Private Forum?

[Don Wassall]

I've been thinking about adding a private forum for posters with at least 500 posts (CF Mentor) or 1,000 posts (CF Master level). The idea would be to reward time-proven contributors with their own place, free from lurkers, and would give newbies some incentive to keep posting to gain access to it.

Do you think it's worthwhile to try? I'm not sure that what we would discuss would be any different than what's already being talked about on the board. In other words would it "catch on"? Maybe it would be kind of a second Happy Hour forum to hang out on.

I've seen different boards that have private forums. The good ones always seem kind of mysterious, something to aspire to gain access to. Do you think one would work here? Good idea or not? I don't know how to set one up but I'll find out if there's enough interest.

 

[Bronk]

I like the idea. The resident Illuminati need a place to plot evil doings away from prying eyes.

 

[Colonel_Reb]

Don, I'm for it! I've been privy to one "insider" board, and it was pretty cool. I think how the main board functions in terms of information, friendliness, interest, etc. will drive the desire to be in the private forum. The veteran poster idea is a good one, imo. I've been on a couple of boards that had private forums that I wanted no part of, just because the mods on the main board were jackasses. Some boards are so unfriendly that people spend years lurking or they register without ever posting.

 

[DixieDestroyer]

Sounds like a good idea Don.

 

[whiteathlete33]

Great idea! I think it would take some of the edge off.

 

[Don Wassall]

Great idea! I think it would take some of the edge off.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

 

[whiteathlete33]

I'm not sure what you mean by that.

Some of the fights between members.

 

[Don Wassall]

I think the posters here are civil the vast majority of the time, especially considering the subject matter and how frustrating the Caste System can be. I've lurked on some forums that are filled with arguing and flaming.

 

[whiteathlete33]

I think the posters here are civil the vast majority of the time, especially considering the subject matter and how frustrating the Caste System can be. I've lurked on some forums that are filled with arguing and flaming.

I understand Don. I apologize if I have offended you or anyone else. I'm referring to some of the newer posters.

 

[Don Wassall]

I'm not offended, just wasn't sure what you meant.

There hasn't been a lot of response, maybe it's premature to start a private forum right now, closer to football season might be better. . .

 

[jaxvid]

I like the idea but am worried that there is not enough posting in the regular forum to sustain it if a chunk of posts become "off limits" to new or potential members.

 

[backrow]

I like the idea but am worried that there is not enough posting in the regular forum to sustain it if a chunk of posts become "off limits" to new or potential members.

that's my concern as well.

 

[Jimmy Chitwood]

good points, jaxvid and backrow.

in order to limit those concerns, i think a private forum could be used for more personal, non-sports-related topics. (one area i'm especially interested in learning more about is self-reliance/self-sufficiency or "prepping", for example.) that way we'd not take away posts from the primary purpose of the forum, and we'd be able to address the one "negative" issue i've noticed on the site.

i've mentioned this to the bare handful of posters here at CF with whom i've communicated directly, but the seeming lack of a "community" amongst the posters here, at least in my perception, is something we could improve. in all my years on the forum, i've only spoken to a mere few posters personally via private message and even fewer on the phone or via email. the only CFer i've ever met in person is Colonel Reb, who is a very knowledgable, interesting guy.

of course, it could just be that i'm hard to get along with, but i think a lot of posters here are concerned their non-politically-correct views could be held against them in their professional lives should they be revealed. perhaps that is a legitimate point, but a private forum could maybe circumvent that issue. and we could maybe build stronger relationships with our peers, because i feel that in the coming darker days of the crumbling USA we'll need one another.

just my two cents.

 

[Carolina Speed]

I'm not offended, just wasn't sure what you meant.

There hasn't been a lot of response, maybe it's premature to start a private forum right now, closer to football season might be better. . .

Don, Sorry I haven't responded yet. I have been really busy with the family. I have been thinking about it from a relative new member stand point. I like the idea and JC made some good points also.

I have PM'd only a few members also, for advice and also to pass along things I am learning, especially on the topic of high school football and college recruiting. I am heavily involved there at this time and am learning alot about the process. From that point, if there is a private forum, I feel I may be able to help future parents of white athletes.

But then it comes down to trust. Some may be hesitant to talk about their kids for fear of being exposed. I battle this alot.

I've always wondered what it would be like to know many of the members personally or even meet one another! I think it would be great to meet ya'll.

To put it in JC's words I think we're going to need one another.

Don; JC, how do we make it happen? I'm not sure, but it would be interesting!

This may be going too far, but if we could actually know each other better, it would be great!

 

[Menelik]

Sounds like a good idea to me. I try to stay logged on continuously so visitors won't think this is a "ghost" site.

 

[Westside]

Don, Sorry I haven't responded yet. I have been really busy with the family. I have been thinking about it from a relative new member stand point. I like the idea and JC made some good points also.

I have PM'd only a few members also, for advice and also to pass along things I am learning, especially on the topic of high school football and college recruiting. I am heavily involved there at this time and am learning alot about the process. From that point, if there is a private forum, I feel I may be able to help future parents of white athletes.

But then it comes down to trust. Some may be hesitant to talk about their kids for fear of being exposed. I battle this alot.

I've always wondered what it would be like to know many of the members personally or even meet one another! I think it would be great to meet ya'll.

To put it in JC's words I think we're going to need one another.

Don; JC, how do we make it happen? I'm not sure, but it would be interesting!

This may be going too far, but if we could actually know each other better, it would be great!

Carolina Speed , I have always wondered to about meeting up and talking face to face with the members here. I think it would be great. Perhaps in Vegas. Rent out a meeting hall at a respectable casino. Have a couple of distinguished speakers including Don. A buffet afterwards. Discount tickets to a show and lots of beer for us beer drinkers.

 

[screamingeagle]

I am willing to give it a try. I am not sure how active I can get. I have been very busy at work.