50 posts to send PM

[broker12]

I just tried to send a pm and it said I needed 50 posts to do so. This seems like a high requirement. Why is this forum so restrictive?

[ShaneRQR]

Probably because it's extremely attractive to spammers.

In this forum, you can find lots of people with huge lists and successful Internet marketing companies. Very tempting to just come here and spam PMs at all the big shots, hoping to get a JV or freebies or whatever...


EDIT: Actually, I just remembered that I got some newbie-bait PMs when I signed up to some other IM forums. You know, the kind of message that says: "We're working on something HUGE! It will make tons of cash! Wanna join us?" and then they want you to pay for some membership or crappy product.
Never got any messages like that here.

[broker12]

Yeah but why 50? I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers. At 50 you affect a lot of normal users.

[GeorgR.]

Originally Posted by broker12

I just tried to send a pm and it said I needed 50 posts to do so. This seems like a high requirement. Why is this forum so restrictive?

Because an annoying percentage of people abuse the forum and spam users. Simple as that. That high cap serves a purpose which benefits the people here. Noone wants spam.

[Pat Jackson]

Originally Posted by broker12

Yeah but why 50? I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers. At 50 you affect a lot of normal users.

If you don't want to wait then join the War Room.

[BrianMcLeod]

Simplest answer? Because Admin Says so...

Starting off by whining is not particularly useful here.

Promise...

Just join the conversation...

Share what you know, ask what you don't.

[TommyBussey]

Originally Posted by ShaneRQR

"We're working on something HUGE! It will make tons of cash! Wanna join us?"

haha Isn't it nice not to have to worry about that here!?

Damn, dude, 50 posts, waah wahhh That's not that much. This forum is full of people bringing 6, 7, and 8+ figures a year. You're among some brilliant minds. It wouldn't hurt to join the conversations, contribute and just build up a reputation here. If you start PMing people and they haven't seen much of you in the forum they won't even respond.

Best of luck.

- Tommy

[Mike Anthony]

Originally Posted by broker12

I just tried to send a pm and it said I needed 50 posts to do so. This seems like a high requirement. Why is this forum so restrictive?

Is that the new rule? All I can say is

Good move by the admins.

For background understand that there seemed to have been a spammer yesterday that caused major headaches. They had to do something and 10 or 20 posts unfortunately isn't really enough to dissuade spammers.

[avenuegirl]

I think that is a very fair amount.

If you are not a paying member here, you have to remember -- it costs $ to run this forum. It is a privilege to be a member here, even if you are a paying member.

Some may not realize this, but there is no rule that just because you pay you can't get kicked off.

If someone can not contribute financially, then you should consider your 50 posts to be a fair type of barter payment to be allowed to have some PMs.

Good content works just as well as a good contribution to the forum.

A very clever and wise move.

10 posts is NOTHING.

While one liners are not entertained, you don't have to write a novel.

Also, I'm not sure if it is still working but yesterday I was able to see a way to email a non paying member and leave a note on their back end.

If you really want to communicate with someone privately and are not yet at 50 posts or able to pay, I suggest you add your contact information on the side pocket. Get a skype - it's free - or even a twitter account.

Again, Admin doesn't owe us anything. A great forum has been provided here and it is up to date, fully functioning, and useful to people whether they are paying members or not.

This is not a charity, not that I'm aware of.

How much do you want it? Is it important to you?

As one someone said to me at some point (too early in the morning for me to remember the time and place) "This is not a democracy" LOL

Rules is rules. As my father would say, "Shape up or ship out" and "If you don't like it around here, go find another place to live"

LOL, I think I caught him off guard when I took him up on that second offer.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by broker12

I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers.

It looks like Admin thinks the opposite, doesn't it? Now, which of the two of you is the one with the evidence for his belief ... let's see ...

[broker12]

It seems like most of the more senior members are in support of this rule. You may also consider that genuine new members will also be posting a lot of spam or weak posts just to get to that 50 barrier.
Also, if I make a purchase from an wso or classified, that supports those members who are paying fees for their listing. Although indirect, that is a financial benefit to the forum.
It seems new members are not appreciated or encouraged here compared to other forums.

[zhunzi]

Originally Posted by broker12

Yeah but why 50? I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers. At 50 you affect a lot of normal users.

You're already up to 13 as of my reading, just keep looking around and participating in threads. It won't take you long to get to 50.

[avenuegirl]

Originally Posted by broker12

It seems like most of the more senior members are in support of this rule. You may also consider that genuine new members will also be posting a lot of spam or weak posts just to get to that 50 barrier.
Also, if I make a purchase from an wso or classified, that supports those members who are paying fees for their listing. Although indirect, that is a financial benefit to the forum.
It seems new members are not appreciated or encouraged here compared to other forums.

Spammers are reported with the little emergency button on the left. Members are the moderators.

Valid new members are always welcome and supported. What do you expect? A red carpet and a parade?

If you make a purchase in the WSO area, that is your business. Just as if you purchased a clickbank product. If you were unhappy, you would contact the seller and deal with them privately. If the seller has really not provided any additional way for you to contact them, then perhaps you should not purchase the WSO.

Perhaps other forums are more lax because they are not as lucrative and popular.

The rules in place are to protect the members and community.

[Pat Jackson]

Originally Posted by broker12

You may also consider that genuine new members will also be posting a lot of spam or weak posts just to get to that 50 barrier.

You can be assured that if they are posting one liners to boost their post count those posts won't be sticking around very long and they'll be back where they started.

It's pretty simple, really. If you don't want to spend a very small amount of money to be a part of this community, then don't. Deal with the restrictions that are in place.

If you're not happy with either option, you don't have to be. No one is forcing you to be here.

[broker12]

I don't agree that new members are welcome and supported. Obstacles are put up like the 50 posts to pm, and and 10 pm limits in the mailbox to frustrate the process.
I have spent time in a lot of other marketing forums and this one seems more geared to monetizing their userbase. With traffic in the hundreds of thousands it would seem to me that this is more than just covering costs as you explain.
You may not like my opinion, but I would not be surprised if a large percentage of new users also felt the same way.

[jazbo]

Spam, spam, spam spam. Once you have received a few PM's from "SEO Experts" offering their services you will understand.

Originally Posted by broker12

I just tried to send a pm and it said I needed 50 posts to do so. This seems like a high requirement. Why is this forum so restrictive?

[jazbo]

I didn't, and don't feel that way. Never had to do much via PM, and if I do I quickly move it to personal emails.

As for the monetizing their userbase - who wouldn't? This is the western world! If I had something as large as this forum I would want to make a decent living from it - wouldn't you?

If you can only see the monetization of members, and not the opportunities that arise on this forum then you are missing the value of it entirely.

Bottom line is quit whingeing I would say. This is head and shoulders above, the best IM forum you will find, so join in, be positive and earn the right to use those PM's, or find somewhere else where you can PM to your little hearts content and be part of a charity project.

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree that new members are welcome and supported. Obstacles are put up like the 50 posts to pm, and and 10 pm limits in the mailbox to frustrate the process.
I have spent time in a lot of other marketing forums and this one seems more geared to monetizing their userbase. With traffic in the hundreds of thousands it would seem to me that this is more than just covering costs as you explain.
You may not like my opinion, but I would not be surprised if a large percentage of new users also felt the same way.

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree that new members are welcome and supported. Obstacles are put up like the 50 posts to pm, and and 10 pm limits in the mailbox to frustrate the process.
I have spent time in a lot of other marketing forums and this one seems more geared to monetizing their userbase. With traffic in the hundreds of thousands it would seem to me that this is more than just covering costs as you explain.
You may not like my opinion, but I would not be surprised if a large percentage of new users also felt the same way.

You, and others may "feel" that way, but the fact is you couldn't be more wrong.

I have never seen a forum that is more willing to help everyone - regardless of time spent here.

Besides, if we are such a bad forum, why do you still want to get to PM status so badly? There is only one reason I can think of to be itching to send messages.

All the best,
Michael

[avenuegirl]

Originally Posted by broker12

I have spent time in a lot of other marketing forums and this one seems more geared to monetizing their userbase.

An internet marketing forum that is about making money? Say it ain't so.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by broker12

It seems like most of the more senior members are in support of this rule.

I'd think so, because they've been on the receiving end of p.m. spam from new-ish members with lower post-counts than this, and they're fed up with it.

Originally Posted by broker12

I would not be surprised if a large percentage of new users also felt the same way.

I wouldn't, either, Broker; but it's interesting how those who stay seem to change their minds, isn't it? What does that tell you?

[reverso89]

good strategy to fight spam

[Michael Oksa]

Originally Posted by reverso89

good strategy to fight spam

good start toward your 50



~M~

[desmondchui]

Originally Posted by BrianMcLeod

Simplest answer? Because Admin Says so...

Starting off by whining is not particularly useful here.

Promise...

Just join the conversation...

Share what you know, ask what you don't.

lolx

i like your answer

i having the same situation.
and it not allow me to post any more message

and message box only allow 10 message
is that any VIP member?

[Steve Porcaro]

If possible I would prefer that a picture and real name be available to those who PM me.

You should see some of the PM's I get.

[theimdude]

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree that new members are welcome and supported. Obstacles are put up like the 50 posts to pm, and and 10 pm limits in the mailbox to frustrate the process.
I have spent time in a lot of other marketing forums and this one seems more geared to monetizing their userbase. With traffic in the hundreds of thousands it would seem to me that this is more than just covering costs as you explain.
You may not like my opinion, but I would not be surprised if a large percentage of new users also felt the same way.

Not sure why you so worried about PM. I don't use my PM's that much and will rather discuss in the forum. As of late I have noticed less "PM's" (spam) so the new rule works. If you want to stick around 50 posts is nothing and can be a bit frustrated but shows commitment.

[Elmer Hurlstone]

Each and every time I see posts complaining about the TOS and rules here I think of people who buy houses off the end of a preexisting airport runway—and then gripe about aircraft noise.

If you don't like the sound of aircraft overhead don't build, buy or rent a house right off the runway.

If you don't like the conditions on this forum don't join. Membership is not mandatory.

Elmer

[VegasGreg]

If you are new to the forum, who and what do you have to PM so soon? A forum is a forum where things tend to be discussed out in the open. If you don't even know people here and have yet to see how we operate, what is with the urgent need to PM?

If you are buying a WSO or Classified, the sellers provide email addresses to reach them, or you can post in the thread to provide an email.

50 is a good number. Spammers usually don't stick around that long or we weed them out and ban them before they get to 50.

If the "other" forums don't care and they are so great, why would one migrate away from them over to here? (hint: because we are better.)

[JMPruitt]

It really does not take long to get to 50 posts if you join the conversations. No big deal. I have been on a lot of forums in different areas, and this one has less spam than any of the others I have joined. If they have some strict rules to ensure that level of quality remains, GREAT.

[seriousmny]

I agree with the 50 number. This forum is a great place and it is mainly because of the protective measures that have been put in place. If you be a spammer my man...you've come to the wrong place. We will find you and weed you out. I want no part of shady individuals looking to fill the forum with spam and questionable offers taking advantage of newbies.

But I digress, please forgive me if this does not apply to you; I am always ready to give an apology when I am wrong.

To keep this forum clean and spam free...certain measures have been placed. Just be patient and you will be able to PM and post as much as you want provided you are one of the good guys and you've come to contribute and learn a thing or two.

If you've come to spam, I'll be one of the ones reporting you to the the proper authorities here in the forum.

[Laura B]

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree that new members are welcome and supported. Obstacles are put up like the 50 posts to pm, and and 10 pm limits in the mailbox to frustrate the process.

It seems to me like you're not reading the comments in this thread. They've explained exactly why the "obstacles" are there and that they're for everyone's benefit.

The only new members that are not welcome are spammers. Would you rather get deluged with crap and have to wade around in it to find the good stuff?

[Razer Rage]

You know, the OP has a point. 50 posts seems kind of low...maybe Allen should make it 100 posts. And while he's at it, he could hopefully make an All-In-One thread for running a WSO.

[BIG Mike]

Originally Posted by broker12

Yeah but why 50? I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers. At 50 you affect a lot of normal users.

Because that's the way it is...and incidentally, it's 50 decent posts - not the one liner, "Thanks for that info" crap.

If you're committted to being a long-term, contributing member of this forum, it should shouldn't be a problem.

[Diver's]

this should curb the spammers away...

[la dominatrix]

There are some members here who have over ten thousand posts of top info.....What is fifty posts an admin rule.
La dominatrix

[Rod Cortez]

Originally Posted by broker12

I just tried to send a pm and it said I needed 50 posts to do so. This seems like a high requirement. Why is this forum so restrictive?

I don't find this restrictive at all. Think of those 50 posts as your probation period to see if you're going to participate, learn, and be a productive member with good intentions. This forum has been around a long time and has evolved over the years. There are plenty of good reasons to have it at 50.

Personally, I think it should be set at 51, but hey......

It takes time to absorb the information in here, but it also takes time to learn the rules, both written and unwritten. We just want to see if a newcomer has what it takes to be a part of this fantastic community and the 50 post limit to PM is merely one of them.

How people react to the rules and some of the limitations will demonstrate whether or not they belong here.

If you come in here with the right mindset and work ethic, this forum is pure gold and will put more money in your wallet than you ever thought possible. Not to mention the networking and friendships you can make here.

RoD

[avenuegirl]

Originally Posted by Elmer Hurlstone

Membership is not mandatory.

Well, not if you don't really care about making money.

Honestly, if this person sees fit to whine about this after it was simply explained, they are probably just spinning their wheels here.

If you are going to fight it every time you find something you don't like about a site online, you will never get anywhere. Flexibility is very important - especially if you don't have money to get your WR membership or funds to invest when you are just starting out.

Life is full of obstacles, Business is full of obstacles.

You know, I don't like a lot of rules on a lot of different sites. Tough noogies to me. I either abide by them or get out.

Anyway, do me a favor - if you ever see me selling something in the WSO's don't ever buy from me. I'm sure there would be obstacles in the process somewhere and I'd hate to see you have to deal with them. Like, you may not be able to use paypal for some silly reason, or you might get my materials and realize you'll need to learn something new before you can follow a plan .... Who knows...

It could actually involve some kind of "work" on your part.

If you're unable to see an obstacle as a fun new challenge that is rewarded with the great feeling of self accomplishment then I probably won't have anything you want.

Just saving us both some time and headaches.

[Zanti]

I received some spam just yesterday, so I'm glad for the new rule.

Not sure I really get what the issue is around pm's. I don't think I used the pm function until I was around 100 post and that was because of buying a service from a fellow warrior.

I've recently seen comments from several people with low post counts complaining about not being able to pm and I keep wondering just who are they pm'ing and why.

When I first started here I saw the value of this forum. I wanted to learn IM. I posted a question and received over 50 replys in less than two hours.

The information I received was invaluable, along with the members I have met.

If someone isn't willing to stay around for 50 quality post it is not this forum that will be the loser.

If more new members here thought more about contributing and less about getting than there wouldn't as many issues

Z

[Keith Boisvert]

LOL. What no one knows is that when you reach 50 posts and are able to pm people the world becomes a better place...

The sun is always shining, money starts pouring into multiple paypal accounts,world peace is achieved, unicorns are able to roam free, and of course Lindsey Lohan stops using drugs ...

Because we all know once you are able to send and receive pm's here on the WF, big name marketers are chomping at the bit to email you and offer you an exclusive JV partnership that will make you gazillions of dollars.

Damn that pesky pm rule. If only.

~keith

[misterwrecker]

I actually just received a spam PM from someone with 0 posts and just joined this month.

I just checked the PM again to make sure and now it says that he's banned.


-John

[seasoned]

Originally Posted by broker12

Yeah but why 50? I would think that 10 or 15 would dissuade spammers. At 50 you affect a lot of normal users.

So why do YOU care if 50 is SO low ALREADY!?!?!? The reason it isn't 10 or 15 is because THEN someone would just make 10 or 15 posts, and then PM. 50 is HARDER. Maybe THAT is why the duplicate post lock, wait, etc... were put in.

Steve

[Istvan Horvath]

I really don't see what the OP's issue is with the PM restrictions....

Maybe I am shy but I remember when I joined this forum for a while I was just reading. Not even posting, although I could have.

Then I asked my very first question, seeking advice with a page - and simply was overwhelmed by the helpful replies and excellent ideas that I was given for free. A lot of "senior" members posted long and detailed analysis, showing me what to change and how to make that page better.
So, no, I don't believe a word if anybody is saying this forum doesn't welcome new members!

However, in most of the threads I was still a silent lurker, trying to understand and digest all the information that was thrown at me

Later I have noticed questions and threads where, based on my earlier experience, I knew the answer (mainly HTML, CSS and WP). This is how I started to contribute something, trying to help. I didn't need PM for that.

I guess I sent my first PM weeks after signing up - just because a WSO requested to send in the payment details. Other than that I didn't send PMs because I didn't know anybody.

Do you know how I got my first (not WSO-related) PM? A WF member read my posts and figured I could help her with a WP issue. She asked me and I was glad I could give her a hand... That's how you start building relations.

And this forum, besides learning a lot, is about relationships.

Just my $0.02

[JohnMcCabe]

My guess is that the requirement is set at 50 because 30 wasn't high enough. People - strike that - nameless, faceless entities complained bitterly about the old 30 post limit, too. Another wailing and gnashing of teeth when posts in the off-topic forum didn't count toward the 30 required posts. Then we started getting a rash of worthless posts, some just gibberish, for the sole purpose of cranking up the post count.

At 50 posts, you've managed to avoid getting banned and made 50 contributions of some sort. You've earned the right to use the PM system, at least until you do something stupid and get suspended or banned. [When I say "you", I'm not specifically targeting you personally, "broker12".]

[Michael Oksa]

Just think, broker12 (if that is indeed your REAL name!!!), if you would have replied to each post in this thread, you would have been well over 50 by now.



~M~

[steved333]

Eh, 50's no big deal. I just found out about it since I do some pms for adswap purposes. It just makes it easier to manage 1 on 1 conversations. But most of the time, if that's going to happen, we exchange emails and move from there.

So you need 50 posts? Ok. I'll contribute more than just my list. Besides, how does my "list contribution" help the forum here beyond just those individuals who want to participate with me?

All in all, I completely agree with the 50 minimum. Keeps me giving back to the group! (and everybody else, too)

[steved333]

John McCabe, I just noticed your handle and your signature. You're my hero!!

(I promise to post an extra to make up for this one- it shouldn't count!)

[broker12]

I don't agree with all the members above who say I should just accept the rules or leave. That sounds pretty authoritarian in nature. In an open forum opinions from all members should be heard and ultimately influence the operations of the forum.

50 posts is not the only solution or necessarily the most effective means to keep out spammers. Why is there no itrader system here? I have been burned already by two members who did not provide the services promised. Allowing members with several positive itraders to use pm could limit spammers and encourage members who are here more to make transactions than chat in the forums.

[dsmpublishing]

Hi guys

ive been on here for just over a year now and i never even noticed this rule!!!

its a good call though as i remember when i first got involved in internet marketing i joined about 10 forums and this one is the only one i am still part of. There is hardly any spam and even if there is any it is soon stamped out before they can even cause any damage.

therefore i salute the warrior forum for making it so great for all us marketers.

kind regards


sam
X

[Razer Rage]

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree with all the members above who say I should just accept the rules or leave. That sounds pretty authoritarian in nature. In an open forum opinions from all members should be heard and ultimately influence the operations of the forum.

Wrong.

This forum is owned and operated by one person: Allen Says. Allen calls the shots, period. This is not a democracy.

And in case you haven't noticed, the majority of the people who posted actually support the notion of having the requirements of 50 posts, which is a very minimal requirement for even a semi-active member.

Does the admin and his staff listen to members feedback and take it seriously? Yes. But ultimately, they have the last say, and it's up to them to do what is best for the forum, not what's the most convenient for its members.

EDIT: I agree though on having a sort of a feedback system for members who sell products and services though.

[JohnMcCabe]

Originally Posted by broker12

I don't agree with all the members above who say I should just accept the rules or leave. That sounds pretty authoritarian in nature. In an open forum opinions from all members should be heard and ultimately influence the operations of the forum.

broker12, the fact that this thread is still alive is evidence that your opinion is being heard. Along with several people who do not agree with you. Whether or not these opinions influence the operations of the forum is up to the forum owner. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't.

It's kind of like those "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service" signs you see on stores and restaurants. Them's the rules, so if you want to go inside, you slip on a shirt and some shoes...

By the way, did you notice you're already over halfway to your 50?

[robyrobertson]

I am enjoying this forum. This is funny. You will always see people that don't really want to work hard. To be honest I have no idea how many posts I have made and but I am getting great tips and participating when I think it is worthwhile.

As I have told people my whole career. If you don't like it here then leave...