On a serious note...

[AimedForDeath]

I think it might be a very constructive decision if you (Rummy, Indy, SJ, Hempress, ect) talk about this proposition. I am proposing that you close registration. Not only will this keep who's in the community in, but it will eliminate those whom are banned and get proxys to come back. Even if it is temporary, it will still have some effect. In the years that I have been here, I have felt warmth, love, need, I have felt that I belong. Now, with the recent wave of new users, all I am feeling is hate and disgruntleness. I just want you to take this into account. I know this is a buisness, and not just a forum, but I have donated, and I am willing to donate more. I will donate as much as you would like if we can find a way to control this quote, un-quote "troll problem". It doesn't feel like GC anymore, it feels like many other sites that I have seen, sites that have been over-run by underage users and immature users. If you would like to get into this more in-depth with me, Rummy or Indy, please either e-mail (you both know my e-mail) or PM me.

Thanks,
-AFD

[senior_ganj]

Despite the recent wave of new users, you are making it seem like they all contribute nothing to GC. Granted there has been a surge of immaturity, but there are just as many that are bring knowledge and whatnot from other places.

Change isn't always bad, but I do agree that there has been an excess of childish posts this past few weeks.

I just don't think closing registration is the answer to it.

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by senior_ganj

Despite the recent wave of new users, you are making it seem like they all contribute nothing to GC. Granted there has been a surge of immaturity, but there are just as many that are bring knowledge and whatnot from other places.

Change isn't always bad, but I do agree that there has been an excess of childish posts this past few weeks.

I just don't think closing registration is the answer to it.

You may not see eye to eye with me on the subject, but in the span of the past few monthes I have seen a HUGE surge of immaturity and non-contributial posts. I feel closing the registration will take care of the problem, because we will be eliminating the people who just come here to find out ways to get 'more fucked up'. Rasta_Man said it right in another thread, it's not about "getting fucked up" it's about relaxing and smoking some herb. These kids that come here are the reason why marijuana is illegal, and why parents fear it. Kids don't use it to relax, in the way we do, they use it like alcohol, to get real fucked up. I see a problem in this, and I see it needs to be more educated, somthing our government will not do. I am straying off subject, so I will end this post by saying this.
Close registration, watch out for the people under-agers, ban them, and we will have our community back.

-AFD

[Joint]

I agree with senior_ganj. Plus, like most forums GC has a high turnover rate for new members. If you look back to posts from 6 months ago, the group of people who posted then is different from now. The same goes for a year ago, a year and a half, etc etc. Some of the same members are there but most are no longer active.

// edit

So what I'm saying is that it would cause the forum to stagnate, as active users start to leave for various reasons there would be no new members to replace them.

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by Joint

I agree with senior_ganj. Plus, like most forums GC has a high turnover rate for new members. If you look back to posts from 6 months ago, the group of people who posted then is different from now. The same goes for a year ago, a year and a half, etc etc. Some of the same members are there but most are no longer active.

// edit

So what I'm saying is that it would cause the forum to stagnate, as active users start to leave for various reasons there would be no new members to replace them.

I respect your opion Astro, and I do agree with you. But, there is still a problem with all these immature posts and childish responses to people who need help. I'm sick of seeing it all.

-AFD

[ReformMaryJaneLaws]

I appreciate the concern and the suggestion, Aimed. I, too, am very disappointed in the turn the City has taken. However, it's not just the new members who are soaking the City with immaturity. Some of the so-called "City favorites" are guilty of it, as well.

I saw some stupid wiping-your-ass thread today that made me want to fucking scream. Some of the very people who have complained about this immaturity problem added to it by responding to the thread with their own ass wiping methods. It's not just that thread either. I'm sorry but when people do the very same thing that they complain about then they hang up their rights to complain.

It would be a relief to close registration and do some City spring cleaning. However, it's not something we want to do. We'd like it if people would just grow the F up so that we could avoid that. Indy made it clear that immaturity would now get you closer to the door and I fully back him up on it and I'm sure SJ does too. Indy and I are well aware of SJ's vision of the City and we'll do what is necessary to make that vision a reality. The Mods and Super Mods are aware, as well.

I do understand what you're saying and I love and appreciate the fact that you care about the City enough to stand up and say something. Don't think that your suggestion has been flushed because it very well may be something we strongly consider.

[Stylez1877]

I understand where you are coming from, but closing registartion isn't the answer. That is unfair to people who want to join and actually contribute to the forum. As far as immaturity, if you don't want to see it don't read the thread..everyone has different views of what humor is or isn't. We are a group of random potheads, it isn't like everyone is going to comform to the exact same views and ideas.

[ReformMaryJaneLaws]

There's different levels of immaturity though. A lot doesn't float and hasn't contributed to the City. That's why this is being discussed.

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by Reform MaryJane Laws

There's different levels of immaturity though. A lot of doesn't float and hasn't contributed to the City. That's why this is being discussed.

Exactly, it's not even that I even read those threads. But when I see threads about some guy getting a boner and taking a picture of it, the first thing that comes to mind is "immature". Seriously, if someone wants to see his cock, they can PM him. I'm sick of all this shit some of these people are doing. I, myself, am guilty of it sometimes, but thats understandable on a drug forum, sometimes we don't really know what we are doing. But things get repetitive. When the same people keep doing stupid immature shit ALL the time, you just want to give them the back hand special. I thank you Rummy for taking the time to deal with my suggestion first hand, most admins on other forums would not. This is why I like the City, because of the bond the members share. It's not just a bunch of people talking, it's a tight-knit community. Never on any other forum have I been as close to the admins, nor to the other members. I never have had an admin e-mail telling me it's ok and that the site is just down for maitanence. All in all, what I'm trying to do is make the City a better, more enjoyable place. I don't like to say I'm an 'older' member, seeing how I have only been here since around '03 (new username), but I have made my contributions to the City, and will continue to do so. I would REALLY like to thank RuMJiL and Indy though, without them, this City wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable as it is.

This next bowl goes out to Indy, RuMJiL, SJ and all the people who work hard here at the City to keep it going.

Toke on,
-AFD

[motion]

Originally Posted by AimedForDeath

Exactly, it's not even that I even read those threads. But when I see threads about some guy getting a boner and taking a picture of it, the first thing that comes to mind is "immature". Seriously, if someone wants to see his cock, they can PM him. I'm sick of all this shit some of these people are doing. I, myself, am guilty of it sometimes, but thats understandable on a drug forum, sometimes we don't really know what we are doing. But things get repetitive. When the same people keep doing stupid immature shit ALL the time, you just want to give them the back hand special. I thank you Rummy for taking the time to deal with my suggestion first hand, most admins on other forums would not. This is why I like the City, because of the bond the members share. It's not just a bunch of people talking, it's a tight-knit community. Never on any other forum have I been as close to the admins, nor to the other members. I never have had an admin e-mail telling me it's ok and that the site is just down for maitanence. All in all, what I'm trying to do is make the City a better, more enjoyable place. I don't like to say I'm an 'older' member, seeing how I have only been here since around '03 (new username), but I have made my contributions to the City, and will continue to do so. I would REALLY like to thank RuMJiL and Indy though, without them, this City wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable as it is.

This next bowl goes out to Indy, RuMJiL, SJ and all the people who work hard here at the City to keep it going.

Toke on,
-AFD

I see where you're coming from. I think I have a solution. Like the secret season toker's forums for "old school smokers", there should be a private little section of the city for people maybe.... 1+ year(s). You wouldn't have to worry about seeing as much posts as-like the ones you said. If not, I guess we're just going to have read over the immaturity. I think it bothers you a bit more than it should, though. It's a public forum afterall.

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by motion

I see where you're coming from. I think I have a solution. Like the secret season toker's forums for "old school smokers", there should be a private little section of the city for people maybe.... 1+ year(s). You wouldn't have to worry about seeing as much posts as-like the ones you said. If not, I guess we're just going to have read over the immaturity. I think it bothers you a bit more than it should, though. It's a public forum afterall.

Yes, but it's a public forum that I have donated money to, and will continue to donate money to. I can't afford to be GIVING money away, but this seems like a good cause. I don't think I belong in the 'special' forum by any means, for I haven't done anything great, but I do like your idea.. I would like just a place to go and get away from all of this..

-AFD

[TokinBlue]

there IS a place here for the veteran GC people if i remember reading one of the threads correctly, that has certain criteria(which is not given out to anyone what it is otherwise people would JUST try to obtain that goal to get in)

EVENTUALLY i hope to be a part of that section, but in due time. There are a select few who i think should be allowed to enter, and AFD you happen to be among the few here that i respect enough to think you should be allowed in

[IndianaToker]

Hmm, an interesting topic you bring up here. First, it must be noted that Grasscity is a worldwide community, so simply turning off registration is a major deal. Depending on the day, it's typical to see anywhere from about 40 to 90 new users, 100 to 175 new threads, and 1300 to 2000 new posts. With anywhere from about 900 to 1200 users online daily. This is just a rough average, sometimes a lot more, sometimes less.

We've had situations where we've temporarily closed registration in the past, but it's really a last resort and can't be left off for long, as we do want the City to continue to grow. But it needs to grow in the right direction.

I did point out as Rummy said above that some of the extreme immaturity I've seen as of late is a ticket to the door and I still stand by that. I said we're not going to let the City turn into a free for all and I mean it, it's something I'm very serious about, regardless of what it takes.

There's a reason Rummy and I have Admin rights on the boards, and that stems from our vision for the City being consistent with what SJ's vision is. We've all worked too hard (as have all the Mods) to build this place to the level it is today, to let it slip to the wayside.

So, let this post be my final warning on the matter. Any more stuff I see that falls to such an extreme immature level, and it will be deleted. If it happens again, the person will be banned. And so on and so forth, until people see that this isn't a game, and we're not going to allow the City to turn into a free for all.

We want everyone to post and have fun, but also keep in mind that when registering you agree you are an adult, and as such should act like one when posting. There's a big difference between a little immature fun, and the extremely low level that contributes nothing to the City, which is what we're discussing.

At the end of the month, Superjoint has to pay the bills here, so yeah he can pretty much act like a dictator, and push whatever rules he wants, but as you notice he rarely ever does. And what he does require from everyone to use the boards, is very little considering what is available to everyone. I've know him for a long time now and consider him a close friend, and I can tell you this...he would not be pleased to see some of the postings that have brought this discussion about. He's made it very clear to Rummy and I that he will completely disable the forums for everyone, before letting them go by the wayside.

Which leads us to where we are now, and why I have no flexibility on the immature posts. I know what is cool and what isn't in SJ's book, and this stuff isn't. Either clean it up, or find another place to hang out at because we're not going to put up with it here.

Rummy and I both have a responsibility to hold this place to a certain standard, we take that very seriously and we're not going to lower it...it's one of the things that sets the City apart from a lot of other spots on the 'Net, and one of the things that has helped build the City into the stoner family it is today.

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by TokinBlue

there IS a place here for the veteran GC people if i remember reading one of the threads correctly, that has certain criteria(which is not given out to anyone what it is otherwise people would JUST try to obtain that goal to get in)

EVENTUALLY i hope to be a part of that section, but in due time. There are a select few who i think should be allowed to enter, and AFD you happen to be among the few here that i respect enough to think you should be allowed in

Thank you Token, that means a lot to me. It's good to know that at least one person appreciates me. I try to do my best and keep under control, somtimes it fails though . But hey, blaze on Token, thats pretty cool that you think I should be in the Vets forum, I can't say that I belong in there, but there are a few people whom I think should be in there, they might even be in there and we might now know it !

-AFD

[AimedForDeath]

Originally Posted by IndianaToker

Hmm, an interesting topic you bring up here. First, it must be noted that Grasscity is a worldwide community, so simply turning off registration is a major deal. Depending on the day, it's typical to see anywhere from about 40 to 90 new users, 100 to 175 new threads, and 1300 to 2000 new posts. With anywhere from about 900 to 1200 users online daily. This is just a rough average, sometimes a lot more, sometimes less.

We've had situations where we've temporarily closed registration in the past, but it's really a last resort and can't be left off for long, as we do want the City to continue to grow. But it needs to grow in the right direction.

I did point out as Rummy said above that some of the extreme immaturity I've seen as of late is a ticket to the door and I still stand by that. I said we're not going to let the City turn into a free for all and I mean it, it's something I'm very serious about, regardless of what it takes.

There's a reason Rummy and I have Admin rights on the boards, and that stems from our vision of the City being consistent with what SJ's vision is. We've all worked too hard (as have all the Mods) to build this place to the level it is today, to let it slip to the wayside.

So, let this post be my final warning on the matter. Any more stuff I see that falls to such an extreme immature level, and it will be deleted. If it happens again, the person will be banned. And so on and so forth, until people see that this isn't a game, and we're not going to allow the City to turn into a free for all.

We want everyone to post and have fun, but also keep in mind that when registering you agree you are an adult, and as such should act like one when posting. There's a big difference between a little immature fun, and the extremely low level that contributes nothing to the City.

At the end of the month, Superjoint has to pay the bills here, so yeah he can pretty much act like a dictator, and push whatever rules he wants, but as you notice he rarely ever does. And what he does require from everyone to use the boards, is very little considering what is available to everyone. I've know him for a long time now, and I can tell you this...he would not be pleased to see some of the postings that have brought this discussion about.

Which leads us to where we are now, and why I have no flexibility on the immature posts. I know what is cool and what isn't in SJ's book, and this stuff isn't. Either clean it up, or find another place to hang out at because we're not going to put up with it here.

Rummy and I both have a responsibility to hold this place to a certain standard, and we're not going to lower it...it's one of the things that sets the City apart from a lot of other spots on the 'Net, and one of the things that has built the City into the stoner family it is today.

I would like to sincerely thank you Indy, for taking the time to write such a lengthy reply on the subject. I do see your point of it being costly to shut down registration, and it is an extreme, but somtimes extremes need to be taken. Maybe heres a revised idea. Why don't you charge a fee to use the forums, thus limiting the users who can't get a credit card or that means of payment due to being underage. I don't think creditcard should be the only way, maybe add in stormpay and/or paypal. It doesn't even have to be much, maybe $5 for a year subscription to the forum, that way it helps SJ with the bills on the site and it keeps immaturity to a minimum.

-AFD