Suggestion - Post Counts
 

This is a general suggestion that may help improve the quality of the discussion on the boards. First off, if you don't believe the quality on the boards could use improvement, then you can feel free to stop reading right here.

But I often get frustrated by the flood of useless posts that we see on this site. It's like people are often responding to threads without reading to see if their ideas or questions were previously discussed.

I'd suggest eliminating post count from the display under the user's avatar. Based on what I've seen over the last few days, some people on this site actually feel that a high post count actually means you are a "senior member" of the site. And often times, it seems like people are posting just to watch their post count go up. I don't know about anyone else, but more than anything, I appreciate the quality of the discussion here on this site. If someone offers valuable insights or opinions, they get my respect. Having a big post history definitely does not.

Taking away the post count is a small step. It's not likely to make a big impact right away. But I think it will take that incentive away from the next member who joins to run up his post count with useless crud.

PS This is in no way directed at people with current high post counts like TMC, Matty, TAF, or That Guy. I respect you guys because you both post a lot AND offer valuable insight. That's best of both worlds.

I just think it would be better if we didn't see post count at all. I've got a fair amount of posts myself, but I could really care less. I just want to have quality discussion.

If you have any counterpoints, what would be good reasons to continue to have the post count displayed?

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I'd suggest eliminating post count from the display under the user's avatar. Based on what I've seen over the last few days, some people on this site actually feel that a high post count actually means you are a "senior member" of the site. And often times, it seems like people are posting just to watch their post count go up. I don't know about anyone else, but more than anything, I appreciate the quality of the discussion here on this site. If someone offers valuable insights or opinions, they get my respect. Having a big post history definitely does not.

Totally, sometimes when the traffic is not to high you can actually watch as someone go down the list, and post each thread to..........bulk up the post count..........ridiculous. As you say, dump the post count should handle that. I doubt you'll get much support on that one

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=Hog1;268664]Totally, sometimes when the traffic is not to high you can actually watch as someone go down the list, and post each thread to..........bulk up the post count..........ridiculous. As you say, dump the post count should handle that. [B]I doubt you'll get much support on that one[/B][/quote]

It's worth a shot. One of the great things about this forum is the Mods are always willing to listen to the members. If people think it's a good idea, they'll consider it. So I wanted to throw it out there to see if people agreed with me.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

But then how will I know when to write my 15K Post Dedication thread? Seriously though, I hear what you're saying. I mean this is why we no longer link avatars with number of posts.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I don't care one way or another. But I think it's okay for another member to refer to someone else as a 'Senior Member' as long as he/she doesn't refer to themself as that.

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Yeah the dedication threads are funny and fun to read. People get creative with it and it's real fun. But other than that, I can't think of another reason for displaying it. Maybe there's just something I'm not thinking of though?

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Who thinks post counts make them special? I haven't paid too much attention lately so I missed that.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=FRPLG;268674]Who thinks post counts make them special? I haven't paid too much attention lately so I missed that.[/quote]

You have ~2,926 posts. By my calculations, I will surpass you in 117 days, 5 hours and 13 minutes. Be ready. I know I am. I've got a bottle of 17 year old Dom Perignon chilled for just that momentous event.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

It's a pretty solid suggestion there Schneed.

Unless anyone objects I don't see the harm in trying it out.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I personally like know how many people have.
I don't think Schneed is referring to me as a poster with no quality, so this doesn't apply to me, but I like the post counts.

The problem is not the counts...who cares if you have 1000 when Matty is reaching the millions! (jk) It's about what you add in value. Some, no matter where you go, will not offer any quality argument...doesn't matter if you take away the post count, they still won't offer it. When I look at someone that has 2000 posts, I do not see them as a senior member, or anything like that. I see them for what they have offered.
So I guess if I had to "vote", I'd say keep the post counts. Or maybe keep the counts, but hide them somewhere. Maybe that will make everyone happy.
But if we're thinking that the quality of posts will go up due to this, I doubt it.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

Ok let's give it a try, post counts have been removed but you can still see them in a user's profile.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

And for those that may oppose this action...

[URL]http://www.thewarpath.net/redskins-warpath-parking-lot/16735-f-resistance-change.html[/URL]

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

To play devil's advocate...what's next to "try to get better posts"...take away the age and the VIP buttons?
ps- I like the idea of hiding the posts, so don't get me wrong...I just beleive this will not create better posts.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I don't know about the rest of you but i am going to continue posting in hopes of increasing my post count.

Oh baby 5000 here i come.



But for the idea of hiding post counts. Lets try it.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I am the..............uniposter??? unithreadster??? i like it

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[quote=jsarno;268721]To play devil's advocate...what's next to "try to get better posts"...take away the age and the VIP buttons?
ps- I like the idea of hiding the posts, so don't get me wrong...I just beleive this will not create better posts.[/quote]

It's not going to create better posts but it can help to take away any perceived importance on post counts and instead place the emphasis where it should be... on the post quality.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

The average user gets so hung up on Post Counts...but it's the quality, not the quantity. Hence why I don't have as many posts, but have been here longer than most ;)

And for the most part, you'll be able to tell a noob by the tone and quality of the post. that and you can click on their name and see their post count in the CP.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I'm trying to get my PC up by talking more about PC...

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

It's PC not to refer to PC when typing on your PC.

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[quote=Mattyk72;268744]It's not going to create better posts but it can help to take away any perceived importance on post counts and instead place the emphasis where it should be... on the post quality.[/quote]

Yes, this was exactly what I was thinking as well.

I mean, if I just wanted to read lots and lots and lots of posts, I'd go over to ES. Their board is much bigger.

But I'm here because the quality of the discussion is much better. I think the people here, on the whole, are smarter and are much better at expressing quality thoughts. As the board grows due to it's success, invariably we'll get a lot of noobs, and the more noobs, the greater the likelihood of seeing useless posts.

In no way would I want to discourage new members from posting. I'd just like to take away any incentive to run up a post count.

Who knows what impact this will have, but it may be worth a try. And I don't think the board loses anything by taking away the post counts - just can't figure out what purpose it serves to display them.

Thanks to the Mods for being open minded and considering this idea; it makes me love this place even more to know that Mods want members to take an active interest in improving its online community feel.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=jsarno;268706]I personally like know how many people have.
I don't think Schneed is referring to me as a poster with no quality, so this doesn't apply to me, but I like the post counts.

The problem is not the counts...who cares if you have 1000 when Matty is reaching the millions! (jk) It's about what you add in value. Some, no matter where you go, will not offer any quality argument...doesn't matter if you take away the post count, they still won't offer it. When I look at someone that has 2000 posts, I do not see them as a senior member, or anything like that. I see them for what they have offered.
So I guess if I had to "vote", I'd say keep the post counts. Or maybe keep the counts, but hide them somewhere. Maybe that will make everyone happy.
But if we're thinking that the quality of posts will go up due to this, I doubt it.[/quote]

No not directed at you, you are quality. We may butt heads, but I enjoy the discussions because you explain yourself, you consider opposing views, and you're civil.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

Oh, if I were here when this thread was created, I would have spammed it with like 3,000 posts. You're lucky Schneed. ;)

Love how my name was first on that list. :D

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How will I know who to listen to now? I always followed the "Let post counts be your guide" mantra.

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[quote=FRPLG;268781]How will I know who to listen to now? I always followed the "Let post counts be your guide" mantra.[/quote]

I think we should go by age as far as who to listen to from now. The elders have much more knowledge and wisdom than youngsters.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[QUOTE=724Skinsfan;268807]I think we should go by age as far as who to listen to from now. The elders have much more knowledge and wisdom than youngsters.[/QUOTE]

Damn you got old fast

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=724Skinsfan;268807]I think we should go by age as far as who to listen to from now. The elders have much more knowledge and wisdom than youngsters.[/quote]
Well at least he isn't copying anybody...

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;268744]It's not going to create better posts but it can help to take away any perceived importance on post counts and instead place the emphasis where it should be... on the post quality.[/QUOTE]

I see your point. I even agree with it. I just beleive that humans inherantly like to separate themselves, so next on someones list is age. Unfortunately A 40 year old is not going to respect an 18 year old like he would a 37 year old...or 34 year old.
I personally have always looked at the quality. But I completely understand that there are a bunch that don't.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

Hooskins is 19 and he makes excellent points. I don't pay attention to age either. I just get to know each poster based on their opinions and respect them for that. I don't see why age would matter.

Besides, Pwned is WAAAY beyond his 14 years. Plus, have you ever been to LOLZ!!!1? There's some expensive real estate there.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

+1

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[QUOTE=Schneed10;268850]Hooskins is 19 and he makes excellent points. I don't pay attention to age either. I just get to know each poster based on their opinions and respect them for that. I don't see why age would matter.[/QUOTE]

I agree, and I hope everyone will follow that logic.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

I havent been paying attention,did the vip thing disappear with the post count? when did that go away?

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[quote=htownskinfan;268892]I havent been paying attention,did the vip thing disappear with the post count? when did that go away?[/quote]

:confused:

I still see it.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=htownskinfan;268892]I havent been paying attention,did the vip thing disappear with the post count? when did that go away?[/quote]

It's right under your name

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[quote=jsarno;268833]I see your point. I even agree with it. I just beleive that humans inherantly like to separate themselves, so next on someones list is age. Unfortunately A 40 year old is not going to respect an 18 year old like he would a 37 year old...or 34 year old.
I personally have always looked at the quality. But I completely understand that there are a bunch that don't.[/quote]

I agree - that's why I don't have my age listed. It's irrelevant to whether I make good points or bad points.

As for the post counts, I don't really see the point in removing them, but I don't really care either. It just means I'll have to change my sig...

[B][U]EDIT[/U][/B]: I understand the [U]argument[/U] for removing them, I just don't think it necessarily follows that people who post to up their post count will stop doing so simply because it's no longer displayed under their name.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=onlydarksets;268944]I agree - that's why I don't have my age listed. It's irrelevant to whether I make good points or bad points.

As for the post counts, I don't really see the point in removing them, but I don't really care either. It just means I'll have to change my sig...

[B][U]EDIT[/U][/B]: I understand the [U]argument[/U] for removing them, I just don't think it necessarily follows that people who post to up their post count will stop doing so simply because it's no longer displayed under their name.[/quote]

Yeah I don't think it will change anything for people who are already here. But I think it might make a difference for the noob who's about to join next month. He's not going to see any post counts. Maybe he's not the type to care about running up a post count. But if he is, the incentive to do so will be gone.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=Schneed10;268948]Yeah I don't think it will change anything for people who are already here. But I think it might make a difference for the noob who's about to join next month. He's not going to see any post counts. Maybe he's not the type to care about running up a post count. But if he is, the incentive to do so will be gone.[/quote]

Fair enough.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

Ok Now that I see what its all about I have to agree with it!

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[quote=onlydarksets;268944]I agree - that's why I don't have my age listed. It's irrelevant to whether I make good points or bad points.

As for the post counts, I don't really see the point in removing them, but I don't really care either. It just means I'll have to change my sig...

[B][U]EDIT[/U][/B]: I understand the [U]argument[/U] for removing them, I just don't think it necessarily follows that people who post to up their post count will stop doing so simply because it's no longer displayed under their name.[/quote]
I agree remove the age...then we dont have to worry about someone calling you dumb because their 50 and your like 18!

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

[quote=pg86;269102]I agree remove the age...then we dont have to worry about someone calling you dumb because their 50 and your like 18![/quote]

Awww man! I just changed my age so people would give my words more consideration.

Re: Suggestion - Post Counts
 

Alzheimer's is not your friend.