[wp-forums] We need to be friendly.

[Michael B]

I didn't mean to imply that I was proposing implementing a points system.
Merely commenting on the recent experience with Apple's official support
forums in regards to Craig's idea of a karma system.

As I said, I don't have much experience with support forums outside WP and
the other I mentioned, macosxhints.

I completely defer to those who've more experience with such.

On 4/16/06, Podz <podz at tamba2.org.uk> wrote:
>
> Michael B wrote:
> > I recently had the need to use Apple's forum. They have a system that
> allows
> > the OP to mark a post as helpful, or solved.  The thread then gets an
> icon
> > to signify the status.  Points are awarded to posters for adding good
> > replies. 5 for helpful, 10 for solved.  Points are accumulated, and a
> level
> > is given based on point totals.  I haven't the faintest what the level
> does,
> > other than give new posters a chance to see who's been there longest
> posting
> > relavent answers.
>
> I'm with Phu on this. My reasons are:
> - we will have people posting just to get the points so there is a
> chance we will get dilution of threads
> - the OP may miss the most helpful answer going for the one they
> understand instead. They may not be the same.
> - Levels.... right now, I think that having a label other than Member
> automatically gives weight to your words (no matter what they are on).
> Given the numbers of mods / members I think that is more of a
> responsibility than a 'badge'
> - and I also think labels can equal arrogance. Poster with lots of stars
> (or whatever) could act negatively and yet the system will have no way
> of knocking things down.
>
> It _would_ be good to help users by search and us pointing them at good
> threads, and it _would_ be good to acknowledge users who are
> consistently helpful. Given the community nature and broad scope I
> cannot think of a system though. Arguably, the flat level of the forum
> already encourages posters and regardless of quality answers - as good
> as they are - we need people to come in and come back.
>
> P.
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