I wonder how effective it would be to ask for real names ... How do you want to check them? Maybe I'm not Johan - the internet is pretty anonymous.
I know some of the trics used by the mods, but it doesn't filter all the unwanted ones out.
Another option is what Tony mentioned: setting up the forum in such a way new members have to post first into the intro-forum, before they can post in the other fora (or forums, whatever you fancy
).
Pro:
1. You get a general idea about that person
2. It's easier to moderate one forum, rather then the 15+ we have on BCUK
3. Because there will be people who will not post (see Downside #2, below) - it eases some pressure of the system (like after a new RM series). Just have a look at the amount of members in the members list, who are not active whatsoever.
Downside:
1. There will be people who will not join the rest, just because of they have to post in the intro-forum first.
2. <haven't got the foggiest
>
I would like to add a step between joining and actual posting on BCUK (in some form already been discussed here ... somewhere ...) :
IIRC every new member does receive an BCUK e-mail.
What about if we added:
- a welcome text, incl. 'code of conduct' (only able to post after first post in intro-forum, only accessable with provided link; search function talk (with tips), link to rules & regs, etc.)
- an URL to a welcome page for new members where they can find FAQ on most asked topics (kit: knives, sleeping bag, billy, tarp, etc., where to camp, how to light a fire etc).
This welcome page should have all above info (including copy/paste text from e-mail), and a few buttons with something like:
- Introduce me (links to intro-forum)
- Search forum (but I can't post)
- Go to BCUK, I want to read through every single forum, but don't want to introduce myself, and I understand I can't make any posts before I've done this
(I know this doesn't fit on a small button, but you get the idea)
Using this page you:
- decrease the amount of nutters - it's just a bit more work
- decrease the amount of much repeated questions
- have some controle over the new members (fishtank >> pond)
- have showed the new members how to use the search function
- respect the new member, by not asking for his real name
- have no trial period (I don't think my system is a trial period, you can make it as long/short as you please as a new member)
I'm happy enough to write a welcome text with all info and details that should (according to me) be in it - if Admin wants me to.