A modest proposal

[vittoria]

If it is true that it is bored kids posting silly or even obscene questions, I wonder if the introduction of a modest charge for membership would put them off? Sometime ago someone posted two obviously provocative messages about having sex with a dog and burying his brother in the garden; perhaps having to reach for his c/c would have forced a pause for thought.

[SteveD]

I think that this would stop Answerbank dead in its tracks because anyone coming to this site for the first time and wanting to post a simple question would almost certainly decide not to pay for the privilege. Good moderating of the site would remove offensive posts and this is something we have been asking for.

[woofgang]

I certainly wouldn't pay to give answers...

[monty0703]

I agree with Steve. Lots of people use the site just once to get an answer to their question - who would pay to do that? Plus there's the hassle of registering etc.

[vittoria]

I would not pay to post answers either, but I would pay say a pound or two to post a question, say �10 for 5 questions valid for a year, and you can always buy another block of 5 questions if you use up your first five... much cheaper than a swimm in my local swimming pool... it could be scrapped if it threatens to kill it off; but seriously, I have been on the AB since (I think) sometime in 2001; at the time it had a fraction of the users it has now, yet I always got high quality answers and there never ever were obscene messages or rows among users as now. However, not all suggestions can be implemented so I am happy if this one is not. Allen - glad we share the literary ref.

[AB Editor]

vittoria - an interesting proposal but one my bank manager thinks rather more of than my boss. The site is free and open to all - and always has been. It's a shame when the minority (and they a tiny minority) try to spoil it for everyone else, but moderation by us (and sensible reactions from all other users) tends to nip each new problem in the bud. Don't forget, obscene questions get banned, and the best way to deal with silly questions is to ignore them. If they don't get a raction, the 'silly' posters go away.

[SteveD]

The "silly posters" might go away, but then a new lot turn up! It looks like this will continue till December when the competition closes.

[vittoria]

Thanks Allen - but it seems that this proposal is not in agreement with the company policy, and therefore I support the idea of having an "abuse report" button. You are right, it is gratifying to touch fingers, and it is strangely upsetting when you "fall out" with someone on the Forum. Back to wrapping toys for birthday parties my daughter is invited to...

[chimpanzee]

I agree, charging people to use this site is absolutely ridiculous!

I know you get a few idiots, but mose ABers are genuine, nice people :o) Just ignore the idiots!