Some new features on ATS (and soon BTS and PTS)

Post Rating System

Quality is quality, regardless of whether we agree with a point or not.

We aspire to have the wherewithal to admire excellent contributions from people we disagree with.

We desire to encourage our perceptions to be challenged by debate that forces us to think hard about our position.

We need quality content that forces us to think and respond.

Toward these ends, the new post-rating system provides a 5-star scale that translates to:

- A fair contribution to the discussion.
- A reasonably interesting contribution that helps the discussion.
- A solid contribution that moves the discussion along nicely.
- A fantastic contribution that focuses discussion on the important issues.
- A superior contribution with perception-altering potential, Denying Ignorance.


The thread flagging system has been a drop-dead success in give our members a valuable tool to help get more visibility to threads they feel are important. While there have been a few isolated cases of minor abuse, the system works and works very well.

And just like the thread flagging system, the post rating system does not have a "negative" aspect... posts can't be "voted down." Just like flags, if you don't like a post, don't rate it... simple.


And as a companion to this, member mini-profiles now have a star-rating just below the mystery bars that indicate the average of the members post ratings.

Over time, with more members using the system as wisely as they have the thread flagging system, the ratings should normalize nicely, and provide an excellent member-driven feedback and visual reward system.


NOTE: This is not replacing the change in the "Way Above" awarding process. The new system for selecting the "Way Above Top Secret" medal will still rely on thread flagging.

Thread Filter

We had a suggestion not long ago to provide a way to see all the posts from a particular member in long threads. This option has actually been functional for almost a week.

In threads with more than 20 replies, you'll now see a "Thread" button below each member's post/sig... click that, and you'll be able to see only their particular posts in the thread. You can also access this feature from their post listings, on the member profile pages.


Enjoy.







[edit on 17-5-2007 by SkepticOverlord]

Where did the rating system go to? should I still be seeing it, or is it is there some error with my browser?

I'm not seeing it either def, so it's not your browser.

This all sounds good to me. I love the way this place constantly evolves, and I love the way in which those at the top listen to the membership.

More great innovations.

The rating system isn't available in "General Business" forums... like this one: "Board Questions & Business"

I like it. What else does it do? is it just for ranking individual posts or does this information get compiled somewhere else for general ego boosting purposes?

Kinda will make the rate the avatar above you thread kinda obsolete

Aww man...my thread got closed.


I think if people can be mature about it it will be a great feature.

Just for the sake of clarity, how do the blue stars relate to the yellow stars in members profile?

Is that some sort of averaging system being used? If so, how is it computed?

I like the starts, but to be truthful I though they were part of the cookie conspiracy. they looked like cookies to me at first.

OK how do you get those blue and green lines under your avatar? And what do they mean?

I believe one is points and the other one applauses, but I could be mistaken.

wow..i really like both of the ideas .great job admins.

The first line means 10,000 posts and the second one is your next set of posts.

It's wise not to rate our own posts right?

Not a one liner, just short and sweet :0

OK I got the points but is the other your next set of posts or applauses?
I really like the change, just want to be correct in knowing what things mean. Thanks so much for your ansewres so far.

this really looks like a system of ranking, just like applauses changed color of bars, we have stars like generals in the military

but the stars offer other members to see what this person is, either a large contributor or not in a post

there is a way to vote by clicking on a blue star

but even if not, maybe it all depends on that certain post

but you see the gold stars under the bars, some people have 1, 2, 5

it would be nice if these stars did represent good posts by the member that we could all could see the posts, for a new member wondering how to make a good post he could just find someone with a 5 star post and look at it.


but again I could be all wrong about it

great system though






[edit on 16-5-2007 by ragster]

I'm going to pretend that the stars are there because I suggested it to Skeptic.

Good idea. It reminds me of YTMND. Then again a lot of sites use a rating system consisting of five stars.

But I think this a very, very good addition to ATS.

Ah if only.

By the way SO I liked the numbers by the stars in the thread and by the miniprofile!!!!




And another thing I noticed is that option for a siren blue light thing or a paper ect when making a post/thread is not gone?????

Awesome!!!! Just another reason to Love ATS. What a cool idea!!! I love it! I having nothing but great things to say about this

How do you rate the posts now?

There used to be stars above a post and you'd click on star from 1-5. Where did the scale go?

I see them on other threads on the ATs but not on this one.

Does the stars stay on your miniprofile, or are they different for every one of our posts?

[edit on 16-5-2007 by minnie]