Where is the reports?

[Dockside]

I noticed there was no way to see the reports if your not a member?

The forums looks much smaller when your not logged in as member can you open the threads so everyone can see them?

[Ludo]

Normal behavior. Reports are viewable by members only

[WildFisherWoman]

I check forums a lot but usually dont log in. So reports here will never be public knowledge... Correct?? I didnt know there were so many good reports posted!!! Guess i better start loggin in more

[Thorny]

Is this boldly stated to a visitor?

[Ludo]

Feel free to debate about this. Do you think that the reports should be viewable only by logged members ?

[raz]

Is this boldly stated to a visitor?

NO it is not.
Should it be?
Or should the reports sections be open, available, viewable to the public, non member visitors?

What is every-one's take on this?
We're open to suggestions, ideas, opinions!

[fishmaster176]

I like to check out a site before signing on. Maybe i'm just nosy. My vote is to open it up to everyone. My only concern is if it opens the site up for spammers. I've seen it raise hell with a good site. If it does, then don't do it.

[browntown]

My take:

I joined the forum to share information and to help promote an activity that I love. The most important part is getting others to join, share and learn. If the site does not allow for the "newbie" to follow along and then join when they feel comfortable or when they want to learn, more then it is missing the point. We all need to be promoting our sport to those that might have an interest and just need a little possitive encouragement to take it up.

Strength in Numbers

[Salmoneye]

If I do not want info public, then I won't post it...

[Privateer]

I am new to the site. I looked at it a few times and almost did not join due to the site seemed lomited. Now since I joined I can see what I was missing. Others may not. So I would say it should be open to all.

[4stroker]

Could a disclaimer be added to the Home page stating that you must login to see the reports?

[Hairbone]

ON Lake Ontario United you have to sign in to see reports. On Iceshanty.com you have to have 10 posts before you get access to the reports section.....just some food for thought

[Sea Hare]

I vote for opening it up to read only. a potential member who clicks on this site and sees nothing of interest that he/she can view, will possibly not join in. We don't want to appear to be too elitist to visitors. Rules can be amended if they need to be later on.

BB
( Jon )

[Captain Paul]

The site should be open to the public other wise its does nothing to promote Lake Champlain and its great fishing I suspect that if it wern't for open forums some of you would not be catching the fish you do now just my 2 cents

[tamiron]

It would seem that the issue has at least 5 major points:

1. Do we want seagulls? My vote - NO

2. Does the forum want the ability to screen members? My vote - YES

3. Do we want newbies to share in the data of reports? My vote - YES

4. Should we highlight the need for a newbie to become a member to see the reports?
My vote - YES

5. Should the moderators/administrators be able to remove threads that are:
a. Inflammatory?
b. Personal (prejudiced)?
c. not specifically related to fishing?
d. purely argumentative?
e. Of questionable matter for general viewing?
My vote - YES

My stated past opinion is that IMHO does not mitigate the damage that "unsupervised and uncontrolled" views can cause coming from irresponsible, negative and purely argumentative individuals that think that they are somehow protected by freedom of speech. That freedom is defined with the caveat that reasonable people will treat others with respect and dignity.

But, there are now two choices and the public can choose which they prefer. If they are identical, there is no need for this one.