[spiritual_emergency]

A friend has recently joined the site but was surprised to see any posts they made were held for review by the moderators before publishing. We both understand why this kind of policy might be in place for a new member but I've reviewed the community guidelines and can't find any information that specifically addresses what those limitations are or how long they last.

Also, if they like the site, I'm hopeful they might join one of more of the social groups. As a new member, that doesn't seem to be an option. How long would someone have to be a member before they can join a social group? Is it determined by number of posts they have made? Their length of time as a member?

Could a moderator/admin please advise me what the rules and guidelines are for newcomers in regard to posting messages, sending private messages to other members and joining social groups.

Thank you.

.

[sabby]

Let me try to answer your questions

When a new member joins they are automatically in moderation for their first 5 posts. Those posts will be released when a mod/admin for the forum the posts are written in are online and able to release them. Unfortunately it may take awhile before they are released. If the 5th post has not been released yet, any subsequent posts will also fall into moderation as well. I hope that makes sense.

Until the 5 posts have been passed through moderation, a new member cannot pm anyone except a mod/admin, cannot join chat, nor can they join a social group. Once they have had their 5 posts passed, they can then do all those things. Please keep in mind that sometimes the servers may be a bit slow in recognizing a new members 5 post status and give it a bit of time if need be before telling a team member of any issues with joining chat or social groups.

I hope this clears up the mystery


sabby

[spiritual_emergency]

Thanks sabby. I'll pass that on.

~ Namaste

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[lajones81]

Ah, got it now!

[Rain76]

Thanks for explaining this... Wish we could go into chat though before 5 posts... But can understand in some ways

[DocJohn]

PS - The information about the 5 posts limit is listed in the community guidelines when they join. Assuming they've read what they agreed to when they joined, they should see it there:

Please Note: New members' posts are moderated to help reduce spam in our forums. That means you may not see your new post show up immediately until reviewed by a moderator.

We haven't listed the number on purpose, as we don't want a human spammer to know exactly how many posts they need approved before they have free reign. Spam is a huge problem in running forums, and the fact that you see virtually zero such spam here is a testament to the procedures we've put in place.

DocJohn

[Medeo]

I'm a new member, thanks for clarifying.

[Fury]

Wow I just came back and everything's different!! I missed this place!

[cathylee]

Originally Posted by DocJohn

PS - The information about the 5 posts limit is listed in the community guidelines when they join. Assuming they've read what they agreed to when they joined, they should see it there:

We haven't listed the number on purpose, as we don't want a human spammer to know exactly how many posts they need approved before they have free reign. Spam is a huge problem in running forums, and the fact that you see virtually zero such spam here is a testament to the procedures we've put in place.

DocJohn

Thanks for answering the questions!

[LaborIntensive]

I am sure the forum software allows for an email to be sent out to new members. It may be a good idea if this statement as well as the rules outline are mailed to all new membership.

[sabby]

A Welcome pm from DocJohn is delivered to each new member explaining that their first few posts are moderated and won't show up immediately.

[BeaFlower]

But if I PM a member who hasn't 5 posts yet can he receive my message?

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by BeaFlower

But if I PM a member who hasn't 5 posts yet can he receive my message?

Yes, but he won't be able to reply yet.