A long standing ATS mystery as been the complex and closely guarded formula that goes into the makeup of the colored bar appearing below the points
indicators in the mini profiles.
The entire "black box" containing the bar and points has been removed... in favor a slightly more attractive system...
Content Contributor
Levels.
The core idea has evolved from the thread,
A new way to thank our members who contribute
consistent quality -- no ads!, and has been refined to reflect the full spectrum of our members.
Since we all desire to see the best possible content here on ATS, the new indicators do a better job of providing a nice "badge of honor," in an
exceptionally clear and democratic way, for all members... with a strong focus on those who contribute content that achieves the notice and
recognition of other members.
The Thresholds Of The Indicators Are:
APPRENTICE:
Our brand-new thread starters who are just getting their feet wet, the indicator requires at least:
20 posts, 10 stars, and 10 flags.
SOLID:
The core of our contributing members who may not be able to spend lots of time authoring threads, the indicator requires at least:
50 posts, 50 stars, and 50 flags.
BRONZE:
The first of our elite levels also triggers the code that removes ads from the discussion board*, the indicator requires at least:
300 posts, 300 stars, and 300 flags.
BRONZE: (exception)
Members with more than 2,000 posts, but less than the other levels for bronze receive the "BRONZE" tag, but still see ads.
SILVER:
The second of our elite levels who see no ads on the board, the indicator requires at least:
400 posts, 500 stars, and 600 flags.
GOLD:
The highest of our elite levels who see no ads on the board, the indicator requires at least:
500 posts, 750 stars, and 1,000 flags.
Update For Applause Indications
A secondary tag has been added below the "content contributor" tags to indicate applause received. They are...
"this one is aware" - 20 or more applause
"this is a critical mind" - 40 or more applause
"we have a deep thinker" - 60 or more applause
"a fine conspiracist" - 80 or more applause
"simply stunning insight" - 100 or more applause
"godlike wisdom" - 150 or more applause
There... no more color-coded mysteries in the mini-profiles. Clear indicators based on contributing content that achieves the notice and recognition
of other ATS members.
* - The early system for negating ads relied on a 250/250/250 threshold, however, for two days after the initial announcement, there was a flurry of
stars and flags at a pace 4-times the normal daily level... that's not the intention of this system... and the requirements have been raised to
300/300/300 in an effort to normalize the percentage back into the zone that existed at the time of the announcement.
Edit to refine the formula.
[edit on 16-5-2009 by SkepticOverlord]
