New user title levels?

hazmat · Aug 3, 2004

Not a bad idea... but that's kind of what Star Members are about. I should give a few more of those out here soon.

Also, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 post level titles are coming soon 

When you say soon, you mean soon!

user title levels

A little over 500 more and I get to be "elite" like the Junkman is now.

Golfgar4 · Aug 3, 2004

/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Yikes! Do you have your fingers cooling in ice water?? You must have been burning them up typing so fast to get all of those titles changed so quickly! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Gee, that's the easiest promotion I've ever received! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Junkman · Aug 3, 2004

Mike..... it seems that some new titles have already been given. You used to be a Star Member. Now you are a TBN All-Star Member.
I wonder if I could get the title of "Black Sheep"... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Will the people that join and become the XX thousandth member get recognition. I also believe that it would be good to add a Star to the people that are moderators. I believe that Bird is an "All-Star Super Star Member", since he qualifies as to the number of posts and is also a Moderator. Will there be more moderators added to the forums in the near future since we are growing so fast? If so, I would like to apply for a position. Thanks.....

AndyM · Aug 3, 2004

Not a bad idea... but that's kind of what Star Members are about. I should give a few more of those out here soon. 

I noticed it's been over a couple years since anyone has been promoted to "Star Member". I have a member or two in particular in mind as possibilities. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

I was going to start a thread to see if anyone else had ideas on who should become Star Members, but I decided that wasn't a good idea. It might start off as a tame thread, but could snowball into a little bit of bickering. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 Also, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 post level titles are coming soon. 

I'm no where near any of those levels. At my current rate of posting, I shouldn't reach 2500 post for about two more years. However, I did request those levels as a way to recognize the valuable contributions of the members who have reached those levels. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

A BIG THANKS, both to Muhammad, and to the members who have helped the rest of us along who have reached these new levels! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

AndyM · Aug 3, 2004

wonder if I could get the title of "Black Sheep"... 

I still maintain that Junkman should have a "special" title, all to his own (whatever that may be).
"Elite Member" just doesn't seem to fit! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

"TBN Rabble Rouser" would work! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif (He knows I'm kidding)

That fellow is in a catagory all by himself! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Golfgar4 · Aug 3, 2004

( "Elite Member" just doesn't seem to fit! )

Oh, I don't know about that Andy.

According to the Princeton University WordNet , the definition of Elite is -

elite

adj : selected as the best; "an elect circle of artists"; "elite colleges" [syn: elect] n : a group or class of persons enjoying superior intellectual or social or economic status


I think that at least part of the definition could certainly apply to Junkman.

You can decide which part(s)! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Glenn9643 · Aug 4, 2004

Food For Thought...

Threads about user title levels almost always focus on what they ought to be based upon the number of posts a TBNer has made.

I've noticed in my short time here that the volume of posts doesn't necessarily indicate the value of a member's contributions. (In my opinion!) There are several long-time members with relatively few posts who consistently provide sound advise that is related to the question or problem posed, and on the other hand there are some with less than a year on the forum and an almost unbelieveable number of posts who hardly ever have anything meaningful to contribute other than "socializing". Not that there's anything wrong with that...
It's amazing to me that one can develop a feeling of respect, or "knowing" an individual from reading what they have to contribute here, without ever even speaking to them in person. I guess my point is that I really appreciate those who have knowledge and provide help when needed and wish there was some way to recognize them properly.

MikePA · Aug 4, 2004

I couldn't agree more, Glenn. Too bad there's no way to 'weigh' someones posts instead of just counting them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Bird · Aug 4, 2004

( I've noticed in my short time here that the volume of posts doesn't necessarily indicate the value of a member's contributions. (In my opinion!) )

I'll bet we all share that opinion.

( I really appreciate those who have knowledge and provide help when needed and wish there was some way to recognize them properly. )

Absolutely. The problem would be figuring out how. Now I've got the top user title, I'm also one who likes to socialize with friends, and I also know that we have quite a large number of members who know a lot more about a lot of things than I and who are more valuable as contributors. I'm a little reluctant to name individuals because I know I'll be leaving out some great ones, but MChalkley, John Miller III, and Cowboydoc come immediately to mind.

And then different individual members have and share knowledge of different topics. How would you decide which information is more valuable? Anything I don't already know might be valuable to me, while if you already know that same thing, it might have no value to you.

Personally, I see this matter as somewhat related to the idea of formal "performance ratings" on the job. Nearly everyone agrees that an organization of any size should have them, but few agree on how to do it, which traits should or should not be included, or that they're fair and accurate.

Junkman · Aug 4, 2004

There is a conscious way that I weigh the posts of others. I read what they have to say and make a mental note of their level of expertise. Both you and I have been known to make what might be deemed "silly" posts, but overall, we do make informed well intentioned educational postings. There are also a few of "me too" type of postings that some make and they never seem to add anything to the string other than a few words of inconsequently value. This would be a very dull site if all we had were postings that were full of meat and potato's, but there was no desert to go with it. I believe that you have to give to receive, and that is what most of us do best. Share knowledge. Some are here to learn and when they feel confident that they know of what they speak, they will then join in and share their experiences. That is what this community is all about. Sharing our experiences, our lives, and our friendship. I don't know what the core membership of TBN is as far as frequent contributors, but I am certain that this core membership is what has made TBN the great place that it is today. We wouldn't have the huge number of visitors reading all the postings, if there were only "garbage" in them and no useful information. It has been my observation that those that don't add much to the site are not here very long. They make a few posts and then move on. It would be interesting to see the number of how many of our 12,492 members are actually active in the last 6 months. I know that a week doesn't go by that someone doesn't send me a PM or make a post thanking me for some tid bit of information that I have posted that was valuable to them.

Glenn9643 · Aug 4, 2004

Bird, Junkman, and others...
I know what I intended to convey, but maybe it was received in another way. I didn't intend to belittle the "socializing". That has it's place certainly. I think Junkman's reference to "me-too type of posts" conveys what I intended to say better than "socializing". Maybe in another fifty or sixty years I'll learn to proofread better before I post.

beenthere · Aug 4, 2004

Glen
I didn't read it that you were belittling anyone. I think that we all grow to know and appreciate those who have something to say, and say it without trying to offend someone. I find that a response to an individual isn't always just to that individual, but to the hundreds of 'readers' who can benefit from a direct answer. Too often, the poster gets a message back thinking it was directed just at him, and can be offended. I too often offend (I think, as well as have been reprimanded by our leader in a 'loving' way) but don't mean to.
I don't think we need an increase in 'title' levels, as after a few hundred posts (as already has been stated), we know who has something helpful to say. Counting the number of posts for 'titles' is rather meaningless (remember, I don't mean to offend here) IMO, and are like the rating systems that Bird mentioned, they never work (but keeps the bean counters busy dreaming up new ones though) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif .
Bird epitomizes the technique of carefully responding with information that is authorative and based on experience. I'm probably too old to grow wings and try to fly with him, but its a motivational thought. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

wroughtn_harv · Aug 4, 2004

Interesting thread.

I see I'm on the verge of joining the elite. Never been there before. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif Hope they don't disown me on sight.

( I find that a response to an individual isn't always just to that individual, but to the hundreds of 'readers' who can benefit from a direct answer. )

Over the last eight years or so I've developed a philosophy about posting. One of the things I try to consider is that the one I'm replying to isn't the only one reading it. And some of the readers might not be as technically proficient as others.

So I probably come across as talking down and I don't mean it that way. I'm trying to explain it to the many other readers who might benefit from the conversation.

Another thing is that I believe the posters are a small minority of those who read the threads. Some I sure read because there's nothing better to do. But I suspect a lot of them are rather shy, interested but shy. Sorta kinda like the prettiest girl at the dance isn't always the one on the floor. Shyness happens. And it doesn't just affect the shy one but it also deprives the pretty girl of a good time too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I try to write a reply or post for someone but for everyone interested.

The upside of this attitude is I can take a criticism as one amongst many perspectives. There will be readers seeing me getting my comeupance and figure about time. But I hope there will be others who have good taste, great perspective on life, and are good lookin'. They, I'm sure jump to my defense. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Soundguy · Aug 5, 2004

( Hope they don't disown me on sight )

I doubt you have anything to worry about, as they havn't thrown me out yet...

( I believe the posters are a small minority of those who read the threads )

I agree. Many people come here for answers. If you do a search on tractor on any of the big internet search sites.. TBN and YT are always among the top hits. Tht tells you that there are probably tons of lurkers out there.

And as Bird said.. those who have been here longer should know better then to start inapropriate posts... er..um.. oh.. wait a minute.. I think I need to go punish myself /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Soundguy

cowboydoc · Aug 5, 2004

Bird you are way too humble and too gracious to others. I can't think of anyone here on TBN or in my regular life that has such a vast array of knowledge on so many subjects. You are in a class by yourself and a true scholar and gentleman. I know I certainly appreciate and thank you for being a sounding board and such a good friend to me over the time I've been here on TBN.

EastTexFrank · Aug 5, 2004

I wish I'd have said that.

Soundguy · Aug 5, 2004

( I wish I'd have said that. )

Yep.. can't argue with that statement... no matter who said it /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Soundguy

MossRoad · Aug 6, 2004

Glen,
As one who does more socializing than contributing to the knowledge base, I can honestly say that your original post was well worded and un-offensive. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Wroughtn_harv ,
You NEVER come across as talking down to anyone. You always come across as a teacher and craftsman. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Doc,
Your comments about Bird are right in the 10 ring! Well said. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif