posted on Sep, 1 2013 @ 12:17 PM
** UnPopular Opinion Warning
I may be speaking only for myself in this opinion, but I think it's an opinion worthy of adding to the discussion.
I'm fine with the de-emphasis on borders and the status symbols of seniority, if that's the right word. I think seeing someone's start date is
essential for knowing they are established and basic activity stats are also helpful, when taken with other things, to determine credibility. (That
can prove to be spectacularly wrong sometimes, too.. lol )
However, I wouldn't mind some of it being taken clear off the Mini- and just in profile view, for how it seems to be a focus at times.
I think it becomes a practical issue too. As the numbers start growing into the levels of nearly absurd (look at the stars Beezzer and I both have
right now, as examples, and tell me there is any practical meaning anymore), I believe it comes to have a real and negative effect. I believe it
brings unintended intimidation of new users and opinions.
For example, If a fairly new user posts a thread or controversial opinion and 3 or 4 or 5 of the gold border people just happen to respond at around
the same time and are critical? I wonder if that is the same to the OP as 5 new/average people...or more like a 500lb gorilla just stomped through and
belched as they went across the thread?
Now it's perfectly fair to say people need to be able to swim in the deep water and learn fast if they can't already. At the same time, If something
may be discouraging new folks? Well...do we want a robust, open community or an elitist intellectual enclave? That's the extreme...but it's a tough
time for websites and online activity, too.
We all help form the environment and whether it's friendly or stand off'ish, IMO. (Mods just make sure we don't kill each other...lol) De-emphasis
makes it more friendly. Just my 2 carrot's worth.