Another viewpoint on this issue (like we needed another one LOL)
if people are allowed to join but restricted from all vendors/sensitive sections, from most of site's sections,
because members don't believe newbies should have access to post or even be able to read many sections......
(which is good idea to be protective).....
however, then what choice do newbies have but make 4-5 posts/day on misc sections in latter half of forum that aren't used much until they reach required number of posts?
There will be more of the posts some members seem to find annoying in sections 'unrelated' to dbg's main purpose.
It's all newbies will have to use.
Same questions that irritate mods may be asked even more repeatedly because person hasn't read site's threads where exact same question has already been answered 3 or 4 times. Perhaps PM's to mods by new, confused members will increase.
Also: It's a catch-22 for newbies if you criticize them (as I've seen some members do) for posting about music or some misc section but those are only sections they have access to read/post on at first. They can't reach their post # on the Rules Section. Expect increase of those 'irrelevant' posts when more sections are restricted to newbies. It would be unfair to criticize newbies for questions if they can't read threads to learn answers, as some members do now - who tell newbies if they bothered to read threads they'd know answers, wouldn't have to ask.......that won't be situation then.
I don't see how we can have it both ways. Many people who come to dbg arrive in ignorance of much except their DOC and they come here often with little knowledge about diseases or legal issues or shipping, how different drugs interact together, etc.
They are here to learn, well some of them. If they don't come to learn, they still end up more knowledgeable than when they arrived by having to read dbg threads.
I know many just want access to vendors but in process of reading threads they learn self protection, spotting scams, avoiding harmful fakes, dangers of combining meds, many important facts that....well, DBG saves lives and that's something I greatly admire - the members who spend their time educating these people, helping people in pain find peace, and being a positive influence in our society....(I would've confirmed legit vendors on list I made before I joined & moved on if I didn't see that here - compassion and concern for other people - some high quality people on this site making a positive difference)
(FYI I already had list that included large number of your vendors I obtained by cruising net looking - I just didn't know if they were trustworthy. The vendors with public sites - are just that, public, and easily googled thru other means. Easily. Even some of Mexican ones - I've placed order with vendor I found listed on google before joining that has thread here.)
If we lock newbies out of all the important sections, we need to at least cut them some slack when they post on these misc sections during first days while they earn their post #, and not criticize them (unless posts totally suck or violate rules) because only sections they will have to use for gaining post #.
DBG members usually do a great job with initials & 'codes' to hide most of specifics about vendors/products already. I can assure you most of what I read at first confused me and I couldn't decipher what you were saying even after extensive research on net beforehand.
I think deleting 'echoes' or totally stupid (one line) posts made repeatedly just to gain post # is great idea. We don't need stupid people who refuse to learn. I hope admin believes we do need to be there to help sincere, legitimate people needing help who will become worthwhile, contributing members.
Those are just some of my thoughts. I apologize if I was long-winded or offended anyone - but this has been on my mind as the topic was discussed. I'm sure dbg admin/mods will make the best choices for site, members and potential members who deserve a chance.