[sockerdudex]

I think that users should get "Points" (could be post count, or a rating system, something fo that sort) for everytime they solve a members problem. when a user has a problem, they have to mark it solved when it gets solved. there should be a opt to input the user who solved the problem for you, therefore giving them points. that way users can really see who is most effective and truly better with computer. More solved support=better help. in additon, this might be going a little to far, but i think this solution would provide an absolutely great incentive to help other. as an example you can only 1 problem thread for every 2 people you have sucessfully help with the system above. im just using that ratio as an example but the raito could be 3 thread per 1 solved support. that way users would just join to get a problem fixed and then leave, user would help other alot more, and users would be forced to research their problem before posting every little issue they run into. That way= more help, better quality help. better posts.

[good grief]

I have to say Sockerdudex that although you clearly have the best interests of this forum in mind, I read your post with feelings of dismay. I really can't see how your suggestions could work in practice, and still keep the free and easy atmosphere I enjoy so much.

First of all, not everyone comes here to learn to be an expert 'tech'. They just have a problem and want it fixed. Some are here to learn, but also just to help people from the goodness of their hearts, which, as I understand it, in perfectly in line with the philosophy of this forum. The point you mention about better quality of posts is always desirable, but I truly feel that even suggestions that are not very knowledgeable (I'm not talking about malicious here) are useful too, because someone is always around to correct any mistakes that are made, helping not only the person who posted the problem, but also the 'not very knowledgeable' person who replied to the post.

Secondly, while it would be nice if people always posted back to acknowledge that the suggestion worked, or even just to say thanks, many do not do this, and I simply can't imagine how anyone could 'police' this or in any way force anyone to comply. There could be many reasons for not doing so, sudden tragic event, illness, and some people are just rude, lets face it. But there is no way of telling what the reasons were, and an arbitrary 'cutoff' of these people would, I believe, undermine what this forum is all about.

Thirdly, you mentioned about people posting about every little thing. This can i suppose, be very annoying for members sometimes, but you know, even beginners like to be able to help, and this is the area they can (I feel) do so without fear that they're going to suggest something that will stuff up the poster's computer. Also, some people simply do not have any research skills, or in the midst of serious panic, can't think even where to begin.

In the joinup info there are suggestions about how often to post in consideration for others, and I think that's probably enough without getting into a points system. Overall, I think this forum is so successful because it isn't regimented.

Thanks for posting. It made me stop and take stock of what I like about this place.

[JohnWill]

I have never seen a forum with a points system that was handled well, and I suspect it'll take a lot to get Mike to do that here.

[sockerdudex]

well said. 100% agreed. and now you open my mind up to see the completely valid negatives of my suggestion. Now you make me realize that the system would turn the forum into a more serious place, which i do also agree, wouldn't be great. Also i'm glad you mentioned something along the lines of "keeping the forum for a general audience" which i too also agree. having a system such as mine might not be great for begginers and would only works to expert techie's favor. So i guess a alternative to my solution would be, like you said, to work on the trust of other members, which is a good point.

Truly, well said, you proved my suggestion not as good as i tought, w/o angering anyone so i guess the system now is great and keeps the enviroment the way it ought to be

[good grief]