I do hope you are not inferring that those of us who have purchased object desktop in it's entirety, as well as some of the exclusive skin suites or icon suites etc, are not "a little invested in the place", GM !! Because by only allowing people at apprentice level or better direct access to the email addy's of skinners etc, you are directly dis-enfranchising those of us who most need the direct assistance of the skinners when we encounter problems.

As an example, Jebland made a wonderful Object Bar to go with Treetog's excellent Copper Deck II Window Blind. I experienced some small problems with it that I would have had no idea about fixing, but as I had access to Jebland's email address, I was able to send her a screenshot of the problem, which she then worked on, fixed, & sent the amended file back to me, all within a day or so. Without direct access to her email address, I wonder how long this process might have taken? As things stand, I am still using her Object Bar, but I doubt that would have been the case if I would've had to wait for a longer period of time before the fix was made available.

Therefore I would urge you to look look very carefully at ALL the ramifications of limiting email addy access to "The Chosen Few" before instituting such measures, as some could interpret such actions as smacking of elitism. However, if a member declines to show their email addy in their user profile, then that is their choice, and they have every right in the world to make it.

Because by only allowing people at apprentice level or better direct access to the email addy's of skinners etc, you are directly dis-enfranchising those of us who most need the direct assistance of the skinners when we encounter problems

Somehow I have managed to communicate directly with skinners who do not have their addresses shown. These skinners have chosen to hide their own addresses because of abuse. I never perceived any one of them as having 'disenfranchising' me at all, especially once they explained the kinds of things they had to deal with by having their addresses exposed. There is free access to comment sections, and to the message boards, though even that access can be removed due to abuse.

However, if a member declines to show their email addy in their user profile, then that is their choice, and they have every right in the world to make it.

When members are forced to make that choice because of abuse is it really a choice? Do you really think it is alright that good people who have done nothing but support and contribute (and I am not only talking about myself here) should be forced to stop exercising some basic freedoms and privileges because of an abusive few? Likewise, do you think that we can sit back and simply 'ignore' it when we come aware that some system is being used to rip off our friends and community?

The Chosen Few

It is not a 'few'. And being 'chosen' is not all that mysterious and random.

I'm not sure it's a good idea to hide the email address to people below Apprentice level.  Most Apprentice+ are themselves somewhat skinners, or at least are more likely to know a bit more about skinning than the general public. Levels under Apprentice are probably the ones who actually need the most to have access to the artist's address.
Myself, I actually even include my email adress with my skins as well. Sure, I get crappy emails, but I just ditch them in the trash. But I'm always happy to receive email comments and questions from newbies.

GM, if I have trodden on your toes with my comments, I do apologise. I merely meant to convey my thoughts that the provision of access to an email address must surely be the decision of the individual, and not that of the community in general. As to comments regarding choice, well, there are alternatives such as blocking an offender's email at the server, etc, so I believe that yes, they still do have choices. But then again, that's just my opinion.
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na, you haven't. Any frustration I convey is usually with myself and my often inadequate manner of communication....
I know when I try to clarify what I tried to say, it sounds angry. but I am not, merely wishing I could do a better job.
You should see me in person when I try to do that... my face gets red with the effort... people say ... not anger there, either. Only a whole hearted desire to be clear when I communicate.

Sorry i had extra spacing.
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goodmorphing 's smilies eloped or something, or are on strike! They appear to have taken bolding and underlining away with them, perhaps in protest of the banishment of their lower right hand companion, poor Mr. Burkus....



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goodmorphing 's smilies eloped or something, or are on strike! They appear to have taken bolding and underlining away with them, perhaps in protest of the banishment of their lower right hand companion, poor Mr. Burkus....

Lol

Loci: KarmaGirl, your idea has much merit. Just looking at some of the angles, I would suggest that this request be put up in the main area when everyone logs in so that it is out in public view & not just in here on the message board.

That will have to be decided by all the admins (we discuss points like this) before that could happen.  I think that it needs to be included in a general conduct rule for the site.  There is a lot that we need to approve in the "rules" and I think this may be one that needs to be added.

Occured to me that if these people are too cheap to purchase the premium suite in question, then they've undoubtedly obtained a pirate version of the one(s) they're offering to trade as well.

'agreement', Loci.....

have to agree with GM...most 'folk' who are impoverished are not apt to have a computer or can afford an internet connection

In the interest of others out here in the same boat as I am, I feel I need to respond to this comment, as someone could misconstrue its meaning and target those of us with limited resources.

I am on a very tight budget. I can afford minimum nonessential software etc. I afford internet and computer because I want my children to have the best education I can give them. I say this because not all "impoverished" people are technology deprived. On the other side of that coin. I don't use warez. I purchase programs, usually after trying them and liking them. I am not an endangered species. There are many of us out here who have little of our own but who would never think of taking food out of the mouths of another's babes by stealing.
The person who would do this, is someone with little moral value, and even less common sense. don't lump "impoverished" people into that category.you'll find we have more pride than to stoop so low.

#45 by Jafo - 6/15/2003 6:21:47 AM 'agreement', Loci..... (spellcheck thingumy here)

Sorry mate....must've been overcome with verbosity or sumpin'!!
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