where do we draw the line?

I was going to say that as well, could make it view only so people get info they need and lurk if they aren't yet comfortable joining. Then when wanting to make a post, have a application.

Personally, I think it'd be a good idea if we left open the forums from Announcements to Special Needs, and closed the rest to the public. Then, people could still read about baby info (which to be honest, is what brings most girls here in the first place) and could also read social justice to get a little more of what the site is about beyond the parenting aspect. There's nothing saying lurkers couldn't get a membership and then continue to lurk, you know? But it would keep more personal aspects of our lives more private, and make for a better 'joining the board' setup.

sryfor saying "drives me insane" i must have been havign a slow moment

I still feel hesitant about the application idea, but a good part of it would be that the new member would have to read the mission statement and check a box that says "I have read and accept the user guidelines" or whatever.

Yeah, I think the prochoice sticky should be added in to the mission statement since it seems to be the biggest issue, then when/if someone is called out, it can always be said that hey, you claimed to have read this.

i think an application would be okay if you had to fill it out when you wanted to post something...that way people could still lurk or whatever still...that makes sense