Why don't I have an avatar, signature, etc?

[Jesse]

As part of a system to stop spammers from spreading their evil messages, we have instigated a promotions-based user system. That means that if you're a brand new user, who just registered, or has only posted a few times, you will not have access to features such as:

• Avatars
• Animated user icons
• Signatures (of any description)

You will also be subject to upload restrictions on how much you can upload and a few other things. For all intents and purposes however, you should be able to use the forums without issue to post questions (including uploading attachments) for help.

Once you've been registered a while, and have enough posts, you will automatically be promoted to a Proven User, and will get access to the items in the above list.

If you experience issues as a new user and find these limitations stop you using the forums as a functional source of help, let us know, however we won't be changing this just because people like to have a personalized avatar from day one -- the damage spammers can do over-rules that I'm afraid.

Hopefully these new improvements will make things better for everyone, and save the moderators a whole heap of time.

Comments welcome.