Hi all,
I hope I'm not out of line,but I would just like some feedback on how you feel about 1st timer and newbee's starting new threads on looking for certain sites.

I'll go first. Recently in my opinion, there have been way too many 1st timers opening threads and asking about site and drugs before reading anything. They don't seem to bother to read anything or search. When i first registered I read through all the Rules and just about everything. You have so many days before you can even post and then gives you time to search. I also think this is a way to cut down on the Shills.

What to you all think. I think the there should be a limit on when you can start a thread, just like the limit for posting in the NROP sites. JMO
Taz

Newbees should not be able to start threads, IMO. Not even in the Who Offers it, How Much forum. Almost ANY information can be found on the board by doing a search and the posts are redundant. It would also keep scammers/spammers from flooding the place.

Thanks Cleo for replying. A agree with what you said. I've gotten on a few new threads and kindly explain that they need to read the Rules and do some reading on feedback from others.

Hey Cleo... We See Eye to Eye on this!!!
Admin ...What do you think? ...I think it would save you a lot of Time Deleting and Such! JMHO

Excellent Idea Taz

I am divided on this.

It is one thing to limit posting in one small section, but I am not sure if I feel the same about restricting the opening of new threads.

While on one hand it is good to search or find an open thread on a subject, would this also not increase the problem of people posting off-topic in existing threads?

What is the definition of a newbie? The official definition here of someone below a certain number of posts?
I am more inclined to factor in a combination of registration date/quality of posts, rather than a certain number of posts.

While the 200 thread post requirement in the blatantly illegal section was created to deal with a particular issue in a particular section, this is a different situation. You could have someone who has been a member for 4 or more years who would be unable to open a thread about something very valuable and relevant, and instead be forced to keep it to themselves or take another thread off-topic.

Lately we have had one person coming on and starting 20 threads right away.

It seems to happen on Friday or Saturday nights. About a week ago I counted 17 threads opened by one person and they were continuing. I pressed the Notify button but it went on for quite a while. I know admin is busy.

I am hoping these people get banned. It is obvious they are playing around and trying to disrupt this site.

Hi, Musician. I agree with you - having anyone just starting threads, disrupting the site - is NOT OK.

BUT, let us not be "elitist", ya know? There are plenty of folks who have much to offer who are new. I believe the "Notify" button is useful and sufficient. Too many Rules and you end up with a site that only works for "old timers".

We can all benefit from what new people have to say. Yes, the climate has changed (in more ways than one, lol)

Maybe a warning? Don't request a ban or anything, but just a "watch" thing? Would that work?

"you are beauty and elegance". Song is swimming thru my head.

Anyway, if someone is "over posting", than there are tools to deal with it. Right?

OK, I'm falling asleep again. Could it be that I stay up too late? And get up too early?

I could be naive - wouldn't be the first time. If someone could tell me why "Notify" wouldn't work, please tell me.

I guess miracles CAN happen About the 'Notify' situation ----- my feeling is that half of the reason for this change is to save mod/admin time from having to delete the damage done by all the clown disruptors that keep coming around. As for what constisutes a newbee, I think that should be Admin's domain to decide on that and I don't really have a good answer to the question that isn't completely arbitrary.

This is one example of it being abused:

http://www.drugbuyers.com/freeboard/ubbthreads.php/topics/923156/Nealoren#Post923156

Also, you get people who join thinking that they can ask where to get oxycodone without a script; clearly they have not read anything at all. When they are informed that it isn't available, they are never seen again. These are minor inconveniences compared with the above example, which are a real pain.

Perhaps there could be a standard link one could point the "Where can I get oxy?" people to?

Yes there may be some newbee's coming on asking about a place they have found, but the one's that are most happening is they are coming on starting threads like, "Where can I get this", Where can I get that", "Do you know where I can get **** fast".
Those are the threads that I worry about. It's a waste of space. It annoys me. I click on a site that say's "Need Help", then get in there and it is a first timer wanting to know where to get their drugs.

When I first came to this site, I didn't say much. I read thread after thread for knowledge. I have learned a great deal. I didn't need to open a thread. My first thread was a couple of days ago. About Ted Kennedy. Where posters can give there opinion or blow off steam. No matter, it still make you feel better after giving your 2 cents.

I'm sorry off topic. But what I'm saying is everybody can find a site they are looking for and get itn it. They can go back as far as they want, and ask about an old site. No biggie.

Taz

One problem with excluding "newbies" posting, starting threads etc. is not every "newbie" is really new. I use myself as Exhibit A. Joined db in 2006 and posted occasionally but due to technical issues was forced to reregister this year...hence I'm a "newbie", but I have found db to be an incredible source of information--not only general but specific to my situation when necessary and posting has allowed me to get a variety of informed answers.

Just a thought...

What about putting limits on the # of new threads a newbie can start? Example: Maybe 2 their first month of registered membership, then add to it, for say six months?

Newbies have limits on PM privileges (or do they anymore? I've been away for a couple of months, almost!), & personally I think their ability to start new threads should also be limited, for all the reasons already stated. But as others have pointed out, we might also risk not getting important information, feedback, etc. if newbies can't start new threads. + I'd be afraid of them responding inappropriately in other threads already opened.

You also might think about starting this thread in the "suggestions" thread/area, and or maybe starting a thread in the "polls" area too-

Great topic & I hope the Admin sees this & considers our ideas!

Welcome back Secondstar! Hope you have been well on your time away.

I honestly don't think there is a way to make the site "perfect". There will always be people who come on here and create a havoc, of sorts. We must deal.

For those of us who have experience, yes, "where can I get Oxy quick" is annoying (for me too), but it has to be assumed that these posters just don't know. Maybe they assume we'll just chime in and say "oh, go to this site or that". I don't know. They'll find out soon enough.

Anyway, please know that I am not condoning this behavior. Au contraire. I am just acknowledging that I don't know.

The prayers to the universe have been flooding. And if I have one more car repair bill (daughter) or medical bill, I just may scream in agony.

OT warning! Hey PRNRain - glad/good to see you again! Trust me, car repair bills & medical bills are something I can relate to right now! Won't go into specifics, but if you get a chance, check out my thread in the "family, friends, etc" thread. I'd Pm you, but I'm just relearning how to type, & it is just to exhausting to do to much of it right now.

Other than that, I sincerely hope everything else in your life is going as well as it can be!

Hey PRN -check your PM's, just sent you some personal info about my 'wonderful' summer, so far! Lucky me, I have my next round of injections this Tues., the 1st!

Yankeefan,
I'm not suggesting tht newbee's cannot post at all. I'm suggesting that they not start threads until admin can set a limit on when they can. Ok, so you have been around a while. Do you get right on and open a thread and ask "Where can you get this and that?", without bothering to look it up yourself? I bet you didn't. That is good if you didn't. These are the reason's we need to have some more limits on things. Have you looked lately and seen how someone with 1 post and is dated the same day, starting a thread sounding like a junkie needing a fix really bad. They don't bother to read anything. Look around the boards, you will be amazed.
I also was one of them that was under 200 post when they changed that rule. It didn't bother me, cause I read. I have over 200 post now and I still do not go to sites and ask questions that any of us can look up on our own.

Taz, I "hear" where you are coming from and I understand the frustration. It is just that, well, we are not in charge of monitoring the site.

I really believe that using the "Notify" button will get you to where you want to be. Use it liberally. Admin does not want his site to be used for illegitimate purposes.

I personally believe that is the best recourse. Have you tried this?

I was just posting for feedback on the suggestion. I know that we are not in charge of monitoring. I also know that the admin is busy. I figured posting a thread will be easier for admin to notice.

I have no problem w/newbies starting threads. They are here to learn and share like everyone else and may have a valid question.

Trust me, there are always posters on EVERY board that annoy other posters for a variety of reasons. Try to ignore. Only choice really, I have found out - kind of the hard way too I must say.

Spam is the only true violation, I think.

Taz, your input is most welcome. I, for one, understand where you are coming from. I just don't know how anyone can prevent the posters who use the site for nefarious purposes.

Having said that, I'm up for anything that would make the site "purer".

Please know that your consideration is taken seriously. I completely understand where you are coming from. I just don't know how one would separate the wheat from the chaff.

You hit that just right. "A valid question". I don't care of someone starts a thread with a ligit question about health problems. I'm sure PNWRain will love to chime in and help. It's the ones looking for drugs ASAP. Since they cant go and reply on the NROP side they open threads here. They just go around the Rules in a different way. Under a different catagory. That is all I'm saying. FOR NOW.

Taz, points all well taken. Do I irritate you? Gosh I would truly hate that. I suspect I can be irritating, lol. Never mean to be.

Yes, new persons whose sole purpose is to procure drugs - well, I don't like it either. Just don't know how to stop it. I'm up for a solution, though. Maybe just ignore it? It is usually pretty obvious. Not always, but usually.

Anyway, if I am being annoying, please tell me. I'll do my best to NOT be that way. Good Monday morning!

There is a wealth of information on here and sometimes it's hard to get to the information you need. I ask annoying (I'm guessing some people find them so) sometimes, but I don't always have the luxury of searching for hours. I've been around awhile though. I think limiting the number of new posts or making them post in current threads is best. Why so many newbies any way?

Well lately, there are a lot of scammers. They ruin it for everybody. They get on and post tons of threads during the night. For example look at last night. I couldn't find anything. I think I was following you. LOL

I'm not a scammer! Just an insomniac. LOL!

Tiades & Taz - I'm not an insomniac, but I crept into bed at about 8:00, got next to the living, breathing heater (otherwise known as my husband) and fell asleep. Didn't make the coffee, didn't turn the lights off. LOL. Now I'm up. Made the coffee, cleaned up the kitchen, turned off the lights.

I am always so cold. And it it's not like an external cold. I go to the grocery store and it's awful. Freeze. Yes, I lost alot of weight, but my weight is OK for my height. 5' 1" and 115 lbs. I was 157 lbs. Why am I so cold? I did not try to lose this weight, but here I am. It just melted off. My GF say "beatch". LOL. But in truth, it is worrisome. Have had CAT scans and the gamut and the cancer has not returned, but I still worry - cause I'm a worrier.

Sorry. I know this is OT. Just that I am concerned. I apologize.

Admin - please do not count this.

Another new title? I like the old one better. Just got in from the hospital. Yes it's 4am. I broke my knuckle of my 1st digit. Well, it's either an avulsion type break or a deformity from birth. What a start to the week! It can only get better!

Secondstar, that is a good idea. This is why I started this thread. For ideas. The mods and admin have their hands full already and don't need such things as people coming on the first day and first post, "Where can I get some Oxy's" for example. Isn't that why there is a waiting period before they can get on is for reading and getting to know the board and threads?
Good idea

Taz

RAIN, you pain in my butt? Yes. But I still love ya,

Taz

Tiades so sorry about your knuckle ouch! Hope you heal fast.

I notice that many times there are people who sign in just to make trouble. They will have a run on this site and open threads all over until they get caught.

We all need to watch out for that and ignore them and Notify. Last time they brought up old posts from banned members. I felt it was one of them getting even.

So we need to pay attention before we get drawn in. I learned a few months ago.

I hardly ever open a new thread.


I think I fear rejection.

I might be somewhat out of line, replying in this thread as I have only been a member for less than a month. But there are a couple of things I just feel compelled to mention, and please know that I mean absolutely no disrespect or offense or anything of the sort to anyone else.

At the time I ran across DB, I had been frantically searching the Internet for somewhere that I could purchase a particular med that I had been legally prescribed for years by my doctor (psychiatrist). A month prior to my frantic search, it never would have even crossed my mind to be looking for such a place online, and if asked, I would have vehemently swore that I would never consider doing such a thing. Espeically since after much trial & error, a medication had finally been settled upon that worked for me in my particular situation. Once it had been established what worked for me, even though I had changed doctors a few times since, there was never a question of changing what worked, and of course IMO, getting a script from my own Dr. would be the only way I would consider going about acquiring my medication. But, I was in for a nasty surprise when I moved 2000 miles away - back to the town where I had grown up. I no longer knew anyone here (except my Dad who has Alzheimer's), my old GP had passed away some time ago, I had not needed a psychiatrist back when I lived here before, and when I tried to find one, I was alarmed to find that of all of them, either they were not accepting new patients, or the ones who were, did not accept my insurance. Out of desperation, I finally made an appointment that I can't afford with the one who could get me in the soonest - that being near the end of November 2009. At which point the panic set in. I was at the end of my last refil, basically all alone, and knew from past experience that if I didn't find some way to stay on my medication long before the end of November, I would surely end up in a mental hospital, as well as lose my rights to my money as well as my life in general - it had happened before. Hence, my Internet search began in earnest. It only led to more frustration.. either the sites sounded "too good to be true", usually with no way to contact them for information without getting replies in the form of 'auto-replies" that were generic, never addressing my particular questions. Often they stated they were not pharmacies, but wanted a "membership fee" to get acdess to their pharmacies and refused to answer any basic quetions prior to purchasing a membership. With no extra funds to experiment with, I couldn't take a chance on those. The ones I came across - mainly in Google searches - that seemed to be genuine pharmacies that you could order products directly from them seemed to have a very limited selection - mainly Viagra and the like - not at all what I was needing. (I'm sorry, I know I tend to be too wordy in everything I write - I'll try to get to the point now).

When I ran across DB during on of those searches I had alrady about lost faith in, my mental state was not good. to put it nicely. But after glancing over the site, I did get the feeling that this was more than just a scam, of the few posts I read, I got the feeling that this was a different kind of environment, and a concept I'd nearly forgotten existed. People here seemed to be actually exchanging experiences and information.. and I sensed a feeling of genuine good will and caring that I had not found anywhere else - on or offline if quite a while. It took the last bit of .... whatever I could muster up to join this site, and put my last shred of hope in the hands of the people who were already members.

And yes, I started a new thread as soon as I had registered, detailing the problem I had encountered in trying to transision to a new doctor in a location that was once familiar to me, but had changed so much over the years and basically asked if anyone had any suggestions. At that point, I simply did not have it in me to be reading all the available information contained throughout the site. When I checked on my post the following day, I was both surprised and pleased that there had ben several resposes. And here, in particular, I sincerely hope that none of you who had very generously taken the time to address my concern will take this next sentence wrong, as I know that all comments were made with only the tbst oof intentions. However, unfortunately, I found no information to speak of contained in the replies that I thought I could use in order to solve my immediate problem.

But, what I did find, was an outpouring of understanding, caring, and what seemed like genuine concern for my well being. I suddenly felt less alone than I had prior to having made the post, and I was able from thete to draw on the strength that I felt from those who had replied and use it to explore the rest of the Site and discovered much of the information that was readily available on this site, learn how to use it in a constructive way, and espeically I learned about the value of reading through the various threads pertaining to what I was looking for myself. And in a few days, I was able to make a fairly educated decision as to what place I would place an order from - based of course on he feedback I was seeing from others. Of course, I made several more posts of my own along the way.. mostly wanting to clarify something or other.

Anyway, with many thanks and much gratitude to the wonderful people of DrugBuyers,com, as of yesterday, I sucessfully received an order of the exact medicine which I had so desperatley needed... and just in time! I am already feeling 100% like myself again now.

I guess the point to all of this is that when I made that first post, I was less than a "newbee", I was a mere "stranger". And I honestly can't say just where I might be today - physical location, mental state or both had I not been allowed to make that initial contact [post] that got me the support that turned out to be so necessary in my ability to keep on going until I accomplished what I needed to in order to carry on.

I will never be able to thank you enough, but I do hope that those who wish to prevent people from posting or starteing threads because they are new might think a little harder on that before making it a permanent restriction, as all peole are different, with different needs, and spammers will be spammers - be they new or old, and hopefully they will not ever have the power to prevent people with a legitamate need for help from being able to receive it.

On another note, even being as new as I still am, it did not take me long at all to notice, as well as be annoyed by certain posts that either contribue nothing to the converstaion and/or repeatedly omment in everythread the same irritating and obvious solicitations to email themn for a "list" of every medication available and they will ship it asap, or the ones interupting a discussion of a particular IOP (for examle) to plug whatever pharmacy they are there to represent... "Shills" I had not known that particular word before, but have been aware of the concept for a long time.

I hope my posts have not come acoss in any sort of off-putting ways such as that. I think my main annoying habit is the fact that I am way too wordy in everything I write. I've been working on this for years, but have yet to be able to correct it.

Well, anyway, I believe I've made my point in regards to this.....

If you have made it this far, I thank you for reading.