For one thing, that makes it possible for providers to participate without having to pay $20 a month. I realize some guys would prefer that they not participate. However, I welcome their participation. They are part of the community. And we wouldn't have a hobby without the providers.
Also, I was a lurker and then a newbie once upon a time, before I got more involved as a VIP. Everyone has to start somewhere. Having the boards public opens the gate, rather than shutting it on new people.
TER PM is sort of a VIP member channel. I think that's sufficient.
There you have it: No Questions, Just Answers.
Has there ever been any thought of having a "VIP members only" discussion forum so we do not have to scroll through posted requests from non members looking for free info on providers, or just waste of time postings like the last 3 from NoAnswersJustQuestions.
Wow, aren't we feeling a little full of ourselves today?
Those questions were posed by a VIP member. The chat rooms, except TER Lounge, are for VIP members only. 
I like the discussion boards being public, but I am open to suggestions. Anyone else have an opinion on this?
-- Modified on 1/8/2003 4:49:44 PM
How about a way to filter the thread.
I'd like to check a box, and filter out any thread's that were started by a non-VIP.
How about the reverse of the chat rooms where all are vu\ip except lounge.
Why not all public except one for vip only.
For one thing, that makes it possible for providers to participate without having to pay $20 a month. I realize some guys would prefer that they not participate. However, I welcome their participation. They are part of the community. And we wouldn't have a hobby without the providers.
Also, I was a lurker and then a newbie once upon a time, before I got more involved as a VIP. Everyone has to start somewhere. Having the boards public opens the gate, rather than shutting it on new people.
TER PM is sort of a VIP member channel. I think that's sufficient.
There you have it: No Questions, Just Answers.
First of all, Providers have to pay their $20 to see reviews in full, etc.anyway so Hobbyists aren't the only ones, many of us are VIP's too, but that isn't relevant to this issue. But why couldn't we have a special VIP only Board instead of the MailBag one.?? I never see anything new there anyway....Just a thought....Robyn
if only so I could know whether or not I'm wasting my time waiting for an answer to a PM.
Based on his answers to past questions, I think that STAFF doesn't want to call attention or differentiate between VIP and Basic members.
Just my opinion...
thirsty
Very true thirsty. I think the boards should be a place where everyone has a chance to express themselves, VIP or NOT. Hopefully, as Non-VIP's read them, they will join the rest of you. (VIP's)
-- Staff
Would VIP members having a different color indicating they can be PM'd help?
That and similar suggestions have been made. For the reason that I indicated, STAFF doesn't want to do it.
thirsty
I think it is hoped that non-members who see they are getting mail that they cannot access will then want to become a VIP. I do agree though, being able to tell who is and isn't a VIP would be convenient.