I've observed that the Member/Junior Member issue only came up when FT was having problems, and normally is not an issue when things are running smoothly. The only exception to this is when people ask about the Member/Junior Member rating, and are then told how it is based on the number of posts.

The number of postings issue seems to come up fairly regularly, though, and independantly of FT problems or any other indirect influence. Notice the discussion about Rudi recently passing 3000, and Randy just making 30.

I think there is some value in a rating scheme of some type. If someone with 400 posts asks me about, say, CP upgrade coupons, they'd probably get the brief answer. On the other hand, someone with 4 posts would probably get a more detailed answer. I know this means making some assumptions, but at least they will be made on some evidence.

Having said that, perhaps it would be best to always give the detailed (4 poster) response, even to someone with 400 posts, given than many 4 posters may be following the thread. So as you can see, I'm a very confused person.

With regard to prizes, bonus, upgrades, there was some discussion about using the number of posts, and then a concern about someone "padding" but inflate the number of posts. Perhaps an alternative would be to measure the number of responses to a post, which I suspect is a good indicator of the value of a contribution.

It may not be obvious from my babbling, but I favour a simple "number of posts" approach.

Regards,

Ken Hamer
P.S. It's intersting to compare the discussion and preferences for "elite level" type designators here, with the discussion in Richard Brodie's Frequent Flyer Viruses thread in the Buzz.

[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 06-02-99).]

Randy ~ Although the levels would be nice, I think they are unnecessary.

Also, given the trouble that has been experienced recently with the Flyertalk Board, I'd be worried to see you guys hacking custom code into the UBB unless absolutely necessary.

Randy.....I like your idea of no levels but use of an icon. Total democracy. Just think.....if you did that.....the next time your server goes down....no emails from those concerned about loss of status!

The idea of listing the number of posts could work, but again I'm wonder if even that is necessary. I mean who cares if someone posts 3000 times or ten times (and why advertise it for those of us with spouses and cats who wonder why we do in our spare time.)

The number could cause potential problems in some homes and with cats who are busy sharpening their claws.

As I said just let us post and be one big happy family.

Thank you for your time and have a MEOWY day!


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MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!

Hold on folks....there are a few different topics here

1) I enjoy watching Rudi and Catman approach their 3000 posts. I like to know how many I've made. More than anything else, it's a way to track time and participation. Put that under our name? That's OK for me, but maybe not everyone's preference. The current format, where I can get the info if/when I want it is, I think, more than adequate.


2)I understand UBB's reason for Member/Junior Member is to easily identify someone who hasn't posted very much before. This serves as an explanation for a silly question, repetition, or a misplaced post. After 30 posts or so, it is assumed that you're experienced enough on the board to stop making "rookie mistakes". I have a greater tolerance for mistakes and tend to provide longer explanations to folks who are new here - I don't treat anyone better because I know them, I just go over things with new posters that I believe someone with more time would know. If we want to give posters fun level-names instead of the current one(s) I have no objection, as long as that is their only purpose. Maybe an AMEX rip-off like "Member Since May 99" would be best.

3) Graphics? Well, if there were a bunch to choose from, so the newest novice wouldn't feel bad, fine. Or why not just turn the UBB IMG codes back on.

I think the real point of all of this would be a way for Flyertalkers to recognize those among us who make excellent contributions to the community. Again, if that is the desire, I feel it should be elected or appointed, not based on arbitrary numbers. I would be all for a system that would honor some of the people who have been most helpful to me.



[This message has been edited by NJDavid (edited 06-02-99).]

From miles apart, it's all starting to come together. With this last bunch of comments comes a few new ideas. What I do like to read is that there is concern with helping others with answers to their questions and comments about these programs, that means a lot to me, and I speak for many of the staff at WebFlyer for that. Keep commenting and I'll turn this thread into a cultural white paper on the community of frequent flyers. Regards to all....

arturo wan grafiks lik befour en segnatur. thin katmen kan put hes kat unner hes nam. arturo lik katmen an hes posts.

and katmen like arturo and hes postz.

If you come to the PIP, I will treat you to a glass of milk.



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MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!!!

arturo lacktose entolarent and knot drenk melk. arturo hav tekila an lim wif a litl NaCl.

It seems there is some value to being able to identify people who have experience with this thing, but many people (myself included) don't like level names. Randy's 6/2 12:04pm post gave me an idea: suppose you can get an icon after 30 (or whatever) posts? I'd guess that most active posters would take advantage of it. The only distinguishing feature of a "newbie" post would be absence of an icon. That isn't derogatory and wouldn't be 100 percent accurate anyhow because some experienced posters would be icon-less also.

The number of "How do I get an icon?" posts would probably level off around where "How do I get to be a Member?" posts were.

Madame Tree reappears...

I vote against icons, because graphics take too long to load - not everyone has a fast connection. (Yes, yes, Jaws, I know you envy my T1-in-my-pajamas)

I do like the idea of changing "junior member" to "new member", as it seems less derogatory while still enabling others to identify those who might be deserving of patience/detailed explanations. (Of course, I am sure that there are some very "senior" lurkers out there too) If you must insert a third tier, I like Rudi's suggestion - it seems to be among the most neutral ("passenger, crew, captain" isn't too bad either ) The complexity of posting all one's levels on different ff programmes seems to invite potential server problems...

OMNI: One of the good things about being far from a (regular) connection during all the server troubles was that withdrawal was forced upon me... and I suffered no angst about any loss in status, as it seems that one had to post in order to inspire the server's anger.

Baobab makes a good point... remember when we had the chance to put icons in our singature and some people (like a certain single guy with cats) overloaded the systems with waving cats, dancing cats and flying planes.

I personally think they are way awesome cool but if the server can't support them then we can do without.

Maybe Rudi's idea would work best IF we have to have some kind of level. Passenger can make eveyrone feel important. What would be the criteria for crew and captain (I'm assuming Rudi is already a Lieutenant general!

If you decide to go with levels I will not challenge it. Just call me CATMAN.

I have had titles (98 percent of them not very nice ones.) SO I'm soured on the idea.



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I'm too egalitarian in nature to be a big fan of levels, but anything is fine!

Should time enrolled as a contributor be a factor?

I vote to keep the graphics off.

Long ago academics learned an important lesson about publication. If all you want is clutter require posts. People will fill the boxes with the most mundane things just to be published and make the next rank.

Our local newspaper has a brilliant approach to their letters to the editor. For those that make significant points, advance an idea, or make a worthwhile contribution they add a star infront of the letter. They are not generous with their stars. Each year they invite all the "stars" to a luncheon and have a few of them speak. It has brought great focus to their editorial page and people really tune-in.

Perhaps posted messages could be recognized for what they contribute, and membership levels awarded on that basis, rather than on quantity which could give the highest honors to the prolific dunderhead!