Lurker-free period

Postby **Pastor Gary** » August 16th, 2004, 7:49 pm

Since we are experimenting a bit here, it has been suggested that we initiate a "lurker-free" period of, say, a week to 10 days. During that time the entire Jude2 would be set so that the only way one could read anything would be to be a registered, logged-in participant.

The idea, I think, is to see if it would draw some lurkers out of the shadows and cause them to actually log in. The downside would be that we have LOTS of lurkers who read here, and some might just go away and not come back... I'd hate that, because IP traces of some lurkers tell me that they are from areas that desperately need to read the differing perspectives found here.

So what do you think, gang?

Vote on it, and --if you'd like-- elaborate in a post to this thread.

MacUser · Postby **MacUser** » August 16th, 2004, 8:09 pm

Keep it open is my vote.

Sherry · Postby **Sherry** » August 16th, 2004, 8:13 pm

I voted Yes...time to come out of the shadows folks!! :wink:

The Martins · Postby **The Martins** » August 17th, 2004, 10:19 am

I voted yes, but I fear some lurkers will no longer lurk. Especially if they're the "Cleveland type."

Postby **Shellie** » August 17th, 2004, 10:48 am

I vote to let them lurk.

I don't think closing it to the existing lurkers will spur them into posting. I think it will make them go away.

It has taken us close to 100 years to get rid of that exclusivity thing...........let's not go back there. :lol:

Mole_J · Postby **Mole_J** » August 17th, 2004, 10:56 am

I think keep it open. I think any message board there will be lurkers that will not register and if it is closed to them they may just leave and go lurk on another board.

Paully_44 · Postby **Paully_44** » August 17th, 2004, 11:02 am

I say keep it wide open for those who want to stop by to read the posts.

But if they want to post or respond, definately have'em sign up.

Blended · Postby **Blended** » August 17th, 2004, 11:17 am

There are some cases where to post under your own name would be detriminal(sp?) to your ministry or position in the church.

And those who have good intentions but don't voice an oppinion.

Yes there are some who "spy out our liberty" but we can handle them I think>

leave it open

Joey · Postby **Joey** » August 17th, 2004, 11:26 am

Not now ...I think you messed that up by telling the "plan" in advance what you were thinking about doing. If you would have just done it, it might have worked....but the lurkers (who know about it now and wanted to stay anonymous) would just wait the period out.

EagerBeaver · Postby **EagerBeaver** » August 17th, 2004, 11:44 am

A lurker-free period will only turn people away from your site. If they don't register already, they aren't going to by having a lurker-free time. And even if they do register, they'll go back to lurking as soon as they are allowed to.

Jan · Postby **Jan** » August 17th, 2004, 11:47 am

From my experience on other boards, I don't see this as an effective tool to get people to register. Perhaps there's anothe rincentive to draw out the lurkers . . . maybe we could brainstorm along those lines!

Just a thought . . .

Blessings,
Jan

Joey · Postby **Joey** » August 17th, 2004, 12:55 pm

Good idea Jan,
We could offer them 1 free "get out of the slammer" card....for when they are getting beat up.

Ilovebigcats · Postby **Ilovebigcats** » August 17th, 2004, 12:57 pm

HEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY! Not fair! I don't get one!

They should have to work for it.... Like eat souse with Gerald to win immunity from an attack.

Mike Vande · Postby **Mike Vande** » August 17th, 2004, 2:24 pm

I don't know if it will have the intended effect or not, but I doubt it will turn anyone away for long; J2 kinda gets into your blood, ya know? It's okay with me if you do, I don't think it will cause any permanent harm. For these reasons, I voted maybe.

Vande

ImaPK · Postby **ImaPK** » August 17th, 2004, 2:30 pm

I agree with what Shellie said :shock:

Jude 2