I second Kex's point. Have a forum where guests can post and block them from everything else. Then the desperate or technologically challenged would be able to get quick answers and the other areas would be more secure.

I had to join to post a problem but, although I can see your point, it would have been easier if I, as a guest, submitted my post via a mod or admin go between. I run two forums and both are sealed against guests due to excessive spamming. Incontinent kids with acne who have nothing better to do! I voted yes, but with restrictions.

I can help you with those spammers.
I just chased them away from a few forums. ;]

I think if they are genuinely in need for help give them an opportunity, but if they are just spamming then put special rules in place. However, registering a user name is simple and of course is free, until you are banned from using the forum.

guests to post or not?
 

no they should not. how can we trase the troll otherwise?

The last 5-6 unregistered users to post on these forums were all spammers. Spammers are a part of today's world unfortunately. And there's more & more of them all the time. They will try to use & abuse any form of communication network that they can get into.

I say no ,it takes 2 minutes to register.If you have a prob and want advice you will.Hello by the way

I say no to the idea of letting guests post, since I agree with the fact that too many "trolls" have posted too much crap on the forums (not just here, mind you, in ALL forums I've been in). While the idea of having a guest area on the forum MIGHT be a good idea (like any good idea), it CAN be abused/misused by people who have too much time on their hands and want nothing more than to cause trouble for those who genuinely need help. I've read numerous posts by people who supposedly wanted help, but instead got what they claimed was no help at all. I say those folks shouldn't even bother posting in a forum if they're not going to be the least bit nice about it.

:Smilywais: I began as a "Guest", and the reason I registered was the patience, and knowledge of the moderators, guests, etc. Also, the information in the forums (I learned a lot of new things about bitzi, junk filters, etc., yesterday by cruising the forums) , there is always so much to learn, and it is by browsing. If people are abusing this fine median to the extent of which I am reading, and the problems caused by these "spammers", I vote NO.

I am totally new to this and I have a lime wire problem.....my problem is this..I can find the forum about my problem, but I don't know the basics about making a post.....how do I post my problem so that I can get responses...I see some great ideas, but would like to throw my problem out there and start geting replies to my question....thanx in advance