In response to this comment:
And to prevent him from signing on as another poster, the system should monitor the IP and e-mail addresses of new posters and compare them to suspended posters.
Baron replied:
The system does that already, but since most people using cable modems, DSL lines, and standard modems have dynamic IP addresses, comparing IP addresses is totally worthless. In terms of email addresses, we've been requiring unique email addresses for a long time.
You can read the whole thread here:
Waiting period on new registrants
The point is, it's tough to screen people intent on disruption by creating multiple aliases. There are many ways around it. To "gate" a community to deal with just this aspect would probably be a poor choice, unless the new business model is to be supported on membership fees and not sponsorship.
And frankly, I don't think the marketplace will support for-pay communities. Salon gated it's popular Table Talk community, and even though their demographics include many people who would seemingly be able to afford it, it took a major hit in activity. Ie: people simply chose not to pay. The Fool gated its community with a fee as well, and they've taken a major hit in activity as well. And they've granted an amazing amount of free accounts to their most active users, many who complained again this go-around about having to pay, and they got comped.
A community needs speedy access to first time posting, so that new people can join in right away. It's the draw that brings them back, and keeps a fresh source of new members and new perspectives. It's quite vital, really.
André