there are a number of user groups.

when registering a new user will be in the validating group. once the account is validated (usually by email) the user will be in the 'member' user group.

after 5 posts the member will be in the member+ user group.

the reason for this is that some users register just to put links in their 'about me' description and abuse our site for their own advertising. I have restricted the 'member' user group to prevent editing of the profile and restrictions in the signature just to prevent this from happening and also to encourage new members to join in. it is only 5 posts and that is not difficult if you have a healthy interest in the site subject.

I have also added a member++ user group to give a clear indication of which members have stuck around and talked with us a fair bit. there are a few advantages to this, nothing major just a little bit of extra file space etc to be a little more generous.

of course there is also VIP membership. VIP members are members who have really contributed to help out with the site running. many VIP members have contributed financially. some other VIP members have contributed a great deal of their time and support to the site staff.

The main differences for a VIP member are very relaxed usergroup. no restrictions on language, no restrictions on post editing time, ability to delete own posts, very large PM box, ability to upload large files and more. oh yes, also a shiny badge by their user details.

I have made an amendment to the basic member user group.

Until a member has made 5 post and become a member+ , they will be unable to send a pm to anybody. they can still receive PM's and can reply to PMs they have received.

I have found that too many people are signing up and instead of reading appropriate threads, they immediately PM myself and ask questions that have been answered already. I do not know if they also PM other members but I know that I am getting sick and tired of being asked the same questions over and over in PM. I've done this for selfish reasons since I only have my own perspective but if other member are also experiencing this abuse then it is good for them too.