hey...is there a way
 

i can prevent users from logging out?
Like take away the logout tab or everything that has to do with logging out so they can stay logged in

Its impossible as all the user has to do is clear their cookies.

There used to be a hack to take away the logout so that banned users would stay logged in. However, as Blaine said, most people know that all you have to do is clear your cookies.

Just curious, why would you want to do this?

Like i said...a desperate attempt to keep them logged in.......

I think desperate would be the word. I would think you are most likely to upset your members by trying such tricks.

But what is the advantage? Does it improve some sort of stat?

Depends on the content of your site and whos on it. But not everyone thinks of that

It increased participation rates in site activities because then they will always remember that they are not logged out, therefore, they will always come back there

You are seriously mistaken. People will not come back just because they can't find a Logout button. Just the opposite.

The way to get people to come back is to interest them.