Hi robster,
As you're probably aware, there are private forums on T2W already (perhaps that's the catalyst for this thread). Allow me to provide a little background to them. Firstly, they aren't really in keeping with the
old ethos of T2W which is an open site with free access. 'Old' is emphasised because perhaps it's days are gone - or numbered at least - and going down the road you propose is a sensible way forward. If the 30 or so serious members you have in mind migrate to your private forum - would they continue to post on the main boards - or would they be abandoned to become a playground for the 'goons'? Bit of a tricky one! The other point about private forums is they are often set up to discuss proprietary techniques that members of the forum have paid for - therefore it would be inappropriate to discuss them on the main boards. That's an obvious reason for allowing them and the hope is that those members would also participate in discussions on the main boards. Presumably, this wouldn't apply in your case.
This subject has cropped up in the past and, if I remember rightly, I think one option was to offer a member with your standing certain moderation privileges and/or the possibility of additional Mod' support. The problem with the former is it's open to abuse (not in your case, obviously, but generally), and the latter option puts additional pressure on an already overstretched Mod' team. I well understand your concern, as your
'Trade What You See' thread has - to use your own words - been well and truly mullered in the last few days. I'll make Steve and the Mods aware of this thread so that, hopefully, they'll chip in and we can try and get something sorted. Trust me when I say that I really do understand your frustration.
Oh, one more thing: I hope - in your eyes anyway - I'm not one of the goons!
Tim.
