The Apple Blog

Coda · 03-25-2008

I forgot to log in to the forum (new thinkpad, doesn't have my ID's saved yet), and I'm checking up on new posts on TAB.... then, I get a message telling me that I have browsed the maximum amount of posts without logging in, or something to that affect. It's the first time I ever saw that on ANY forum (that wasn't private). What's this about? Is TAB charged by the byte for hosting or something, or is it a mis-guided attempt at signing up new users?

**Shpigford** · 03-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coda

I forgot to log in to the forum (new thinkpad, doesn't have my ID's saved yet), and I'm checking up on new posts on TAB.... then, I get a message telling me that I have browsed the maximum amount of posts without logging in, or something to that affect. It's the first time I ever saw that on ANY forum (that wasn't private). What's this about? Is TAB charged by the byte for hosting or something, or is it a mis-guided attempt at signing up new users?

Just something we're trying out to get folks more involved. We like people getting involved with the community instead of being a habitual bystander. Doing that is a nudge in that direction.

So far there really hasn't been much negative feedback (in fact this is the first). Obviously if the majority of people dislike it, I'll be glad to turn it off.

J Walk · 03-25-2008

I can see how it is a bit annoying, especially to visitors. If someone comes from a Google search and relates to a particular issue, they are likely to browse the forums for a short while. If they reach the maximum viewing amount, they are more likely to leave the website than join.

houltmac · 03-26-2008

Some forums I visit also employ the opposite approach; allowing visitor comments. While some people think their anonymity will allow them to post whatever they want the overall benefit it huge. A casual user (such as one directed from a Google search) will often post updates, feedback or really well thought out responses. Overall, from what I have seen, it's been a net positive.

**Yuiichi** · 03-26-2008

I can see the same problem that J Walk describes happening. Personally, if I just came from google searching for answers and it asks me to register, I'm sooner to leave than to actually register. And even if I did register, it would only be to see more of the posts, probably not to come back. This also becomes a problem for the "complain and we'll fix it" strategy, as many users wouldn't stick around long enough to complain.

However, Matt's suggestion of open anonymous comments... well, I can see a lot of problem with spam. We already get a fair amount of spam and these bots have to actually register. If they could just do it anonymously, I think we would see much more spam on the boards.

Whatever you think is best for your site Josh!

**Shpigford** · 03-26-2008

For those who haven't "experienced" this on the forums yet...it's not a closed forum that requires you to register to view posts. It makes you register after you have viewed 10 different threads.

Either way, I've disabled the "feature."

houltmac · 03-26-2008

Just for the record, I wasn't saying I didn't like the idea, simply stating an opposite approach that I have also seen work. I think that spam is an issue no matter what you do, as are the leeches and so on. There really isn't an answer in my book, but I think it's good to discuss these kinds of things as it can lead to innovative ideas.

lonnie · 03-26-2008

I like the idea. 10 threads is more than enough to decide if this forum is helpful to a new user.

03-25-2008	#3 (permalink)
J Walk Personal Shopping Specialist Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 315	I can see how it is a bit annoying, especially to visitors. If someone comes from a Google search and relates to a particular issue, they are likely to browse the forums for a short while. If they reach the maximum viewing amount, they are more likely to leave the website than join. __________________ MacBook Black 2.2GHz \| 1st Gen iPhone

03-26-2008	#4 (permalink)
houltmac Creative Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,222	Some forums I visit also employ the opposite approach; allowing visitor comments. While some people think their anonymity will allow them to post whatever they want the overall benefit it huge. A casual user (such as one directed from a Google search) will often post updates, feedback or really well thought out responses. Overall, from what I have seen, it's been a net positive. __________________ Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/houltmac Read my blog: houltmac.com

03-26-2008	#5 (permalink)
Yuiichi Assistant Store Manager Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,168	I can see the same problem that J Walk describes happening. Personally, if I just came from google searching for answers and it asks me to register, I'm sooner to leave than to actually register. And even if I did register, it would only be to see more of the posts, probably not to come back. This also becomes a problem for the "complain and we'll fix it" strategy, as many users wouldn't stick around long enough to complain. However, Matt's suggestion of open anonymous comments... well, I can see a lot of problem with spam. We already get a fair amount of spam and these bots have to actually register. If they could just do it anonymously, I think we would see much more spam on the boards. Whatever you think is best for your site Josh! __________________ My Mac(s): MacBook, white - 2.0 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 80 GB HDD therewascake. - my personal blog. The Pike Chronicle - a daily log of life.

03-26-2008	#6 (permalink)
Shpigford Store Manager Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 384	For those who haven't "experienced" this on the forums yet...it's not a closed forum that requires you to register to view posts. It makes you register after you have viewed 10 different threads. Either way, I've disabled the "feature." __________________ Josh Pigford Editor of TheAppleBlog 15" 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Unibody MacBook Pro - 4GB RAM TrackThePack - PugSpot

03-26-2008	#7 (permalink)
houltmac Creative Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 1,222	Just for the record, I wasn't saying I didn't like the idea, simply stating an opposite approach that I have also seen work. I think that spam is an issue no matter what you do, as are the leeches and so on. There really isn't an answer in my book, but I think it's good to discuss these kinds of things as it can lead to innovative ideas. __________________ Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/houltmac Read my blog: houltmac.com

03-25-2008	#1 (permalink)
Coda Inventory Control Specialist Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 65	I forgot to log in to the forum (new thinkpad, doesn't have my ID's saved yet), and I'm checking up on new posts on TAB.... then, I get a message telling me that I have browsed the maximum amount of posts without logging in, or something to that affect. It's the first time I ever saw that on ANY forum (that wasn't private). What's this about? Is TAB charged by the byte for hosting or something, or is it a mis-guided attempt at signing up new users?

03-26-2008	#8 (permalink)
lonnie Personal Shopping Specialist Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: -TeXaS- Posts: 292	I like the idea. 10 threads is more than enough to decide if this forum is helpful to a new user. __________________ 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 20" new slim black back iMac with 4 GB RAM \| McKinleyBrown

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