Requiring an Introduction

What are your opinions on requiring members to create an introduction thread before they can post anywhere else on the forum? I've seen this implemented on several forums and in my opinion, it's silly and may in some ways deter members.

 

I would never force my users to do anything - it takes away from the community and friendliness of the forum.

 

I encourage it, since it is the main way for other members to get to know the new members, but it's not required and I certainly wouldn't restrict them from other areas until they made one.

 

i dont require all members to post an introduction, but there is a section for members to post an introduction if they want to-and a lot of members prefer to make one.

i wouldnt restrict anyone from posting until they made an introduction, cause members should be able to post in all the sections that are available to them, i wouldnt force them to do anything they dont want to do (unless what they are doing is against the rules, like if they are spamming or trolling or anything)

 

Nah, I've got an introduction section but I would never require members to use it.

 

I don't force it, but the forum is in clear view if they want to post a hello thread.

 

I mention it in the Welcome PM, but don't make them post an introduction.

 

I wouldn't require it, simply because some members are shy.

 

I don't limit access, but I moderate all users first post to catch spammers.

 

I don't require it by any means either. I would have to think that any "hobby" type site out there also does not require it. Might make sense for sites that have a lot of rules and by the book type thing due to it's niche maybe. Especially those of legal services? I don't know for sure, but was just trying to think of cases where requiring an introduction does make sense.

 

I have a subsection inside of my main off-topic Lounge where members can introduce themselves, IF they want too. I encourage it, but don't require it

 

I would never require my members to post anywhere on my forum before posting in other places. Most forums, at least the ones I have always ran, are driven on a community aspect. You can't build a community by forcing people to be friendly. Some people just wanted to join to post one thing in a reply somewhere where someone may have been wrong. Others may have joined just so they can chat in PM's. Most join to be a part of the community. You don't teach your kids how to swim by throwing them into the water with no life preserver the first time in do you? Why force them to post an introduction?

By all means, encourage the heck out of it, provide a place to do it. I mention it in the welcome PM and it is the 3rd forum down on my site, BUT, it is in no way, shape or form, required. And shouldn't be. I can't even think of any circumstances that would require this...

 

It's a requirement on my forum.

 

Can you tell us why that is and what type of a forum?

 

Some people do it as a type of spam prevention, this narrows down places spambots can find to post.

Not speaking for this guy, but I've heard this before.

 

i dont see how that could stop spammers..?...

I dont use the force on my sites...its just not needed. We havea section for it, and i mention it in the welcome pm. Most of the time people do it anyways..

 

It pisses me off when admins do that.

One forum I joined, the moderators kept following me around the forum, posting replies like "when are you going to post an intro?". And "I thought I asked you to post an intro,,,".

I felt bullied and pushed around - so screw em, I did not go back.

 

My forum is a Coast Guard spouse support forum. I check IP's, emails etc on all new members before they are approved. I find that an intro works very well and everyone enjoys "welcoming in" the new member. Everyone has to be active in the forum and that just starts it off.
It's not like their intro has to be very personal, just the basics.

It's not for all forums, but it works for me.

 

Yeah, I could see doing it for something like that, however, it doesnt really do anything to stop SPAM.

 

They just wanted to know more about you! haha that just reads funny, however that is pretty ridiculous for them to stalk you.

Yes! you were the one I was trying to think about when I posted for a good reason to require intros. Makes perfect sense!