Anyone under the age of 18 will be banned, and new registrations from users under 18 will not be permitted.

I understand and agree. Thanks for keeping this site safe for all of us to post!

Thanks Brandi

:tu I think that is best for the site as a whole.

I am sad that we can't help them, but at the same time I do think it is best for the site as a whole. :tu thanks for making things run smooth!!

i don't really care, but just curious as to why>

:tu I think that is best for the site as a whole.

:yes

good move.

I think it was kinda iffy to have them in the first place. Its a legal liability waiting to happen I would think

It's a shame, but I see the reasoning. We don't want Brandi or any other admins being liable for anything said on the site.

Guess my old grey haired, grisled, crotchety self is safe.. :lol Thanks Brandi.

Good idea, I know another site I was a member of that is one of the reasons I left, because of things going on with a member under 18 that I didn't want to be a part of.

i don't really care, but just curious as to why>

IMO, I think anything having to do with minors is risky business. Better to be safe than sorry, ya know?

It's also ILLEGAL, at least in some states, for minors to be dating men. It can also be a liablity for a servicemember to NOT report that information as well.

I personally think it's a good idea, for the content of this board, for covering Brandi's ass, and especially for all the drama that has come with the small timeframe we have had underage people. :tu It's not that I don't think they need support too, but moreso that there are support board out there for girlfriends that they can utilize until they are of age if they wish to join here at that time.

Thanks for the update! I know you only do what it best for us!

IMO, I think anything having to do with minors is risky business. Better to be safe than sorry, ya know?
agree I think the main thing here to was the fact that the one person was able to post and read through out the board, and that cause some issues for some of us. I know I felt uncomfy knowing she could read and post on the main board.

:thumbsup

It's also ILLEGAL, at least in some states, for minors to be dating men. It can also be a liablity for a servicemember to NOT report that information as well.

I personally think it's a good idea, for the content of this board, for covering Brandi's ass, and especially for all the drama that has come with the small timeframe we have had underage people. :tu It's not that I don't think they need support too, but moreso that there are support board out there for girlfriends that they can utilize until they are of age if they wish to join here at that time.

Agreed.

Its just too much of a stress load and liability right now.

Maybe someone will be brave enough to create a site for them to go to one day, or maybe there is good reason that there isn't one, for reasons like Trey said about it being illegal in some places.

I just can't handle all of it right now. I have way too much going on and way too many things to deal with, without having to worry about the drama and liability associated with allowing underage people on here. Just in the VERY short amount of time that we've allowed under 18 on here, we've already had enough drama to confirm that it was not a good idea to start with.

I tried, I guess I failed or the system failed or maybe just the idea failed, but this is for the best interest of the board and all members here, including myself.

I am 30 and have old balls...LOL JK!!

It's also ILLEGAL, at least in some states, for minors to be dating men. It can also be a liablity for a servicemember to NOT report that information as well.

I personally think it's a good idea, for the content of this board, for covering Brandi's ass, and especially for all the drama that has come with the small timeframe we have had underage people. :tu It's not that I don't think they need support too, but moreso that there are support board out there for girlfriends that they can utilize until they are of age if they wish to join here at that time.


As usual I am out of the loop....damn work :mumble :giggle

But I agree with Trey, it can be a liability :yes
Totally agree with your decision

:yes Gotcha!

covering our :moon es--Amanda

I missed something but thanx for looking out for everyone :)

Thanks for the update! I know you only do what it best for us!

Makes us sounds like a cult...lol
but I agree.

wow, good idea

I am sad that we can't help them, but at the same time I do think it is best for the site as a whole. :tu thanks for making things run smooth!!

I agree! I don't think this site is appropriate for those under 18!

Thanks, Brandi! I definitely understand and agree with your reasoning.

:thumbsup Yep yep, good idea.

good call brandi

:yes

:dramasign ooooo drama.... good decision though!

good idea!! Thanks for looking out for us! :hi

I agree!!

no clue what happened but I know you're doing what's best for this site and the best thing to cover your butt legally.

i had no idea that it was a problem... it doesn't bug me though..

:sadeyes kinda sad but i guess i understand

I do think it's a good idea.

:yes

Thanks Brandi!

Thank you for your understanding. :)

That cut off is just a little too close for comfort as I'm newly 18, but I do understand your point. Better safe than sorry.

:tu brandi

I totally agree with your reasonings and decision :thumbsup

:tu I think that is best for the site as a whole.

:agree:wink:D:thanks

Guess my old grey haired, grisled, crotchety self is safe.. :lol Thanks Brandi.

:rofl

OK, your the boss Brandi. I wonder why though? PM me.

OK, your the boss Brandi. I wonder why though? PM me.

You didn't see the whole thread with the 16 year old that is now 35 pages? That pretty much explains it.

You didn't see the whole thread with the 16 year old that is now 35 pages? That pretty much explains it.

I didn't see it, either. I was sort of curious. As I am well over the age, it doesn't affect me. I was still wondering. I think I'll try and find that post now. lol

It's also ILLEGAL, at least in some states, for minors to be dating men. It can also be a liablity for a servicemember to NOT report that information as well.

I personally think it's a good idea, for the content of this board, for covering Brandi's ass, and especially for all the drama that has come with the small timeframe we have had underage people. :tu It's not that I don't think they need support too, but moreso that there are support board out there for girlfriends that they can utilize until they are of age if they wish to join here at that time.


That's what I thought when I saw the high school sweethearts one because it would be obvious most in high school would be under 18 and the servicemember is over 18. That being so, it's a large legal liability for the site, the minor, and the servicemember, imo. Good Decision. :thumbsup

thanks Brandi . security reasins area good thing!

Honestly- most of the men in the service are at least eighteen- so for underaged girls to be with them is nearly always illegal, except in the case of the rare parentally consented marriages. If I were underage with a military man, I sure as hell would not want to broadcast that info over the net. Not a good idea. And, as GreenMammy said in the Boxing Ring- there are people who HAVE to tell about things like that.

i agree with the decision whole heartedly i wish there was somewhere for them to get advice but i do agree that this forum should be 18 and up esp for legal reasons

Agreed.

Its just too much of a stress load and liability right now.

Maybe someone will be brave enough to create a site for them to go to one day, or maybe there is good reason that there isn't one, for reasons like Trey said about it being illegal in some places.

I just can't handle all of it right now. I have way too much going on and way too many things to deal with, without having to worry about the drama and liability associated with allowing underage people on here. Just in the VERY short amount of time that we've allowed under 18 on here, we've already had enough drama to confirm that it was not a good idea to start with.

I tried, I guess I failed or the system failed or maybe just the idea failed, but this is for the best interest of the board and all members here, including myself.

You didn't fail!! Anything to do with minors is going to get messy. But just the fact that you tried to provide a place of support for these girls is great. It didn't work out, but at least you can say you tried! :)

Sooo..now that I am caught up, I ahve to say I 1000000000000000000000000000% support Brandi in this decision!

Thanks Brandi!

where can i find the boxing ring? or is it just for members over 250+ post?

Are you able to verify age or something or do you just go by what someone says? Just wondering how that works. I know when I signed my kids up for Imbee, they verified their age by talking to me and then when an adult wants to go on, they have to be invited and then verified that they are an adult.

where can i find the boxing ring? or is it just for members over 250+ post?
just for members over 250 right now. so get to :postwhore

just for members over 250 right now. so get to :postwhore


:rofl

just for members over 250 right now. so get to :postwhore
Bloody hell...am working on it...:D Just going to take a 2 hour nap to recuperate from reading all the drama I miss last nite...My pregnancy brain is acting up right now...:D:D:D
But am slowly getting there.....

110..oppss...109 post left to go now....woohooo....

i personally think its a wonderful idea i run aboard as well just for navy wives and it is 18 and over. with the underage drinking that is posted on and the sex with minors its scary. and not only can it get the board members in trouble it can get our spouses as well for not reporting it if any of them are on the same command. failure to report and offense is an article in the USMCJ. so we need to becareful as spouses and our actions and post do reflect upon our husbands, like it or not. you can get your husband in trouble for something that has been said on the internet. BTDT. i think it was a wise decision.

i think it was a wise decision.

I agree completely with this statement.

I am a member of another Marine wives site and its 18 & up as well.

I believe that the conversations stay more grown up and less drama filled that way.. Good decision Brandi

I agree with your decision to ban the and not allow people under the age of 18.

~*~Charity~*~

I'm happy to hear you decided this...it's for the best interest of everyone :thumbsup

Honestly- most of the men in the service are at least eighteen- so for underaged girls to be with them is nearly always illegal, except in the case of the rare parentally consented marriages. If I were underage with a military man, I sure as hell would not want to broadcast that info over the net. Not a good idea. And, as GreenMammy said in the Boxing Ring- there are people who HAVE to tell about things like that.

I do not know the laws for every state but I was under the impression (And possibly misinformed, I'm not sure) that if someone is 18, it is not illegal to be in a relationship with someone that is 16. I thought the rule was 2 years either way, meaning a 16 year old could be with a 14 year old or a 17 year old could be with a 15 year old, 18 year old with 16 year old, etc. Maybe I am just misinformed or confused, but that is the only reason why I created the forum to begin with. Had I known that an 18 year old dating a 16 or 17 year old is illegal, the forum would have never been started, because I certainly did not create it to aid our new servicemen in breaking the law or doing something that could jeopardize their career.

I have tried to educate myself as much as possible on the laws for things I should know as an Admin, but I guess I need to talk with a lawyer and get a definite answer to some of the questions I have about this type of thing, so there won't be any room for confusion.

I do not know the laws for every state but I was under the impression (And possibly misinformed, I'm not sure) that if someone is 18, it is not illegal to be in a relationship with someone that is 16. I thought the rule was 2 years either way, meaning a 16 year old could be with a 14 year old or a 17 year old could be with a 15 year old, 18 year old with 16 year old, etc. Maybe I am just misinformed or confused, but that is the only reason why I created the forum to begin with. Had I known that an 18 year old dating a 16 or 17 year old is illegal, the forum would have never been started, because I certainly did not create it to aid our new servicemen in breaking the law or doing something that could jeopardize their career.

I have tried to educate myself as much as possible on the laws for things I should know as an Admin, but I guess I need to talk with a lawyer and get a definite answer to some of the questions I have about this type of thing, so there won't be any room for confusion.

I think every state is different. What might be ok in one state wont be ok in another. It's not your fault you can't possibly know every law in all the states. You're just doing the best you can. :hugs

I do not know the laws for every state but I was under the impression (And possibly misinformed, I'm not sure) that if someone is 18, it is not illegal to be in a relationship with someone that is 16. I thought the rule was 2 years either way, meaning a 16 year old could be with a 14 year old or a 17 year old could be with a 15 year old, 18 year old with 16 year old, etc. Maybe I am just misinformed or confused, but that is the only reason why I created the forum to begin with. Had I known that an 18 year old dating a 16 or 17 year old is illegal, the forum would have never been started, because I certainly did not create it to aid our new servicemen in breaking the law or doing something that could jeopardize their career.

I have tried to educate myself as much as possible on the laws for things I should know as an Admin, but I guess I need to talk with a lawyer and get a definite answer to some of the questions I have about this type of thing, so there won't be any room for confusion.

In the eyes of the military if you are not 18 you are a minor.. :shrug state laws don't apply in their case

I know my hubby and I have discussed the illegal relationship thing in reference to what has been going on here. He says the military has a no tolerance policy on a service member dating a minor--in other words if they are caught they are in serious trouble no matter what the circumstances are (obviously this doesn't take into account parentally consented marriages)

Ahh, I gotcha.That does make sense, I was just not aware of that. So, thank you for sharing. I'm sure I will probably go over more of this stuff when I go to the Ombudsman training, which will be nice, because I will then be able to get the information directly from the source.

Good idea.

I wish someone woulda told me this info when the forum was started :lol Did ya'll really think I would be okay with aiding servicemen doing something illegal and putting their career at risk? :scared

In the eyes of the military if you are not 18 you are a minor.. :shrug state laws don't apply in their case

Ah see that makes sense. Good thing I'm the older one when DH went into the military. If it was opposite he could have gotten into trouble and I wouldn't have liked that. :sadeyes

Thanks

I wish someone woulda told me this info when the forum was started :lol Did ya'll really think I would be okay with aiding servicemen doing something illegal and putting their career at risk? :scared
I don't think that many of us were thinking of this but I think she made it a deal with her posting. I mean I was dating dh at 16 and he was 18. I think the forum was a good idea and most people don't have problems with the dating, I just think that they should use more caution when posting about their guy. kwim...

I wish someone woulda told me this info when the forum was started :lol Did ya'll really think I would be okay with aiding servicemen doing something illegal and putting their career at risk? :scared

it's alright brandi, you didn't know and now that you do you are taking steps to correct it. you rock!!!

it's alright brandi, you didn't know and now that you do you are taking steps to correct it. you rock!!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/SFerreira/Yay%20congrats%20smilies/goddessBrandi.gif :giggle

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/SFerreira/Yay%20congrats%20smilies/goddessBrandi.gif :giggle

:rofl I like that one Stacey!


I JUST NOW read the BR thread-I've been pretty oblivious to things lately. I agree with the decision. I know people will still be able to lie about their age to get on here if they desperately want to be here :screwy but that's their issue. Nothing you can do about it unless it's found out that they are underage.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/SFerreira/Yay%20congrats%20smilies/goddessBrandi.gif :giggle

:rofl that's cute

:rofl that's cute

Thanks :D

I think it was really nice of u to try to have something for them, but obviously some of the few who came here were not mature enough to make it work and showed that in a very short time. It's a shame that that forum was only there for a short time, and they caused so many problems here and for u. It's proven best for everyone not to have it.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a242/SFerreira/Yay%20congrats%20smilies/goddessBrandi.gif :giggle

I love that Stacey!

I wish someone woulda told me this info when the forum was started :lol Did ya'll really think I would be okay with aiding servicemen doing something illegal and putting their career at risk? :scared

OMG I did NOT mean to accuse you of doing anything like that in ANY way. I know you are concerned with legality. I was just always under the impression that it is illegal, like Harrisonsdream said. You are an awesome mod, and I think it is gerat that you wanted to help out those gals! Brandi, you are amazing and I (L) you!

Thanks Brandi

I agree completely with this statement.
Totally agree.

There's a huge difference in dating vs. married and then the whole still in high school dating vs. married is even bigger. I just don't have much in common with high school girls (other than I have 3 teenagers as children :arg) and the majority of under 18 is still in high school.

Guess I'm gonna have to post more to get into that boxing ring, huh? :thinking

I do not know the laws for every state but I was under the impression (And possibly misinformed, I'm not sure) that if someone is 18, it is not illegal to be in a relationship with someone that is 16. I thought the rule was 2 years either way, meaning a 16 year old could be with a 14 year old or a 17 year old could be with a 15 year old, 18 year old with 16 year old, etc. Maybe I am just misinformed or confused, but that is the only reason why I created the forum to begin with. Had I known that an 18 year old dating a 16 or 17 year old is illegal, the forum would have never been started, because I certainly did not create it to aid our new servicemen in breaking the law or doing something that could jeopardize their career.

I have tried to educate myself as much as possible on the laws for things I should know as an Admin, but I guess I need to talk with a lawyer and get a definite answer to some of the questions I have about this type of thing, so there won't be any room for confusion.

States will vary on this as you said. I know here in Washington it is a four year difference if the minor is 16 and older. So here, a 16 year old can be with a 20 year old and it's okay. We've had personal experience with this type of thing with our teenage daughters.

Regardless of any of that, I totally agree with an age limit. It's the best way to cover it all.

Thanks Brandi! :D

Okay, I have not found this post people are talking about. Can someone reference it or something? lol

Thank you Brandi :D

I am sad that we can't help them, but at the same time I do think it is best for the site as a whole. :tu thanks for making things run smooth!!

It's a shame, but I see the reasoning. We don't want Brandi or any other admins being liable for anything said on the site.

:yes

Totally support your decision, Brandi. I'm sad that we can't be there for them, but I look forward to them rejoining when they're of age (hopefully still happy and in their relationships). It was just a lot of drama and nerves and liability, and I don't blame you one bit. You've gotta do what's best for the board as a whole, and you always do.

Okay, I have not found this post people are talking about. Can someone reference it or something? lol

You have to have 250+ posts to view it. It will be under Venting in "The Boxing Ring" and the subject is I'm so Upset or something similar to that.

You have to have 250+ posts to view it. It will be under Venting in "The Boxing Ring" and the subject is I'm so Upset or something similar to that.

Thank you! lol At least I know I'm not going blind. I guess I'll be able to view it soon. :)

pfff! thank god im 21 alreay haha:)

Way to go brandi!!

Well guess I feel a bit decrepit .... BAh now as a man I should say that I will have no one with my own mentallity :lol
But GJ GJ standing ovation...

Thank you.

Maybe Brandi is doing them a favor :D Protecting the innocent frpm us :D

Thanks Brandi.

Is there a reason for this? If they are married, does that make a differene? One of my really good friends (not on this site) is 17 and is married and has children. As an underage Army wife... she runs into this a lot. She can't join support groups and can't go to some military activities. If there is a reason for this, I understand... but it's sad that there are some that deserve to be a part of such things but are banned because of what others have done in the past.

Maybe Brandi is doing them a favor :D Protecting the innocent frpm us :D

Thanks Brandi.

:teehee no kidding they should hold on to their innocence as long as possible.

I agree with the age limit. I think although there are some exceptions to the rule, generally underage girls aren't mature enough to handle some of the content on here. Yes, I believe we should help them when we can, but I also believe that many underage teens get into trouble on the Internet.. Our teens are maturing in the wrong ways...

Tangent: I think Myspace should be 18+ too... Sorry, my brother is 14 and I can't STAND some of the things those little girls post!!! :no

Is there a reason for this? One of my really good friends (not on this site) is 17 and is married and has children. As an underage Army wife... she runs into this a lot. She can't join support groups and can't go to some military activities. If there is a reason for this, I understand... but it's sad that there are some that deserve to be a part of such things but are banned because of what others have done in the past.

There are a lot of liability issues when minors are allowed on any site, but especially one with lax rules for moderation (language, pillow talk, etc) and pics that are posted. Additionally, service men and women are uphold to a regulation stating that they are not supposed to be involved with a minor, in the first place. So, all around, it's just a big liability. We did try it at one point in time, and we had major issues arise from the get-go.

.

Tangent: I think Myspace should be 18+ too... Sorry, my brother is 14 and I can't STAND some of the things those little girls post!!! :no

I COMPLETELY agree. I think they should come up with a teenspace or something that has more moderation and monitoring.

thanks for the update

There are a lot of liability issues when minors are allowed on any site, but especially one with lax rules for moderation (language, pillow talk, etc) and pics that are posted. Additionally, service men and women are uphold to a regulation stating that they are not supposed to be involved with a minor, in the first place. So, all around, it's just a big liability. We did try it at one point in time, and we had major issues arise from the get-go.

Understandable.... I do know that it is legal in GA for an 18 year old to marry a 16 year old, but I understand how as a site admin you can not allow certain under 18 and not others based on each states laws and you can't know for certain if they are married or not. I understand why this site has to be set up this way for the liabiliy factor. Thanks for the response. :)

Understandable.... I do know that it is legal in GA for an 18 year old to marry a 16 year old, but I understand how as a site admin you can not allow certain under 18 and not others based on each states laws and you can't know for certain if they are married or not. I understand why this site has to be set up this way for the liabiliy factor. Thanks for the response. :)

However, the Federal Gov't laws are not the same as State laws. Yes minors are allowed to marry into the military, but it is greatly frowned upon. And there is a lot of hassle many of them will end up going through.

Also if you think about it, our society was built on age limits... You have to be 16-18 to drive, 18 to be considered an adult, 21 to drink, 25 to rent a car... Its just part of American life...

:dunno Sorry that's my opinion... And I still stick by the idea that emotional maturity develops with age, even if other types of maturity are 'apparent.'

I think what you did was a great idea. Not only for legal reasons, but there is such a thing as being married too young...granted I was 19 when I married, but under 18 is really pushing it...If you found the one that you are meant to be with then hey, what's the rush you know? It's a good thing to wait, marriage is a struggle, and deployments make it worse sometimes...it's a hard thing to do, and not even out of high school, I can only imagine

I have a friend that's in the reserves, and he's 20 and she's 17, they're getting married soon but she hasn't graduated high school!!! I can already sense the drama going on...it's sad, but I do wish them the best of luck...I don't know what to do for her, all I can do is give her the best advice and pray she listens.. anywayz, thanks for what you did

Aye Aye

Yeah Brandi, you rock. Keep up the good work as usual!

understood & agree!!
:thanks for makin this site in the first place =)

works for me :)

I understand and agree with the reasoning as to making this site 18+ but I don't agree with certain peoples ideas that getting married under 18 is "frowned upon" because that's complete BS it depends on the person and their mentality... I personally was married at 17 and I wouldn't regret that decision ever because marriage is a long term commitment to me not a trend. For the other people that got married underage if it works out for them, what's the problem? People get married at 40 and divorce the next month and others can get married early and last forever... Age has nothing to do with it IMO sorry

:wow WOW I leave for a few hours and this pops up!! Sheesh i miss all the good stuff :teehee


But in all seriousness I totally agree and am onboard 100% with you Brandi! :tu

yay i barely made the deadline :D:D