I think that requiring people to register and the disclaimer used may have killed the joy of posting anonymously.  I know that not everything that was said was bashing or untrue yet people wanted to lable it as such.  Perhaps people feel more comfortable stating opinions and facts without the threat of being band for the board.  I recall how subjects were closed for some and left open for others (gyms/owners).  So, yes, I think people are avoiding posting and would rather just read the comments.  There are other sights that provide more of an anonymous way of posting without the obvious closings of subjects that this board has done in the past.  If the subjects were closed for some I would guess that people that posts comments against those same topices (gyms) will be band also.  Even going to this type of format has sent a message that not all opinions, right or wrong, are accepted.  Afterall, who is to determine what is truth accept the person writing the post.  Often, I have found, the truth hurts and that person is then labled as a basher, etc to discredit them.  Everyone then follows that line of thinking.  I know that I have stated a fact not too long ago about my own gym and people from my own gym or their "friends" argued that it wasn't happening.  I wasn't bashing, I was telling everyone to watch out... we've been working hard but people took it as bashing and then started denying.  Sad... really. 

I believe that it would be good to not be one sided and allow people to speak/post freely unless it is obvious that the comments are meant to be rude.  Not to allow a few people and their agendas to rule your board and demand closing of subjects when the kitchen gets too hot.  Sometimes when there's smoke there really is fire.   People need to have a comfort zone and after reading not only "positive" but constructive comments as well, will they feel it is OK to posts.  It is a good thing to monitor but monitor fairly across the board; subjects and those who post about the subjects. 

Ultimately, people will sign up.  I wouldn't worry too much.

Just wait till another competition date gets close and the chatter will pick up.

Love the board.  Don't worry after the holidays and competitions start up again it will pick up.

Lucky Lou wrote:

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 "the joy of posting anonymously.  "  For some people that "joy" was more like evil glee.   It's too bad dirty laundry is so popular. 

Danny, I understand where you're coming from.  I don't know what to say.  Do we want the nastiness which comes with an open forum, or do we want some control set so people think twice before they post things that will ultimately be read by us and our children? 

I saw another board practically die after they required registration. There was outright libel and slander going on, under the mask of anonymity, and that has ceased.  Now, people are wishing each other Happy Holidays and carefully phrasing their opinions.  But the volume of posts is way down.

 

I agree with Lucky Lou......Do we really want to read the "Nasty" stuff???  I'm from So Cal (Location, not team) and I quit reading Cheergyms.com because of the meaness of people.  So I just stuck to reading PRox.......If someone gets down right nasty on that board, you have some experienced caring people that can use "Logic" to educate those negative people.  If requiring people to register helps hold people accountable for thier words and actions, then so be it.  I'd rather read "Happy Holidays" than "F**k off"!! anyday.....inspite of "Freedom of Speech", which I totally believe in.....Does "Freedom Of Speech" give you the right to hurt people by being down right nasty and mean ??? I think not!!

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Cheerforcecoach:

Didn't realize we could use signatures over here.  Thanks for showing the way!

Danny wrote:

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awwwww man. Now I gotta get a cool signature banner. Where did you guys make yours?

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I gave a couple of ACE t shirts to a kid with another gym.  He and his friend made them.

I'm not that good.