One other point to mention regarding viewing forum pictures. Only forum hosted photos are not visible if not logged in.
Any photos that are image links from the larger web are visible and probably over 2000 of my pictures that I host myself through annual subscription are visible in my blogs regardless. I do hope that people are encouraged to join the forum having viewed my pictures.
In my view people are more likely to join to ask questions in response to what they can see freely.
I also think the number of hurdles that new members have to jump is excessive and perhaps moderators who can clearly see that a new member is genuine ought to override the protection on an individual basis
Even better if members make a donation of wonga no matter how small
keep Martin touring shows