A Gardeners Forum Forums Members History Forum Life 2007 Tough love!

Today I instituted a few changes to protect our members and the integrity of our forum. These changes aren't meant to make it harder to become a member here, they are only for the purpose of protecting anyone who decides that they want to be here!

All new registrants will have their email address validated by means of sending their computer generated password to the listed email. They can change it once they log in.
Existing members will have to go through the same thing if they want to change their email addy on their profile.
At the very least, this change will provide me a better path to follow so I can persue legal measures against the pirates, twitlets, mud and scumbags who think they can disrupt the peace we seek in OUR corner of the net!
It will be a pain for new registrants and I apologize, but I'm sure it will cut down on the amount of pondscum getting in here.
Profiles with obviously ficticious information will be promptly deleted!

If you ever notice anyone who got through our screens, PLEASE, immediately click the alarm link below each post, so we can make sure you are safe and secure here, at your "other" home!

Bill, I think that the new registration requirements that you've implemented was a very wise decision. I understand that making such an inevitable move may have been difficult for you to have to resort to, but I want you to know that I, for one, am 100% behind you in this ...& whatever future decisions & policy changes you need to enforce, for the continued success of this site!

I would imagine that the reality of why decent people join this site will never change. That, being because they've cruised through our pages & have seen some valuable information within a topic that they wanted to thank someone for, or saw something to contribute to, AND had picked up on the warm hospitality, friendliness & eagerness to help & share that's available here... (enough to make anyone want to be a part of this terrific family!)

I'm sure that the new folks won't consider the registration process "a pain"! (I KNOW that I wouldn't have! I didn't join up the very first time I came here, but after just a few observation sessions, I KNEW that I wanted to be a part of this place, & I wouldn't have cared what it required to join.)

Heck, I've joined Web sites in the past that seemed to have pages upon pages of ridiculous questions to fill out, to become a member... Then, had to wait an inordinate amount of time before my membership application was responded to & accepted! It doesn't sound as though obtaining a membership here is going to entail anything as pressurized (or as insincere) as that, so I have no fear that people won't continue to join, & to grow with us!

I'm sorry that there are trouble makers on the Web who seem to have no other purpose in life but to make things uncomfortable for other people! I don't understand it, but I know they DO exist & they DO seem to aim for the very few decent places that are available. The efforts (with apparent success) put forth by you and by our Hostesses, to truly make this a comfortable & secure place for us all, are deeply appreciated by each & every one of us, I'm sure.

I'm certain that we all stand behind you, & wish you continued success with this wonderful place where we can come to learn, care & share.... with love. (Please don't ever feel that you need to apologize for doing what must be done to insure our safety & protect our integrity as a whole, thus making our "other" home a true comfort zone). THANK YOU!

Bill ~

I'm sure this was a tough decision for you, but I agree with your new policy.

I have also joined other web sites that had such a requirement and it never seemed like a big deal to me, so people who genuinely want to be members probably won't object, either.

Wishing you all the best as you continue to seek the best for The GH and all of it's members,

Merme

Like the new policy Bill! Thanks for the added layer of protection!

Bill,

i am behind you 100% in your changes, its unfortunate that you had to do this, but if it weeds out the "jerks" who like to cause problems, well then... i say Bravo Bill.
I have edited my own post because those arent my chosen words, but unlike those who are the trouble makers, i care about the members of this place, and abide by the rules!
Again....Bravo Bill!!!

Hi Bill, I'm a newbie as of yesterday, and the e-mail confirmation was not a hassle at all, actually, it was expected!

Hi Bill, Anything that is required to make this a safe and secure place is applauded by me. Do what you have to do and take care. Sue.

Most of the sites I have joined have this requirement. I don't mind but I'm a legitimate friend/member. Good going, Bill.

This will make me sleep much better at night.

Thank you, Bill!

I think it's a great idea!!!!

Seems like many sites require email validation anymore, and that's fine with me.....I don't think it's a hassle at all!

Anything to keep us safer!

I agree with all above - not a hassle at all.
And anything that will keep this place as safe and sound as it should be is
"a good thing"!

Bill sounds very good to me. Like stated above I have been through the verifacation on other sites not a problem. Tempted to change my E-Mail addy just incase some got the one I use.