Should we let foreigners in as members?

[griffin]

This board caters for any current resident in the Australian region of the world (which covers the various NZ fans we have had as members, plus some nearby asian countries in the past). It also allows for anyone from this region who is temporarily residing in another part of the world. But since the focus is on local issues, the board would not be considered relevent enough for people who have moved abroad permanently, or are foriegners.
This is why it could be okay to let some foreign fans join if they are intending to be interacting here for our benefit (like as a direct source for news or info).

[GoktimusPrime]

I totally agree that this board should primarily be for Australian-based fans. Many of us are already members of other international TF boards and there are advantages and disadvantages of international and Australian boards - but yeah, I come here primarily to hang out with Aussie-based fans. If I wanted to talk to foreign-based fans, I'd go elsewhere.

Perhaps we should also allow for foreigners who were formerly Australian-based fans such as Tiger Convoy (not sure if he wants to join here but I reckon it'd be nice if he had the option - he'd also be able to directly answer questions about Japanese related TF questions) and if jaydisc ever decides to repatriate back home I don't see why he shouldn't be allowed to continue posting here.

PS: we do already have at least one active NZ member here - but also NZ fans tend to congregate at Transformersnewzealand.com which is more relevant for them.

[Saintly]

I'd put my two cents in as well... OTCA should be for "people" who is currently residing here for more than a couple of months, so that counts anyone who is currently working or studying in AU.

There should be some exceptions to the rule for foreigners as others have said (ie. news/info contributions or even a trusted seller??)

[Bartrim]

I used to frequent an international board more then this one. The reason I stopped doing so was it allowed every cat, dog and their mother to join. As such there was continous baiting, spamming, trolling, flamming people being banned. It was just ridiculous.

I prefer our small, local, friendly community

Lets keep it that way.

[i_amtrunks]

Im all for keeping this for Aussies at home and abroad. Kiwi's count as Aussies since there are enough of them over here anyways!

Perhaps close neighbours with a very very small community of Transformers fans like Papua New Guinea should also be allowed to join?