Must now log in to read only.

[hollydolly]

I disabled guest access to thread content due to the huge amount of spam bots, scrapers, AI training bots, and other automated traffic. Our server can't take it any more.

I'm pleased you did that matrix, I think it will be much better for you as admin and the forum overall...

We're got our first new members today who have lurked for years just reading the forum..instead of joining, and now they can no longer read as lurkers, so that's a positive

 

[MarciKS]

LOL it appears to have brought the long term lurkers out into the crowd.

And we were worried about getting new members. Pshhhh!

 

[WhatInThe]

Same here. I first I thought it was a different device or internet connection IP.

Yes I'm with those that just being able to read would attract more members and I don't want to have to log in just to read which I tend to do with short breaks doing what ever.

Should add I just found out why and get it. Hopefully there's a way to casually read down the road.

Many sites are now using 'Are you human check box or check off the picture boxes'. I see why.

 

[Medusa]

I am very comfortable with non-logged-in peeps not being able to read the posts. It's fine with me if we keep it that way.

 

[Sunkist]

I'm ok with anything Matrix needs to do to keep this forum up & running.. and keeping spammers, bots, fakes, out.

 

[StarSong]

I am very comfortable with non-logged-in peeps not being able to read the posts. It's fine with me if we keep it that way.

Problem is, this site can't handle the massive traffic of all the bots, scrapers and AI. There's no way to distinguish them from lurkers. Check out Matrix's post #35 on this thread to see what he's up against.

 

[Medusa]

Problem is, this site can't handle the massive traffic of all the bots, scrapers and AI. There's no way to distinguish them from lurkers. Check out Matrix's post #35 on this thread to see what he's up against.

I know, Star, that's part of why I'm in favor of what Matrix has done to help circumvent that problem.

 

[StarSong]

I know, Star, that's part of why I'm in favor of what Matrix has done to help circumvent that problem.

Gotcha. When I read your comment, I didn't see the word "not." Sorry about that!

 

[Sunkist]

Is it only my impression or has there been a BIG increase in 'new members' (whether legitimate or not) recently?

 

[MarciKS]

Is it only my impression or has there been a BIG increase in 'new members' (whether legitimate or not) recently?

Yes. Some today because they were here before but just reading in guest mode. And some I think may have come from forums elsewhere that have closed down.

 

[Medusa]

Is it only my impression or has there been a BIG increase in 'new members' (whether legitimate or not) recently?

Not sure, but I did find it interesting that we've had two new members today that were previous lurkers. And they are welcome.

 

[Medusa]

And some I think may have come from forums elsewhere that have closed down.

Oh, I hadn't thought about that, Marci. Matrix did mention other small forums having to shut down. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to keep this one on the smaller side.

 

[MarciKS]

Oh, I hadn't thought about that, Marci. Matrix did mention other small forums having to shut down. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to keep this one on the smaller side.

Depends. You never know when your next friend might register.

 

[Medusa]

Depends. You never know when your next friend might register.

True, and I generally have that type of approach to openness as well. But if keeping the site open to lurkers could potentially, eventually cause it to close as others have done, I'll opt for not risking it.

 

[January]

LOL it appears to have brought the long term lurkers out into the crowd.

And we were worried about getting new members. Pshhhh!

yes but that is short term - lurkers who could read everything now log in to join, that is good.

but after that?

 

[GoodEnuff]

This morning, it appears we are back to normal. Was able to read everything without logging in. It doesn't matter to me either way but I will oftentimes come to the site to see what's going on with just a quick look.

@Matrix must do what they think is right. I respect that and will work within the structure, however it may be.

 

[LadyEmeraude]

This morning, it appears we are back to normal. Was able to read everything without logging in. It doesn't matter to me either way but I will oftentimes come to the site to see what's going on with just a quick look.

@Matrix must do what they think is right. I respect that and will work within the structure, however it may be.

Back to normal for me also.

 

[Trila]

I just stumbled onto this thread. I wasn't aware of the change, but it's good to know.

I have occasionally encouraged my friends to browse around in SF, hoping that they would get interested and join. Oh well, I guess they'll just have to take my word for it when I tell them how great the SF members are!

 

[Matrix]

This morning, it appears we are back to normal. Was able to read everything without logging in. It doesn't matter to me either way but I will oftentimes come to the site to see what's going on with just a quick look.

@Matrix must do what they think is right. I respect that and will work within the structure, however it may be.

It will be on and off based on bot activity level, until it's permanently off someday.