to as you do, Ciph. Maybe some will disregard it because of a simple status, but I, for one, read the post before passing judgement on it's content or the credibility of the author.

I vote yes. If someone finds it too hard to have a password, then so be it. They run the risk of instant dismissal by some readers, but I think the majority will still look into what the post says.

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ANGEL SUN · May 8, 2001, 12:21 AM

Well said SillyMonk.

What personal information is "directly" shared? You are asked to provided a user/login and an email address to receive your password. Unless you provide the email address your ISP has given you, your anonymity is generally secure. For the those who are suspicious of all things, surfing via proxy is another option.

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Give me your arm and close you eyes

Cipher13 · May 8, 2001, 12:31 AM

Originally posted by Xeo:
Everyone has the right to take anyone's post with a grain of salt. That's the small price for being unregistered. If someone posts intelligently, they have every right to be listened to as you do, Ciph. Maybe some will disregard it because of a simple status, but I, for one, read the post before passing judgement on it's content or the credibility of the author.

I vote yes. If someone finds it too hard to have a password, then so be it. They run the risk of instant dismissal by some readers, but I think the majority will still look into what the post says.

Hey, I didn't say I disregarded them - I don't. I've seen many very contributive unregistered posts - I'm talking about new users etc.
Advice coming from a "member" seems to be more assuring, know what I mean?

I treat everybodies posts equally - until I've read them, thats when the decision gets made.

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

[This message has been edited by Cipher13 (edited 05-08-2001).]

Xeo · May 8, 2001, 12:38 AM

Cipher13 sez:
Advice coming from a "member" seems to be more assuring, know what I mean?

It may seem that way, but it's not always the case.

I see what you're saying though. I know more now than I did a few months ago. With "age" comes wisdom, I guess.

I just don't think the ability to post should be taken from unregistered users. That's what this thread is about, and that's my vote.

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Xeo · May 8, 2001, 12:48 AM

Now if this isn't one of the best reasons to keep unregistered users around, I don't know what is.

Check out one of the very last posts (as of right now). Schmoo has either written, or found a script that will "windowshade" the Finder windows. I'm sure with a bit of modification it could do exactly what people want from windowshade.

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IceEnclosure · May 8, 2001, 12:48 AM

I say no as well... I was a 'lurker' for a while, and I READ and LEARNED, and when I felt it was time to POST, I registered.. it's easy, free, and makes you really cool amongst your peers... enjoy

drew

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JLannoo · May 8, 2001, 01:04 AM

I say no to anon posting. It just makes it easy for troublemakers, as they feel there are less repercussions for their actions.

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-JLannoo
TiVo Zealot

G4 Cube 450
448MB RAGE 128 Pro

Athlon ThunderBird 800
256MB GeForce 2 GTS

Cipher13 · May 8, 2001, 01:10 AM

Originally posted by Xeo:
Now if this isn't one of the best reasons to keep unregistered users around, I don't know what is.

Check out one of the very last posts (as of right now). Schmoo has either written, or found a script that will "windowshade" the Finder windows. I'm sure with a bit of modification it could do exactly what people want from windowshade.

Yes, but unfortunately, I could show many more incidents where unregistered users were detrimental rather than contributive...

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

juanvaldes · May 8, 2001, 01:13 AM

Originally posted by IceEnclosure:
I say no as well... I was a 'lurker' for a while, and I READ and LEARNED, and when I felt it was time to POST, I registered.. it's easy, free, and makes you really cool amongst your peers... enjoy

So was I.

I just don't see the problem in registering, ohh I have to remember a password, or give up my e-mail. Well, most browers today will offer to save that password, and I just don't buy the arguemtn that they are hard to remember. As for the e-mail, just make one up at yahoo or something, it's not that hard, and there is no way anyone could get personal information out of that.

I believe the main point of this tread is that any registered user can log in as an unregistered and post flames or whatnot then return without tarnishing their reputation.

For reasons like this I vote no.

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"Imagine the disincentive to software development if after months of work another company could come along and copy your work and market it under its own name...without legal restraints to such copying, companies like Apple could not afford to advance the state of the art."
- Bill Gates, 1983 (New York Times, 25 Sep 1983, p. F2)

tie · May 8, 2001, 01:13 AM

YES. It's so much nicer for everyone when it's easy to post. The community will attract more people (who will eventually register) and everyone will gain.

juanvaldes · May 8, 2001, 01:50 AM

Originally posted by Xeo:
Now if this isn't one of the best reasons to keep unregistered users around, I don't know what is.

Check out one of the very last posts (as of right now). Schmoo has either written, or found a script that will "windowshade" the Finder windows. I'm sure with a bit of modification it could do exactly what people want from windowshade.

I think that was a great post, but would it be so hard to register that this person would be scared away?
Also, I agree with Cipher that, that is one of the very few good posts done by unregistered people. Most of the tiem it is simply flame bait.

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"Imagine the disincentive to software development if after months of work another company could come along and copy your work and market it under its own name...without legal restraints to such copying, companies like Apple could not afford to advance the state of the art."
- Bill Gates, 1983 (New York Times, 25 Sep 1983, p. F2)

krove · May 8, 2001, 02:22 AM

I'd have to say no on the same reason cipher stated. Unregistered users, although @ times insightful, can hide behind their anonymity to say whatever they please. In addition, it must be more difficult on the moderators to control their postings (if bad, flaming, etc). How hard is it to register?

The worst part is the double, triple, and even the occasional quadruple posting that cannot be editted to reflect such.

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l'ignorante · May 8, 2001, 02:30 AM

Originally posted by juanvaldes:

I believe the main point of this tread is that any registered user can log in as an unregistered and post flames or whatnot then return without tarnishing their reputation.
.

You know I never thought of that, I wonder if anybody has. Too much bother anyway.
I vote yes, they contribute (script example). I haven't been around that long but this is a very decent forum, of course there is the odd jerk you run into. Just like real life, I can live with that.

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bradoesch · May 8, 2001, 02:35 AM

Well, if they have something useful to say, why not let them. But if they want to flame someone anonymously, then no. OK, so that really wasn't a vote...

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Why 1984, won't be
like "1984"

bradoesch · May 8, 2001, 02:46 AM

Well, if they have something useful to say, why not let them. But if they want to flame someone anonymously, then no. OK, so that really wasn't a vote...

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Why 1984, won't be
like "1984"

Asimuth · May 8, 2001, 04:10 AM

Uhmm... From upstate New York where concealed handguns are legal you are worried about the bonafides of non-registered news group posters...

I vote Yes. But if I was unregistered and shy I guess I'd just go away as this does not seem like a very friendly forum.

Cipher13 · May 8, 2001, 04:13 AM

Originally posted by Asimuth:
Uhmm... From upstate New York where concealed handguns are legal you are worried about the bonafides of non-registered news group posters...

I vote Yes. But if I was unregistered and shy I guess I'd just go away as this does not seem like a very friendly forum.

What makes you say that?
We're trying to make it MORE friendly by cutting back on trolls and flamers...

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

VRL · May 8, 2001, 05:01 AM

Simple solution: Put a big, red flame next to all unregistered posts

cheerios · May 8, 2001, 05:04 AM

When I first saw the thread topic, my instinct was to say yes... I lurked around for a while before I got brave enough to speak up, and my first post was unregistered. After that, I registered, so I could keep track of my posts, and have the ability to go back and fix all the typos.

So, I'm readin' down the thread, and y'all make a lot of good points about how anonymity gives people the ability to make a lot of innane posts with no point. Not that registered users don't do that too... Cough(PBDude!!)cough... sorry dude, couldn't resist... but at least they are held accountable for what they say, and if it's innacurate, than people know to watch out for those in later threads.

Plus, I know what people's personalities are gonna be like, by who they are. I know Cipher's gonna tell me that OS X is missing alot, and don't buy a Cube. I know PBDude is gonna tease me alittle when I say I'm an idiot. I like having a personality, to go with everyone.

So, no, I don't think unregistered people should be able to post. Dunno... it's not that hard to register. :/

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...it's only life after all!
--Indigo Girls

[This message has been edited by cheerios (edited 05-08-2001).]

[This message has been edited by cheerios (edited 05-08-2001).]

eep! · May 8, 2001, 06:18 AM

Originally posted by IceEnclosure:
I registered.. it's easy, free, and makes you really cool amongst your peers... enjoy

Makes you cool?

not if you register with a dumbass name like 'eep!' I feel like a d*ck everytime I have to type in my user name

d'oh! I forgot to say: let the cowards post

(I think I did, don't remember...)

[This message has been edited by eep! (edited 05-08-2001).]

Cipher13 · May 8, 2001, 06:35 AM

Why man? I think its one of the coolest usernames I've seen!

No joke...

Cipher13

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AIM: Cipher1387
ICQ: 48111606
mail: [email protected]

Dogma · May 8, 2001, 06:41 AM

I lurked for a while as well, seeing if it was covering the topics i was interested in.
I believe that we should keep the right for unregistered users posting, though perhaps with a limited amount of space, and simple plain text comments.
There are a lot unregistered users browsing the boards,
e.g. Dogma, Cipher13, ddregs, CyberGreg, Cornelius, Jose, MikeM32, eep!, l'ignorante, and 27 guests
and whilst most will not even post, many will, and if they feel that they're comments are not wanted if they're not a member, then surely that appears to be a pretty unfriendly place.
Did anyone ever see 'Heathers'?

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"If you can't stand the flames, get out of the bulletin board!"

voodoo · May 8, 2001, 08:15 AM

I say no.

BTW, I thin those who are registered should give more information about themselves. Say where you are from, state your email, etc. It adds depth.

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\ / ( ) ( ) | ) ( ) ( )

scottiB · May 8, 2001, 08:33 AM

Yes. (not that it's our call, regardless)

zac4mac · May 8, 2001, 09:09 AM

No.
Just was at a thread, no-one was registered and it was FULL of BSers.
Let 'em reply to articles, but keep 'em outta the fora.

my 2�

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lothar56 · May 8, 2001, 09:16 AM

NO (check out what Cipher13 said.)

zippy50 · May 8, 2001, 09:54 AM

there's a difference between browsing and posting. When I'm at the office (where I must use a PC -- but that's another issue), I show up as a visitor, but then if I want to reply to something, I just have to enter the username and password. Not a big deal -- but I think seeing the number of guests on-line at any point is not a clear indication of actual members versus guests reading.

I'm having trouble deciding about the registered/non-registered posters. They certainly sometimes contribute valuable information -- but I do like the ability to know who is posting. Not that you can always judge the validity of the info that way -- but you can recognize a pattern in a person's posting and make a more informed judgement about the value of the info offered.

Bugs Bunny · May 8, 2001, 02:46 PM

Unregistered sloth again. http://forums.macnn.com/cgi-bin/Foru...ML/001111.html

foobars · May 8, 2001, 02:57 PM

Of course unregestered users should be able to post!

Regestering to do anything on the internet is a bitch. Plus if an unregestered user says something offensive or just plain wrong he is the first to be torn apart!

scaught · May 8, 2001, 03:53 PM

i dont think some of the registered users should be allowed to post, but thats another story.

unregistered users should be able to post. just not in the lounge, which is the policy right now anyway.

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you're going to have my foot at your lip in a minute, young man.

scott

sek929 · May 8, 2001, 05:12 PM

Yeah sure, the more insight the better. If registering was to be mandated I bet alot less would get solved around here (If The Lounge didn't exsist I bet alot more would get done too but o well).

<Brushes real work aside and clicks deeper into the lounge>

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Bugs Bunny · May 8, 2001, 05:21 PM

unregistered users should be able to post. just not in the lounge, which is the policy right now anyway.

The lounge can have it one way, but not the other forums?

Misha · May 8, 2001, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by scaught:
i dont think some of the registered users should be allowed to post, but thats another story.

LOL

Seriously, though... for a while MacNN was registered-members-only. When we made it possible for unregistered members to post replies (but not new topics, as is the case right now) our forums grew much faster... I think that letting unregistered members post is a good thing. Or rather, that the pros ofset the cons.

HeatMiser · May 8, 2001, 05:34 PM

Originally posted by Misha:
Or rather, that the pros ofset the cons.

My vote for best double entendre of 2001 goes to Misha.

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The power of UNIX with the simplicity and elegance of Macintosh.

macvillage.net · May 9, 2001, 08:12 AM

Vote no on proposition 002666!

I vote no

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Robert Accettura
Owner/Webmaster of

PowerBookDude · May 9, 2001, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by scaught:
i dont think some of the registered users should be allowed to post, but thats another story.

Ha. Ha. Ha.

I bet you are talking about me scaught? Right?

*Please note: If it wasn't me you were talking about, then I'm making a fool out of my self

*

Dude. What is your problem let it go scaught let it go. I'm staying here so you might as well just shut up about how you don't like me and my posts.

However, my posts are becoming longer and have more meaning ful now scaught .

Thank you.

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PBDude

On the 8th day God created Apple. On the 9th day God created the WozCam

May 9, 2001, 09:25 AM

PBDude: Okay...so maybe...but its timew to just "mature" a tad...don't take it the wrong way, please?

And secondly, non-registered users shouldn't be allowed to post. They're too anonymous. They don't seem to contribute. Sure people like "Worker Bee" (Juan Guttirez) register at their peril, but I'd bet thart many un-registered posts are guys from Apple. I'll bet you anything...

Play it cool