After testing, the framework designed to help reduce spam in the forums is in place. This means the following changes:
By default, users will be considered a "Registered User." After making five posts in the forums, they will be promoted to "Registered User +". (Those who have already made 5+ posts must log in and post once to receive this promotion).
"Registered Users" have most of the privileges as they always have, with a few new restrictions.
Cannot make a new thread
Cannot make a new poll
Cannot use Signatures
Cannot use Albums
"Registered Users +" lose these restrictions, meaning they can make their own threads and polls, use albums, and use signatures.
Guests and users who have not verified their emails can also participate in the forums by posting in existing threads.
The Suggestions & Feedback forum bypasses these restrictions: any user may make a new thread here.
The primary purpose of these changes is to help reduce spam in the forums, based on current spambot trends (we actually prevent hundreds of spambots a day, but there will always be a few that get through). However, it's my secondary hope that this will also help encourage forum participation from new members without restricting them unfairly.
As always, if you encounter any errors, please post in this forum or send me a private message.
