A Simple 'Winks' Feature?

[Seeker]

I've been chewing this thought over for a couple of days about maybe starting a thread like the "Say something Nice" thread, but pointed more toward just a shout out at those you appreciate who post here. Upon further thought, the thread could get large and some people may not get to find a shout about them.

I wondered at a simple send a 'wink' type feature. If someone has posted something that you feel worthwhile, or just as a sign of appreciation that they are posting here. I realise there is the PM system, but sometimes it can also be difficult to word just a simple appreciation, and sometimes there can be a 'fear' about it being such a personal thing - maybe this person doesn't want to be PM'd.

I think sometimes some people might feel that their input here may not be making much of a difference sometimes, so just receiving an odd wink here and there could make a world of difference. Most people I have spoken to appreciate that they are appreciated, and have been more overwhelmed that they are at least appreciated if not even noticed.

It might be too much of a touchy, feely, warm fuzzy thing than anything else, I do know I can be like that But I thought there was no harm in bringing this in to discuss, throw around, change, add to, or completely can!

What are the thoughts?

[fallsauce]

On other vBulletin boards, members can give each other 'reputation' points. (Good and bad.) You can also add a comment. Is that what you're thinking of?

[Seeker]

I wasn't sort of trying to make it seem like a competition thing.. the reputation points might make some people think it's like a popularity contest.. I don't think that would be a good thing.

The concept might be ok, I think the ability to add a comment could be good. I want to keep it a 'positive' thing for users, it helps to encourage sharing and discussion.

[Halx]

We have always shot down any reputation system.. that's not what we're about.

[Seeker]

Halx, do you think the concept based on these thoughts below are a 'reputation system' thing?

I think sometimes some people might feel that their input here may not be making much of a difference sometimes, so just receiving an odd wink here and there could make a world of difference. Most people I have spoken to appreciate that they are appreciated, and have been more overwhelmed that they are at least appreciated if not even noticed.

It was not my intention to use this as a reputation system, more a private thing to encourage community and communication.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by Seeker

It was not my intention to use this as a reputation system, more a private thing to encourage community and communication.

I understand where you are coming from, but it could get cumbersome . . .

i use the pm system when i want to know someone better or I've had ppl pm me to ask further on a thread I posted or to comment on my journal etc. . . . most ppl have no problem debating out a thread concept in the pm system, i like it and most seem to enjoy it . . .

i know the pm system can be intimidating, but it's a got a great design to build community i think it can be used and is used for what you're getting at in this suggestion . . .

cheers,

Sweetpea

[Telluride]

Originally Posted by Halx

We have always shot down any reputation system.. that's not what we're about.

Hey, Halx. I used to post at another board that used the vBulletin thing, and there was an option in the User CP to turn off the counter for reputation points. At one point I received reputation from someone who had turned off his/her points counter. It showed up on my list of posts that received reputation with a reference to the post, the user name of the person giving the reputation and an optional short message, except it didn't count towards my reputation points total.

I am not familiar with vBulletin software, but would it be possible to disable everyones points counter will still allowing people to send "reputation" and messages that don't actually count for points? Personally, I don't care if we have a reputation system or not. But it might be a way for people to send messages of encouragement/agreement and avoid the forum turning into a big popularity contest, assuming that a lot of members actually want something like this.

[MSD]

Originally Posted by Galt

Hey, Halx. I used to post at another board that used the vBulletin thing, and there was an option in the User CP to turn off the counter for reputation points. At one point I received reputation from someone who had turned off his/her points counter. It showed up on my list of posts that received reputation with a reference to the post, the user name of the person giving the reputation and an optional short message, except it didn't count towards my reputation points total.

I am not familiar with vBulletin software, but would it be possible to disable everyones points counter will still allowing people to send "reputation" and messages that don't actually count for points? Personally, I don't care if we have a reputation system or not. But it might be a way for people to send messages of encouragement/agreement and avoid the forum turning into a big popularity contest, assuming that a lot of members actually want something like this.

It's been discussed to death among staff, and every experience I've had with it resulted in a big "fuck that shit" from an admin who decided to turn it off because it caused too many problems.

[Seeker]

Originally Posted by sweetpea

i know the pm system can be intimidating, but it's a got a great design to build community i think it can be used and is used for what you're getting at in this suggestion . . .

Yep, I agree sweetpea.. thanks, it helps my understanding.

I found it very difficult to overcome the intimidation of the PM system, I am however feeling a bit more confident with it.. it's just taken some time