# About This Message Board **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=394 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 395 --- ## [Help with Opera browser, please!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-opera-browser-please/235785)
**Author:** [@Mehitabel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mehitabel)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-with-opera-browser-please/235785 "2004-03-23T19:06:50Z")
Well, the colors are back to normal after the Booberry phase and I have a nice shiny Charter Member next to my name, but I’ve lost a few things. I can’t do colors. I can’t change sizes. And I can’t insert a hyperlink,… --- ## [Are more people getting banned lately?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-more-people-getting-banned-lately/235896)
**Author:** [@Brendan\_Donovan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brendan_Donovan)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-more-people-getting-banned-lately/235896 "2004-03-23T18:18:50Z")
Since SDMB is going subscription there are going to be a few that will not subscribe. Have some dopers just thrown in the towel, told off a mod or two and packed it in? It appears that there are more “banned” going aro… --- ## [How Much Does It Cost To Run SDMB?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-sdmb/235381)
**Author:** [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-it-cost-to-run-sdmb/235381 "2004-03-23T17:09:59Z")
Mods, if you feel this post would be better in About This Message Board, feel free to move it. I figured since I’m looking for a definite answer to a factual question, I’d put it here. On an alternative site, I’ve fou… --- ## [Delays with Paypal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delays-with-paypal/235906)
**Author:** [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/delays-with-paypal/235906 "2004-03-23T17:08:19Z")
When I hit the subscribe button yesterday, it gave the choice of paying directly with credit card or via Paypal. I could have signed up via credit card, but I’ve already got my credit card set up with paypal, so I figur… --- ## [Will I lose my user name, if I don’t subscribe in a hurry?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-lose-my-user-name-if-i-don-t-subscribe-in-a-hurry/235503)
**Author:** [@Janx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janx)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-i-lose-my-user-name-if-i-don-t-subscribe-in-a-hurry/235503 "2004-03-23T14:36:51Z")
Being in a foreign country with no credit card, I don’t see how I can subscribe as a charter member. Ah well, I’m moving back to the States in about 2 - 3 more weeks, and $14.95 is hilariously cheap! I will be subscribin… --- ## [where is the search button ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-search-button/235882)
**Author:** [@vasyachkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vasyachkin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-search-button/235882 "2004-03-23T11:01:43Z")
thats right, last time i checked it was there so i could find my posts, now i dont see it. sad :frowning: --- ## [What's with the search engine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-search-engine/235688)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 7:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-search-engine/235688 "2004-03-23T07:54:58Z")
With the upgrade to vBulletin 3.x, the search engine went from slow but dead-on accurate to next-to-useless. I figured y’all had your hands full trying to tame the new software in general, and that you’d get to the sear… --- ## [Boring test post](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boring-test-post/235744)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 7:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boring-test-post/235744 "2004-03-23T07:52:43Z")
Hmmm … :smack: :dubious: --- ## [SDMB and VBulletin Layouts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-and-vbulletin-layouts/235739)
**Author:** [@Ephemera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ephemera)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-and-vbulletin-layouts/235739 "2004-03-23T06:09:59Z")
Before the changeover from free to paid, the board allowed its members to use either the purple and maroon SDMB layout or the light blue VBulletin layout whereas now it seems that we can only use the purplish one. I pre… --- ## [If I pay to subscribe to SDMB, can I be banned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-pay-to-subscribe-to-sdmb-can-i-be-banned/235332)
**Author:** [@Biere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biere)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-pay-to-subscribe-to-sdmb-can-i-be-banned/235332 "2004-03-23T05:31:46Z")
If I pay to subscribe to SDMB, can I be banned? Will I get my money back? --- ## [How do I sign up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-sign-up/235554)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-sign-up/235554 "2004-03-23T03:36:49Z")
I live in Canada, do no have charge cards and I haven’t a clue as to how to execute a transfer of Canadian funds that will be clearly delineated for the purpose of subscribing to the SDMB. Help please. --- ## [TubaDiva! I need help.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tubadiva-i-need-help/235841)
**Author:** [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tubadiva-i-need-help/235841 "2004-03-23T03:22:10Z")
Not only am I getting the server error page when I try to pay for my subscription, but when I try to e-mail you about it, I get a screen saying that my access is denied. I e-mailed the webmaster several hours ago, and I’… --- ## [I've Got The Money Right Here! Now What?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-the-money-right-here-now-what/235790)
**Author:** [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ive-got-the-money-right-here-now-what/235790 "2004-03-23T02:36:12Z")
Yeah, okay, it’s been a while since I checked back with the boards (life 'n stuff, you know), and now I see there’s going to be a yearly subscription fee. I’m cool with this-- I want to pay, really! I’ve got several do… --- ## [Dude, where's my thread?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dude-wheres-my-thread/235504)
**Author:** [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dude-wheres-my-thread/235504 "2004-03-23T01:39:26Z")
If it shows up, I (a) made a snide comment about companies that can’t spell and then (b) misspelled aquamarine. Or–I didn’t misspell it, exactly, I mistyped it, and then didn’t proofread. And it seems I posted it in the… --- ## [Credit card security](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-card-security/235731)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2004, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/credit-card-security/235731 "2004-03-23T00:00:05Z")
I don’t know if this has been covered in the 500 threads regarding the paid subscription service, but what kind of security is in place regarding the transfer of CC info here? I didn’t see any security/encryption guarant… --- ## [Can't access new posts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-access-new-posts/235784)
**Author:** [@violacrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/violacrane)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2004, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cant-access-new-posts/235784 "2004-03-22T23:11:19Z")
Now the “New Posts” button has moved to “Quick links” apparently one needs "privileges to access it. Is it because i am a guest? --- ## [Hello world...(practice post)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-world-practice-post/235750)
**Author:** [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2004, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hello-world-practice-post/235750 "2004-03-22T19:55:17Z")
just wanted to see if the hamsters got my money :slight\_smile: --- ## [An idea to ward off guests repeating threads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-to-ward-off-guests-repeating-threads/235756)
**Author:** [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2004, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-to-ward-off-guests-repeating-threads/235756 "2004-03-22T19:52:59Z")
Would it be possible to give guests partial access to the search function? Like only thread titles (maybe titles & posts) but not by member name? --- ## [Soprry to be an idiot, but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soprry-to-be-an-idiot-but/235315)
**Author:** [@outside\_artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outside_artist)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soprry-to-be-an-idiot-but/235315 "2004-03-21T23:24:18Z")
Could you tell me how one registers? --- ## [blank straight dope message board :(](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blank-straight-dope-message-board/235479)
**Author:** [@chefIL11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefIL11)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blank-straight-dope-message-board/235479 "2004-03-21T22:58:07Z")
When I use either internet explorer or opera I sometimes cannot see the text on the main pages, like GQ or IMHO so I am blindly clickling. I’m sure this question has been addressed before, but I cannot see the posts to … --- ## [When I don't subscribe to SDMB, will my email address be removed from SDMB mailing li](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-dont-subscribe-to-sdmb-will-my-email-address-be-removed-from-sdmb-mailing-li/235263)
**Author:** [@SwingWing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwingWing)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-i-dont-subscribe-to-sdmb-will-my-email-address-be-removed-from-sdmb-mailing-li/235263 "2004-03-21T22:46:26Z")
When I don’t subscribe to SDMB, will my email address be removed from SDMB junk mailing lists? Clearly, I don’t want any more junk mail coming to my email address due to previously signing up on SDMB when it was free. --- ## [When someone is banned, does SDMB reduce the member count?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-someone-is-banned-does-sdmb-reduce-the-member-count/235349)
**Author:** [@SwingWing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwingWing)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-someone-is-banned-does-sdmb-reduce-the-member-count/235349 "2004-03-21T19:09:06Z")
When someone is banned, does SDMB reduce the member count? --- ## [Will the subscription software accept payment from nameless "gift" debit cards?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-subscription-software-accept-payment-from-nameless-gift-debit-cards/235530 "2004-03-21T17:53:30Z")
And by “nameless,” I mean those gotten without an individual’s name printed on it or associated with it (I’m assuming you have that option, but even if not I think it might be worth using just for peace of mind, since th… --- ## [password changing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/password-changing/235506)
**Author:** [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/password-changing/235506 "2004-03-21T17:13:03Z")
now what? I tried to change my password (casus my friend is going to subscribe me) so I could change it back to my fave afterwards. It wont let me. Help? --- ## [Dex, would you care to comment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-would-you-care-to-comment/235395)
**Author:** [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dex-would-you-care-to-comment/235395 "2004-03-21T17:06:32Z")
Since you seem to be the only Admin/Mod reading any of the sub themed threads… I, and several others, have asked, in several threads, about making some more specific rules for posting, other than the easy to abuse gener… --- ## [Guest Membership under the New System](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guest-membership-under-the-new-system/235153)
**Author:** [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guest-membership-under-the-new-system/235153 "2004-03-21T16:15:36Z")
Under the new paid membership plan we have the following situation: \[ol\] \[li\]Paid registered members have unlimited posting and searching abilities (well, the 30 second rule will probably still be in effect).\[/li\]\[li\]\*… --- ## [What if someone with some $ were to subscribe 20, 40 "socks"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-with-some-were-to-subscribe-20-40-socks/235512)
**Author:** [@SwingWing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwingWing)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2004, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-with-some-were-to-subscribe-20-40-socks/235512 "2004-03-21T07:02:35Z")
What if someone with some $ were to pay subscriptions for 20, 40 or more “socks”? What would effect could this have in the SDMB forums? --- ## [Will threads initiated by nonsubscribing ex-SDMB Members be expunged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-threads-initiated-by-nonsubscribing-ex-sdmb-members-be-expunged/235441)
**Author:** [@SwingWing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwingWing)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2004, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-threads-initiated-by-nonsubscribing-ex-sdmb-members-be-expunged/235441 "2004-03-20T22:14:07Z")
Will threads by nonsubscribing ex-SDMB Members be expunged? I wouldn’t think it be appropriate to keep their threads on the forums, since they would no longer be able to respond? Sort of like shooting fish in a barrel … --- ## [Will the SDMB "Members" statistic be changed to "Paying Members?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-sdmb-members-statistic-be-changed-to-paying-members/235400)
**Author:** [@SwingWing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SwingWing)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2004, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-sdmb-members-statistic-be-changed-to-paying-members/235400 "2004-03-20T22:13:15Z")
On 03/22/04, will the SDMB “Members” statistic be changed to “Paying Members?” Either way, will the statistic reflect only current PAYING subscribers with maybe a separate “Guest” statistic? --- ## [Michael Crystal, new publisher and COO of The Reader](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-crystal-new-publisher-and-coo-of-the-reader/235366)
**Author:** [@leander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leander)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2004, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-crystal-new-publisher-and-coo-of-the-reader/235366 "2004-03-20T15:14:21Z")
Just wondering if the recent changes at the top have anything to do with the current changes of this board. Not trying to cause any controversy, but it’s not uncommon for a new chief to come in and try to make some sudd… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=393) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/about-this-message-board/8.md?page=395)