Would you prefer an open or closed forum?

[CGP]

Open forum = anyone can view the topics and posts without having to register or log in
(in an open forum, threads in the forum can be linked to from external websites)

Closed forum = only registered users can view the topics and posts and only after logging in
(in a closed forum, threads in the forum cannot be linked to from external websites)

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER & WHY?

[CGP]

Personally I am leaning towards a "closed" forum but I am open-minded depending on what people prefer...

[skc1976]

Personally, I prefer a "closed" forum too. Given how supporters of the opponent get, it's easier to monitor, I'm sure.

[CGP]

Personally, I prefer a "closed" forum too. Given how supporters of the opponent get, it's easier to monitor, I'm sure.

Noted! Thanks for your feedback!

[acelily81]

i think an open forum is better which allow people who are not sure which way to vote to be able to read opinions of Hillary supporters. I would require a registration to post. It would be helpful to those that want to be informed but are not yet committed to a side which is fine hopeful we can help them see why Hillary is the best candidate.

[CGP]

This was my original logic for having an open forum. I agree that having an open forum means that undecided voters who are surfing around may stumble across something of value in here and sway them to Hillary's side. That said, I am pretty realistic in that I don't think this little forum is going to have any impact on the election ;) Perhaps if I had set it up a few months ago and we had thousands of registered users than it may have been able to play a more useful role in helping to organize and mobilize supporters. But anway, this is where we are at...

I only closed the forum to registered users a couple of days after an influx of trouble from people at Democratic Underground! Which is basically Obama Undeground!

[realist]

If I get to a place where I have to register to view it and I'm not really into the place (yet), then I'm gone. So if you're trying to attract undecideds, it should be open. That being said, I guess you just need to monitor the traffic like you're doing and block out those unwanteds.

[bernie gagliano]

Open gets the word out to the world. Some folks are timid at first.

[CGP]

If I get to a place where I have to register to view it and I'm not really into the place (yet), then I'm gone. So if you're trying to attract undecideds, it should be open. That being said, I guess you just need to monitor the traffic like you're doing and block out those unwanteds.

Agreed. Open forum means you can try before buy! (well, it's free but you know what I mean)

[CGP]

Open gets the word out to the world. Some folks are timid at first.

Agreed.

[LetsHelpAmerica]

Open forum = anyone can view the topics and posts without having to register or log in

Closed forum = only registered users can view the topics and posts and only after logging in

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER & WHY?


After all the trouble on Hillary's official site, I am glad to have a place
that is protected, as much as possible, from Obama bloggers. However,
I do like the idea of an OPEN forum where anyone can read the material
posted here. I think this works very well to have it OPEN for reading and
CLOSED to posting unless registered.

[CGP]

After all the trouble on Hillary's official site, I am glad to have a place
that is protected, as much as possible, from Obama bloggers. However,
I do like the idea of an OPEN forum where anyone can read the material
posted here. I think this works very well to have it OPEN for reading and
CLOSED to posting unless registered.

Yes, it is OPEN to reading. CLOSED to posting unless registered. And DELETED/BANNED if posting anti-hillary/pro-obama propaganda.

[Renee in Florida]

Closed

[LetsHelpAmerica]

Closed

I have to say, it is mighty nice over here without those trolls!!!

[Carla]

I like open to view, register to post. My opinion stems from all abuse we took over at the HRC blog by Obama trolls.

[Renee in Florida]

Closed for viewing and posting unless you register!!!

If someone s too timid to register they are not true Hillary supporters in my opinion!

I feel that by allowing anyone to peruse we will allow Obama trolls to see our ideas know whats going on.

CLOSED to those CRETINs!!!

[SantaCruzen]

After battling with Trolls on the HillaryClinton.com site, I am not open to open forums. However, if you want to have an Open Forum Area where NewComers and Trolls can review and post, I am open to that. We can get previews of who is really working with our campaign momentum and who is here to trick us into tripping over ourselves.

[CGP]

What about the argument/theory that an open forum can play a more poweful role in promoting a cause to a wider audience because the ideas being discussed get wider exposure? A closed forum is more likely to attract committed supporters only and therefore receive less exposure. An open forum is likely to attract a wider viewer base which can help with "getting our message out". Also with a closed forum people can not externally link to specific threads in the forum which can again prevent transmission of our message/campaign.

Regardless, I can see pros/cons either way for both closed/open. I think it goes back what purpose people think the forum should serve. If it's to be a place soley for committed supporters to assemble and privately discuss ideas/campaign strategies, then a closed forum is best. If it's to be more than that, and if it's to be an avenue through which to distrubute the HC campaign strategy to the widest possible audience, then an open forum is best.

[CGP]

My concern about a "closed" forum is also that it "silences" our voices once more...Why should we be concerned about publicly sharing our views? The public NEEDS to hear and read the stuff in this forum given the amount of propaganda and misinformation that is out there currently in the media.

[UpstateNYRN]

I like an open format for those who want to read, but must register before posting. I have had enough of the trouble makers and like to spend some time with like minded spirits. I have begun turning all my nurse friends on to this site and have been encouraging them turn on, tune in and become involved. Just curious Murray, what is the significance to the colored dots after our names?
UpstateNYRN

[CGP]

I like an open format for those who want to read, but must register before posting. I have had enough of the trouble makers and like to spend some time with like minded spirits. I have begun turning all my nurse friends on to this site and have been encouraging them turn on, tune in and become involved. Just curious Murray, what is the significance to the colored dots after our names?
UpstateNYRN

I don't know!!! Someone asked me before and I didn't know the answer :confused:

[UpstateNYRN]

Murray,
I think I figured it out. When I point at it it says I am "invisible" for some reason. That must why mine shows up red. Yours (green) says you are "online" and those with the blueish color says they are "off line". I'm not sure why mine says I'm invisible...I like to be seen too. LOL! :D

[CGP]

Murray,
I think I figured it out. When I point at it it says I am "invisible" for some reason. That must why mine shows up red. Yours (green) says you are "online" and those with the blueish color says they are "off line". I'm not sure why mine says I'm invisible...I like to be seen too. LOL! :D

You solved it!!!

Go into User CP (top left) and then "edit options" - you can change the invisible mode.

[madilyn]

Open or closed forum--I can definitely relate to the pros and cons on both sides of the argument. I vote for "Open Forum but Register to Post." This was not an easy decision. My first inclination was to vote "closed" because of all the problems with trolls on the main Hillary website. However, there is a valid point about an open forum promoting our cause to a wider audience. Really, isn't that what we want, to bring in more Hillary supporters? Let's remember there is power in numbers!

Murray, what finally convinced me to vote "open" was when you wrote that a "closed" forum could silence our voices. That made me stop and think about what we're really trying to achieve as Hillary supporters. You're right that an open forum could serve as an avenue to correct the propaganda and misinformation about Hillary in the media. If we close the forum, there are people we may never reach.

I have a suggestion: Maybe there could be a "closed" private section within the forum where supporters could discuss campaign strategies. But keep the main forum "open" for viewing with registration to post. That's my thought. :)

[emmyCA]

Open forum = anyone can view the topics and posts without having to register or log in

Closed forum = only registered users can view the topics and posts and only after logging in

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER & WHY?

Please see my experience below on Obama'site

I went to Obama's official website and commented there reasons why I support Hillary. The website allowed me to post it, but 5 minutes later, my posts disappeared because other Obama supporters saw my posts and reported it as abuse although I didn't say anything inappropriate or violate their blog policy. I just said true thing about Hillary and opened up with fair argument. After they removed my first post, I posted something else and notices that couple minutes later it was removed too, meaning they put my account into the remove list. They open the blog to all users but they will remove any post that say good things about Hillary or bad thing about Obama even Obama's bad thing is true. I now come to their site to observe their discussion, their thoughts and strategies on what they will going to do to attack Hillary. I encourage everyone here should come to Obama website and read their posts so we can learn ahead what they are going to attack us. We don't need to post anything because they will delete our posts any way. Here is their blog


http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog


We love Hillary!!!!

[emmyCA]

I think we should open for view, but any one wants to post / edit has to register.


Thanks,

[JJ4Hillary]

I'm sorry, but i prefer closed, because i don't want odrama camp to steal our ideas. Most of these guest viewing are odrama supporters.:(

[CGP]

I'm sorry, but i prefer closed, because i don't want odrama camp to steal our ideas. Most of these guest viewing are odrama supporters.:(

A few things:

1. none of our ideas can be truly hidden - even if the forum was closed, people could still register and read everything

2. much of what is discussed in here needs to be HEARD and READ by the public - there is so much misinformation and distortion about both candidates

3. there is no way to know who the guests are - can't conclude they are obama supporters

4. the supporters of HC need a voice - we shouldn't have to hide and be silent through fear of what others might or might not do with our material

5. maybe some obama supporters will be jolted back into REALITY by reading some things here they didn't know...that would be a good thing!

6. closing the forum doesn't necessarily increase the rate of registrations - some people like to "try before they buy" and if they can't see inside the forum, they may not even bother with it...

[emmyCA]

A few things:

1. none of our ideas can be truly hidden - even if the forum was closed, people could still register and read everything

2. much of what is discussed in here needs to be HEARD and READ by the public - there is so much misinformation and distortion about both candidates

3. there is no way to know who the guests are - can't conclude they are obama supporters

4. the supporters of HC need a voice - we shouldn't have to hide and be silent through fear of what others might or might not do with our material

5. maybe some obama supporters will be jolted back into REALITY by reading some things here they didn't know...that would be a good thing!

6. closing the forum doesn't necessarily increase the rate of registrations - some people like to "try before they buy" and if they can't see inside the forum, they may not even bother with it...


I agree, the more information on this forum Obama trolls see, the more agressive they will become. It is like fire, if they know how to use it, it is great, if they overdose it, it will be back fire to them. Same with "Power Outage", Obama's top aid adviser called Hillary "monster" and had to resgin. If Obama goes heavily on negative campaign, it will make his campaign look fool and stupid and lost credit as he always mentioned that he is running a positive, uplifting campaign. I will wait to see how positive he can hold...The evil and all dirty stuff will reveal soon....

[Peppermint Patty]

I agree that since we're here to promote Hillary Rodham Clinton as the best candidate for the Democratic Party and best President for this country the site should be open for viewing.

Hopefully anyone looking for information on HRC's record or reading various reasons why we support her will convince an undecided that HRC is the candidate for them.

Now, as for the NObama people. Frankly, they and their candidate have been doing a fine job promoting their man (with the media's favorable press coverage, of course) all on their own. I highly doubt they need anything from us, strategy or otherwise. And, as someone pointed out, all they'd have to do is register anyway if they just wanted to spy.

One of the things we can be proud of as HRC supporters is that we don't go over there to post rude, nasty and childish things about their candidate. Apparently they are the only ones who excel at that particular infantile game.

Those are my thoughts on the matter. :D

[MarkMiller]

As the administrator of my own forum I can tell you there are some security dangers to an open forum. All it takes is one random guest that holds a grudge and ....wham, you are hit with a bunch of wicked code posts. HTML can contain very bad stuff that can endanger regulars. While my little forum is nothing like this one, I can tell you from experiance that eventualy you will get some wierdos that can do real damage.

[CGP]

As the administrator of my own forum I can tell you there are some security dangers to an open forum. All it takes is one random guest that holds a grudge and ....wham, you are hit with a bunch of wicked code posts. HTML can contain very bad stuff that can endanger regulars. While my little forum is nothing like this one, I can tell you from experiance that eventualy you will get some wierdos that can do real damage.

HTML is disabled so posting the codes doesn't work, and there are multiple moderators who can ban/delete in an instant!

[PuppyDogMom]

Anyone should be able to read. Only registered users for posting. There are enough of us on here that we can report the abuse, and there are enough moderators to get rid of them if necessary.

I'm tired of being silent. What's being said here is good, it's right, it's meaningful, it's gracious...it's who the Clinton supporters are. And the world needs to know that.

[CGP]

Anyone should be able to read. Only registered users for posting. There are enough of us on here that we can report the abuse, and there are enough moderators to get rid of them if necessary.

I'm tired of being silent. What's being said here is good, it's right, it's meaningful, it's gracious...it's who the Clinton supporters are. And the world needs to know that.

Agree on all counts.

Thanks for understanding our approach here.

[Vote4Freedom]

i think an open forum is better which allow people who are not sure which way to vote to be able to read opinions of Hillary supporters. I would require a registration to post. It would be helpful to those that want to be informed but are not yet committed to a side which is fine hopeful we can help them see why Hillary is the best candidate.

+1

[Vote4Freedom]

As the administrator of my own forum I can tell you there are some security dangers to an open forum. All it takes is one random guest that holds a grudge and ....wham, you are hit with a bunch of wicked code posts. HTML can contain very bad stuff that can endanger regulars. While my little forum is nothing like this one, I can tell you from experiance that eventualy you will get some wierdos that can do real damage.

I thought an open forum was you could only read stuff. Not add any content unless your registered.

The thing to do is not allow more then two post every five mins so if there is a problem an Admin or Mod can catch it? So no spamming.

just a thought....

[CGP]

We need to revisit this one...

[joeysky18]

why?

[CGP]

why?

Because of the behavior of sick people at DU and DailyKos and their attempts to spread hatred about this forum and its members.

[lucky-ann]

I think an open forum is much better to get more members! often people first want to read a time in a forum and decide later if they want to register...that's at least how I do it...I mean do we really care if the obamabots are reading our posts?? lol:p

personally I find it very entertaining that we are so important to the obamabots...i really thought we were a tiny forum nobody knows...but wooohooo we're famous...pleeeease don't make it stop :D to close the forum would by the way look like surrendering...just don't listen to them ;)

[Area504]

I vote to keep it open.

Trolls will always do what trolls do. There are no magic ways to rid a board of their annoyance other than for good members to stay vigilant, report them, and then the mods get the pleasure of kicking their little butts out. :D

[CGP]

I think an open forum is much better to get more members! often people first want to read a time in a forum and decide later if they want to register...that's at least how I do it...I mean do we really care if the obamabots are reading our posts?? lol:p

I agree with you.

[CQ4Hillary]

definitely open to read, registered or closed to post like it is now. We should be open to undecideds and converts. Plus not all lurkers are trolls. I sometimes lurk on my favoriet boards too. Even here I'm often more interested in reading posts that creating them unless I've got something stuck in my craw which does seem to happen alot these days! LOL!

Can't wait till november when Hillary gets elected then we can all relax and stop screaming at our tv's!

CQ

[Justmy.02]

I say keep it as it is: open to read and closed to post unless registered. If you feel you have enough mods to monitor problems, then so be it.

Isn't this the USA? I thought we all have a constitutional right to our thoughts and opinions and to the voicing of same. If we have to be afraid of being proud of and showing enthusiam for who each of us, as an American citizen, back for President, then the USA has lots more serious problems than we know...

[CGP]

The other point to note - Hillary Clinton is subjected to much hatred on the Internet so it's no surprise that his forum will also be subjected to hatred - goes with the territory. Hillary rises above it. I am sure we can to. We should not be forced into "hiding" as a closed forum just to seek refuge from the HATERS. I say F*CK them.

[CGP]

If we have to be afraid of being proud of and showing enthusiam for who each of us, as an American citizen, back for President, then the USA has lots more serious problems than we know...

Agree.

[Patsy]

I am voting to close the Forum. If anyone comes over to read without posting, they can still copy our posts and put them up wherever. It takes very little time to register and gives the mods an opportunity to watch the newly registered.

I know there are some fence-sitters still out there, but I don't think as many as before.

I am inclined to think a closed forum will best protect our personal information, the security of the site and keep us better able to monitor potential non-supporters.

[CQ4Hillary]

The other point to note - Hillary Clinton is subjected to much hatred on the Internet so it's no surprise that his forum will also be subjected to hatred - goes with the territory. Hillary rises above it. I am sure we can to. We should not be forced into "hiding" as a closed forum just to seek refuge from the HATERS. I say F*CK them.

Yeah F*CK EM! WE WILL NEVER LET THEM WIN!

[smharley for Hillary]

I feel open for viewing; register for posting and of course monitored. If this forum brings one BO supporter to our side, it has done it's job. Think of where this has gone since it's inception. I love this site...I don't post often but I read every day. Sometimes it gives me comfort, sometimes a bust a gut laughing and yes I even get angry at times. But it has been atrue haven for me as the Hillary.com was so discouraging. So if trying it before you buy gets others here, it's a good thing.

[lucky-ann]

I am voting to close the Forum. If anyone comes over to read without posting, they can still copy our posts and put them up wherever. It takes very little time to register and gives the mods an opportunity to watch the newly registered.

I know there are some fence-sitters still out there, but I don't think as many as before.

I am inclined to think a closed forum will best protect our personal information, the security of the site and keep us better able to monitor potential non-supporters.

I really think that would give the obamabots the impression they've won ;) I don't know we shouldn't take them so seriously:p

I say F*CK them.

I couldn't have stated it better!:D:D:D

[Ijane]

I believe from the bottom of my heart that this website now has a responsibility both to Hillary Clinton and the American people to remain open.

[CQ4Hillary]

I believe from the bottom of my heart that this website now has a responsibility both to Hillary Clinton and the American people to remain open.

I agree!

[Patsy]

I really think that would give the obamabots the impression they've won ;) I don't know we shouldn't take them so seriously:p



I couldn't have stated it better!:D:D:D


I think they already have the impression they've won. I can't monitor a guest that way I can a registered user.

Our posts are being copied and placed on different sites on the net. And, our personal information is at stake.

That is my opinion.

[CGP]

I think they already have the impression they've won. I can't monitor a guest that way I can a registered user.

Our posts are being copied and placed on different sites on the net. And, our personal information is at stake.

That is my opinion.

I respect this position as well.

I also think, however, that it's the responsibility of each individual member to only publish that information about themselves they are willing to let anyone know. If they have info they don't wish to share, they should not reveal it or they should delete it if they wish to. And members should only make posts that they are willing to personally defend if anyone calls them out on them.

To members - we, the moderators, can only do so much to "protect" you from the haters. Ultimately it's up to you to look after yourself and part of that involves making wise choices about what info you do and do not share about yourself via the Internet.

[Jayling]

I'd hate to see this forum turned into closed one. There are risks that come with that, but also plenty of positives for keeping it open also. For instance, I may not have come here myself if the doors had been closed. If I hadn't had the opportunity to see the posts, feel the energy, and see what a great source of information and inspiration this place was, I would've passed on by.

There are other pro-Hill sites out there that sometimes gets linked to. Each time I follow the links and see the doors are closed and am unable to read nor get a glimpse of the people inside -- I immediately turn around and leave. I won't be forced to register first before knowing what's behind the door.

If we shut the doors here, we may miss out on some really good people joining us in our quest, losing out on their ideas, enthusiasm, and friendships.

Can you imagine what it'd be like if the thousands of Blogs out there each had a closed-door policy? I'd make a good guess that we'd miss out on a lot of useful information.

We already know the type of underhanded activities of some Obama supporters. If they found the doors closed but still wanted to cause stealth havoc, they could anyway by just registering, stay silent if they wish, and gather info in that manner.

There aren't any easy quick-fix solutions here.

[Bets1]

I am voting to close the Forum. If anyone comes over to read without posting, they can still copy our posts and put them up wherever. It takes very little time to register and gives the mods an opportunity to watch the newly registered.

I know there are some fence-sitters still out there, but I don't think as many as before.

I am inclined to think a closed forum will best protect our personal information, the security of the site and keep us better able to monitor potential non-supporters.

I'm for a closed forum. In order to read some WSJ articles, I needed to register and reply to an email. Same with some other news sites. It's not like you are charging a membership fee [maybe you should ~ LOL!]! Why would someone not want to register? [Too lazy or guilt.] They don't need to come back if they don't like the site.

[CGP]

I'd hate to see this forum turned into closed one. There are risks that come with that, but also plenty of positives for keeping it open also. For instance, I may not have come here myself if the doors had been closed. If I hadn't had the opportunity to see the posts, feel the energy, and see what a great source of information and inspiration this place was, I would've passed on by.

There are other pro-Hill sites out there that sometimes gets linked to. Each time I follow the links and see the doors are closed and am unable to read nor get a glimpse of the people inside -- I immediately turn around and leave. I won't be forced to register first before knowing what's behind the door.

If we shut the doors here, we may miss out on some really good people joining us in our quest, losing out on their ideas, enthusiasm, and friendships.

Can you imagine what it'd be like if the thousands of Blogs out there each had a closed-door policy? I'd make a good guess that we'd miss out on a lot of useful information.

We already know the type of underhanded activities of some Obama supporters. If they found the doors closed but still wanted to cause stealth havoc, they could anyway by just registering, stay silent if they wish, and gather info in that manner.

There aren't any easy quick-fix solutions here.

Agreed.

[lucky-ann]

I think they already have the impression they've won. I can't monitor a guest that way I can a registered user.

Our posts are being copied and placed on different sites on the net. And, our personal information is at stake.

That is my opinion.

I respect your opinion, really...but I just don't care if they post my comments on 10 or even 100 sites...if they don't have something else to do...fine! But if you guys have another point of view, I'm also fine with closing the forum...we yet have a bunch of members, so that it wouldn't be that bad if less people registered..but I still think we'd get a lot more members by keeping it open and as more members as better for a forum!

[Patricia GA]

I think we need to be open so those who are not getting the truth can find out what is really happening with the media and Obama. I do suggest we have a member only site for strategy on protests and so forth. Then details of plans are not released that need to be guarded. May the temporary site that was made when we went down could be used or a new one made like this one just for members for strategy information.

[Jan26]

I'm for open if you want members to grow. I'm one of those who "lurked" before I registered. If you are satisfied with the level of membership, close it to all but registered users.

[Santiago]

I am for an open forum, register to post. What is to stop an Otroll from registering and using the posts and info in here anyway. Nothing but an email really IDs anyone, and many can be had from tons of sites. Site hits are the mothers milk of the internet. Getting our message out is the #1 goal, I believe. And it is true, there are many who would be in too much of a hurry to register and they might miss the one message or post that makes them go Hmmmmmm.

[lea210]

Is it possible to have only a certain area open and the rest closed? For example lets leave the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama areas open, but CLOSE the New Threads & Current Hot Topics ..essentially, let the archived areas be open to the public without registering and make everything else closed unless registered.

[CGP]

I am for an open forum, register to post. What is to stop an Otroll from registering and using the posts and info in here anyway. Nothing but an email really IDs anyone, and many can be had from tons of sites. Site hits are the mothers milk of the internet. Getting our message out is the #1 goal, I believe. And it is true, there are many who would be in too much of a hurry to register and they might miss the one message or post that makes them go Hmmmmmm.

Yes to all points you make!

[CGP]

Is it possible to have only a certain area open and the rest closed? For example lets leave the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama areas open, but CLOSE the New Threads & Current Hot Topics ..essentially, let the archived areas be open to the public without registering and make everything else closed unless registered.

Any combination is possible. I will think about your suggestion.

[SD]

Please see my experience below on Obama'site

I went to Obama's official website and commented there reasons why I support Hillary. The website allowed me to post it, but 5 minutes later, my posts disappeared because other Obama supporters saw my posts and reported it as abuse although I didn't say anything inappropriate or violate their blog policy. I just said true thing about Hillary and opened up with fair argument. After they removed my first post, I posted something else and notices that couple minutes later it was removed too, meaning they put my account into the remove list. They open the blog to all users but they will remove any post that say good things about Hillary or bad thing about Obama even Obama's bad thing is true. I now come to their site to observe their discussion, their thoughts and strategies on what they will going to do to attack Hillary. I encourage everyone here should come to Obama website and read their posts so we can learn ahead what they are going to attack us. We don't need to post anything because they will delete our posts any way. Here is their blog


http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hqblog


We love Hillary!!!!


i normally avoid those places, but i clicked on the link you posted for a quick look. i saw this gem, i think from caroline kennedy:

We need a president who will fight for civil rights, education, and hold himself to the highest ethical standards.


i have tears rolling down my face from laughing! i wonder if she still believes that! :D

[mooaks]

I like the closed forum idea. If you open it up, it can get trashy.

[CGP]

I like the closed forum idea. If you open it up, it can get trashy.

It's already "open" and always has been. Guests cannot post, only read.

[Chichi]

I will like a closed forum. I will like to go to a place where I am not being spied on by Obamatrolls.

[joeysky18]

Because of the behavior of sick people at DU and DailyKos and their attempts to spread hatred about this forum and its members.

I vote for open.

- new member can create new thread and post reply in "Hot Topic"
- new member can't creat new thread and post reply in "on going discussion"

- Everyone safeguard their personal information.

[ImmaSlave4U]

I voted for "open", but I think I should have voted for "closed" after reading some of the comments of others. I echo the concern others have.

Sorry for my Obama moment, but I pressed the wrong button! ;)

[ginamc]

Murray-- this is a difficult decision. I just feel that if the Forum becomes a closed one then it will somehow be a victory for the Obamabot trolls. I like the way you have it now -- it is so inviting to newbies. I'm a relative newbie, just about a week or so on here, and it is so inviting and so FREE!!! The freedom of expression as a pro-Hillary site is unique and a metaphor for... Hillary!

However, I do understand fully that with the recent intrusion of this site is a violation. And, you will ultimately have to make that decision for the betterment of the whole community. Whatever you ultimately decide, I will FULLY SUPPORT.

[WV4Hillary]

Just voted to close it...

[samkm]

A balance would be good. A few hours of closed function would be restful and give us necessary time to focus on quality work vs. firefighting the troll-O-bots.

[lorieaselin]

I think having a closed forum would not keep out the aggressive Obama trolls, but it would probably keep out many timid Hillary supporters.

[CGP]

I think having a closed forum would not keep out the aggressive Obama trolls, but it would probably keep out many timid Hillary supporters.

I agree.

[SD]

I think having a closed forum would not keep out the aggressive Obama trolls, but it would probably keep out many timid Hillary supporters.

i agree. i wanted a closed forum. but i then realized that people do need to see what we are about. and the ob nuts who want to see simply will register anyway. all they have to do is either not post, or pretend to be a hillary supporter.

[thebword]

Can most threads of the forums be open to anyone for viewing and closed to posting unless registered, and can other threads be completely closed unless registered? That way if you want to announce or discuss something you really don't want the trolls to know about yet, i.e. initial thoughts and plans for more protests and such, you will have more control over who is able the view it.

[RayinAR]

A balance would be good. A few hours of closed function would be restful and give us necessary time to focus on quality work vs. firefighting the troll-O-bots.

I agree with sudhakm both if possible. To have a few hours where it is closed to get our bearings and see what's going on.

[CGP]

I want a closed forum. What we say here needs to stay here. And people reading this from the outside might use it against us!

My advice to everyone is never post anything on the Internet you are not willing, or able, to defend.

[WV4Hillary]

Can we just...close it...but delete the accounts of anyone who doesn't post within a certain amount of time? Besides, even though you say Obama-nuts will register anyway, at least we give them an obstacle, and people can't just link right in and read our forums like crazy.

[hillary4change]

I voted closed, with a but. I think that it would be good if the Hot Topics was closed unless they register.

That would be a deterrent to most obamabots. They are the ones that just want to steal our ideas and feelings to take to their Probama site and laugh at us. So let them have their fodder with old material.

The next deterrent would be, close an inactive accnt. after a week, unless a P.M is sent to Murray in case of vacation, surgery or something. That way they would have to keep re-registering to steal new ideas and spy on new tasks we are working on.
Remember the mentality at work here is, sit back on your Laurels and laugh at the good works of others!!

[Charlie Brown]

I like open to view, register to post. My opinion stems from all abuse we took over at the HRC blog by Obama trolls.

I AGREE WITH OPEN TO READ REGISTER TO POST. OTHER WISE WE ARE JUST SINGING TO THE CHIOR

[samkm]

Clarification which I hope helps those responded above for any adjustment to their answers: Guests already cannot post into Main; they need to be registered to post. The question is about "Guest account" whether toban it.. or make it very affordable d) make it a combi... whi is what I suggest.. They can only view at present.

[CGP]

and people can't just link right in and read our forums like crazy.

That's one of the main reasons I started this forum - to demonstrate there are alternative viewpoints to those peddled by the MSM and probama sites. Why should we be forced into hiding? No way. If any member does not want their views/thoughts read by others on the Internet, the best thing is to not post them in the first place.

Pretty clearly I am for an open forum. And for now, that's how it will stay. But thanks everyone for the comments and for participating in the poll. And feel free to continue expressing opinions in any direction.

[SD]

a good rule to follow is "never put anything, anywhere on the net, that you don't want circulated".

this site is important for those undecided to be able to read because, at least for me, they see that we are civil. they go to any ob site and see the nastiness.

that shows we have some integrity. and in turn, hillary as well.

[tcbwriter]

Open or closed forum--I can definitely relate to the pros and cons on both sides of the argument. I vote for "Open Forum but Register to Post." This was not an easy decision. My first inclination was to vote "closed" because of all the problems with trolls on the main Hillary website. However, there is a valid point about an open forum promoting our cause to a wider audience. Really, isn't that what we want, to bring in more Hillary supporters? Let's remember there is power in numbers!

Murray, what finally convinced me to vote "open" was when you wrote that a "closed" forum could silence our voices. That made me stop and think about what we're really trying to achieve as Hillary supporters. You're right that an open forum could serve as an avenue to correct the propaganda and misinformation about Hillary in the media. If we close the forum, there are people we may never reach.

I have a suggestion: Maybe there could be a "closed" private section within the forum where supporters could discuss campaign strategies. But keep the main forum "open" for viewing with registration to post. That's my thought. :)
I like this idea the best. I had an identical reaction; originally I thought closed but after reading what others said changed my opinion (see, we Hillary supporters are open minded and realistic!).

Let them read what we have to say - it would be good for them to get a dose of reality, sans kool-aid for a change. But unless they're willing to commit 30 seconds to actually registering on the site they can't post.

Last week I checked to see how many members were online versus guests and there were nearly as many guests as members! That made me uncomfortable. Although, having said that, I suppose members who were "invisible" might have been showing as "guests". Maybe the default should be "non-invisible"? I can't imagine why anybody would want to remain "invisible", especially since we all have online names . . . .

[CGP]

Maybe the default should be "non-invisible"? I can't imagine why anybody would want to remain "invisible", especially since we all have online names . . . .

The default is "visible". So to become "invisible", the member has to select that option.

[tcbwriter]

The default is "visible". So to become "invisible", the member has to select that option.
When does that "selection" take place? Upon registering?

I noticed the red dot next to my name a couple of weeks ago and looked into it and found that it meant I was "invisible". I didn't recall selecting that option. At the time I assumed it was just me who wasn't "in the know" about this stuff but since reading others' posts asking about the meaning of the colored dots next to their name figured maybe "invisible" was the default.

Curious . . . .

[CGP]

When does that "selection" take place? Upon registering?

I noticed the red dot next to my name a couple of weeks ago and looked into it and found that it meant I was "invisible". I didn't recall selecting that option. At the time I assumed it was just me who wasn't "in the know" about this stuff but since reading others' posts asking about the meaning of the colored dots next to their name figured maybe "invisible" was the default.

Curious . . . .

Yes, "invisible" was previously the default before I changed it! You probably joined when "invisible" was still the default option.

[tcbwriter]

Yes, "invisible" was previously the default before I changed it! You probably joined when "invisible" was still the default option.
Ah - gotcha! Thanks for clearing that up!

http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh8/tcbwriter/Clipart/yea.jpg

[Wales for Hillary]

Murray,

I completely understand why you would want to "close" it. Unlike many other politcal sites, you get things done here and would like to keep it out of trolls eyes.

However, I think your recent run on registered members is due in large part to the fact that "refugees" can see this is a fair, good-spirited, and productive site and are encouraged to join after viewing it.

I also think this is a place where people who are typically not your average war room blogger need to learn that there are positives to a forum like this, unlike the unfiltered sites out there which give what is trying to be accomplished here a bad name.

[Borlah]

as someone who recently registered, I have to tell you that I would not have done so if I had not been able to read through posts and decide that this was a place that I wantedmy voice heard and my opinions expressed. If it would have been closed I would have passed by and never given it a second thought.

[CGP]

as someone who recently registered, I have to tell you that I would not have done so if I had not been able to read through posts and decide that this was a place that I wantedmy voice heard and my opinions expressed. If it would have been closed I would have passed by and never given it a second thought.

Thank you. I think this just about wraps up this topic!

[CGP]

Murray,

I completely understand why you would want to "close" it. Unlike many other politcal sites, you get things done here and would like to keep it out of trolls eyes.

However, I think your recent run on registered members is due in large part to the fact that "refugees" can see this is a fair, good-spirited, and productive site and are encouraged to join after viewing it.

I also think this is a place where people who are typically not your average war room blogger need to learn that there are positives to a forum like this, unlike the unfiltered sites out there which give what is trying to be accomplished here a bad name.

Actually, I am firmly in the "keep it open" camp! :cool:

[Morgan]

I don't join forums that I can't read first.

I think there should be one room that is private members only. Maybe have to have ten posts before you can enter, hopefully the trolls would be outed by then.

Sometimes people want to post something that won't wind up all over the net.

[KYWildcatFan]

I think it should remain open. Especially considering we have had the forum site brought up and published in articles now more than ever.

However, I would like to know if there is a way that we could protect some of our information. Meaning, the links that we have been gathering to write to MSM, delegates and things of that nature. I don't want BO's followers to use our information, let them do their own leg work. I was thinking an area where we have to have a code to get into it and only members that have a "security" clearance code. I am not sure what they guidelines should be in order to get the code but something to do with how long you have been a member, posts, or a board set up to approve "security" clearance.

It's just a thought. I would like to protect our work and efforts.

[mooaks]

I wasn't that forum savvy, I guess leaving it the way it is would be my choice, sorry.