charter member privileges

[profntbtr]

i have frequented this site for many years now, and i realize that people feel the need to regulate the vending of items by web members. While i personally do not see the necessity of this ruling, i can respect it and understand the intent. What i do not understand is the limitations placed on web members pertaining to the WTB threads. i have tried countless times to relay advice on certain subjects that would be helpful for the general populace. for example, i know that one of the places to find cerium oxide is a jewelry supply company, if you need it immediately, or it is sold on amazon for about $30. can i pass on that information? evidently the answer is no, because the advice i have to give is inherently less valuable because i have not paid my dues (which i actually paid at the frag swap a month and some ago, my status has just not been upgraded). being relegated to PM's makes me much less inclined to pass on the information i have, as after i have typed it once and had it rejected due to my "security clearance" i am not inclined to retype. The WTB forums are for our members to get what they need, whether it comes from the president, or just some guy who happened to find this site on google. Is making it more difficult for people to exchange information really protecting the sanctity of this institution? oh yeah, when my charter membership is processed is it possible to start the year on the day i am upgraded, as opposed to a month and some ago when i paid?

[Kristy]

Hey Mike,
You are showing as a charter member now... not sure if that just changed since you brought this to our attention?

The restricted access on the WTB forum was put into place at the same time as charter members voted to restrict selling privileges. So only a charter member can start a For Sale thread, but anyone can respond to it to buy from them. Anyone can start a Wanted To Buy thread to post what they are looking for, but we restricted the responses to only charter members, using the logic that the responses would be people offering something for sale. Did not think of your situation where you were just trying to offer some helpful information. It did occur to BOD that web members would be able to take the additional step of sending an offer by PM and we figured that the convenience of being able to respond directly in the thread could be a small little perk for charter membership.

I know we have had some glitches lately in folks who upgraded or renewed their charter memberships and are working on how to improve that process to make it smoother and a faster turnaround. Thanks for your patience!

[hobogato]

...which i actually paid at the frag swap a month and some ago, my status has just not been upgraded...

...changed since you brought this to our attention...

yep, i fixed it. sorry for the delay mike

[profntbtr]

sweet, thanks.