The First Bank of A.T.S.

Now that the point system is being revamped, is it possible to create a "bank of ATS". You know, a place where a person could "deposit" his/her points to, perhaps, gain interest? At the very least, provide for the ability to transfer points from one ATS member to another? This could facilitate a trade of "services" between members. For example, if I wanted to purchase an avatar from someone whose talents I admire, I could facilitate a trade, deposit my points in the ATS bank and, then, transfer my "funds" to someone for "services rendered".

As interesting as that sounds, I think it would become so unweildy that it would bog down. It would also be an administrative nightmare to mediate disputes adn the like.

It has been mentioned that ATS was a cyber "community".... well every community has rules, laws, and ATS is no different. How about adding a court to ATS with a Prosecution drawn from the MODS and a defense. Incidentally, a member accused with an offense could, then, "hire" his counsel from those ATS members who are more skilled at debating. And, of course, his lawyer fees could be paid with a "points transfer" from his/her ATS bank account

Sounds like it would cause alot of board drama. Not to mention the confusion and frustration it would probably bring along with it. And the coding would probably be a nightmare....

Points have to be earned.

We don't want every avatar with a pretty face in RATS now do we?

Or chat and U2U boxes filled with panhandlers.

Your points DO earn interest...

If you make a post....it earns "interest" points, based on the rate of "interest" people have in posting to it...

Still, the ability for members to be able to transfer points between members, for whatever reason; as gifts, as rewards for good posts, or as payment for services such as research assistance or for Avatar development, this concept certainly would warrant investigation. As for any programming hassles......isn't a hassle worth it if it has merit? Besides, this would be a step towards development of something beyond what other forums currently have.

One feature that I would see that would be of interest is in "investing" or "gambling", if that's what you would call it, on certain forum questions. For example, if someone says that a certain event would take place on or at a certain time or place.....put your points where your mouth is....I'd be willing to wager some of my points for or against the opinions of others.

Anyway, I'm dismayed that some people would dismiss a concept simply because "it would be a hassle". A good programmer would take up such a "tall order" on the basis of it being a challenge. Besides, to some extent, such features already exist in the financial world and could be adapted to suit ATS. Hell....dare to dream!

I don't think we want to see ATS points bought, traded, or sold on e-bay, etc. (though the idea is pretty funny)...

That kind of undermines the whole idea behind them in the first place....

Don't laugh about this. If this were to happen with ATS being an international community I think that it would attract attention from unwanted sources. If ATS points were bought and sold on eBay this would give points sort of an intrinsic value and would probably attract the attention of the taxation authorities of some countries. Governments don't like money to be spent if they are not getting their cut!

Finally, someone "gets it". Our ideas, as a community, do have value. As a commodity, our ideas, as a virtual community have a monetary worth. Perhaps it is time to treat our valuable concepts, views, opinions and ideas as such. And as for setting up a banking system for this virtual community being a "hassle"...well it is unfortunate, sad and rather short-sighted that a "hassle" would be viewed as an obstacle towards the development of something new, bold and potentially profound as we evolve more and more towards truly global "cyber communities". What if Columbus had said that setting sail to India was a "hassle" and had, instead, downed another bottle of port?

I think you should be able to transfer points to another member. This would be good if you want to well... get people to agree with what your talking about or bribe the mods.

I'm still amazed people actually made/make money off of selling 1's and 0's like in online games such as EverQuest, etc. The whole idea of points are to EARN them, preferably with good posts and contributions to the board and/or it's ideals. In the end, I suppose they are really points YOU earned, so maybe you should be able to do what you want with them, but I somehow doubt senior management will go there with it....(and probably for good reason).

That above image is priceless, btw...

[edit on 19-8-2005 by Gazrok]

why "earn" points just for the sake of amassing points? If points have some "value", then that value belongs to the ATS member who earned those points. A member should be able to what he/she wishes with the points earned.

As of now, points are earned simply by posting and replying. For the most part, anyone can earn these points. It doesn't matter whether a post is good or not. Certainly, a person who makes a post that garners a lot of response can earn more points but, frankly, a less scrupulous member could earn quite a few points simply by starting thread after thread; i.e., What's your favorite color?, What's your favorite airplane?, What's your favorite food?, What's your favorite body part?, etc. So a person who actually takes the time to be thoughtful with his posts and his/her responses should make use of his/her points as he/she feels.

I believe that, in the very least, a method of point transfer between members should exist. A surcharge could even be levied for the effort. Then I could hire JAK to do a nifty avatar. Perhaps JAK would be taxxed on his point earnings from the sale of his avatars etc.

These are all components that make up a society. If ATS/BTS truly wants to become a global virtual community, this is but one step towards that end

Mod Applauses, Way Above Votes, Contests, News Submissions, etc., there are a variety of ways above and beyond just posting to earn points.

Points do have value... You can purchase all kinds of extra little doo-dads, more upload space, more U2U space, etc.

However, is it really points that brought you here? Is it points that make you stay? The suggestion has come up before about being able to transfer points....I believe it was more of a coding thing at the time... I'd personally recommend bringing it up to your ATS council person, then see what kind of support there is for it.....

I think you misunderstood. We don't want to.

Does that help clear your confusion?

Does that mean no then???

Thank you for clarifying things Rant. Sometimes you just have to beat us with a stick.

Oh, well that certainly clarifies the issue, doesn't it? But this very candid statement raises issues. Will this thread now be clsosed? Or does this concept merit further discussion? By simply stating "no to the idea is one thing but by saying "we don't want to" suggests that you are able to initiate such a program but, arbitrarily, simply choose not to do so.

This raises another question. Might I respectfully inquire as to the role of newly elected "representatives" to the ATS/BTS? If, as a member of ATS, I wish to continue a healthy debate on the matter, do I seek out their counsel. Do they represent the embodiment of the thousands of members with all of their own reasons for being on ATS/BTS; healthy debate, expressing opinions, alerting others to situations across a broad specrtrum of topics and genres, and who might be idealistically intrigued by the concept that ATS/BTS raised as becoming a community -- a virtual global community? How can one raise issues that are -- in a very true sense -- veto without a healthy discussion of the matter amongst the members of ATS/BTS? I'm just curious (besides, I can use the points).

I find it amazing that points can be taken away as punishment but can't be used as the owner of said points sees fit. Is this unfair or am I just picking at Knits?

Yes. Give them your suggestions.

This is not a "debate ATS policy" forum. They were elected to do that.

So in fact this will be closed now. Good suggestion.