[zenith]

This way is honestly better imo
Of course. There will be leechers. But not having hide tags keeps them quiet, while the high quality people stay.
I've been on a lot of forums and sinister is special due to the fact that it has been HQ and I have never seen their latest activity bar filled with one dude saying "man I wish I had 15 posts so I can unlock"
Even if you would need to unlock with NSP. I've seen numerous examples that still have loads of spam.

There's a reason why this community has been up for 4+ years

It is better for the community this way.

[Mr.Kurd]

This isn't good because people will post LQ posts..... And this will decrease visitors on the forum.

[m0dem]

Can someone actually define "leeching."
I think that's the sticky part.

[zenith]

Can someone actually define "leeching."  
I think that's the sticky part.

"In computing and specifically Internet, a leech is one who benefits, usually deliberately,
from others' information or effort but does not offer anything in return,
or makes only token offerings in an attempt to avoid being called a leech."

This is a good example. I don't like the guy who said it, but he isn't wrong.

[m0dem]

Can someone actually define "leeching."  
I think that's the sticky part.

"In computing and specifically Internet, a leech is one who benefits, usually deliberately,
from others' information or effort but does not offer anything in return,
or makes only token offerings in an attempt to avoid being called a leech."

This is a good example. I don't like the guy who said it, but he isn't wrong.

I think that makes us all leeches then.

Spoiler:

whyunolikemrcake?  

Someone could just post in the Upgraded section if they want.

[zenith]

Can someone actually define "leeching."  
I think that's the sticky part.

"In computing and specifically Internet, a leech is one who benefits, usually deliberately,
from others' information or effort but does not offer anything in return,
or makes only token offerings in an attempt to avoid being called a leech."

This is a good example. I don't like the guy who said it, but he isn't wrong.

I think that makes us all leeches then.

Spoiler:

whyunolikemrcake?  

Someone could just post in the Upgraded section if they want.

Eh but we contribute with HQ posts / help. Doesn't have to be content 4 content

Spoiler:

cakey is a prick who bans people for no reason

[roger_smith]

at the end of the day, if you don't want someone "leeching" your stuff, don't post it on the internet.

It's going to happen, there's nothing you can do to stop it. You can put measures in place to try and reduce it, but why exactly is "leeching" such a problem? How is it any different than someone reading a book, and not writing their own? Not everyone who consumes data will then turn around and produce data. It's the nature of being a content creator. Creators and consumers are 2 different things. Some consumers are also creators.

The problem with more "leech prevention" measures, is that it creates more overhead and management requirements for the staff on the forum.

I think one of the best suggestions here so far, has been to post in the upgraded forum pages. That way, you know those people have contributed something; at minimum, in the form of monetary support for the site, or content generation for NSP.

Under the definition of leeching that we're using in this thread, it's impossible to prevent, and questionable if it's worth the expense to try and reduce. It seems like something that could fall into the "accepted risk" category.

[m0dem]

It's going to happen, there's nothing you can do to stop it. You can put measures in place to try and reduce it, but why exactly is "leeching" such a problem? How is it any different than someone reading a book, and not writing their own? Not everyone who consumes data will then turn around and produce data. It's the nature of being a content creator. Creators and consumers are 2 different things. Some consumers are also creators.

Very well put. @'roger_smith' has put the subject to rest.

I don't get it why people are afraid of their content being "leeched." If you don't want people to see it, don't post it!