Depends ...
At present, most site visitors don't use these forums. So, a log-in box on the main pages might be confusing, and not needed for those folks. Also, with this forums program, there's no need to log out. Just close your browser, and the next time you visit, you'll still be logged in. (That's what most people do.) So, a log-in box on the main pages isn't really needed in that sense. And, people might think that just because the box is there, they need to log in, and they will try, only to get a message that they're already logged in. Might be irritating to some.
Where we go in the future will depend on what the members and board of directors want. (The business issues of the Club will be discussed on the members email list.) And whether the Club/web site is self supporting.
The idea is to leave as much as possible open to all for a while, probably until the end of the year. Ideally, we'll be able to leave everything open and to give members stuff that non-members don't receive:
- a voice in club affairs
- a free email account
- a free mini-web site that they can build online or upload files
- free classified and personals ads
- extended memberships when they bring in a new member
We'll see.
If you can think of other things we might include in a membership, which is free right now, please let us know. All suggestions are welcome.