Reason I don't financially support R2R is because of attitudes like this. I support R2R with my knowledge. When people get good advice they stick around and support the forums and hobby. When people get bad advice they fail and bail the hobby. Do I need to flowchart that? Not concerned about somebody's, uh, self esteem issues.
You pay for a special badge, and then claim its an open forum? The hypocrisy is pretty thick here. This isn't a 501c. Reef Central used to let their "supporters" flag posts they disagree with and ban members they didnt like for petty things. I would like to think R2R is better than that, but havent been here long enough. I also have no idea what the site owner does with membership fees. Its his business in any respect. Not yours.
The last time I checked sites like these cost money to operate.
The bills cant be paid with words.
Most sites in todays world,
UNLIKE R2R basically have two websites in one.
First is for the looky-loo's that want to see what the site is all about, but they have very limited site access, basically read only and limited search capabilities, then they have the membership area that is a monthly or annual subscription that expires. This allows full access to searches and full correspondence privilege's.
Here on R2R.
Does one have to be vetted to join for full access? No.
Does one have to pay to join for full access? No.
Do they have to own an Aquarium to join for full access? No.
Can anyone on the planet with a computer and internet access join if they choose and get full access? Yes.
So in what way is this not an open forum?
So yes R2R is an open forum.
Now to the bread and butter point.
Just like any business R2R, Restaurants, Grocery Stores, Department Stores, any and all Service providers, ETC., have the right to refuse to do business with a person, or do they not? Does this make all business closed?
Yes, I understand it is up to the individual who owns and or operates the site or business based on their own PERSONAL preferences, do they not have the right?
Do you have the right to allow or not allow anyone into your home or business for whatever reason you so desire? This is your right, but I guess this right is not allowed to be extended to others? It makes no difference if its a non-profit or for profit.
I guess your attempting to make the point, that you feel R2R is not open as R2R does not allow individuals to, comment on another individual negatively or discuss other things like religion or politics basically.
So in your life when a religious group, salesperson, or other whatever business, comes to your door, calls or texts, your phone, you should stand and listen even if your diabolically opposed.
This is ok and justified, but you will not allow the other person or business owner the privilege to do the same. So your not "open" as well, I am sorry but I disagree with your point here.
I understand your truthful point of the membership base, is the most important factor of a successful site like R2R.
That the sites experienced and expert membership, that cares to share their knowledge and success is critical to that sites success.
But this is a voluntary choice.
If your a general member with experience and expertise, and you choose to share your advice, awesome give yourself a pat on the back.
You can also chose to discount bad advice given by another by posting your reasoning as to why it is bad.
How does the membership know an individual member is an expert in a particular area?
You have been here a short time as you say.
You also feel your knowledge is worth listening to, ok but how do we know that?
There is nothing vetting yourself in your profile.
