Hi everyone,
As many will already be aware, BFW has become very popular over recent years. You'll also be aware of the negativity that often surrounds the site due to the ongoing arguing and bickering that happens, largely as a result of anonymous posters causing trouble. Others will be aware that I am constantly being threatened with legal action as a result of ridiculous arguments or comments made on the site.
We have decided to finally make some major changes to BFW that we hope will again make it a great place to be for like minded barbel anglers who can discuss our passion in a level-headed and non-confrontational way.
Firstly, we are changing the software our forum is hosted on. This won't noticeably affect users (apart from differences to the way the system works) but it does mean that the site will be independent and not dictated to by Yuku/Ezboard.
The major change is that we want users to start posting using their real names only.
Once live, the site will be available to be joined by anyone (unless previously banned from the site) though members will need to prove their identity in one of three ways:
1) A user will receive free membership to the new forum with any purchase from the BFW Shop (our terms and conditions will dictate that previously banned users will not receive the membership). As we receive the name and address from a customers credit card clearance, we can be sure they are who they say they are.
2) A user may make a charity donation through the BFW Shop and be supplied with the free membership. We will then donate the pot to the chosen charity on a yearly basis.
3) A user may send us a stamped self addressed envelop along with a cheque donating to our charity in order to receive the free membership.
If you have bought a BFW rod or placed an order in the BFW Shop in the last 12 months, please drop me a line at andyf@barbel.co.uk with your order number and I'll add you to the system now.
Another big change is that although the main barbel message board will remain viewable by all, the river reports will only be viewable to registered members.
As someone mentioned on here last night, we are currently testing the new forum with a number of invited members to ensure the installation and infrastructure can handle the load. This testing is throwing up problems that we're fixing, though it is generally going well.
We hope you'll support these changes and become actively involved in our new message board when it's live. If this is a success, it could be the start of a new breed of angling discussion forum that's more civilized and enjoyable to be involved with.
I hope to post more information soon concerning the switch over.
Regards,
Andy F
As many will already be aware, BFW has become very popular over recent years. You'll also be aware of the negativity that often surrounds the site due to the ongoing arguing and bickering that happens, largely as a result of anonymous posters causing trouble. Others will be aware that I am constantly being threatened with legal action as a result of ridiculous arguments or comments made on the site.
We have decided to finally make some major changes to BFW that we hope will again make it a great place to be for like minded barbel anglers who can discuss our passion in a level-headed and non-confrontational way.
Firstly, we are changing the software our forum is hosted on. This won't noticeably affect users (apart from differences to the way the system works) but it does mean that the site will be independent and not dictated to by Yuku/Ezboard.
The major change is that we want users to start posting using their real names only.
Once live, the site will be available to be joined by anyone (unless previously banned from the site) though members will need to prove their identity in one of three ways:
1) A user will receive free membership to the new forum with any purchase from the BFW Shop (our terms and conditions will dictate that previously banned users will not receive the membership). As we receive the name and address from a customers credit card clearance, we can be sure they are who they say they are.
2) A user may make a charity donation through the BFW Shop and be supplied with the free membership. We will then donate the pot to the chosen charity on a yearly basis.
3) A user may send us a stamped self addressed envelop along with a cheque donating to our charity in order to receive the free membership.
If you have bought a BFW rod or placed an order in the BFW Shop in the last 12 months, please drop me a line at andyf@barbel.co.uk with your order number and I'll add you to the system now.
Another big change is that although the main barbel message board will remain viewable by all, the river reports will only be viewable to registered members.
As someone mentioned on here last night, we are currently testing the new forum with a number of invited members to ensure the installation and infrastructure can handle the load. This testing is throwing up problems that we're fixing, though it is generally going well.
We hope you'll support these changes and become actively involved in our new message board when it's live. If this is a success, it could be the start of a new breed of angling discussion forum that's more civilized and enjoyable to be involved with.
I hope to post more information soon concerning the switch over.
Regards,
Andy F
