New and Intermediate User Promotion Rev 2

Art Andrews

Community Founder
Community Staff
While our New and Intermediate user Promotion system has worked very well in most regards, we have noticed some trends that are disturbing.

First, our Google Page Rank, Alexa score and Compete rank have dropped which are all SEO components and affect how new people find us. We believe this is partly due to the fact that we made both the Sarlacc Pitt and Cargo Hold invisible to unregistered members as well as new members. This means those forums cannot be spidered by search engines and cannot be indexed, thus leaving us with a lower ranking and ultimately making us more difficult to find.

We have also noticed that a high percentage of new members never make it to full member status and we believe this is due to the long wait periods and bility to participate in a very limited manner. With this in mind we are revising our new member guidlines as follows:

Here at TDH we have a “delayed entry” membership plan in which new members can see, but may not be able to post in all areas of the board immediately. Members are required to spend time and participate on the board in order to gain full access to all areas of the board.

What do we mean by a “delayed entry membership?”
When a new member signs up, they will be able to view by unable to post in certain areas of the Dented Helmet, specifically, the Cargo Hold (our trading post) and the Sarlacc Pit (our off-topic board). As the new member’s post count increases and time as a member increases, these areas will become available to them.

Why can’t a new member have full access immediately?
We would like to get the chance to get to know new members better and more importantly, we would like for new members to have the opportunity to get to know us better before we fully unleash them on our board. Why do we do this? TDH has a very definitive culture and a set of rules that are unlike the typical costuming board.
Did you know, TDH is a family friendly board and we do not allow profanity? Did you know we do not allow adult/sexual content? Did you know we have a very low tolerance for bickering and disrespect to other members? These are just a few of our rules. We encourage new members to take this time to read through our FAQ and familiarize themselves with the way in which we operate and the expectations we have of them as a member.

We have also limited new member's initial membership to ensure they are here for the right reasons. TDH is a Star Wars costuming board that focuses on bounty hunter costuming and even more specifically Boba Fett costuming. While we understand our members have other interests and don’t mind them sharing from time to time, we want to make sure our members are mainly here to discuss Star Wars costuming.

When does a new member get full access?
In short, after being a member for MORE than 5 days and making more than 5 posts.
A member with less and 5 days of membership and less than 5 posts is considered a "new member" and is restricted from posting in the Cargo Hold and Sarlacc Pit. Once a new member has 5 or more posts AND has been here MORE than 5 days, they will be automatically promoted from a new member to “full member” and will have full access to the board.

What can/can’t a “New Member” do?
• CAN view/reply/post new threads in all forums with the following exceptions
• CAN view the Cargo Hold.
• CAN view the Sarlacc Pit.

So what should a new member be doing until they have full membership status?
Enjoy the board! Get to know us and how we operate! Use the search function to find answers to the questions you have! Participate in ongoing threads! Read the FAQ!

We want new and old members to have a pleasant experience here at TDH. If there is anything we can do to enhance your experience, please do not hesitate to contact an administrator!
 
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