Unquestionably, it has helped a great deal.
When newer members arrive, and immediately gravitate toward posting on GD, they miss something of enormous value: the time spent quietly sitting at the the computer, reading over various threads, learning new things that have real-world applicability, and -- most importantly -- assimilating the culture of the site.
This is not to say that we wish to squelch anyone by virtue of his join date or post count, but M4C is not a free-for-all forum, and we place great value on the process of focused contribution. Once a member has learned where and how to add to more substantive discussions, then he is much better prepared to enjoy the GD board without turning it (however inadvertently) into a collection for the banal, the ridiculous and the stupid.
In other words, GD should be the last place that a member eventually begins to add his input, rather than the first.
"Wait a minute," you say. "That is totally backwards from the way that every other internet forum operates!"
Yes, it is, and noticing that is perhaps the first and most critical step toward understanding what M4C is all about. The post-count restriction for GD is wholly deliberate, and well-calculated. It is there to insure that those who do eventually migrate to posting on GD are already well-established members, have demonstrated that they are here for the right reasons, are capable of adhering to a professional standard, and have established a measurable record of contribution (note: "me too" and "i want one coz that looks so awesome!!!!!" posts are not viewed as contributions).
If it is beginning to sound as if we are saying that new members have something to prove before they can really enjoy the full scope of M4C, then the intent of the 200 post count minimum is being correctly understood. They do have something to prove. They need to demonstrate that they are capable of serious-minded discussion and professional exchange. They need to show us that they are grown-ups. Again, most importantly, they need to reaffirm their understanding of the site's culture.
Class is in session, and it is a time for learning. Recess is coming, too ... but not before you reach the 200 post minimum. If this makes perfect sense to you, then welcome -- you're precisely the kind of member we're looking to add to our ranks, and we're delighted that you have chosen to join us! If this sounds cruel or unnecessarily restrictive, then perhaps now is not a good time for you to step up your involvement, because we aren't the droids you're looking for.
AC
Stand your ground; don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here. -- Captain John Parker, Lexington, 1775.
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