Did forum rule change a year ago result in new members?

[Rhodes]

 ford and chevy forums I use have free general membership but you must be a paid member to post anything for sale. Mods are VERY quick to remove your post when even insinuating a sale is to take place.

[David Greenburg]

The MBZ Club (at least for North America) requires a paid membership to post on the their forum. During a prior stint as an MB owner, I joined (not primarily for the forum). I recently added another one to the fleet, but must admit I have not rejoined the MBCNA, which seems much too focused on the newer models and all that entails. There is plenty of great (free) advice on older models in that world  available on the unofficial forums, which I have not found to be the case with Cadillacs. Although since I have been happy here, I haven't really been looking for other communities. I do participate in some social media groups focused on Cadilacs, but it seems like with most of them I am answering redundant questions or correcting erroneous information far more often than I am actually learning anything new, whereas here, I am often the one asking questions. You learn more if you're not the most knowledgeable person in the room. Also, while I am very wary of entering into any transactions with people on those sites, over the years I have both bought and sold parts here, and had very positive experiences. Although I have only dealt with the "regulars" on here, many of whom I have met in person, or corresponded with extensively.

[cadillacmike68]

A few bad apples spoil things for the rest of us. It is a fact of life everywhere.

 The scammers were stopped but it came at a very steep price.

Pick your evil: scammers or lower participation.

I can't stand scammers. 

[cadillacmike68]

I resisted it too. Not as easy to search stuff. But there is a lot more info on there because it's free. However you will find yourself yelling at the screen because of all the people who don't know anything.
I am kn Facebook only for car and airplane stuff. I actually have no fb friends, and I post nothing, zero, about my personal life.

But, it's free and that's where people are going.
No need to pay because you will eventually get the correct answer.

Remember, if its all free but the company is making BILLIONS of $$$, then YOU are the product.

I haven't gone on it yet, but if Laurie, the Cape Cod Fleetwood girl twists my arm enough, I might , eventually, but like you only for cars or cameras (Canon F-1)