Flourish Forum

Forum Info & Support => Flourish Forum News => Topic started by: Erica McPhee on December 15, 2014, 04:59:38 AM

Title: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on December 15, 2014, 04:59:38 AM
Hi Friends,
In order to keep our forum safe and sound, I have implemented some new security measures.

1. All new member registrations will be approved by me.
2. All new members will be requested to post a brief hello or intro.
3. All lurkers/members who have not visited the forum in the past 120 days will be deleted.
4. The first few posts will be moderated for approval to prove you are not a spammer.
5. The confirmation questions will remain in place until a set number of posts have been made.

Unfortunately, this will lose us some members but I would rather we are a tight, safe bunch than subjected to spam attacks.

Hopefully, this will help keep the meanies out. As always, suggestions, comments are welcome.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: JanisTX on December 15, 2014, 05:22:22 AM
Thank you, Erica!  Those are very fair guidelines & will keep us safer!  Although, I must admit that yesterday's spam that had a gorgeous hunk of a man's photo was pretty easy on the eyes.... Ha, ha!

Janis
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: syed sha abulhassan Quadr on December 15, 2014, 05:35:19 AM
Thanks alot erica for making this place safe and sound for struggling calligraphers as me.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: AndyT on December 15, 2014, 05:44:17 AM
Thanks, Erica - were you not tempted to say "prospective members should apply in writing to ..."?  ;-)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: prasad on December 15, 2014, 06:04:52 AM
It's easy to say this is a great idea Erica,

But this means such a lot of additional work for you.

For that, you have my deepest thanks.

It's such a great effort you are taking to keep this forum up and going.  Wonderful members and a truly wonderful Administrator.

Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Scarlet Blue on December 15, 2014, 06:49:59 AM
Where was the glorious hunk of a man??! I missed it. If this is the sort of thing I'd get to see, then I would be happy to volunteer my services as a security guard  ;)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: scrapbookmom on December 15, 2014, 09:19:53 AM
Great idea, Erica.  Your diligence on the behalf of the forum is wonderful!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Ergative on December 15, 2014, 09:53:58 AM
Thank you, Erica. It is a real pleasure to be a member of a forum that is so carefully moderated. I enjoyed the chance to practice my Russian yesterday (one of the spam posts began with a Russian summary of Harry Potter), but that's not really why I'm here!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on December 15, 2014, 10:54:57 AM
LOL! I'm actually thinking of this in terms of "tell me why you want to join..."

 
Thanks, Erica - were you not tempted to say "prospective members should apply in writing to ..."?  ;-)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on December 15, 2014, 10:57:03 AM
Really?! I love Harry Potter!  ;D LOL!

Thank you, Erica. It is a real pleasure to be a member of a forum that is so carefully moderated. I enjoyed the chance to practice my Russian yesterday (one of the spam posts began with a Russian summary of Harry Potter), but that's not really why I'm here!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Linda Y. on December 15, 2014, 11:20:33 AM
Thank you, Erica!  :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: joi on December 15, 2014, 03:02:14 PM
thanks erica!!!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Estefa on December 15, 2014, 03:14:36 PM
Also thanks, Erica!! I can imagine it's even more work now …
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Milonguera on December 15, 2014, 05:18:09 PM
Yes, Erica.  Prasad's got it right that it's additional work for you and I'm also grateful
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: patweecia on December 15, 2014, 08:56:16 PM
yay!  thank you for this erica :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: riana on December 15, 2014, 11:59:01 PM
Thank you Erica!!!  That's so much moderation work for you, but it's very appreciated.
P.S. I would've been totally cool with submitting a "why I would like to join..." questionnaire, as a total newbie to the site! Just sayin'!! ;)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Roseann on December 16, 2014, 01:50:42 AM
Hi Erica,
This forum has been such a wonderful resource. 
I deeply appreciate all you do for the Forum.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: thistledesignstudio on December 19, 2014, 02:37:14 PM
Thank you Erica for keeping us safe from these spammers & anyone else with non-calligraphy related stuff!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Patricia C on January 04, 2015, 10:14:36 PM
Thank you for the many updates, Erica!  ;D

Happy New Year, everyone! *confetti*  :-*
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Afreen Gaffar on January 14, 2015, 01:46:02 PM
Thankyou Erica!  :-*
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Marcia Aronow on January 14, 2015, 06:15:42 PM
You are certainly doing your due diligence (quoting one of my Realtor-husband's fav phrases), Erica, and for that I am very grateful.  The Forum continues to offer a wealth of ideas & discussions for the calligraphy community.   Your list of questions are totally reasonable.  Interested joiners will actually have to "think" about joining & contributing.  I guess I missed yesterday's spammer.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 14, 2015, 07:49:08 PM
Thanks everyone!

The spam attack was a few weeks ago. However, every day we get anywhere from 50 - 1,500 attempts to access our site maliciously. UGH! I don't understand why they do that as no one is going to go visit their spam sites and if they trash the forum, there is nowhere to advertise! Just another form of virus, really. But keeps me on my toes!  :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ErikH on January 20, 2015, 04:02:17 PM
Hi Erica,

You seem to be doing a great job of keeping us shielded from all the rubbish that's trying to invade the forum, thank you for that!

Your stance on lurkers has me a little worried though, especially since, with my lurkerish tendencies, I can see myself fitting that description. While most of the time, whatever I want to add to a discussion has already been said much more eloquently by someone else by the time I get around to it, I do like having the option to participate, no matter how rarely I do so. Would you be willing to reconsider that part of the new policies?
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 21, 2015, 01:27:24 AM
Thanks Erik,
It's completely fine to lurk (observe and take it all in). It's those who haven't logged in for 4 months or more. I would like to keep us "active" members (meaning those who visit, not just those who post regularly).

Hope that helps. Thank you for sharing that concern with me.  :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ErikH on January 22, 2015, 03:20:27 AM
Thank you, that does help! :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: CharissaF on January 25, 2015, 10:57:38 PM
Thanks, Erica
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: imdcruz on January 29, 2015, 04:45:40 AM
.... a gorgeous hunk of a man's photo was pretty easy on the eyes.... Ha, ha!


How could I miss this?! LOL!

On a more serious note, thank you Erica for your hardwork.  :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: laurenm on March 31, 2015, 10:12:18 PM
Erica,

I'm ecstatic to be a part of this forum. However, I am not able to "introduce" myself on that forum. Do I have to receive a request to post on that forum? Any help will be appreciated.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on April 01, 2015, 08:39:34 AM
Hi Lauren,
All of the first couple of posts by new members are moderated. This is to reduce the possibility of a spam attack (which we have had in the past). But after that, they will just go right through and within a few more, the questions before posting are gone, too! :-)

Your intro has already gone through. Welcome to Flourish!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: silverswirlstudios on April 01, 2015, 11:01:16 AM
Erica - setting up the Forum was a task in and of itself. Now to implement new measures to protect our "little" community is a whole other level. Thank you for all you do!!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on April 01, 2015, 11:09:08 PM
Thanks Theresa! Yes - keeping Flourish running smoothly is a full time job! But I love it and our community makes it so worth while.

We now have about 20 - 30 new members signing up each day. I have to look up every IP against a SPAM database and then follow up for a personal response. Once I hear back, I can activate the membership so the person can then sign in. I then review the first several posts before they are sent to the forum to try to avoid a repeat of the spam attacks we had last year.

That's just the new membership!  ;D There is a lot of "behind the scenes" but almost all of it is positive!  :) Exchanges are about 20 - 30 hours of set up and implementing in total. But SOOOO worth it! LOL!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: CharissaF on April 02, 2015, 03:43:53 PM
Thanks for all your hard work Erica. The forum is an amazing resource. I am so thankful to have found you and everyone here!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Ashleysellars on October 16, 2015, 07:04:40 AM
Hey Erica!
I'm a new member and would like to participate in the flourum holiday envelope exchanges! How do I get involved? Does the flourish forum send email newletters notifying everyone of when things occur or do we we need to continue to keep checking the website! I get busy with work and forget to check the website but i don't want to miss out!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on October 18, 2015, 02:18:53 AM
Hi Ashley,
Please see this board for information on exchanges:  Flourish Exchanges (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?board=39.0).

Exchanges are announced and open for sign ups for about two weeks and then the lists are sent out. There is a calendar posted but there is only one exchange left for the rest of the year (the last advanced exchange will be post poned until January). I will be announcing the sign ups for the Holiday exchange in the next couple of days.

I like the suggestion to announce exchanges via the newsletter. Thanks!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: seanlanefuller on October 20, 2015, 07:14:33 AM
I liked the little calligraphy questions at the end.  Just when I figured out all of the answers they went away.  Boohoo.  Not that I'm saying that I want them to come back...  Thanks for keeping the spam down.  I have left a lot of discussion groups in the past because of it.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: bunkie68 on February 24, 2016, 02:10:27 PM
I wondered why I kept having to answer questions!  :)  If it keeps the boards clear of spam, I'm glad to answer the questions before I post for as long as it takes.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: rebeccao214 on March 08, 2016, 12:22:28 PM
Erica:  Just a reminder...you are one AMAZING woman!!  And I - rather, we all , appreciate you more than any of us could every convey!!  Thanks for keeping us safe and relatively free of trolls!!   ::)

Rebecca
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on March 08, 2016, 07:27:54 PM
Thank you Rebecca! Your post made my day!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Lindamirth on March 10, 2016, 08:53:18 PM
Thanks, Erica
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: pointedbroad on March 11, 2016, 02:38:24 PM
Suggestion: Maybe ask for volunteers from the senior members to help with some of the tedious work (like IP lookup, first post scanning, etc.)?
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: rabbitship on March 26, 2016, 09:42:30 AM
time to put a reminder for myself every 3 months cos i have a habit of not using the internet when work is crazy haha

but those are fair rules (:
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Nancy Webster on April 11, 2016, 01:57:07 PM
Thank you for including me!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Kim Tackett on May 11, 2016, 02:11:33 PM
I'm glad I'm still in.  Thank you.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: June P on May 18, 2016, 08:24:24 PM
Hey Peet ~ welcome to the forum from a fellow Spencerian student. You may receive more views & replies if you make an introduction post in the Introductions subforum.
http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?board=2.0
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on May 19, 2016, 09:09:01 AM
Thanks for responding June! I moved the message to the Open Discussion and will delete this in a bit.  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: rrc120 on November 28, 2016, 04:26:18 AM
A sound and intelligent way to run a forum. It sounds good to me. Thank you 😊
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Pramod on February 10, 2017, 07:06:39 AM
Hi , THe guideline are a good idea and i like the questions they get you thinking about something thats second nature .
The book review is good to expand your library Thanks
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: FingerprintDesigns on February 23, 2017, 07:46:31 AM
Thank you Erica – it's great to know that our Forum is carefully moderated.

I understand this means a great deal of more work for you, so thank you for all your time and efforts – we all appreciate you!

Have a wonderful day!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Melody H. on September 23, 2017, 12:37:07 AM
Hello Erica! I have just been approved to become part of the forum today, so thank you!

I would just like the details of where I need to post my introduction? I didn't see any details in my email.

Again, thanks a lot!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on September 23, 2017, 10:52:08 AM
Hi Melody! @Melody H.

That's a great question!

You can post your introduction here:  Introductions Topic (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?board=2.0)

You may also want to check out this section:  New Here? Start here! (http://theflourishforum.com/forum/index.php?board=17.0) It has tips on where to go first and how to find things.

Lastly, this FAQ on the home page has some really helpful tips, too.  Flourish FAQ (http://www.theflourishforum.com/faq/)

Welcome!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ecababes on January 01, 2019, 10:46:34 PM
Hi, Erica! This sounds great. I am new here and I'm looking forward to be part of the community!

I am a budding calligrapher and currently trying out ways to kick start my career in calligraphy. I am excited to meet my fellow aspirants to get along with!

Happy New Year, everyone! :)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: mrunaljani on January 02, 2019, 12:35:25 AM
Nice initiative.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Lindah on January 17, 2019, 08:16:42 AM
Thanks Erica!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ElleK on January 17, 2019, 02:22:33 PM
Thank you for this info! What a task you have at hand!

Will members be given a warning before they are deleted? (ex/ let's say life gets busy and one doesn't have time or forgets, etc. to log on and be active -- will there be any message sent to the member or will they just be automatically deleted?)

thanks!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on January 17, 2019, 05:04:15 PM
Hi @ElleK ,
I haven't deleted anyone. I know life gets busy and people come and go. Also, the time we have to dedicate to calligraphy varies. I have found some folks stop coming by for a bit and then come back so as for now, I don't want to delete anyone off.  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Kei.haniya on July 07, 2019, 03:25:36 PM
I’ll be sure to post a few times. It’s been a couple years since i last logged on. Great to be back! Thanks for all you do Erica!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: KacyBG on July 07, 2019, 08:48:56 PM
Erica, thank you!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on July 07, 2019, 11:29:48 PM
Hooray! Welcome back Kei! And you’re very welcome Kacy!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Bianca M on July 08, 2019, 05:56:15 PM
YAY KEI!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: rubyrose5757 on August 11, 2019, 10:13:15 AM
Thank you, Erica.  I freaked out when I tried to log in to the Forum yesterday, and it refused me! After reading your post I changed my "session time" from "forever" to "one month", and boom!  I was in again! Whew!  Thanks for being such a diligent guardian.  Your efforts are much appreciated.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on August 11, 2019, 02:30:22 PM
I'm so glad you figured out a workaround @rubyrose5757 ! Sometimes that even happens to me. I find I can usually then login by going down to the menu list (starts with Home) and then log in and that works. Different browsers act differently as well. Happy you figured it out!  :-*
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Debra English on March 05, 2020, 09:04:18 AM
I'm so looking forward to what this group has to offer!! Thank you in advance for your insight and shared knowledge.
Debra
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ewigginton on March 05, 2020, 03:21:12 PM
*tap* *tap* *tap* .....is this thing on? It’s been years since I’ve picked up my pen and I did it yesterday! Muscle memory still good but how on earth did my writing get so shaky? I feel like I can’t remember a thing....do I rinse off my nib in water when I’m done for the day? Does ink have a shelf life? Are dinky dots still a thing? Halp, Erica!!!  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: AnasaziWrites on March 05, 2020, 05:35:42 PM
*tap* *tap* *tap* .....is this thing on? It’s been years since I’ve picked up my pen and I did it yesterday! Muscle memory still good but how on earth did my writing get so shaky? I feel like I can’t remember a thing....do I rinse off my nib in water when I’m done for the day? Does ink have a shelf life? Are dinky dots still a thing? Halp, Erica!!!  ;D
@ewigginton
Wow, Hi Ellen. What's it been--five years? A few of us still here from that time. Good to see you back.
If your ink hasn't molded or dried up completely, you might be able to use it by adding enough water to get it back to the proper viscosity, but why not treat yourself to a new bottle? And yes, rinse off the nib and wipe the ink off so it doesn't dry on the nib (I use a paper towel with a little Windex on it). Dinky dots? The parent/toddler groups or the dotted paper/fabrics?
I am curious what prompted you to pick up the pen after so much time. Still need more practice writing Chris Yoke's name?
I'm sure Erica will chime in when she sees your post. Again, welcome back.
Mike
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on March 06, 2020, 09:50:44 AM
Welcome back Ellen! @ewigginton So great to see you here! It just takes a while to get your steady hand back. But it will come. Mike gave you some great answers. I still use dinky dips. But there are these cute little glass bottles I get from Hobby Lobby which work perfectly and are a little bit bigger but not too big.

Happy to see you post again!  :-*
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: ewigginton on March 13, 2020, 10:18:44 PM
I’ve retired and have all the time now to play! Aw, thanks so much for remembering me! I can’t believe how much stuff is out there compared to back in the day. Glad to you see you all still here. Some among have really gone on to wonderful things! I follow some on IG and they’re amazing! I’ve been dabbling in watercolors and lettering and that dip pen was just staring me in the face! Happy to be back!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Lyric on March 17, 2020, 06:35:12 AM
Welcome back Ellen! @ewigginton  But there are these cute little glass bottles I get from Hobby Lobby which work perfectly and are a little bit bigger but not too big.

I would like to see them (love all things cute).  Wonder if I visited site and did search "little glass bottles" would it yield them?  ::)
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: KCsculptor on March 22, 2020, 02:24:42 PM
Great idea.  Thanks, Erica!
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Tushar on September 07, 2020, 05:34:10 PM
Hello,

Thanks you for solving my registration issues and adding me to this forum. I wish to learn a lot from this forum. Good luck to all the members of this forum.

Thanks & Regards
Tushar
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Andrew Davies on September 22, 2020, 03:24:04 PM
It’s a shame that such precautions have to be taken but they are indeed sensible. I work in technology professionally so see the bad stuff from the corporate side as well. Well done Erica for the fairly epic amount of effort it must take to keep the ink flowing smoothly (well, well-oiled machines and cogs didn’t seem that appropriate a metaphor).

 :D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on September 22, 2020, 11:28:45 PM
Thanks @AndrewD ! That gave me a good chuckle.  ;D
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Blanca03 on July 27, 2021, 09:07:18 PM
Hi Erica, so sorry I'm feeling such a dummy, I am a newbie here, and wanted to post my introduction, I just haven't figured it out yet LOL, in the mean time I wanted to thank you for letting me in :) So appreciate to be here, I will keep trying to figure out the introduction post thing
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on July 28, 2021, 08:48:06 AM
@Blanca03 No need to fret. All is well.  ;D Happy you have joined us.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Rivers on September 26, 2021, 09:17:55 PM
Thank you Erica, for the amazing work you do to keep the site updated, safe and such an amazing resource. Still consider myself a newbie and greatly appreciate the vast wealth of experience shared in the forum.
Title: Re: New Members - New Requirements
Post by: Erica McPhee on November 02, 2021, 02:11:58 PM
The pleasure is all my @Rivers ! I appreciate your kind words!  :-*