MEMBERS LOCATION

There seems to be a lot of enquiries on the website relating to various topics from members but with almost as many questions posted as the whereabouts of the enquirer.

I suggest it would be a useful aid for anyone visiting this forum to know the approximate location of the members whether by country, county, city or just the first part of their postcode. At the moment it seems there's no obligation for a members location to be disclosed but would it be a good idea to make it a condition of registering on the forum to indicate a members location without disclosing personal details such as full address etc.,

I don't know if there's any legal implications or restrictions involved in disclosing such detail but if this was implemented I'm sure it could reduce the number of separate "where are you located?" questions posted and simplify contact for everyone.
As I say, just an idea and appreciate I may not be the first to suggest it.

Not sure if it's possible to make it a mandatory field while registering.
James could look into this.
I could send a welcome message to all new members in which I ask them to provide this info.

On the other hand, I think it's important this forum remains a place for everyone to feel welcome,
without too much rules and obligations.
I'm sure all members would fill in their whereabouts if you ask them to.

I remember on more than one occasion, this subject being raised, indeed i've raised it myself I would be nice to see where people are from so that in the event of meetings, shows etc. it just gives us a rough demographic. No ones asking to make these fields mandatory, I would have thought,.............."Hey if i'm filling out the information then why leave the location out, its not like asking for you medical history"

All the best Si

All opinions noted - generally agree it might seem to make it a little less friendly or welcoming to make it a condition of membership to include location details.
However I'd suggest it might be an idea to emphasise in the new members introductory "welcome notes" how really useful it could be for new and current members alike to establish contact with other STee'rs in their locality especially as the forum is accessed internationally.
I rest my case m'lud!
Brian.

I just looked into this matter... of making the 'location' a mandatory field, or including the request in the welcome message sent to new users.

It seems I can't change these board settings, only the Almighty James can do so.

Waynus,
We don't hear much from the "Mighty James" anymore, would it not be possible to hand over some of the admin rights to you?

He's the founder and hoster of this forum. He pays the bills.
I'm a post moderator, not a full board administrator. However, I can perform most tasks on the forum.
(Banning, merging posts, user settings...)
I'm not an IT expert either (Phbb script). So strange things might happen when I start changing some board settings

I'll send him an e-mail on Monday, sure he can look into this (change the welcome message or something)

Location is now a mandatory field when registering

Thanks James!

I'm pleased this has been resolved satisfactorily as I'm sure it will be in the interests of all members. Nice to know there's a few ST'ers in SE London that I didn't know of before!
Happy biking!
Brian