NOTICE: Changes to TheChookpen

[Chris]

Hi again everyone,

I've just applied a new theme / style to forum. It has nice, rich flavours of red, white and blue. In addition, I've just made changes to User Groups as I start preparing to offer Premium Memberships for the 2020 season. The Chookpen Gold Members group has been abandoned. If you were previously in this group, you are now currently sitting in the Chookpen Members usergroup.

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Below is a breakdown of Usergroups and how they now operate. After taking a long look at the system, I don't think it was working as intended for new members. That should be rectified and changes are as follows:

Usergroup: New Chook (Cost: FREE)
Every new member who signs up will automatically be placed into this Usergroup. Here are the key features related to this group:

1. They cannot create or start new topics.
2. They can reply to existing topics.
3. They can edit their own posts.
4. They cannot delete their own posts.
5. They cannot add a signature.
6. They can use a regular, static avatar.
7. They cannot use an animated avatar.
8. They cannot use a custom title.
9. They cannot set their status to invisible.
10. They cannot upload attachments.
11. Maximum stored private messages: 4.
12. All advertisements are visible.
13. After ten successful posts they will automatically be moved into the 'Chookpen Members' group.

Badge:
rank_new_member.png

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Usergroup: Chookpen Members (Cost: FREE)
These are members who have made at least ten posts. This is the default Usergroup of the Chookpen. The differences between New Chook vs Chookpen Members is:

1. They can create or start new topics.
2. They can delete their own posts.
3. They can add a signature.
4. Maximum private messages: 20

Badge:
rank_chookpen_member.png

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Usergroup: Chookpen Monthly Donators ($10 Donation)
This Usergroup is for members who have chosen to make a $10 donation, which entitles them to the following additional features for 30 days:

1. Maximum stored private messages: 30.
2. They can upload attachments.
3. They can set their status to invisible.
4. All advertisements will be hidden.
5. Click here for more information.

Badge:
rank_monthly_donator.png

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Usergroup: Chookpen Annual Pass Subscribers (Cost: $99.00)
This Usergroup is for members who have purchased a Chookpen Annual Pass. This entitles them to the following additional features which will last for 365 days from purchase.

1. Maximum stored private messages: 50.
2. They can upload attachments.
3. They can set their status to invisible.
4. They can use an animated avatar.
5. They can use a custom title.
6. All advertisements will be hidden.
7. Click here for more information.

Badge:
ranks_annual_pass_member.gif

If anybody has any questions, please let me know.

[The Skeez]

IMO the user group banner is far too large

[Mad_Rabid_Rooster]

Chris, my only suggestion would be to make it clear somewhere who all of the 'Chookpen Staff' are, so members/users know where to go if they have any issues or problems. Perhaps it could also be pointed out what each staff member's abilities, knowledge, skills and area(s) of expertise are when dealing with different issues. Otherwise, it is looking good and is an obvious improvement on the earlier version.

[Chris]

IMO the user group banner is far too large

On Desktop or Mobile? I can look into adjusting this.

[The Skeez]

On Desktop or Mobile? I can look into adjusting this.

Mobile. It’s too dominant

I tried to upload a screenshot but it would cost me a hungey!

[Chris]

Mobile. It’s too dominant

I tried to upload a screenshot but it would cost me a hungey!

Haha, ill check it out.

[Bruce 38-0]

Thanks for changing the banner to reflect the fact that we are 2018 and 2019 Premiers.

[Chook]

Hi Chris, sometimes the site not's updating and while a thread says 3 replies, if I go into it there are pages of replies? It's happen on both my home and work PCs?

Chook.

[Mad_Rabid_Rooster]

Yes, I have noticed that too, but it isn't happening all the time and isn't bothering me all that much to be honest.

[The Skeez]

I keep getting logged out.. only today