LOL, ok guys you all know that I'm all for pointing people to the rules, but the OP is asking a question regarding what are the actual restrictions that were put in place for new members.
So let's give the OP a break, it really is somewhat a worthwhile question.
These are the automated restrictions that were put in place a couple months ago in an effort to combat spammers and scammers. The newbie members and regular members have been dealing with them but I haven't seen any updates in the Forum Rules explaining them. Just a few answers in threads by admins and mods when a new member asks about it.
The Forum Rules list what are the prohibited topics on bhw, but it doesn't go into how many posts you need before you can pm, or when can you posts a new thread, or when can you post a link, or when can you use certain words. That information isn't actually listed anywhere as far as I know. The best you can do is learn by reading through other threads to see what new members are complaining about and what the mods and admins have had to say about it.
This is the best I've been able to figure out how it seems to be working right now. This is just from observation of what I've read in other threads. Things were much less restrictive when I joined so I haven't had any first hand experience other that the main filters that affect all of us. Maybe an admin or mod will come in later and correct any errors in this list.
OK, here we go...
- You need 15 quality posts before you can use pm, you can't open a new thread, and there are pretty restrictive conditions on what you can include in your posts. Even after you have 15 posts there are still some more restrictions on what you can post as long as your a Newbie member.
- Once you have 50 quality posts you become a regular member. It seems that once your a regular member the restrictions are less strict, but still in place.
- After you have 100 quality posts you become a junior member and most of the restrictions are gone. The ones that are left are filters in place for pretty much all members regardless of status.
The specific list the OP is asking about what will be allowed or filtered isn't listed anywhere, so the best advice is to just pay attention when the system gives you a warning. Follow the guidlines given in the warning and try to make quality posts. If you actually participate in the forums and make quality posts then the restrictions will become less strict over time.
Just try to determine if you're violating one of the forum rules or not. If so then the system just helped you out, if not then the system is just trying to prevent spammers and scammers from abusing the forum. It's inconvenient but just try to reword what your wanting to say. After you've been a participating member by making enough worthwhile posts then the system will become less restrictive.
Now there are a couple things that need to be clarified.
- A "participating member" means you are making quality posts. Either asking specific questions pertaining to the topic of a thread, or offering suggestions or information that will add value to the thread.
- A "quality post" means a post in one of the main forums in which posting will increase your post count. This would be most of the Main forums with the exception of Downloads. The other forums such as The Lounge, Introductions, Forum Suggestions, The Shit List, etc. don't coun't toward increasing your post count.
I've noticed a rash lately of what I call "short generic xrummer" type posts in a lot of threads. The replies could fit into any thread, somehow sound like a good post but don't actually say anything. It kinda sucks because those posts and "thanks for sharing" type posts really detract from the threads. I'm sure if people keep it up the mods will start addressing the issue more.
It isn't really that hard to make a decent post that adds some value to a thread. You only need to have 15 before you get a little more access to the forum features. If people would just make an attempt at contributing something then their post count really will just take care of itself.
Like I said, the forum rules outline what is definately prohibited, but doesn't actually include a list of the various posting restrictions and when the restrictions become less strict. But if you look for it you can get a good idea. Here are a few threads you can look through to get an idea what's expected when your making posts. They're a combination of threads made by mods and admins regarding posting additional explanations about the rules, and some other threads asking similar questions as you are that were answered by other members, mods, and admins.
Post Count Not Increasing?
I am going to start banning people doing the following.
Warning
Replying to aged threads to raise post count
Such strict posts....
I cant open new thread
hi guys i Can't Send PM
Can someone help me w/ BHW problem
Post count going down?
seems you have never posted!
unable to pm etc - posts dont increase.
BHW Post count error
My posts have disappeared
There are a lot more than just those, but since the question is mostly regarding the restrictions put in place recently so these few should help the OP a little.
