You may be happy to hear that the recent forum software update allowed me to make a few changes to the forum permissions just now.

Assuming that I have set it up correctly, anyone signing up from this point on will require 30 posts before use the signature file and post in the shout box. The time required between searches will also be a little bit longer than that enjoyed by experienced members.

New users will have additional restrictions in the BPO, REO forum. New Users will require 30 posts before they can start a topic, and use UBB code to place links in their posts. They will also have to wait 5 minutes after making a post before they can post again.(Except for in the Introduce Yourself Forum where the time between posts is 15 minutes).

After new users have 30 posts under their belt they will enjoy full privileges.

If any Moderators or Veteran Members thing some of the other forums could also benefit from tighter restrictions for New Users - feel free to discuss it here.

This should help cut down on the spammers.

When does this start? I thought it had already started, yet I've seen numerous posts from new members asking for company names, contact names and numbers, etc.

I believe newbies can post to an open thread, they just can't start a new one and they can't put links to websites either (that's for the spammers), until they have contributed 30 posts.

That is correct - in the BPO forum new members can't start a new thread but they can still post in existing threads.

Also, these new restrictions are not retroactive so those who were "new" before the restrictions were put in place are not restricted.

I have made an additional change to help discourage those intent on breaking the forum rules by posting single sentence type posts just to get their post count up. Now in all forums new members - those with under 30 posts - will have to wait 15 minutes between creating new threads.

Also, in most forums new members will not be able to post links.

Thanks Doug! That will cut down on the moderators job of policing those who are post padding & spamming. I've had several cases of this in the past week & it takes time to address each post to correct/delete.

That'll show 'em who's boss, Doug

I understand the reason for BPO/REO forum posting restrictions for new members, but for someone like me who has followed this forum for years, and the REO/BPO forum off and on for over a year, this is kind of frustrating.

I see members post about how proud they are, basically sharing their excitement with others, about their first REO, or a hard BPO they did good on and got the listing.

I finally signed up so I could introduce myself, and give some history on my BPO / REO past.

Is there any way to make an exception and put someone who asks on "probation" so they can post?

Or maybe give them a chance to post one topic as to allow them to introduce them self???

Just feels weird jumping in on other threads without introducing myself.

Just a thought.

I'm not out to abuse rules, and I've seen many people do it in many different ways while "trolling".

I finally signed up because I fee I am ready to contribute.

Just one introduction post?

Sorry, the software does not allow for that. You can always post info about yourself in the "Introduce Yourself" forum - that is what it is there for. You could also put information about yourself in your Profile - that is what it is there for as well.

I find this thread very interesting as a "newbie" to the forum and not to REO. I tend to be pretty wordy and have always been willing to share information with those you are truely interested. In these hard times for "retail" agents, I believe it is a good policy to have checks and balances in place. Being a REO Agent is not something that should be taken as becoming a part of the most recent "fad". Those of us serious about the business are serious about our systems, our operating budgets and protocol as well as protecting the integrity of our profession and service to our clients. It takes a lot of "trust" for the clients to place their assets in our hands. So far, I'm finding this forum interesting and hope to become a good contributor and mentor as well as pick up some "GREAT" tips to help me improve my performance to my clients.

Don't feel weird just "jumping in" ... all of were newbies once and thats what most of us did. Even better if you have something to contribute! hope to you see in in BPO/REO....

thanks concepts05, i just read your reply to Broski, I'm a "new" to this forum but not to RE, I'm anxious to learn more in detail about REOs/BPOs, I felt awkward too just "jumping in" on active threads but your reply made me feel better. Looking forward to learning from the "master veterans" in REOs/BPOs. Thanks, much appreciated.

Is there really such a thing as a "master veteran" in Real Estate ? We practice Real Estate in order to get good at it; but this whole business comprises every aspect of the human experience; the good and the bad, and the ugly. Right about the time we approach being really good; it's time to retire.

Anyway, Welcome Aboard Agent009; and despite my Tag Name here, I'm from Milwaukee, a Northern Suburb of Chicago.

I too am from MKE