As a result of some lengthy discussion among admin and with full members, we have decided to introduce a number of changes.  The reasons for the changes are two-fold really.  Firstly, the original settings were first established quite a while ago, when the forum was very new.  Secondly, we want to create an inviting and welcoming place for all members (and guests) but also provide a secure environment whereby members can discuss more private issues (related to their business, products etc...) freely. 

So a number of changes have been put into place.  The first change will be the number of required posts to reach the different member statuses (newbie, jr member, full member and so on....).  Below illustrates the new changes (that have been agreed by the full members):

Name           Previous req posts          Change to

Newbie                     0                 
Jr. Member                35                    50 posts
Full Member               100                  250 posts
Sr. Member               250                   500 posts
Hero Member            500                   1000 posts

While I realise that some of you, who were full members prior to the changes may not have 250 posts, please don't worry, you will still be able to access the private lounge.

What it will mean for some is that their status may appear to drop.  I hope this won't upset anyone.

We have also created a new board in the Private Lounge for senior/hero members.

If anyone has any further suggestions or has any questions at all, please don't hesitate to pm one of the admin members 

Lastly, I do hope everyone understands that some changes are necessary and that the changes that have been implemented only serves to help enrich our lovely community.

Did you also take off the option to edit your posts? I'm sure we used to be able to go back and correct or change our own posts, but dont seem to be able to do it anymore..?

Editing can be done in a few minutes following the post - but it was never possible to edit a post which was more then a few minutes old.

oh...oops...er....can anyone else edit a post for you?

Mods can - if you want an older post editing you can send a PM.

Good grief EJ what happened to your hair-was it good last night then, the night out?

What hair?

Hey ho -Its not you -its 'wino' in  Ej's clothing-what a hoot! I dont even know who anyone is anymore!

I didn't realise that editing was time-limited to 15 minutes by default.

I've changed that to 24 hours (1440 minutes).
If anyone has any more problems, please let me know.

The settings are now:
Courtesy edit wait time 180 seconds.
Max time after posting = 1440 minutes.

(Courtesy edit wait time is the time to edit before the edit action is added to the post).

Hi Helen, so at what post level does one have access to 'the private lounge' i'm sure i could before, or maybe i'm dreaming.

Hi CB, to access the PL you would need 250 posts (full member), previously this would have been 100 posts so you wouldn't have had access to it previously.  I have just done a check to see if you posted to it previously (just in case) and you hadn't    Sorry.  But it doesn't take long to get there 

i guess i was dreaming then.

I go away for a few days and look what happens.   

Completely understand why though.