Is board viewable only by members?

[GeorgeK]

I tried to browse DNForum from one of my other computers, without logging in. When I went to view topics, though, every forum was blank ("no threads in the past 60 days"). Thus, must one be a board member and logged in to read it?

Removing that restriction might bring in lots of new users, as they can browse the board without joining, and see it's a good place with valuable content.

Also, all the posts would appear in Google, too (unless one adds a robot.txt), which would have both advantages/disadvantages..... more bandwidth cost when the site is crawled, but then lots more pageviews, as folks using Google will find posts when doing searches. The site's Pagerank would grow substantially if all posts were indexed.

[system0]

yeah se rankings should improve if the restriction is removed

presently though, a lot of members post email addresses etc in threads and these wouldnt be as safe with the board open to any individual

[GeorgeK]

True, more spam, although I already get a lot of spam....when the DNSO GA board was made readable in Google, all posts were indexed, and that probably helped my personal Google pagerank, as every link at the bottom of my postings would count a little.

Some folks might be worried about the privacy aspect, of having all their posts in Google.....makes it easier for enemies to find them. Although, also makes it easier for friends to find them.... since the board is public (anyone can sign up), there's not really an expectation of huge privacy.

[system0]

yeah i agree with you there
i think its better not to publically display emails etc anyways - just to be o the safe side

[Banned: CoolHost.com]

Thanks for posting here, GeorgeK. I was VERY concerned about accessing the site, problems, etc.
Your comment, "Removing that restriction might bring in lots of new users, as they can browse the board without joining, and see it's a good place with valuable content." should very seriously be considered. Otherwise, HOW would folks (including potential buyers) be able to browse the site (as non-members)??
Good stuff. Good Luck.

[Ciqala]

i don't know if the non-member restriction is in place but it certainly helps in places like the available names threads where anyone who finds the site can register a name without even joining the forum which means that the user posting the names is not rewarded and the forum hasn't actually gained anything.

[DomainPairs]

With regard to spam

Surely all members must own domains and should therefore have an email address associated with it. Publishing an email address is dangerous and not needed. Just write to the member at his domain.