Many forums limit new users to prevent spam and trolling. Some require post approvals, while others limit certain features. Have you tried such restrictions? Did they improve the community experience or discourage new users?

Many forums limit new users to prevent spam and trolling. Some require post approvals, while others limit certain features. Have you tried such restrictions? Did they improve the community experience or discourage new users?

Ah, the ol' "how do we keep the riffraff out" dilemma, huh? Well, from what I’ve seen, forums with restrictions like post approvals and feature limits can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they do help cut down on spam and trolls—nobody wants to see a post about "extend your manhood" in a thread about the latest web design trends.

 

On the other hand, these restrictions can make new users feel like they're trying to break into Fort Knox. It can discourage genuine folks who just want to join the conversation. A little gatekeeping is fine, but I've seen some places get so restrictive that they could scare off the friendly neighborhood cat.

 

So, it all boils down to finding that sweet spot. Keep the bad apples out, but leave the door open for the new ones. After all, every community was new once—like a toddler at a family reunion, just trying to figure out where the snack table is!

I think it is ok to put some restrictions on new members, for instance, moderating their posts until they have made certain number of posts, or sending messages, etc.

Yes you need to limit posting for new users until you know their real intentions of joining the site. Some are just outright spammers. You can easily detect them to block them off.

Restrictions like post approvals and feature limits help prevent spam and maintain quality but can discourage new users if overly strict. Balancing moderation with gradual trust-building, such as allowing features after a certain number of posts, can enhance the community experience while protecting it.