Join to post?

Yes, I realize that I'm asking those who have already joined. I was trying to avoid drive-by rudeness, but it could be seen as a barrier for those who don't want to join or self-identify.

I vote yes, although I'm not sure I've thought through all the implications. If we allowed anyone to post, and someone who was not a member were to post here, wouldn't they be identified as the poster? The post wouldn't be anonymous, so they would identify themselves simply by posting.

On the other hand, joining is really easy, so someone bent on being rude would not necessarily be deterred.

Or is the concern that someone may want to participate, but not want to be on the "membership" list? Might not want their profile page to show "A Quieter LibraryThing" as one of their groups? I suppose this is possible, though I certainly don't feel that way.

Twenty people have signed up in just a few hours. If this group takes off, and we manage to build up a group "voice" so to speak, knowing who the members are can only help us all. I think (hope) the people we really want to hear from here will be willing to identify themselves with a place they can feel comfortable. Just my opinion.

I would think that as an accepting group, we should be welcoming to everyone. Besides, one would have to be a member of LT to even get here and their LT tag would show who they are. If anyone gets out of line we could TRACK THEM DOWN AND RIP OUT THEIR GUTS!! OOPS, sorry about shouting there. Smile and have a nice day.

I voted no, but hope that some post will touch caffron and s/he will want to post. It is up to caffron not us. LT has a category for 'watchers' which says to me that there are enough people who want to follow a group but not participate. LT has recognized this and accommodate it.