Jumping in here against my better judgement....

At this point nothing is going to be taken from anyone. My post on the Announcement Forum and cOOper's post on GQ were meant as "reminders" not as "new rules." The post cOOp quoted on the Announcement Forum was made well BEFORE the upgrade. It mentioned a 500 character limit (now apparently 100) and a suggestion to put quotes and email addresses on the BIO section in the profile (now edited since the upgrade). It appears now ( since the upgrade) we no longer have a BIO section. Nor a 500 character limit. Are we going to get it back? I don't know. I have requested it be returned.

The Signature feature was added in the last upgrade (2002) after we begged Steve for a place to put "our story" without having to retype it each time we posted. It was added for THAT PURPOSE. After time some started adding quotes, links, email addresses, etc. No big deal until a few began misusing the feature by adding messages to other posters, inapproprite links, offensive remarks, personal crusades, complaints, etc. Deal with the offenders rather than punishing the entire membership? Easier said than done when the ORIGINAL purpose was for "our story or history" only!

And just a reminder about posting your email addresses. Remember, this IS the internet. By posting your email address you are opening yourself up to email from anyone and everyone. Be careful!! And be safe!

I think there are more people inspired by such things as quotes in the sig lines than there are of those offended. I know I am. I have saved many of them to reflect upon.

I think they help you get a feel for the person, even more than just the name, rank and serial number portion of the sig line.

Sometimes they are funny and sometimes just right on the money for the way things are in life.

Thanks for saying this Justuss but I know that c00per has also been emailing members telling them their sig violates the "reminder" with a clear implication they are required to change it or be in violation of the TOS.

Yes, we have been asking some to remove or change their signature lines if they are in violation of TOS or if we have received complaints. The reminder is not of NEW rules. Since 2002 the signature was always only for our story or history. Unfortunately, as time passed and new members registered, there were no instructions or directions for content on signature lines. Other things were added, and it didn't seem to be a problem until recently.

So far the cooperation has been great. I'd like to thank you all for understanding and thank cOOp for doing a good job on a rather unpleasant task.