User Location- can it be mandatory?

[tonyciambrone]

I believe users are all supposed to put their location in their profile when signing up/ using GJ. Is there a reason it should not be mandatory to at least put something in the location field when registering?

I didn't really understand the point when I first joined, but it seems like every thread related to insulation, construction, electrical code, zoning code etc inevitably leads to "where are you located." That is, if the user has not posted information in the location field.

It really does help to know at least a rough estimate of where people are located to understand their situation or opinions better. It seems like it would save a lot of repetitive posts and questions.

 

[bczygan]

Not mandatory, but it REALLY helps.

Bill

 

[SuperCat]

It should be mandatory, but it is always up to the member to determine how specific he/she wants to be. "It REALLY helps" (exactly, Bill!) to know what part of the world a person lives in. Here in the U.S. we have too many different standards, codes, laws, ordinances, regulations, statutes, etc. in each city, county, state, and territory for one answer to cover all the bases.
And, of course, each code enforcement/inspector will have their own interpretation of the rules, usually based on one or more of the following:
which way the wind is blowing
degree of stomach upset/hangover/headache
inspection previous to yours
degree of twist in their shorts
degree of girlfriend and/or wife troubles
time of day
degree of constipation
phase of the moon
blood sugar level
number and condition of hemorrhoids
Low T
effects of prescribed medication
effects of non-prescribed medication
traffic experienced en route to your location
last text message received
their opinion of: your contractor (if you used one) or you
how many cups of coffee consumed so far that day

But I digress.
I realize there may be some security/privacy issues with a mandatory location requirement, but at least let us know what continent you are on.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I believe users are all supposed to put their location in their profile when signing up/ using GJ. Is there a reason it should not be mandatory to at least put something in the location field when registering?

It would be up to Ryan to make it mandatory when signing up.

I created a few stickies concerning the matter for the simple reason of getting the best advice based on your location.

However, members still need respect each other's privacy not elaborate on furthering a fellow member's location.. . . all based on trust.

 

[larry_g]

I take a milder tact. If a member asks a location specific question without giving his location, I ignore 'em. No sweat off my ball's and his loss. I don't suffer idiots well.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[The Cobbler]

while the location can help in replying to some posts, I cannot see it being mandatory, first off, would we expect the mod's to police the Ips to see if they match locations? I think not.
if location matters to get a reply, it's up to the user to decide if they want to give that information.
just my $0.02 CDN. wait, we don't have pennies in Canada anymore...

 

[HOTFR8]

Being honest with a location is helpful. In just the last few minutes I banned a Spammer with a location that said US but the poster was in India posting about dental work.

 

[four.cycle]

"...we don't have pennies in canada anymore..."

 

[NUTTSGT]

LOL and that gives a whole new meaning to "taking plastic."

 

[larry_g]

It really does help to know at least a rough estimate of where people are located to understand their situation or opinions better. It seems like it would save a lot of repetitive posts and questions.

On the flip side it will not stop the mental midgets who are unable to look at the location and recommend local suppliers to those in Europe or Australia that do have their locations posted.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[HOTFR8]

On the flip side it will not stop the mental midgets who are unable to look at the location and recommend local suppliers to those in Europe or Australia that do have their locations posted.

lg
no neat sig line

This is what we would like to try and avoid.