Curious about how $5 donation is working

[BarbaraC]

I've noticed that in over two weeks, there seem to have been just two new members. I'm wondering if what were daily new members were actually just spammer sorts or if the donation is scaring away legitimate people.

Mike? Any conclusions yet?

Barbara

[MG - Admin]

It’s still early, but it is helping prevent the spammers from signing up. I’ve had multiple requests from known spammers that have not responded to step two of the registration process.

We’ve only had two members get their accounts activated.. My guess is that a lot of folks just want to join, but have no interest in participating so the donation isn’t worth it to them. Those accounts would get deleted after 6 months anyway.

We’ll see if over time that holds true.

Mike

[BarbaraC]

If the "donation" were even lower than $5, is it possible more potentially good members would join?

Barbara

[MG - Admin]

I may change it to $3 or $2. The other board admins I've been talking to feel that $3 or even $10 doesn't change the results. It's not about raising money for the forum, but creating a situation where lazy spammers or those that just want to lurk are discouraged from joining and increasing the overhead of the forums.

Mike

[BarbaraC]

We can all do without the spammers, that's for sure.

I bet your adorable daughter won't fit into a suitcase for very long.

Barbara