Perhaps, with the high number of new BBers, it would be clever to disallow 'New Threads' for 'New Users'...

Some people just start a new thread as soon as they registre. The subject will be, obviously, the same of some a dozen different threads already going on.

This is somewhat easier than the efforts moderation wastes, I guess. And used in many BBs elsewhere.

Just my 2 cents, anyway...

P.S. And yes, this is a new thread...

The thought did cross my mind too, I must admit. Unfortunately, it's not possible with the current BB software to set different permissions to new users (unless I hack its code).

The BB will be upgraded after the season, so I'll review this option then.

I understand why you have blocked the new thread facility, Bira - but I don't agree with it. Too draconian. I am the first to agree that in recent weeks people have opened new threads at the drop of the hat on basically the same old same old, usually filled with spiteful drivel.

Nevertheless, I think that there are many topics deserving of a new thread. But I for one am not going to email you with a pretty please can I open a thread on your nice BB?

With all the respect that I owe you, of course.

I like it, mainly because it in effect hastens the onset of the offseason, which is when we lose many of the casual people who are here to shit-stir more than anything else. Not being able to start a new thread and get their moment of controversial glory where they slag off Alonso or Hamilton will be killing them and they'll soon stop coming back.
I hope.

Well, it seems to me that admins and moderators have to earn their keep: how many hours a day do they need in order to close down or merge duplicated threads? Not that much, I'll warrant. A blanket ban on opening new threads does strike me as a throwing the baby out with the bath water.

I know, I know, Bira will permit new threads if one emails her in advance. But I for one will not be a supplicant in order to post something here.

Moderators and Admins are volunteers. They don't have to earn their keep. It's simple logic really. You search before starting a thread. Don't search? Then the ability to start a thread is removed.

Bira has said its less than ideal. Restrictions on new members would be better. But under the circumstances its better than the verbal diarrhoea we've had till now.

I wasn't talking about monetary keep. If they don't want to do the job, let them un-volunteer themselves.

I guess what I am trying to say is that there are other ways to administer an unruly bulletin board than to impose blanket bans. How about merging all the crap threads together? How about a bit of elbow grease from the administrators?

I find it rich that journalists, who will crusade for freedom of speech and the rights of the fourth estate in other circumstances, impose a form of censorship on their own readers in this circumstance - however asinine, puerile, and vile some of those readers' opinions may be.

I forget who said it originally and perhaps I paraphrase badly, but even if I detest their views, I will fight to the death for their right to express them. Sorry Bira, but I sincerely believe what I am saying.

It's a private BB, which means it can censor who it likes. You don't like the rules? Go somewhere else. No one is stopping you expressing an opinion. It's just that there is already a thread that is perfect for the job. Disagree? Contact a mod and they'll be happy to use a bit of elbow grease and start you a thread.

OK JForce

Whatever you say....