Another $0.02 worth of opinion:

OzFormers Transformers Collectors Australia

From what I recall this board was started up with the intention of aiding fellow Australians in locating, selling, trading and discussing Transformers collectables and media.

It works very well - it doesn't need to be compromised. Location maybe shouldn't be mandatory but it does get annoying if there is a sighting in Garden City and the state isn't specified. Locations like "Behind You" and "With your Mum" get boring long before the 50th+++ time you see them. A big part of this community is establishing a reliable and trustworthy network for collecting, I don't think there's more than 1 degree of seperation between any members here so every member is personally accountable for their actions and texts - ie no annonynimity beyond the board name. Specifying location helps flush out the SabreWolfgangs as well...

I think foriegn interaction is unnecessary. If foriegners joined then I think they would have to have a really good reason - Hong Kong members who can supply cheap TFs, Japanese members who can help with exclusives, storefronts that can supply bulk deals - but there are already alternative sources for those. They would otherwise need a really good reason to join and be valuable as contributors. This forum doesn't offer much that isn't already available on the large boards that actively want more members (revenue from advertising, donations, prestiege etc).

If the boards were opened to foriegn members then maybe some sections should be exclusive to Aussies. There are a few times I've thought that there would be a benefit in making the sightings and sales sections visible to member only but that was more to prevent scalpers from abusing it.

No offense to anyone that doesn't have their location filled, I know you're worth it. ;p

I'm sure STL had the board's best intentions at heart when he posted that info. Likewise Kyle posting the hk-tf and tfclub order threads is what OzFormers is all about - helping other members find TFs at the best prices.