[wp-forums] Volunteer Titles

[lorelle at cameraontheroad.com]

Regarding the discussion of titles, I would like to suggest that some 
form of distinction be made for Support Forum Volunteers and "members". 
This is not to make one person "better" than another but to recognize a 
volunteer as someone who understands the "rules of conduct" and "is here 
for something beyond their own self interest". I think these people 
should get the "title" of "Volunteer" under their name on the forum.

1. It would recognize a level of interest and dedication to the process 
and reward volunteers for their time and effort.

2. It would EMPHASIZE that this is not a paid support venue and that we 
are all just volunteers doing our thing to help the WordPress Community. 
This should deflect the frequent issues that come up on this topic.

3. It emphasizes the "Community" of WordPress volunteers who go out of 
their way to help support the program, lending credibility to them and 
to WordPress.

4. It would also recognize Support Volunteers as a group.  As a group, 
you can do "group activities", support fundraising and special events, 
have virtual or real get togethers (Support Volunteer Conferences 
in.....Maui!  YEAH!), and to set the "rules of conduct" and work as a team.

Now, who gets this qualification as a Volunteer and not just a member? 
Here are a few ideas.

* A Volunteer is "recommended" by two or more other Volunteers to Podz 
or one of the mavens.

* A set of criteria is established, like X months on the forum, X 
postings, or whatever method there is a "counting" a person's contribution.

* Or Podz or one of the mavens just hands out the designation to whoever 
they feel deserves it.

The WordPress Community is growing very fast and people are coming and 
going out quickly, but honestly, we need a way of "keeping the good 
ones", and the good ones deserve recognition, even as small as a title 
under their name.  I do not think that titles make anyone "better" than 
someone else, but that they denote responsibility earned, given and 
accepted. As far as I can tell, there are three levels currently: 
Janitor, Maven, and Member. I think that "Volunteer" would fit really 
nicely between Maven and Member.

What do you think?

Lorelle