How to make forum private but thread topics visible??

[Dismounted]

Originally Posted by vividbreeze

Isn't that almost the same thing I am talking about??

You are talking about hiding the whole thread, my modification shows the first post. However, if that works for you, use it.

Originally Posted by vividbreeze

If so, would this be considered cloaking at all tho?

Cloaking is when you hide content from regular users (guests), but show them to search engine spiders. My modification shows the same content to both guests and spiders.