Users granted special access

[nat]

Sorry, but only users granted special access can reply to posts in this forum.

I'm curious.
The above message appeared when I went to reply to a post in the News section. Can someone please explainto me why some have special priveledges. I fully understand why only moderators/admins etc can start a thread in this section, but I would like to know why I can't reply. (I can see that other "Members" have been able to.)
Is creating an elitist subset of the forum a good thing? Or is it deemed that the thoughts and opinions of those of us who "underpriveledged" are not seen as important? I sincerely hope that this is not the case!

(In this instance, all I wanted to do was to pass on my thanks and appreciation to Gary and his team for getting us back after the hack. I'm disappointed that I was not able to do this, as I hope that Gary doesn't think that we take his efforts for granted. Instead I sent a PM passing on my thanks, but I'm sure that Gary doesn't want his box filled up with these.)

Nat

[Jonesy]

Sorry Nat I cant help.....

But being only new (couldn't post in there anyway) I will take the opp (via this thread) to say thanks to Gary and co. No doubt it has been a big week for you guys, and all the extra work on getting things online again is really appreciated.

Cheers
Jonesy

[kipper]

Be quiet peon!

[gstark]

Is creating an elitist subset of the forum a good thing? Or is it deemed that the thoughts and opinions of those of us who "underpriveledged" are not seen as important? I sincerely hope that this is not the case!

Nat,

There is no elitist subset here - we're all elite!

And there's no automatic way to be added to the Members' group either. We keep that as a manual process in order to permit us to ensure that each person asking for access to that group qualifies.

You do, I'm taking this message as your request for access, and you've been added.

[kipper]

Damn it Gary.
Now I have nobody to call peon!

[gstark]

But do you have anybody to pee on?

[Glen]

Nat, thanks for your thoughts on the elitist subset. The reason for a subset is to become a full member one has to have 30 posts and posted an image as a rough guide to get full membership. Then when one feels they have met the requirements, PM Gary or one of the other admins or mods for membership. With the amount of posts you have up and the time you have been here I am sure you are aware of the reason for this but in case you hadn't read about it before, the main reason is so people don't google in, get products at member rates and never be seen again. As it is we are going to be reposting rules for bargains as some members are misusing Birddy generously donated time.

So if your complaint is that previously allocated member status is not here after the back up that can be rectified. If your complaint is that an individual who surfs up on Google cant post everywhere on there first visit, sorry, thats tough. Hope it all makes sense

[Jonesy]

Its ok Kipper theres still a few of us here in the Orcish Horde that can take that title

[nat]

You do, I'm taking this message as your request for access, and you've been added.

Thanks Gary
I had noticed that the word "Member" appeared near my avatar after I had made 30-odd posts, and so assumed that something had changed automatically.

(with my head bowed...) Please accept my apologies

[nat]

Thanks Glen. Yes, I fully realise the need for the "30 post guideline", but thought that my status had changed (see my last post).
Keep up the good work guys!

[Glen]

Nat, I think a few things will come back differently after the restore. Assumed you had access before.

[kipper]

I definately agree Glen that the criteria/rules for going through Birddog should change. I told you about that guy who started hassling me to find out how to get the good deals.

[birddog114]

I definately agree Glen that the criteria/rules for going through Birddog should change. I told you about that guy who started hassling me to find out how to get the good deals.

kipper,
Carry on mate! one shot or two shot won't hurt!

[kipper]

Not sure that I understand.

[birddog114]

Not sure that I understand.

I meant: people is hassling you by asking where can they find a good deal, one or two or three or four or five hassles won't hurt you coz I know you can handle them easily!

[gstark]

(with my head bowed...) Please accept my apologies

No apology necessary, but noted and appreciated nonetheless.