Would it be possible?

Would it be possible to have an option that would censor our usernames from nonmembers? Like if somebody doesn't have a GC account or they're not signed in, all the would see is ******* for the username.

I ask because I always see a lot of people mentioning wanting to change their name because people could just google a common name they use and find them on here. Plus, I think it would stop a lot of people from asking for a name change.

I kind of dig this idea myself. I think too much of the world sees more than they should here without being members but that is just my own personal opinion.

There are very few forums that I visit where you can see what you see here without being members.

Just wanted to chime in with my support for this idea!

Sounds like a good idea, maybe you could even have an option to make your posts/threads invisible to non members ??

Sounds like a good idea, maybe you could even have an option to make your posts/threads invisible to non members ??

That's called Nirvana Skunky

Would it be possible to have an option that would censor our usernames from nonmembers? Like if somebody doesn't have a GC account or they're not signed in, all the would see is ******* for the username.

I ask because I always see a lot of people mentioning wanting to change their name because people could just google a common name they use and find them on here. Plus, I think it would stop a lot of people from asking for a name change.

My name is ******and I fully support this idea. Specially cause I have someone trying to bust me by following me on here currently.

I have to say I'm still for this idea (but more so just that you can't view certain areas unless you're a member, the **** wouldn't even have to come into play, especially if it isn't an option) even if just for the grow forums.

I'm a firm believer in privacy...personally, in your own home and even on the crazy internet. Although, I will say that we are all responsible for what we post...it still would be nice to just have members able to view what we post. Plus, the total number of members would increase significantly. That should be an interesting fact for SJ if he were so inclined to allow us to go this route. Wink wink, SJ!

I think that having a small fee, even just $5, would also deter most troll threads.

Awesome idea op. I wish this was implemented

I think that having a small fee, even just $5, would also deter most troll threads.

Thats what Nirvana is for. Its alot more low key in there.

I have to say I'm still for this idea (but more so just that you can't view certain areas unless you're a member, the **** wouldn't even have to come into play, especially if it isn't an option) even if just for the grow forums.

I'm a firm believer in privacy...personally, in your own home and even on the crazy internet. Although, I will say that we are all responsible for what we post...it still would be nice to just have members able to view what we post. Plus, the total number of members would increase significantly. That should be an interesting fact for SJ if he were so inclined to allow us to go this route. Wink wink, SJ!

I'm all for it, too. Not so much censoring user names because that seems like a programming pain in the ass, but there are plenty of forums that don't allow you to view content without a user account. I wouldn't mind that sort of thing being implemented here.

Sure it might mean that a few people decide not to bother because they can't read without registering, but I think far more people would decide to make an account to get access to the info we have here.

I think that having a small fee, even just $5, would also deter most troll threads.

That seems like a bad idea, from a business aspect. I would never choose to be a member on a forum that requires a $5 membership fee right from the start. I'm not willing to pay money just to simply register an account on a forum, and it's something that would make me say "nope" right from the get-go.

JohnnyWeedSeed is right, that's why we have the Nirvana forum. People that have grown to love these forums can pay for a subscription to get access to a private forum with fellow paid members. I think that's a great way to go about it.

I would have never registered here if I was required to pay $5 just to be a member, without even knowing whether I'd like it or not.

Well, it could be a free membership for a month, no posting- reading only, and then if you like the site a one time $5 membership fee...I think it would improve the quality of the site....Just had another thought...automatic membership with a purchase from the GC store...Eh?

Edited by jmick, 07 June 2012 - 02:23 PM.
add info

Well, it could be a free membership for a month, no posting- reading only, and then if you like the site a one time $5 membership fee...I think it would improve the quality of the site....Just had another thought...automatic membership with a purchase from the GC store...Eh?

That sounds good also but I get the feeling that requiring ppl to pay won't happen. It will discourage the ppl that Join just to spam, or to troll. I like the ideas you have though.

It would take a lot of the pressure off the mods. If people had to put out a little effort to be here it would raise the quality of the site...imo

There are a numerous forums (not going to name or link as they are firearm/defense oriented) I frequent that will allow non-members to only view X number of posts without registration. After you have viewed X posts you are required to make an account to view more.

I think we should look into something like that.

Bump for update/more discussion

I'm ready to discuss, but I don't have the power to do anything other than brainstorm...and
i've already thrown most of my thoughts on this issue out there....anybody else?

Edited by jmick, 09 July 2012 - 04:19 AM.
add info...

This sounds like a nice idea , adding this to planned improvements.

Grow section should definitely be invisible to non members.. as secure as I feel like GC is I wouldn't post pictures on here if I were growing. Of course becoming a member is so easy that I don't know if making it invisible would really make any difference.

I could see something like requiring a Rep or time spent as member requirement to access that section, that would probably drastically increase security.. but that has the drawback that I'm sure there are members who join specifically to post in that section and all

I don't think any privacy changes would change the way I post. I still wouldn't discuss names, pics of myself, certain life events on here. Cops, divorce lawyers, or whoever could still just get an acct. and see everything anyway.