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Did we/you figure out how to keep the membership "real"?  (Real names in bio's, etc.)

We can make rules and encourage members to use real names, but it's going to be very hard to enforce this 100%. 

One thing that should help is Premium Membership.  It's not going to make one bit of sense to pay for Premium Membership and use a fake name.  Example, Premium Membership will include listings in our Services Directory.  The name you enter in your profile will be included in your directory listing.  Using a fake name here would certainly not be good for business. 

There are a few instances such as this that will encourage Premium Members to use a real name, but it's not bulletproof.

I just don't understand why someone would not want real info / pic.  it's just completely beyond me.  cute pics of kids or gators are fine, but that's because we know who you are and we are in a beta.  I guess to some people, it's just a forum, and to others, it's a job.

Perception is reality. 

Customers who come to the site have little else to judge us on... most are not going to take the time to read a lot of your posts.

I would like to be a moderator.  PLEASE!!  I love enforcing rules.

Xantham Gum:

I would like to be a moderator.  PLEASE!!  I love enforcing rules.

2 or 3 posts aren't going to do it for you!!!  Become a respected member and be able to answer questions about the industry and then maybe...I wouldn't count on it though.

Just keep in mind that there are a lot of bored troublemakers.  They will create fake accounts just to cause drama.

Jen:

Just keep in mind that there are a lot of bored troublemakers.  They will create fake accounts just to cause drama.

Kinda like being back in 3rd grade.. just ignore those ones and they will go away.

How about only letting the Premium members view member real names?

I dont need any stalkers. :)

btw - i dont think that is the real xantham

how about

1 username per person! If they find you with more than 1 then you're band 4 lyfe!

Robert:

how about

 

1 username per person! If they find you with more than 1 then you're band 4 lyfe!

I like this idea and the one above it.   And I agree a professional pic is/should be required.

another rule!

No vendors may post in other vendor ads!

I say post because some Vendors may have ads in the signatures....

I like that idea Robert. 

I would highly recommend to restrict vendors to post only 1 ad at a time in the announcement/product section.

Maybe if you're premium you can post more but it should also be restricted.

I have a feeling that it will get out of hand if there are no written rules about this.

There should also be a rule of not allowing vendors to even post on other vendor threads PERIOD..... this will prevent flame wars

I don't have a suit and I look kind of like Jethro Tull's Aqua Lung (you can find me sitting on a park bench, greasy fingers smearing shabby clothes). That's why I'm an appraiser not not a loan salesman.

Stephen Ames:

Unless I'm missing a bunch of crap coming and going, it's pleasant to see the lack of moderating that is actually needed among professionals...

Yeah.  it's really great.  I don't think much moderating has been needed at all.  Good observation sven!