Points for stars?

Seems to me that it would be a good idea to award some points for the stars people get by their posts.
It would be a good way to allow those of us that contribute to ATS to reward each other.
I understand that there would be an abundance of 'starring' going on between friends, so my suggestion would be to not allow any point rewards until 3 or 4 stars had been received.
So what say you guys? Points for stars?

Does anyone really care about points ? Or stars for that matter?

As a matter of fact, some members do care about points and the star system.

Points allow them to purchase things in the ATS store, some members like to change avatars and have added upload space, etc, so the points are important to them.

Why say anything if you have nothing to say is what I always say

I do apologise for giving my opinion.

The OP asked 'What say you guys' I replied.

Maybe I should send you a U2U so you can vet all of my posts so they are up to your standard before I post them?

Originally posted by elevatedone

Why say anything if you have nothing to say is what I always say

Man Im getting some good laughs today from my fellow ATSers.
Thanks!

Chorlton, you're right, points are pointless, but so is chatting on ATS when we should be talking to our neighbors and getting involved.

Originally posted by Chorlton
I do apologise for giving my opinion.
Maybe I should send you a U2U so you can vet all of my posts so they are up to your standard before I post them?

nope... not at all, maybe I just read more into your post than you intended.

Just seemed negative about it, and was pointing out why post something negative about a subject you apparently don't care about. Thats all.

No need for U2U's, unless you just want to.

I kinda gathered what Chorlton thought about my idea, but I dont have the foggiest what your opinion is elevatedone.

As a wise man once said, why say anything if you have nothing to say.

So far you have had nothing to say about my idea, which is what this thread is about.

Originally posted by Chorlton
I do apologise for giving my opinion.

The OP asked 'What say you guys' I replied.

Maybe I should send you a U2U so you can vet all of my posts so they are up to your standard before I post them?

You really need to give it a rest.

Anyway, i think its a great idea. The star system is great but in the end what does it really accomplish?

Originally posted by hikix
Anyway, i think its a great idea. The star system is great but in the end what does it really accomplish?

It allows members to show their support for another's post.

Now that there is no longer the way above top secret award, we must use flags and stars to show gratitude.

A flag means you like the thread, a star means you liked the individual post.

I don't think points are necessary, but I do like the concept.

If you don't agree with someone, don't star/flag them. Simple.

I guess I didn't answer...

I like the points system the way it is now. I don't agree with giving points based on stars.

Heck, my star rating system isn't even working, so I can't give stars anyway....

Hey, how bout this 1500 points! to make a descent post or reply in the Energy & Science Issues I happen to be the FSME of that forum and looking for quality.




You can click on any tag and it will take you to the forum of that member who has an FSME Tag as well.







[edit on 6/8/2007 by Sauron]

Originally posted by Sauron
to make a descent post or reply in the Energy & Science Issues I happen to be the FSME of that forum and looking for

wow, i had to LOG IN again,
& then i couldn't get back to the thread about a new fuel creating process.

Way Too Twisted & Turned a path for me to fool with

sorry

Just my humble opinion here, but I have seen a number of posts that are nearly one-liners get stars just because people agree with the poster. I believe the points system (or applause) was established to give people credit for making good, well researched contributions to the forum...not because we "like" what someone says. Personally, I think a "points for stars" system would be an unreliable way to give credit where credit is not always due. If you don't believe me just look through the forum and see what posts garner stars...some are often well thought out and researched, and others are filled with mind numbing one-liners.

I don't really think the star system is all that valuable in the first place, because it is often based on biased opinions. Not everyone is guilty of this, but I have seen this happen a number of times.

Originally posted by Jazzerman
If you don't believe me just look through the forum and see what posts garner stars...some are often well thought out and researched, and others are filled with mind numbing one-liners.

I know what you mean but I would like to add that sometimes short concise posts are the best ones.

I have seen long rambling posts (probably made a few myself) some even with links and pictures, that contribute nothing as far as the thread is concerned.
I also have seen posts get stars that were clearly biased or ill-informed.
But alas, thats the way the world works.

Applause is nice and all when you get it, but like I said, this would be a way for the the actual users of this user generated site to reward each other with slitghtly more than the proverbial 'little gold star' by your name.
Knowing that you dont have to wait for the applause of a mod to get some points might entice newer members to post more often and better researched posts.

In terms of buying power, after a 'point,' points don't matter because you can 'afford' everything offered. But points aren't just about points. They show, in relative terms, the contribution the member has made. It's not a perfect system, but you have to give them 'points' for trying. When I see a post from a member that has negative 1000 points, three red flags, and who registered yesterday, I'm pretty sure this person has not yet learned how to behave. On the other hand, when I see a poster that has 50,000 points, registered four years ago, and has 'long bars' I know that person has been around awhile and has contributed greatly to the board. Frankly, I'm going to pay more attention to a post from a person like this.

One of the problems with points, as I see it, is that to get a lot you must attract the attention of moderators and certain others who have 'the power' to award them, at usually 500 a shot. You only get one point for posting, and five points if someone responds on your thread. (I know it says two, but it does five.) This, imo, is skewed. It puts way too much power in the hands of moderators, many of whom are not subject specialists in the forum they are moderating. It also gives a 5:1 ratio of responders to your thread versus you making a well-reasoned and lengthy contribution TO a thread. So the one-liner gives the OP five points the same as a thoughful post. (However, some one-liners are pithy and very worthwhile.)

Another problem is the default takes equal points from all three sides of ATS/BTS/PTS. If you move fast, you don't even see it. As a result you (like me) can get -1000 in BTS just because of that. Anyone who understands that knows how a point score like mine comes about, but at first glance it looks like I've been a really bad boy on BTS.

I think an idea to spread the points around a bit is a good one. It gives some power to members. Points for stars is no more invalid than points for responses to your threads, and I think it is a good idea. Yes, there will be instances of friends starring friends' posts, but overall, there's a limit to that. Well starred posts usually deserve it. Otherwise, stars are ephemeral.

However, if a poster is posting for points, I think he/she has missed the 'point' altogether, which is to assess contribution, rewarding those (and telling others) for good contributions overall.



[edit on 8/6/2007 by schuyler]