A 'guest' is usualy someone who is invited. Someone who attends your party uninvited is a gatecrasher and usualy unwelcome.

Could we not have a mechanism where people do at least have to let the forum owners know who they are? The email address with confirmation seems to be the best idea. The email address and real identity could still be kept sectret from the public and I do understand the reasons some people would like to keep their identity away from the prying eyes of all and sundry.

So, anyone can read the forum but to post they would need to join and confirm their identity somehow. The email address would still be hidden. Their handle could be one of their own choosing or 'Guest'. In the event of nasty, personal and vindictive posts their guest priviledge is revoked.

We would need to ensure such guests do sign in with a password - but that is two way protection and ensures no-one posts as someone else as well. I cannot see anyone objecting to that unless they want to make such postings. Or am I being over simplistic?

Cheers

Dave the Gnome