--<A Note on Post Counts>--

[Beorn]

I make this thread not as a moderator, but as a member of The Tolkien forum. It is not directed at anyone in particular, but at the people who post to raise their post count, do something that raises their post count, or posts for no reason at all.

In the beginning webmaster created thetolkienforum.com and the account webmaster.

thetolkienforum.com was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of webmaster was moving over the surface of the waters.

(then, on August 18th, 2001:) Then webmsater said, "Let there be members"; and there were members.

webmaster saw that the members were good; and webmaster separated the members from the darkness.

I was the second member on the forum, shortly followed by Kementari. I had just joined the forum, and Kementari had been a member from a very long time ago. I posted a lot. Probably as much as I do now, but then that was a lot. So did she. We had a race to 100, and not a single post was spam. Well, I went on vacation with 98 posts, and when I came back, she had 106. We've grown up since, and realized that post counts don't matter.

In the past year, I've come to have more than 1000 posts, and to tell you the truth, I don't care. I haven't looked in forever and a day (though I think I'm somewhere around 1250). I really could care less if, and would like to see, the post counts gone. Completely abolished. They can be reset to zero, but I would like to see them not even shown. Not even in the profiles, not in the memberlist, not in the posts. Why? This would give people a much better idea of someone. The concept that a high post count is good completely boggles me. Doesn't the phrase 'quality not quantity' come to mind?

Say you made watches. Would you rather make 2,500 really good, high quality, long lasting watches. Or would you rather make 2,500,000 cheap, plastic watches that cost $3.99 in an upscale drug store and die after two months? I would make the really good watches because it establishes a name for yourself, it makes you look good, it gives a reputation of high class.

Now, would you rather make around 100 really good posts, with less than half a post per day with devotion and research clearly put into each, or would you rather make almost 1000 posts, with around 10 posts per day with stupid comments about serious threads?

You're probably asking me what has driven me to post this. I'll tell you:
Originally posted by Beorn
*Mike holds 3000 of your posts over a cliff*

What do you do?

Originally posted by HLGStrider
Throw over 3000 and I still have enough for a user title... throw over 3100 and I start to have a fit...
Elgee tickles Beorn and then rides off on her cat.

Now, this is definitely not directed at HLGStrider. I've seen lots of posts by her in The Works of J. R. R. Tolkien that clearly show her grasp of Tolkien and a good deal of research put into most of those posts. When she posted that, it got me thinking: Why do simple things like the user title mean something? Does an avatar show knowledge?

Tell me why people feel that a simple number represents them.

Edit: I've added the poll (Chippy's....uh....Adrastea's idea), and given it three basic options. Remeber that the results of this poll won't do anything, it's just to survey the members. And for those of you who don't know, that's a Monty Pythonism in there.

[dapence]

I'd hold off on these God/Webmaster comparisons. Lightning and servers don't get along too well. :)

[Niniel]

I can understand why people want to make a lot of posts; it would make it look as if they know a lot, or are very active members, or something. However I think that this forum hasn't got a lot of 'useless' posts; I am a member of another internet forum and there people are making posts just to say that they are the first in the Top 10 or something. I haven't seen that a lot here.
I myself do often post in teh 'Middle Earth name game' thread, just because I like the challenge of thinking of a new word that I have never used before in the game (I do however see other people post names that they have posted before, and that bothers me too). But that thread hasn't boosted my post count enormously, as you can see. Mostly I post only when I really have something to say, and I do think that most other people here do so too.

[DGoeij]

Hold 3000 of my posts over a cliff and I would be wondering where you'd get them.:D

I couldn't care less if the entire post count thing was removed. I look at the contents of a post and respond to that. I've seen several people with less than a 100 posts who I wish would post more often, and I've seen posters with a 500+ count who would do well with a vacation on a remote Island, preferably without an internet connection.
I think we had this debate before and frankly, I don't know why the post counts still shows.:)

[Adrastea]

Yes Beorn I can remember back about 10 months ago and there was about 30-50 regualar posters on the forum and we had a little bit of competitions but it wasn't a great amount. But now due to more members on the forum, that means more threads and conversations, more post, which means more competition. I can remember back about 3 months (or maybe more) where we turned off the post count for about 1 week (I think, can't remember great deltails). And I found that that week was the best week we had on the forum since the movie came out. I think they should be removed altogther! Thats my two cents though. Maybe you should set up a poll and see what the majority of the forum thinks.

[Grond]

I voted no, but really don't care. I would like to see some sort of tool that allows other members to see how "involved" the poster is in the forum. Maybe a rating tool of some kind. Post count, if nothing else does indicate a person's involvement in the forum whether it is constructive, whimsical or both and member loyalty/participation/input is a value I would like to see kept in some form. :)

[DGoeij]

I voted yes. I think looking at a members latest post, and particulary the date of it, should give enough information about how "involved" this member is. Number of posts doesn't mean anything to me.

[LadyGaladriel]

When I was a newbie to be totally honest it was quite scary seeing someone with 200+ posts. It kinda made me feel awkward with only 17 posts but now Im the one with 400+ post counts and Im really not bothered .. however I wold still like to see post counts because sometimes its a good shock to see how many I have but I dont post non sense to get my post count higher . I would much rather prefer for people to see me as someone who posts sense and can at least write a decent post noot A couple worded answer . for example - How true . Lol. I agree.




I think however that we dont really have a problem with it .







(P.s if you think I have ever posted nonsense then please pm and Ill edit it.)

[ILLOTRTM]

Well, Beorn, I see your point, and I understand why you would want to get rid of this, but, it was encouraging as a newbie for me to see all the posts other people had and I always knew who to ask about things by there post count. Back then I didn't know some people just posted nonsense to get the count up. Now I hardly ever look at my post count, but in the begining I was dying to get it up so I could create my own status. I like the status. And I liked having to earn it by how many posts I had. But I see your point, I see that other people think it means you have better quality because of your quantity. Well, I voted not to get rid of them, but I think we should really make it know that it doesn't matter how many posts you have, I just like to keep my count because every now and then I like to go back and try to find all of my posts from the past and see how my opinions and view points have changed, but I'll wager it's just me who does it :D
Well, there's my two cents, take it or leave it.

[Walter]

Just turn'em off ... better today than tomorrow

[Khamul]

Hmm, this reminds me of Communism...:)

I couldnt care less. Get rid of the post counts.

[Kementari]

I think that post counts should go. It encourages spamming and too much competition (sorry to say this Beorn but when i was top poster im SURE that lots of my posts were spams as well ;) ). I voted really hastily, and i want to chage my vote to yeah. Could one of you kind mods change it, please? :)

[Dengen-Goroth]

I must agree with Kementari on this one, I remember when post counts were a way of competition, and I know I must have had a number of one sentence posts which did not aid in the overall discussion or provide anything constructive whatsoever. Those were the days when 1,000 was quite a landmark achievement to break;) And now for some this perspective may not have differed. It may still be seen by some as a "sign" of one's "status" within the forum. Down with the post count!:)

[Grond]

Well, attribute it to my competitive spirit but I still think some measuring device be left in place. It needn't necessarily be postcount but a person who just opens an account should not expect the same degree of "prestige" as a long term member. I like the current rating system of Novice, Expert, Loremaster, etc.

But let's keep something in the program so that the newbies will know who to bow down to. :);)

GROND DEMANDS TO BE WORSHIPPED!!

[HLGStrider]

Why do simple things like the user title mean something?

It's an expression of creativity... I mean what in the heck does loremaster mean... Nothing. But when I call myself something that I invented... I feel vitalized!!!

I disagree, Beorn. I believe that it is encouraging to people when they can see their count go up a bit. It also helps Newbies know who to turn to for help.

I have never posted to get my count up, and while some people take it too seriously, I think it is a measure of how long you've been around. It is easier to look for someone with a count of over 500 and Pm them to find out what this place is about than to fumble around with the other newbies or post a "I'm new here HELP" thread. We have enough of those anyway.

Anyway, it adds a personal touch to the post board... I don't strive for high numbers, but I like to reach numbers with zeros on the end.. reaching 1985 was a big deal for me. I POSTED MY BIRTH YEAR!!! or 999... gee that was cool!!!

If one does post a lot it suggests that they've been around, and I think people need to know who knows something...

so what am I doing with over 3000... Ask Beorn...

Are you sure this wasn't directed against me, Beorn? You don't like post parties and I do, after all... Birthdays don't come enough, and post parties help me endure the wait.

[Beorn]

Could one of you kind mods change it, pleaseDone.

Are you sure this wasn't directed against me, Beorn?
Quite sure.

You don't like post parties and I do, after all... Birthdays don't come enough, and post parties help me endure the wait.
Post parties? So, that's what they're called.

[HLGStrider]

Post parties? So, that's what they're called

to those in the know... Are the post counts still going to be on the member list??? Of course, I could just check, but that's what you're here for...

Anyway, don't you just love my new location??? Not too long this time.

[Elfarmari]

IMHO postcounts are unnecessary. By looking at the date a person joined this forum and when their last post was, you can tell if they are committed members. When I was a new member I'd usually ask one of the moderators, or post a thread in Stuff and Bother if I had a question.

[Asha'man]

Personally, I like post counts. However, many people do post trash just to drive them up, and this is obviously very annoying and rude. I think it could be solved by better moderation (no offense, just mentioning) and not counting posts in S and B. I'll use examples from other forums I'm on with many thousands of members.

1. If a thread is made that has no real bearing on the forum it's in, it gets moved. I haven't seen a lot of that here. Also, when a thread really starts to wander from its original subject, someone should try to get it back on track, if necessary. I see a lot more of that here than other places. Might not be as big a problem as I'm making it out to be, though.

2. On Stangnet, posts in the Gene Pool v2.02 (the S and B equivalent) are not added to your post count, nor are posts in the talk sections of the various engine type boards. The only posts that count towards your final tally are the ones in the tech-related boards. Obviously those can get off track, but they're not as frivolous as pure talk posts.

I guess this post was kinda long-winded, but maybe it helped. Dunno. :rolleyes: :)

Asha'man

[ReadWryt]

By "turning off" we could say a great many things on the subject. I would be in favor of trying to come up with a modification to the Script which would only show post counts of new members up to the point where they reach the last hurdle, which I suppose is the ability to change Member Status and Location and such. This way a person at least can tell how many more posts are needed to gain these abilities...after that if we could leave the post counts visible in the Member Profiles then the Staff could always check there to see how many total posts a particular member has should that become some sort of factor...*Shrug* I just think it would be nice for newer members to be able to see how many more posts they need to get to the top tier of the ranks though...so to speak.

[HLGStrider]

When I was a new member I'd usually ask one of the moderators

You trust the mods??? Yikes... ;)

I agree with Ash.

By looking at the date a person joined this forum and when their last post was, you can tell if they are committed members

don't agree with this at all.

[Gamil Zirak]

If this is a major problem (posting just for the sole purpose of increasing counts), then why hasn't it been addressed before. It seems to me that this all started because of recent post count milestone celebrations. If they are taken away, fine. I'm a member of this forum and will abide by any rules. The question should be are members posting just to increase their post count. I've seen some spamming and a few posts with just one word or even just a smiley; however, this isn't being done by every member. It's only a few select members. If someone is doing it, discipline them and don't penalize the rest of us.

[Grond]

Originally posted by Confusticated
...I'm pretty sure that I once posted a lone smiley..I don't recall which thread it was in, and wont bother to hunt it down to delete it because it was not intended to raise my post count, it was intended to communicate something. I will not ever do this again though, since it seems to be frowned upon.There are instances where a single "smiley" or "wink" conveys precisely the message I want to send. When another poster makes a particularly insightful post or comes up with a brilliant take on something, those types of post convey support and agreement. I personally think this thread is entirely nit-picky and unwarranted.

As has already been said, if someone is "spamming"... slap em on the wrist. It sounds to me like there might be a little "sour grapes" that some of the newer posters have more time to spend on the forum that some of the "founding" posters. Another thought... if it ain't broke... don't fix it.

P. S. Confusticated.... I post single smileys on occassion myself.

[Grond]

:);)

[Beorn]

Now that I've started this thread, people seem to have taken it to assume I'm jumping out, and yelling at everyone with a highish post count. I'm not. I'm more...dissatisfied with people who start threads in Related Topics specifically saying so they can get to 100 posts...(how we found that thread is irrelevant, but funny).

Reactions like 'lol' are generally expected when a joke is posted, so must you post 'lol?' Most people are going to laugh at it, so rather, instead, if you don't like the joke, post why you don't like it.

Now, I'm gonna shoot the person who posts 'I agree' :D

[Grond]

I agree with your assertion. :) But, why not address the issue with the thread starter. Explain to them that beginning a thread for the sake of boosting post count is contrary to forum policy and a blatant waste of bandwidth and delete the thread.

Or better yet, give them a place to post such stuff and, as mentioned before, not have it count towards post count. Either of those two strategies would stop those types of threads from starting.

And for those who enjoy "post parties" and "spam threads".... take it somewhere else.

[Parrot]

Beorn, I don't disagree!:D

[Walter]

So maybe we should declare the postcounts "The Holy Cows of TTF"?

[ReadWryt]

For those of you who think that the post count is causing people to post for the sole purpose of raising their count, I ask this: How often do you notice a member doing this?

...obviously I've seen it a lot more then you have if you ask this. There is not a week goes by that I do not end up running across three posts in a row, all within the same 5 minutes, which I proceed to condense into one post in a thread...some times two to five threads in a week, but then you are not obligated to read as many threads as I am so it wouldn't surprise me that you missed them.

[Gamil Zirak]

There's a software "hack" (for lack of a better word) that automatically mergers consecutive posts done within a certain time frame by the same member. It works with VBulletin and is used on another forum I'm on (it's not one that will think we are copying them).

[Beorn]

Originally posted by ReadWryt


...obviously I've seen it a lot more then you have if you ask this. There is not a week goes by that I do not end up running across three posts in a row, all within the same 5 minutes, which I proceed to condense into one post in a thread...some times two to five threads in a week, but then you are not obligated to read as many threads as I am so it wouldn't surprise me that you missed them.

Yeah...that's about right, but more than I've seen. I usually PM the person and tell them to condense them...

[HLGStrider]

I've seen it twice... Once on an RP. The guys posts were pretty long, but he'd post three in a row instead of doing two and one shorter one. I even admitted this was for post count purposes. I gave him a friendly warning about moderators and the Day of Judgement.

I also saw someone posting number once, and Ciryaher dealt with her before I could comment.

Personally I have posted short before, but it goes against my religion to be concise, short, or anything like that. Words are meant to be used and over used and the more words the better... flowing fluenty... typing at about 60 WPM...

[Legolam]

To be honest, I quite like the post counts. It lets me know when I've been on for too long :D I understand that some people do spam but I think that'll always happen. It's not always to do with post counts. Once you get to about 200, the next 200 isn't as satisfying to reach and you end up just not caring about the post count and concentrate on replying to others' posts. People spam more becuase they get addicted to this sort of message board

PS I didn't mean for all that to sound like a metaphor about drugs! ;)

[Nenya Evenstar]

I am a relatively new member on this forum. I registered only a week and a half ago, and have already gained the Loremaster title. I'm not sure if this is a shorter time than it takes most people to post 100 posts, but I have seriously tried not to post anything worthless. In fact I didn't even pay much attention to my post count. The only reason my post count is already there is that I have been on this forum a good deal of that week and a half because I really enjoy talking with other Lord of the Rings fans.

Having said that, I will continue. :D I feel that there should be some form of status because when I first got on here I felt pretty small. It was nice to know who had been here for a while because you knew that those people probably knew what they were talking about. It is still nice to know approx. who has been on here the longest in the event of issues like this because you know that those people have been here for past issues. Basically, it is nice to know who knows what about the forum and who knows just about nothing about it. I don't necessarily think that a post count is needed to bring this across, but I do think that there needs to be some form of status i.e. Apprentice, Guildsman, Loremaster. I do not, however, think that the post count is relative to this. I'm sure that there are many people on here who post little (as someone already said) and know much, and some people who post much and know little. The title of Loremaster is quite easy to achieve (as I know myself) and so perhaps we could take away the post count and add another title when any said person reaches, say, 1000 posts. That way newbies would know who had been on here a while without the need of a post count. To me the post count proves nothing, but the length of time a member has been a member is nice to know. I wouldn't mind seeing the post count go, but leave the title!

[tookish-girl]

Well, I have around 600 posts and have nearly been here a year (with the last 2 months off). I think most people post alot to make a name for themselves. The more posts you have, the more your name is on the net, so you became famous. I'm sure would prefer to say notorious. This is just my opinion. My good friend legoman offen just posts because he is bored!

Also, a note on the "LOL!!!!!!!" :D :D :D posts. Yes, these cheese me off too. However on a number of treads people complain if you don't respoond to their jokes. Some actually repeat the jokes a few posts later and say "Come on you guys!" You feel obliged to say something like "Yes, it was funny. Happy now?" Well, I'm generally not that rude to people but I feel the urge to say it!

Just a few points, hope you're well Beorn!

[Chymaera]

Originally posted by Beorn

(then, on August 18th, 2001:) Then webmsater said, "Let there be members"; and there were members.

webmaster saw that the members were good; and webmaster separated the members from the darkness.

who don't know, that's a Monty Pythonism in there. :confused: Didn't the Webmaster Say


Ëa! Let these things be!



I wish to fly!

[Anamatar IV]

i used to be a part of a message board and 1 member reached 5000 posts and he made a thread so large (you could put pictures in that forum) that it crashed the server. All the members went their seperate ways but they all call it the 5000'th post downfall. I say toss the post counts. Its just gonna make people with lower counts jealous and spend 20 hours a day on the sight and parents will have to lug the kids away from the computer.

[ltas]

Some of you old-timers might think that I have a post count envy or something. ;)
You can call me a communist, but I don't think that the members need to be divided to separate classes based on the number of times they have posted.
Why couldn't newbies have the right to change their title and to get an avatar from the first post? That would solve the problem of spam posts.

Added later: Perhaps the members shouldn't have the right to get an avatar as soon as they join.
I imagine that avatars do take some space in the forum memory and since we have over 900 members with less then 30 posts, it could probably slow down the system if most of them had avatars as well? Hmm... Maybe the members should have at least 20 to 30 posts, before they can have an av. - to prove that they do intend to stay here...

[Beorn]

Originally posted by ltas
Why couldn't newbies have the right to change their title and to get an avatar from the first post? That would solve the problem of spam posts.

Funny you should post that on the day I had to delete 40 one & two words posts that had nothing to do with the threads they were in...

[ILLOTRTM]

Well..... I'll tell you this:
The other day I got on and went to a thread. I looked over at the little thing next to the post that's kind of a mini profile and thought you had tossed post counts. I freaked out for a few seconds. Then I realized I had just been looking in the wrong place :rolleyes: Then I got to thinking: Just how bad would it be to lose post counts? We wouldn't know hw many posts we had and how many we needed to be... better? Quality not quantity....... hmmm.... been hearing that a lot lately. I thought: I've only got three hundred something... some have one thousand, but my opinion counts just as much as theirs. And I also realized that I hardly ever even look at my post count anymore. Go ahead. Get rid of them. I change my vote to yea. I would be happy if they were still somewhere, though, so I can still go back and look for them all once I hit a new hundred :D
:):):)

[Anamatar IV]

Originally posted by Confusticated
5000th post downfall? ha-ha-ha!
Good laugh there, thanks for sharing. :D
I think It'll be a few months yet before anyone here reaches that point.
I can't imagine many people being jealous of higher posters though.

On that message board it was an honor to avg. 4 posts a day. here people are in the 'tweens'

[HLGStrider]

I like my little number. soon I will get 3333... do you know what a cool number 3333 is? It's like four threes in a row!!! That is a cool number. When I get it I will stare at it for minutes... it is hypnotic...


:D


Anyway, I think people are silly to be jealous. When I got on I thought the people in the 1000's were experienced, but that was it. I didn't envy them or anything. I just really go into things...


but 3333 now that will be cool... almost as cool as 999 was.

[Aerin]

I think bragging about post count is absolutely silly. Who cares if you have 100 or 1000 posts?

I've been here at TTF for a lot longer than most of you (and even longer than the number one poster...) and I haven't even broken the seemingly-all-important 1000 barrier.

I simply don't care.

I read a whole lot more than I post, and when I post, I try to make sure before I hit the "Submit Reply" button that what I have to say is a worthwhile addition to the thread. I do not post for the sake of posting, and it seems so superficial and ridiculous that so many people are up in arms about the little, insignificant, meaningless number of posts they've made.

Sometimes I think it just shows they talk a heck of a lot more than the average person. :rolleyes:

</rant mode>

[HLGStrider]

and even longer than the number one poster..
That's because I seriously lack a real life... :rolleyes: :p

[Wonko The Sane]

Two things...In my opninion the user title is a fun little thing...one more crazy customization you can add to your profile that celebrates your individuality and insanity.

The post count is fun too...I mean, you can tell that people like Strider(Argorn who just joined in August has 2000 some posts and you can be like, "Wow...that kid has no time on his hands.." or you can make fun of Legoman when he gets into the Top Ten stuff like that.

It's not what the forum is about, but it is a fun little diversion.
My brother, (the late great Wonko) always asks me if I'm still a huge loser because I post all the time and I tell him, "Yes. And my losership has been affirmed *insert post count here* times." For example, at the time of this post it is "Yes. And my loserdom has been confirmed 1037 times." See...to me, while I recognize it's not important...it amuses me to see post counts...

[Ancalagon]

Aside from post-counts, there are other methods of rising through the ranks. My personal favourite system is points for every post over 200 characters. This will elevate members depending on the quantity (and more to the point, Quality) within each post. So, if you write a lot, say as an RPGer, or reply to many of the Tolkien-based discussions, then you will be rewarded. If your posts are short, one or two word responses, then you will not be elevated, because you realistically don't contribute.

Then again, I am not so sure if this fuction is availabe within the forum (possibly VB3 might have a system like this) so I might just being blowing hot air...........as usual:D

[Wonko The Sane]

That's a good idea...it takes some of the amusement out of the post counts but it might help bolster actual contributions...

It would turn post counts into a thing of reverence. We'd revere those with higher post counts because it would mean they were more responsible and contributed more to thoughtful conversation. We couldn't make fun of Legoman anymore... :(

[Popqueen62]

I don't really think post counts are neccessary, i mean, it just makes people want to put down useless posts just to make it higher, at first i did that, but after i got to like 80 or whatever, i really didn't see the point of it. so, i think post counts aren't necessary.

[Khamul]

Originally posted by Ancalagon

Then again, I am not so sure if this fuction is availabe within the forum (possibly VB3 might have a system like this) so I might just being blowing hot air...........as usual:D

It is available, I have seen it.

[HLGStrider]

I agree with Wonko that it is a fun, NO-LIFE-A-METER... Look at me... And without spamming... Never posted to get to a number though I did stare at 3333 for a long time.

[Aerin]

HLGStrider, your "No-Life-a-Meter" is a pointless thing. You infer that anyone who does not have a humongous post count "has a life"...:rolleyes:
(As a disclaimer: "Having a life" is NOT all it's cracked up to be)

I've been on this forum for a year now, and I still have not "broken the 1000 post barrier", but guess what.. my quality of life is not diminished! :eek: I can still function with only having a post count of 3 digits! :eek:

And spamming is in the eye of the beholder....

[Snaga]

Can I just speak up for the geeky number-loving types. I love post counts. I also love league tables for football and other sports. I love opinion polls. I love market research surveys and the like. I want to know that 57% believe in alien abductions. The post count is part of the same nerdish fun!

Sorry. That makes me sound bad!

If people spam, delete it and tell 'em to stop. You've got a warning system... use it!

That really did make me sound like some kind of freak, didn't it?

[Ancalagon]

That really did make me sound like some kind of freak, didn't it?

Yes, but don't worry, you can't get points for voicing an opinion:D

[Wonko The Sane]

Originally posted by snaga1
Can I just speak up for the geeky number-loving types. I love post counts. I also love league tables for football and other sports. I love opinion polls. I love market research surveys and the like. I want to know that 57% believe in alien abductions. The post count is part of the same nerdish fun!

Sorry. That makes me sound bad!

If people spam, delete it and tell 'em to stop. You've got a warning system... use it!

That really did make me sound like some kind of freak, didn't it?

I agree with Snaga here...I understand the reasons against post counts, but how many people honestly DON'T want to know that 65% of French people prefer Brie over Roquefort?
I'm serious here...numbers are kind of fun...I do LIKE the post counts...but if you did away with them...I wouldn't miss them THAT much.

I think that the thing that really messes things up is not the post counts, but the "top ten poster" way to sort the member list.
That makes people want to climb the ranks to the top ten more than a high post count, IMO.
But then again...I also like the "sort by top ten posters" for the same reason I like post counts...
Anyway...the end.

[HLGStrider]

Elgee mulls over it trying to decide if Arien is accusing her of spamming or not then gives up and dances the hula with her crocagator.

[Wonko The Sane]

IMO, Arien was accusing you of spamming...
:p but she's right...spamming is largely in the eye of the beholder. :)

[Ciryaher]

It's spelled A-E-R-I-N, just to let you know...

I don't think spamming is a very bad problem forumwise, but people *do* do it.

[Wonko The Sane]

Sorry, Aerin...
And yes...I agree. For the most part people are pretty good about spamming...but I think we have all posted at least ONE useless post at one point or another.
It's something I'd be willing to bet we're all guilty of...

[DGoeij]

Indeed, at least one.:D

[HLGStrider]

or two.. or three... or four... or five... or six...

I think this might be one of them...

[Aerin]

Rather funny how I am so used to having my real name mis-spelled that I hardly even notice when someone messes up my *five-letter* nickname...:rolleyes:

If you will read my post carefully, I made no accusations toward anyone. I was merely adapting and stating an old adage that seemed to fit the occasion.

Polls that determine what percent of people believe in alien abductions are fine with me (and can be hilarious to read.. heehee); but polls are not spamming.
Spamming, last time I checked, is constituted of mindless, useless posts that merely waste storage space on the forum. If you want to hold discussions, use an Instant Messenger, such as MSN, AIM, or ICQ. That way, it's not taking up space on the forum's database, nor is it a ton of work for the Mods to sort through what's posted.

As for accusing people of spamming, the last couple of posts on here have been spam and I will say it outright! However, you can't construe it as a personal attack because I'm not mentioning any names. :D

All you spammers know who you are...*dramatic music* So please stop it!

[HLGStrider]

Spamming or just off topic? They can be pretty close together. For instance on the "Most Romantic" poll on LOTR we've been REALLY off topic. REALLY REALLY REALLY... add a few more reallies.
I'm trying to get it back on subject, but it is so fun to leave the bpath for awhile.

[Anamatar IV]

what if a one word post contributes to the thread? Like I saw grond have the word "no" in his thread and thats all. Is that spamming?

[HLGStrider]

I think it is all right to be concise... and if anyone complains just say 'BUT GROND DID IT!' really loud and the hammer will squash the complainers... or is it a mace... no... hammer... mace... hammer... mace...

[Aerin]

What I mean by spamming and one-word posts are instances (and there have been a lot I've seen) where someone will go onto a (sometimes) serious thread and post "lol" or ":D". That is nothing but spam.

As for "one-word posts that contribute to the relevant topic of the thread", the moderators are the ones who decide what is and what is not spam.
If you haven't already, I strongly suggest you read the first few posts of this thread, especially Beorn's.

[HLGStrider]

sometimes the wink ;) is a very fitting response. I only used it once when I said something sarcastic and the person came back defensive and bristling... It calms them down without giving in. So does :p sometimes.

However, I am "period challanged" meaning I am incapable of brevity in any form, so I don't normally do this. It is much more fun to ramble.

[Wonko The Sane]

Look...one person's spam is another person's fitting contribution so it really is up to the mods to decide which is which.
I know that even when I didn't think I was doing it...or didn't realize it..The mods called me on spamming. I got a PM from Beorn who said that's what I was doing.
The thing is, if you get warned about spamming or something...ask them why. They'll always explain to you the difference and try to get you back on track.
I don't think they really enjoy having to reprimand people and I certainly don't think they want to lose members for stupid reasons such as spamming.
They're just trying to help..we should be more understanding and show them a little more love.
Even if you don't think you're spamming and they say you are...you should stop anyway...
It's always in your best interest to stay on the mods good sides.

[HLGStrider]

It helps if they give you an example... a link to where you've been spamming. I like it when they do that though they've never done it for me. They handle me with kid gloves cause they know I am sensitive... :rolleyes:

[Wonko The Sane]

Hehe...yeah. And Beorn knows I'm tough so he comes at me pistols blazing and starts swearing and saying, "Listen up Wonks! You've spammed your last spam!!!" and he curses at me until I break down and promise never to do it again.

Ok...yeah...he doesn't.
But yes, see...I think that there should be some sort of guideline for spam because a lot of time you don't know when you're doing it. They say one word posts or posts that you put up just to say, "Yeah. I agree" are spam...but some posts that don't fall into either category are spam too...and sometimes it's hard to draw the line...
I suppose they're probably in forum rules somewhere...but I've never read them.
Which is probably why I keep getting into trouble.
:rolleyes:

[Snaga]

Hey I just had this idea... can we have an option to sort the Members List by how many Warning Points they've got? You've got Top 10 Posters, why not Top 10 Bad Members! OK thats a geeky thing to want to do... I admit it!:D

[Anamatar IV]

thats harsh!

[Beorn]

Originally posted by snaga1
Hey I just had this idea... can we have an option to sort the Members List by how many Warning Points they've got? You've got Top 10 Posters, why not Top 10 Bad Members! OK thats a geeky thing to want to do... I admit it!:D

Good idea!

I nominate:

You
WM
Anc
Grond

:D...My public humiliation for multiple accounters didn't happen, so I doubt that will :(

[Grond]

Originally posted by Anamatar IV
thats harsh! As you can see, Anamatar IV, sometimes one word (as in NO!) or two words (as in that's harsh!) do have their place on the forum. If a question is asked or an idea forwarded and you agree or don't agree it is perfectly acceptable to post yes, no, that's harsh or the like.

[Wonko The Sane]

Originally posted by Beorn
Good idea!

I nominate:

You
WM
Anc
Grond

:D...My public humiliation for multiple accounters didn't happen, so I doubt that will :(

Where am I on the list?

Um...won't this foster people trying to get on the bad list? It's something I think Ulairi would've loved. :)

As for public humiliation of multiple accounters...THAT'S a blessed wonderful idea. :)

[HLGStrider]

I know I wouldn't make the list because I have such a cute avatar... can you imagine an avatar like mine hurting anyone?!?!?!?

Elgee gives everybody a cute look.

[Wonko The Sane]

Your evilitude is hiding behind a mask of cuteness. STOP!

*glares at Elgee and throws a soda at her*

But seriously, Beorn. I think it'd be a good idea to publicly embarrass multiple accountants(...hehe...accountants) What did your colleagues say to that one?

[Grond]

Originally posted by Wonko The Sane
Your evilitude is hiding behind a mask of cuteness. STOP!

*glares at Elgee and throws a soda at her*

But seriously, Beorn. I think it'd be a good idea to publicly embarrass multiple accountants(...hehe...accountants) What did your colleagues say to that one? I, for one, thought this would be a funny idea because it would make people think twice before engaging in illegal actions but it is just too extreme for our forum. Public humiliation is not the best way to punish someone. It leaves a lasting influence... yes; but it also leaves a bitter after-taste. We want everyone happy, even when they're disciplined. If they can't abide by the rules... they will simply have to find another forum to post in. ;)

The current warning system will insure people are warned without too much public humiliation.

[Wonko The Sane]

But it's so FUN to see people publicly shamed...think of how painful it must be for them...*rubs her hands in delight* It'd be AWESOME!!

*stops all of a sudden*
Gosh...I'm acting a bit evil, aren't I? Maybe Snaga is rubbing off one me...stoopid Orc!

*stalks off to teach Snaga a lesson*

[HLGStrider]

See, you are the evil one and I'm Cutsie-Wootsie...

How would we publicly humliate these people anyway?

[Wonko The Sane]

Hehe...something like "THE PILLORY THREAD- WHERE RULE BREAKERS ARE PUT TO SHAME"...

That'd do it, don't you think?

[HLGStrider]

I like the chinese water torture or the make them listen to my brother play trumpet torture.

[Wonko The Sane]

OOh...or they could listen to MY brother prattle on about Baseball...that'd KILL them!

[Grond]

I was thinking we could make them take a totally lame user title. Something like "Yay! I'm an elbow ferret!" Wait a sec... already taken... let me think of another one. :(

J/K Wonko ;)

[Anamatar IV]

Originally posted by Wonko The Sane
OOh...or they could listen to MY brother prattle on about Baseball...that'd KILL them!

I DID NOT JUST HEAR YOU SAY THAT ABOUT BASEBALL!!!!!! :mad:

Public humiliation is too mean. Have you ever read "The giver?" They were humiliated publicly and they turned out COLOR BLIND!:rolleyes:

[HLGStrider]

I personally like my lame user title...

[Snaga]

Originally posted by HLGStrider
I know I wouldn't make the list because I have such a cute avatar... can you imagine an avatar like mine hurting anyone?!?!?!?

Elgee gives everybody a cute look. I could imagine myself hurting your cute avatar!;)

I have to admit that my idea was sparked mostly out of curiousity cos Wonko's the only person I know who's got any warning points. So is she the ONLY person with any?? Hehe Wonko... you're the baddest member, so don't go blaming me for your evilness.:) I could get you some more points by complaining about you calling me Stoopid. Muahahahaha!:D

[Walter]

Originally posted by Grond
I was thinking we could make them take a totally lame user title. Something like "Yay! I'm an elbow ferret!" Wait a sec... already taken... let me think of another one. :(

J/K Wonko ;) Or you could put something really lame in their signature....something like "Master Tolkienologist"

just kidding ;)

[Tyaronumen]

Really serious about trying to find out who is contributing to "serious" Tolkien discussion while weeding out all of the silly posts?

Well, disable post count for all of the forums where silly posts are allowed and don't allow them (silly posts: such as "I agree" or ":D" that have nothing to offer Tolkien discussion)... in the "serious" Tolkien discussion forums, and the issue would disappear.

I like being able to have custom user titles and the custom avatar thing (even though I don't have one...)... but the post count itself seems pretty irrelevant, albeit pretty harmless...

[Wonko The Sane]

First of all...I LOVE Baseball! But my brother will NOT shut up about it and it gets quite annoying...

And as far as my warning points go...I owe them ALL to you Snags...you need to stop "corrupting" me so much! ;)

AND my user title isn't "Yay! I'm an elbow ferret" anymore...but in defense of my elbow ferretosity I'd like to say: THAT WAS A DARN COOL USER TITLE AND YOU KNOW IT!! ;)

And yeah. The End.

[Snaga]

Muahahaha!!! Yes I corrupt people, and get them into trouble. And I walk away without getting into trouble. Call me Snaga the Teflon Orc. All in a days works for the Dark Legion!:D:D

Anyway, don't complain cos you enjoyed being corrupted!;)

I dont like your new User Title, but at least I understand it. Here's a new one for you: 'Yay! I'm a Corrupt Astronomer'. Any good?

Anyway I can confirm that Wonko is not the only person with some points. Just for the record. I spotted some other evil rule-breaking chap:)

[Wonko The Sane]

Yes...you're right. I DO enjoyed being corrupted. So I really shouldn't complain.

As far as warning points go...somebody said they'd be gone in a few days and they're not! Have I further angered you mod type people?!