Suggestions & Membership

[The Who]

But I agree here, with JimButcher. There are always going to be childish people (like when they get giddy around Princess Leia,) who will put someone' rep down or up just because they can. Also, everyone likes a fast forum. A lot of Lego forums I've been two are now almost completely barren and memberless because so many additional things were added to the site that it moved as slow as a dead snail, and half the time you tried to get on to the site there would be a server error. I'm not sure how complicated this point system would be, but I still think it would add a ton on the bandwidth. AAlso, sometimes people make worthwhile comments but they're in a grumpy mood so it sounds angrier than they really are. We don't want people getting band for being cranky after their dog gets hit by a bus!

I completely agree with this. For some, like myself, we have to resort to using an old dinosaur of a computer to do anything, and this could potentially make it slower.

We don't want people getting band for being cranky after their dog gets hit by a bus!

Oh...Was that yours? (No, I'm not that mean.)

[5150 Lego]

I've seen this system on a few automotive forums i frequent. They tend to be mis used, even by adults.

I have to disagree with you on the rep system catering to the younger crowd because of "instant results". We aren't talking hit points or popularity points or anything, it's simply a way to reward deserving individuals when they post something extraordinary. No one is forcing you to judge your peers as you put it, so if you feel that is something you are not comfortable doing then there's no reason to do it. In my mind giving out rep would be somewhat of a rare occurrence, but I guess that would depend on the member's philosophy toward the system.

I think you hit the problem right within your own post. While its very clear that you would only give out rep points when you feel someone post something "extraordinary" as you put it, many would just add reps to their friends, or for small little comments that don't necessarily add anything new to a said conversation. IMO, this system can actually give a false representation of someone.

As for the whole mature members and abuse of the system argument, I'd like to think the majority of people here wouldn't misuse the system like that but that may be the optimist in me talking. Safeguards can be put in for situations like that (like the idea I gave earlier). And the negative rep could be tweaked where you aren't automatically banned but instead put on a "watch list" for the admins and mods to decide your fate.

But again, there's still the few that would potentially cause problems. There's also the strong possibility of someone getting bad rep points due to a simple misunderstanding of someones post. This could also hinder many's true feelings on any given subject just cause there afraid of getting "Negative rep points". Although its not intended to, i could see this turning into a popularity contest real quick.

Also, its obvious that some members are going to contribute more than others. But that doesn't necessarily mean that there a bad person, or should be trusted any more/less than one that does. Some have more time than others to write reviews, post mocs, or just generally take time to cruise the boards and post to said topics that they find interesting. People could also use said system against another with post like...

"Nobody likes you anyways. You only have two rep points to my 15!"

Or something of that nature. I'm not saying this will acure, but it is a very strong posibility.

[posades]

I've seen this system on a few automotive forums i frequent. They tend to be mis used, even by adults.

The other forum I frequent uses it as well, and I haven't seen any problems where they abuse it. Siegfried himself claimed it was also implemented successfully in another forum, so it's not like it can't be done.

I think you hit the problem right within your own post. While its very clear that you would only give out rep points when you feel someone post something "extraordinary" as you put it, many would just add reps to their friends, or for small little comments that don't necessarily add anything new to a said conversation. IMO, this system can actually give a false representation of someone.

As I said, I have a rosier view of the Eurobrick community at large; if there are some that want to abuse the system, that should call for an automatic ban in my opinion. And if it turns out the ones abusing it are underage, maybe the 18+ rule should be more heavily enforced. The false representation would only apply to those that misuse the system, and I think we can both agree that would be a very small minority of the population.

But again, there's still the few that would potentially cause problems. There's also the strong possibility of someone getting bad rep points due to a simple misunderstanding of someones post. This could also hinder many's true feelings on any given subject just cause there afraid of getting "Negative rep points". Although its not intended to, i could see this turning into a popularity contest real quick.

Also, its obvious that some members are going to contribute more than others. But that doesn't necessarily mean that there a bad person, or should be trusted any more/less than one that does. Some have more time than others to write reviews, post mocs, or just generally take time to cruise the boards and post to said topics that they find interesting.

Do people want to be part of the community and participate as Svelte mentioned or do they want to primarily look/comment at peoples' MOCs and cruise the boards? With the rep system, both paths can be followed and both can be rewarded.

People could also use said system against another with post like...

"Nobody likes you anyways. You only have two rep points to my 15!"

Or something of that nature. I'm not saying this will acure, but it is a very strong posibility.

The specific number of points each member has wouldn't be publicly displayed so this hypothetical conversation would never take place.

[Commander Flash]

Karma messed up GameFAQ's forum, (not that it was messed up enough, little to no moderation) Half the posts were someone postind karma of a member. Any member can become a troll and ruin all topics. Atleast here, that can't happen without them being banned.

Edited July 15, 2009 by Commander Flash

[5150 Lego]

The other forum I frequent uses it as well, and I haven't seen any problems where they abuse it. Siegfried himself claimed it was also implemented successfully in another forum, so it's not like it can't be done.

Yes, but in the same post he also meantioned that paticular forum had a different member base. What worked in one forum, many not nessasarly work in another.

As I said, I have a rosier view of the Eurobrick community at large; if there are some that want to abuse the system, that should call for an automatic ban in my opinion. And if it turns out the ones abusing it are underage, maybe the 18+ rule should be more heavily enforced. The false representation would only apply to those that misuse the system, and I think we can both agree that would be a very small minority of the population.

While yes, it would probbly be a small number. If it were in fact abused, this could be very discouraging. Especaily for new memebers. You say that it should be used only to reward good, well thought out posts. Even you admit that this may not always be the case. While i'm sure its very easy to just say..

"Ban the people that misuse the system."

That to me would seem like alot of work having to constantly be checking peoples profile to check the reasons for such high rep points.

Do people want to be part of the community and participate as Svelte mentioned or do they want to primarily look/comment at peoples' MOCs and cruise the boards? With the rep system, both paths can be followed and both can be rewarded.

I don't see this happening with people that would rather just cruise and look around and ocasionaly posting. Can you provide an example?

The specific number of points each member has wouldn't be publicly displayed so this hypothetical conversation would never take place.

I don't understand this. In a few posts back you say that the rep points would be visable in the members profile. So while its not publicly visable, it can still be accessed and seen. Thus my hypothetical conversation could take place

[posades]

Yes, but in the same post he also meantioned that paticular forum had a different member base. What worked in one forum, many not nessasarly work in another.

Fair enough, though we'll never know for sure unless we try right?

While yes, it would probbly be a small number. If it were in fact abused, this could be very discouraging. Especaily for new memebers. You say that it should be used only to reward good, well thought out posts. Even you admit that this may not always be the case. While i'm sure its very easy to just say..

"Ban the people that misuse the system."

That to me would seem like alot of work having to constantly be checking peoples profile to check the reasons for such high rep points.

It depends, I'm not sure how much power the admins and mods have when it comes to this. They might be able to see everything that's going on in the background or they might have a list of top rep receivers in a day for instance, can't say for sure since I've never been behind the scenes. However, there could be a 'Report' button or something similar to help identify the people you expect of foul play.

I don't see this happening with people that would rather just cruise and look around and ocasionaly posting. Can you provide an example?

Well I would think when someone like that does post they would make it more worthwhile instead of just simply posting a frivolous comment, thus increasing the amount of "quality posts".

I don't understand this. In a few posts back you say that the rep points would be visable in the members profile. So while its not publicly visable, it can still be accessed and seen. Thus my hypothetical conversation could take place

No, I said the title ranks would be visible in the member's profile, not the actual number of points. The ranks would change at different point values yes (for instance maybe 10, 50, 100, etc.) but that would be the most anyone would know.

[5150 Lego]

Fair enough, though we'll never know for sure unless we try right?

True. I'll give you that one.

It depends, I'm not sure how much power the admins and mods have when it comes to this. They might be able to see everything that's going on in the background or they might have a list of top rep receivers in a day for instance, can't say for sure since I've never been behind the scenes. However, there could be a 'Report' button or something similar to help identify the people you expect of foul play.

Well I would think when someone like that does post they would make it more worthwhile instead of just simply posting a frivolous comment, thus increasing the amount of "quality posts".

One would think so.

No, I said the title ranks would be visible in the member's profile, not the actual number of points. The ranks would change at different point values yes (for instance maybe 10, 50, 100, etc.) but that would be the most anyone would know.

Either way though, its still a ranking system.

[Ricecracker]

I actually agree with Posades, though I have some suggestions of my own for this system.

1) Only one good "rep" and one bad "rep" could be given per day. This might help diminish the chance of someone's ranking getting skyrocketed by friends, and help moderate the difference between members.

2) Before a bad "rep" can be issued, it has to be moderated. Granted, this could take a huge amount of time, if all members used this function daily, but I think it'd be worth it.

[posades]

I actually agree with Posades, though I have some suggestions of my own for this system.

1) Only one good "rep" and one bad "rep" could be given per day. This might help diminish the chance of someone's ranking getting skyrocketed by friends, and help moderate the difference between members.

2) Before a bad "rep" can be issued, it has to be moderated. Granted, this could take a huge amount of time, if all members used this function daily, but I think it'd be worth it.

Wow, someone that agrees with me, what is this world coming to?

Those are good suggestions, and it would also make people think twice before handing it out left and right. Moderation of the bad rep could be an option, though maybe it could automatically be given and then reviewed if the receiving member feels it was unjustly given to them (to help out the admins/mods).

[SuvieD]

I come to EB to read LEGO news, reviews, and to participate in discussions with like-minded adults (and teens). I would not invest any time into a reputation function myself. If I care enough about what someone posted I will reply to it. Auto function "thanks" or reputation buttons are lazy and I think they would detract from creating quality posts rather than encourage them. I know I wouldn't use such functions at least.

[Siegfried]

To put a dampener on the whole reputation debate, if we did this the exact format wouldn't be much different to how BZP handle it since it'd probably use the same functions. But I can't see this happening. You've all made it seem too complicated and controversial. Thus this whole discussion seems rather pointless to me.

+5 posades

+ 4 5150 Lego

- 9 Svelte

+ 9 SuvieD

[posades]

Ok ok, looks like you guys have won for now, but I'll always keep hope alive.

How's this for another, less controversial suggestion:

Would it be possible to work in an "away status" (maybe like the banned image except not as ominous and mean looking)? I'm going on a 10 day trip this Saturday, and I know some other people have had similar times when they aren't able to check the forum for several days/weeks (Natman, etc.). I actually thought at first that the 'Taking a Break' status was exactly that, but then I found out that was more like a forced vacation.

Seems it would be nice to know when someone is away from the forums so people wouldn't be concerned if their PM's weren't being returned or promised feedback wasn't being given; all you would have to do is input the date you are leaving and coming back and your avatar could change to the away image. And apologies if this is already a feature, if someone could point me in the right direction if it is...

[Rick]

Ok ok, looks like you guys have won for now, but I'll always keep hope alive.

How's this for another, less controversial suggestion:

Would it be possible to work in an "away status" (maybe like the banned image except not as ominous and mean looking)?

If implemented, I also wouldn't be bothered to go and hand out rep points. Furthermore, in the relatively short time I've been on EB, I feel I quickly had an idea of who were the quality contributers to the forums/community. Finally, I feel everyone gets treated the same here on EB (whether new or veteran user), something that could (I'm not saying would) be distorted by a rep system.

Your 'away status' suggestion sounds ok (although the location field could be used by a user for this, even though it's not meant for it).

Edited July 15, 2009 by Rick

[Commander Flash]

Away would be good, since if someone left, I am sure they dont want to return with a full inbox. Maybe "Away" in a nice calm blue so it doesn't look so ominous.

Edited July 15, 2009 by Commander Flash

[Darth Legolas]

You could just type into you location: "Away! Don't bother me!" With thousands of exclamation points and in all caps. I think that would do the trick.

P.S. You fools still haven't fixed my invisible post problems! -5 Siegfried!

Edited July 15, 2009 by Darth Legolas

[VBBN]

Posades,

I know what you are saying, but if you were gone for a long time, then you could simply put it in your signature, using a slightly larger font and in a brighter color, like red. A new rank is too much work for the staff and not required.

How's this for another, less controversial suggestion:

Would it be possible to work in an "away status" (maybe like the banned image except not as ominous and mean looking)? I'm going on a 10 day trip this Saturday, and I know some other people have had similar times when they aren't able to check the forum for several days/weeks (Natman, etc.). I actually thought at first that the 'Taking a Break' status was exactly that, but then I found out that was more like a forced vacation.

Seems it would be nice to know when someone is away from the forums so people wouldn't be concerned if their PM's weren't being returned or promised feedback wasn't being given; all you would have to do is input the date you are leaving and coming back and your avatar could change to the away image. And apologies if this is already a feature, if someone could point me in the right direction if it is...

[Darth Legolas]

Okay! This is the last time! My posts keep disappearing in outline mode! I want to be able to see them, and I want to know if other people can too! Come on, what makes this happen?

[Siegfried]

Okay! This is the last time! My posts keep disappearing in outline mode! I want to be able to see them, and I want to know if other people can too! Come on, what makes this happen?

I told you; I don't know. If it's happening it's a board issue. While the skins and templates of this site are heavily modified we haven't (as yet) modified the board software itself. Thus like the whole quick-edit-a-post-when-it's-the-last-in-a-topic-and-everything-is-doubled issue there's nothing we can do about it.

For what it's worth we'll probably upgrade the board in the next few months.

[Luke McAwesome]

I've been having a strange problem with long posts.

Here's and explanation if understandable:

Well, this has only happened in my reviews because they are the longest posts I make, and when my mouse cursor goes over a certain place in the comment box, it shoots aaaaaaaaaall the way back to the top! It's so frustrating because whenever it happens(Which is usually every ten seconds.) I have to scroll all the way back down to the point where I was at. And I can't even click any of the special add-ons such as the "Bold" button or the "Insert Image" button, or anything without it shooting back to the top. And whenever I go to a new tab, it once again shoots all the way back to the top of the comment box.

Is there an explanation for this?

[Stash2Sixx]

Hardware problem? Or maybe user error, i've never had this happen.

[Siegfried]

Is there an explanation for this?

What browser are you using?

[Millacol88]

What browser are you using?

This happens to me as well while doing long posts like reviews. I use Firefox.

[Siegfried]

This happens to me as well while doing long posts like reviews. I use Firefox.

Well there you are. I stopped using that rubbish years ago as it was a resource hog and the whole re-download-plugins-every-version got tiresome. I use Opera now.

That wasn't helpful was it? OK, I'll try again. I've looked into the Firefox compatibility issues and supposedly Firefox has relatively little. Do you have any plug-ins that might be causing the trouble? Does it always happen? If I downloaded it would I see the problem first time or would I need to use it for a while?

I'll wait and see if Striker™ is also a Firefox user... and I'll see if any of the staff use Firefox.

[Luke McAwesome]

What browser are you using?

Windows Internet Explorer. If Millacol uses Firefox, a completely different browser, than it's most likely not just us.

EDIT: 500th post! I'm a Knight now!

Edited July 23, 2009 by Striker™

[Siegfried]

Windows Internet Explorer. If Millacol uses Firefox, a completely different browser, than it's most likely not just us.

Not really. It could be anything; bad driver, virus, network issue... or maybe even the dreaded PEBKAC. I spend a decent amount of time in EB and I've never had this problem. Just the same, if anyone has this problem please post so here, and if possible throw me some clues.