Members

the fact that non-members are not necessarily the villains of the forum. 😀

TW I can think of a few members that are though.😂

Dyddy, I've noticed a decline in posts that might be considered inflammatory and most posters, whether members or non-members or even former members, seem to be able to accept alternate viewpoints. If things get too heated then Moderators step in. If you find yourself personally attacked, bullied or just disgusted by a post you can always report it.

I find that the several non members that are regular posters have a wealth of touring experience that they freely share and the forum would be a poorer place without them.

Hi Dyddy - I'm one of those former members (20 years with the club until we gave up vanning 4 years ago now.) I've met up with, probably, 20 or 30 fellow forum members over the years. I like to think I have a fair amount of experience which I am happy to share where I think it might be helpful. In particular, when we're out and about I like to keep my eyes open for sites (non club) that folk might be interested in visiting and adding them to the "small private sites" thread. But I don't post any more on club specific threads. I believe it has always been a real strength of the forum that non- and former members are welcome to contribute.

Hi moulesy, I've not sought to exclude or discount anyone buddy, perhaps the thread has been steered off into a direction for whatever reasons. 

That's good to know, dyddy. I think your earlier statement -

"Personally I appreciate the reassurance of knowing a person giving advice & tips is a bona fide Club member, their knowledge is current and they have vested interest in helping other club members where they can, they are part of something."

might have given the impression that you didn't particularly value posts by former members.

Fair comment moulesy, but I can't really be held responsible if folks choose to read into things I haven't said, I believe others talked of former members & created the issue, not me.

As I endeavoured to allude to in my original reply to JollyKernows original question to me, how does one differentiate between users, for instance on here there's no way of knowing if they are a well informed caravanner / motorhomer or potentially new club member or a bar stool preacher or even a troll. Long time users may know, but newcomers won't. 

In theory someone who's paid for the privilege would fall into the 1st and less likely the others, after all it is a "membership club". That's the only straightforward gauge a new member can have of a posters provenance in place of anonymity. 

Hope that clarifies bud.

Just have to keep your wits about you and your eyes open, dyddy. I think it's actually pretty easy to spot the " bar stool preachers and trolls" though I have to say that most of them seem to have fallen by the wayside over the years. Genuinely helpful posts are equally easy to spot (and are in the vast, vast majority thankfully!)