Contributing to the Site

[thepast]

So, this weekend, someone said to me in chat: "How can you be the chat admin if you only have like 2000 posts in the forums?" And then the "Oh no, my post counter stopped working!" thread was posted... And it got me thinking... how do we define contribution on this site, and how SHOULD we define contribution?

There are those people on the forums who come here and spend most of their time in the Politics/Religion/etc. and F&G threads. There isn't anything wrong with this, but on the other hand, does running up posts in F&G, where you get a post for uttering 1 word, mean you are a bigger contributor then say, someone who has far less posts, but contributes lengthier posts into the BDSM-related threads (BDSM Gen Talk, My BDSM Life, D/Sw/s area, etc)?

Don't get me wrong--there is a little something for everyone on this site--writers, newbies, o/l, r/l, non-BDSM, and whatever makes your boat rock, you should do it. But when did the post count start being something we should reward? Like "oh hey Bob, great job there on spending 10 hr in F&G posting back and forth one word answers. You posted so much these past few weeks we're going to give you a reward for how much you posted." Versus, say "oh hey Sally, your posts recently in My BDSM Life have been very insightful & helpful as resources for newbies, but because they are quality and not quantity, you don't get rewarded with a Hall of Fame badge." Anyone else see anything wrong with this? We're a BDSM site. Why do we reward F&G posts? Let people go crazy in F&G, have a lollapalooza--but WHY do we reward that more then we award substantive, BDSM posts?? Anyone else here see the irony?

I am not angry or bitter, or whatever other feelings people want to attach to it... I just think that it's something to think about with respect to what we "reward" in our little society here. Do I suggest more awards? God no, we already have a ridiculous amount of them as is, and to be honest, I can't stand the thought of more little icons in sig blocks (sorry, that's my personal opinion there). But people, when did satisfaction for helping someone out, for lending a newbie a hand, for posting resourceful lifestyle information, for having thoughful discussions, get trumped by this ridiculousness of running up post counts?

For those who have 5000-10000-15000-20000-30000+ posts and want to jump down my throat by saying "hey I contribute a lot here, damn it, you are trying to say I don't"--that isn't what I mean AT ALL. I am talking about the vast group of folks who NEVER post in F&G, don't have enormous post counts, but get overlooked because we reward strictly on points. Again, if you want to post like a mad, crazy person in F&G, go for it! Nothing stopping you, and if that's how you get your kicks, GREAT!!! I have noooo problem with that!!! But shouldn't we also be rewarding substance & quality over quantity?

Just something for people to chew on & think a little about...



Respectfully as always,

delia

[Haelix]

I think this is a very good issue to mention.. looking at the top posters in forums, its easy to see for those using post count as a measuring stick, that there's absolutely no way for anyone new to come close to hitting those numbers. You guys have added a "Thanks" counter and I think that's quality of sorts... who has posted the most helpful info as judged by the community. But at the same time, thats also almost a user-based popularity thing as well.

Idea... other forums and sites have a built-in "Karma" system which sometimes works kindof like a combination of post-count and Thanks. What if you guys added something similar to this, but forum specific? For the sake of the example I'll call it "Karma" here...

You could technically set it up to where in certain forums (BDSM-related) upon posting, the processing form would go through a word-count, and if your response contained more than a few words... or more than X words (say 20-40+ words, as an actual thought out response to something) you could get a "karma" point. This would get us closer to a point system based more on Quality-than-Quantity... although this would also breed those Alpha-types that would just ramble and ramble and ramble to hit that number (do I get karma points yet?) All of this could be done behind the scenes with no one actually knowing specific formulas.. and for most here, that wouldnt matter. But it would reward those who took the time to write out full responses or their opinions to responses over just "I agree!" and post.

In other forums, say F&G, maybe its not a "Karma"-worthy forum. So while posts still increase, this new "Quality Contribution" measuring system wouldnt be applicable there.

Oh, and of course then you could have polls and contests to name the new measuring stick.. and all the fun and such that would ensue from that.

Awards: Is there an award for Chat Jackass of the Month? I think I'm due.

[gemmy]

*waves to Haelix* ltns

I couldn't agree more delia *applauds*

I think everyone adds in their own way - regardless how it's rewarded, if it's rewarded or not.

There are many great educational posts that help in supporting people in their journey and there are equally great light, laughing posts that may make a person smile when they just need a smile.

I don't think we should sweat the small stuff and just enjoy the site as a whole in all it offers.

To the Admins - Thank you for an excellent job here. Personally having run a site for five years, I know it's not an easy task and all the work, effort and sometimes bullshit that you have to get through can be trying so I do appreciate it!

[butterflySlave4u]

respectfully, delia, i think you answered your own query in the title of your post...."contributing".

The people who win the "Hall of Fame" awards are socially moving around the circuit, interacting with those of us who only occasionally post. We learn a little about them, and they move on....And yes, some people do pay attention to how many posts they've "contributed" to our community. And that's fine, as you've said, the F&G section seems to be the most popular for that. But it's just that....Fun and Games...and as members of this BDSM society, are we not allowed fun and games outside the bedroom, as well as inside?

If someone posts something that particularly touches you, that YOU think is worthy of note, then by all means, acknowledge it. Our wonderful forums have many ways of doing that...the "Thanks for this particularly useful Post" at the bottom of every contribution is one...you can also PM the author, publically on their profile page, or even Privately...e-mail, being another option. I think in the grander scheme of things, the author would MUCH more appreciate the personal communique! And i think that something like that would be their TRUE "Hall of Fame" moment.

We've been given all of those options by you, the admin staff. And they're wonderful....delia, i get your point...but for some here, the socialization and camaraderie is enough. To interact with like-minded individuals...we're all contributing, in one way or another.....

Karen

[Master1Roy]

yep

[Master1Roy]

1 also thinks at times 1 word is enough said and that more can be said otherwise I also agree with butterflyslave4u as well

[Warbaby1943]

I was going to ignore this thread and I probably should but I have never been one to keep my mouth shut. I can't speak for others who like to post and play games but as far as I am concerned I DID NOT come here looking for awards, never even entered my mind so if they bother you that much I'm sure you can eliminate them very easily.

As far as contributions go this forum would be rather dead without the F & G section and sponsors may be less likely to want to advertise here if he place was inactive a large percentage of the time. Also it would be a hell of a lot less welcoming place since most all who play games are also the ones who take the time to go and welcome new people to the forums.

So if a smaller and less active site is the goal then eliminate the F & G section. I think I may have suggested a very similar action about 7 or 8 months ago. Have at it if that is what you think this place needs and would be best over all for the forum.

[lily27]

Also it would be a hell of a lot less welcoming place since most all who play games are also the ones who take the time to go and welcome new people to the forums.

I would be willing to argue that for some people that is because it takes all of 15 seconds to type out "Welcome!" or post a smilie, and that too is an easy way to up your post count.

[Warbaby1943]

I would be willing to argue that for some people that is because it takes all of 15 seconds to type out "Welcome!" or post a smilie, and that too is an easy way to up your post count.

I don't want to argue with you anyone else because I personally don't give a fuck one way or the other what is thought by anyone about my post count . I'll just say if it is so fucking easy why do more not do it? I do not post welcomes to new people to advance my post count. I don't need to use that as a vehicle to increase them.

[sisterhoney61 {RW}]

I don't want to argue with you anyone else because I personally don't give a fuck one way or the other what is thought by anyone about my post count . I'll just say if it is so fucking easy why do more not do it? I do not post welcomes to new people to advance my post count. I don't need to use that as a vehicle to increase them.

I personally don't understand what is the problem with Warbaby or anyone else typing in a 15 second welcome to newcomers to these forums. I personally have been to other forums where I have posted a "Hello, I'm new here" post and have been ignored. At least the newcomers to this board are welcomed with open arms. Regulars here let them know that they are welcome to the site and are made to feel so. And if posting welcomes to newcomers ups someone's post count, so freakin' what?

[lily27]

I don't want to argue with you anyone else because I personally don't give a fuck one way or the other what is thought by anyone about my post count . I'll just say if it is so fucking easy why do more not do it? I do not post welcomes to new people to advance my post count. I don't need to use that as a vehicle to increase them.

If you don't care, then why are you getting so firey about it? My comment wasn't specifically about you... I used the word "some" and even bolded it because I expected it to be misinterpreted from the beginning.

I think it is great that people welcome the newbies.... but you said it was mostly the people who frequent the F&G section that do so. I pointed out that for SOME people it is not out of any great benevolance, but is simply another way to easily up their post count.

Why don't I take the time to do it? Because if I only have 20 minutes on the forum, I would rather take it to respond to someone's question in another area, than to go and "Welcome!" 20 people.

And "willing to argue" is more a turn of phrase than anything else. No reason to bring out the F-bombs.

[Warbaby1943]

And "willing to argue" is more a turn of phrase than anything else. No reason to bring out the F-bombs.

You have the knack of bringing out the best in me. Notice I said you.

[gagged_Louise]

I think you have a lot of good points, Delia, and at the time when I was on staff I actually did broach some of these issues openly myself, on an internal staff forum. That could appear ironic because I was recruited to take charge of the Hall of Fame, which is connected to the numbers count, but I made it quite open that to me numbers don't imply that much in themselves, beyond the fun factor, and I absolutely don't consider myself a "VIP member" because of so and so many posts. That's just numbers, dammit, and in any case 95% of the posts here are more or less buried just weeks after they were written. So if I feel I'm contributing it's because of the personal qualities of a good deal of what is posted: openness, sensuality, friendship, sexiness, a sense of community. How would I say I'm a "better member" than Tessa, ladygstar, Oz or Alex? Still, a lot of my own posting here has been intertwined with making friendships, connecting to people and often new people here.

I can see there is an irritation factor if you have on the one hand a band of people who appear to be doing nothing but playing games in very short posts, and on the other hand serious (older?) people who are discussing bdsm and dungeon equipment in a factual and experienced way and who feel they don't get their share of recognition. Tensions of that kind is something we have to live with here, because this place spans at least three generations and people who have very different expectations.

I would love to see a stronger emphasis on the writing activity, on imagination, and I think Nikita and Alex are up to just that. As long as people will see a place like this can't be measured just by a few "top members" - it is too rich for that.

[jeanne]

One thing to remember in defense of the F & G forum - it's a wonderful place for newbies to come to and have a little fun and meet members in a more relaxed atmosphere tthan chat. When I came to the library, I tried both. Hated chat, loved F & G. I don't go there too much any more, but I met some wonderful people there...Pertez, louise, DungeonMaster6, Hawk_Fann come to mind right away...there can be some fun conversations going on in those silly posts.

As for the awards based on post count - who cares? For those to whom post counts and thanks counts are important...go for it. For the rest of us who measure our worth differently...we'll just do our thing.

[denuseri]

<<has asked to contribute more to the site, its helped and supported me alot, i am just now begining to explore the forums more often, baby steps, and interested in learning more,

[lily27]

I remember the days before the hall of fame, and I have to say that there seemed to be a pretty drastic and immediate fall off of long and insightful posting in favour of quick one word replies in the fun and games forum. It seemed like very few people could be bothered to spend 20 minutes writing out a reply when they could instead increase their post count by 50 during that time. It has gotten better as of late, but I actually wandered off for several months at one point just because there was very little activity relating to BDSM anymore.

I know that some people who are active in the F&G forums also post in the other areas as well, but there are a few people that have thousands and thousands of posts that I have never even heard of before.

I have to admit that there are times that I question the value of having a fun and games forum at all. I understand that people enjoy it, but is it to the detriment of having more activity revolving around BDSM, which is what this forum is here for to begin with? (I don't actually know the answer to this question, just throwing it out there.) There was a time where at least most of the games threads required wit, humour and creativity, instead of "let's all count consecutive numbers."

As Warbaby said, eliminating it would definitely reduce the size of the site. But is that a bad thing? If people are going to leave because there isn't a fun and games section, is that really a problem for a BDSM-specific site? I belong to other forums on different topics where there are thousands of new posts in a day, and they are all on the main topic of the forum.... with nobody missing a games section.

This isn't my site, so I know there are probably other issues to deal with, but personally I would prefer to see a much more active forum based on BDSM.... I am not sure exactly how to acheive that.

I don't really have an opinion one way or another about the "Thanks" button... however, there have been a few times I wished we had a "No Thanks" one. LOL.

So that is my two cents. I am sure it will probably anger a lot of people, but that has never really stopped me. Sometimes you have to take a step back and ask if something is really working, or if it is having some unintended consequences. There have been a lot of really excellent contributors who have gone away over the years... not with big dramatic "I'm leaving!" exits, but just fading away. I would be very interested in finding out why they left.

[Phantome]

Well, I just typed out a wonderfully well-thought-out post, and I pushed the wrong button and deleted it all. Let's see if I can reconstruct it...

I agree that it seems like people put too much emphasis on post count, which should be taken with a grain of salt. I do feel there is a place for both F&G and BDSM-related threads here. The F&G section is very low-pressure, and is a great way for people to get to know members of the forum, plus it's nice to have a place with familiar faces where I can unwind if I choose, and not have to think too hard.

That said, I rarely visit the F&G section, but some of the times that I did, I have raised my eyebrows at the number of unfamiliar faces in the F&G section who have thousands of posts, because they rarely post in the rest of the forum. I have definitely wondered about how the other folks around here view the value of post counts. I have been here for years, but only have a few hundred posts. Does that make me less valuable as a friend or contributor? On the flip side, if someone has a very low thread count because they're new or just don't post in F&G, does that make their thoughts less worthy of consideration? Even though it's obvious (to me, at least) that some high thread counts are almost nothing but F&G, it seems as though that's a quickly forgotton fact.

I guess I'm just saying that I don't really pay much attention to post counts as a measure of someone's value to the forum. I pay more attention to the content which they post, and I occasionally take note of how long they've been a member. I think that if someone stumbles across this forum and finds a welcoming sense of community, then I'd say we have a pretty successful forum, and whether that happens in F&G, chat, or the rest of the forum, I don't think it matters.

There have been a lot of really excellent contributors who have gone away over the years... not with big dramatic "I'm leaving!" exits, but just fading away. I would be very interested in finding out why they left.

There was a time that I went away for many months. Whether I was missed or not (or even considered an "excellent contributor"), I don't know, but I'm back now. If you are interested in finding out why, PM me.

-Phan

[cadence]

I think I have been here for about two years, my post count would still be under a thousand, had I not become a greeter and thought it would be a good idea to greet people in the introduction thread.

I don't really care about the post count, if someone else does, that is thier perogative, I have no issues with that.

I am on another forum where post count does matter, (if you are truly a sarcastic, mean opinionated moron, that might be overlooked), consider yourself ostracized until you at least have over a 1000 posts, and even then you better be prepared to become mean, opinionated and sarcastic.

I can count on one hand the number of people I personally know here, so it is obvious I don't go to F&G much. And I must note that there is nothing wrong with having a large post count in F&G. A person could make numourous posts here and there, but I like to at least look for substance and the general tone of the post. Some of the people who do post quite a bit in the F&G thread, have made some substantial posts elsewhere.

I have also run across a couple of posters here, who may have had very few posts, but they infuse a certain attitude within thier writing that makes me admire them quite a bit.

I just realized that my post is a bit biased.
I know that I was very afraid of posting for fear of being judged and criticized. It is discouraging to some newcomers to come out and post, when they are worried about being judged based on the substance of thier writing.
Everyone has something to say.

As for rewarding post counts, last I looked it said "Forum God" (my interpretation means "god that's a lot of posts!!!!), not "Forum Contributor", we do have awards for that as well.

[gagged_Louise]

One thing to remember in defense of the F & G forum - it's a wonderful place for newbies to come to and have a little fun and meet members in a more relaxed atmosphere tthan chat. When I came to the library, I tried both. Hated chat, loved F & G. I don't go there too much any more, but I met some wonderful people there...Pertez, louise, DungeonMaster6, Hawk_Fann come to mind right away...there can be some fun conversations going on in those silly posts.

As for the awards based on post count - who cares? For those to whom post counts and thanks counts are important...go for it. For the rest of us who measure our worth differently...we'll just do our thing.

I'm very much with Jeanne here, and it's no accident we bonded fast as soon as she appaeared on the Games board. I didn't find the chat a place that was easy to adapt to and actually get through in a nuanced way - the number of people, the hail of short lines meshed through with shorts and signspeak - and then bleak silence sometimes - made it hard to focus easily on one or two people when you wanted to. I don't communicate in punchlines, sometimes I need to be a bit longer, more written, or keep to a line of questions and that's not easily done in a chat log - simply gets lost in the flow of single-lines and talk (I know the kind of "internet lingo": b4, fyi, lmao, kind of dot-to-dot phrases, but didn't grow up with it, and not being native to English that kind of chat talk sometimes won't kick in with me). F&G proved much more supple and like Jeanne, I feel it sometimes worked as a kind of submerged one-on-one talk. So the idea of dropping F&G, apart from not being realistic, would also make this a much harder and stonier place to get into, and it might pull more people who pretend to have spent fifteen years in r/l bdsm relationships because that would be a surefire way to get recognized.

One thing that's precious about the Library is that it's open to newcomers and people without a lot of experience, taking account of that you don't have to live up to an ideal image of a Dominant or sub. While F&G and some other forums may seem loose some of the time, and shirking some of the attention (I agree some of the posting on F&G is a bit routinish) they help guard that open vibe to the place.

[sisterhoney61 {RW}]

I understand where you are coming from, delia. but I also see butterflyslave's point of view too. One way that I've gotten going onto 400 posts and only being here for two months is because of the F&G section. However, I am not looking to work towards any kind of posting award in the future. As jeanne said. who cares? When it comes to the other sections what people here are going to remember is the wonderful advice you gave someone or the terrific story you posted in the writer's section. They aren't going to pay attention to the fact that you have racked up 3000 posts because of the F&G section.

I personally like the F&G section. I have chronic insomnia and I often post there late at night when I get bored playing online solitaire. As others in the chat room have figured out, I multitask when I'm in there and it's usually because I'm posting in the F&G section. And as butterflyslave pointed out, we in BDSM deserve to have fun and games as well. After all, don't we call our sessions "play"?

[Tufty]

Just my thoughts…

I first found this site when I was looking for some ideas for BDSM stories and posted two stories before I actually joined the Forums. I looked at all those threads in the different areas and thought to myself, Well, they’re all fairly clued up on matters BDSM…and I don’t want to post for fear of embarrassing myself!” However, I did post in a couple of threads and seemed to be totally ignored. The same in the Chat Room – even saying ‘hello’ to the people in there was a nightmare and folks didn’t often bother to respond to the ‘newbie’ in the room.

The F&G thread was, for me, the best place to get to know people and it does appear to be the place where the new folks come to get acquainted with the site. If I hadn’t found the F&G thread, I would probably have never posted in any of the other threads, simply because I didn’t feel that ‘knew’ anybody. Even now, I agree with lily27 when she says, “…but there are a few people that have thousands and thousands of posts that I have never even heard of before."

I’ve made some very good o/l friends in the six months that I’ve been here and I must agree with Louise’s comment ”….posting here has been intertwined with making friendships, connecting to people and often new people here.” I also hear the comment from Warbaby1943 that “…most all who play games are also the ones who take the time to go and welcome new people to the forums.” Again there are many people greet the new members and it isn't solely those who frequent the F&G thread.

As for counting the number of posts (and I was the one who initially started the ‘stuck counter’ thread), it really isn’t important at all. I started the thread because somebody PMd me and asked if I’d noticed that the counts weren’t rising and I thought that Admin should know about it. I wasn’t really aware of 10k posts award until I received one.

As I see it, this site is about like-minded people sharing information, discussing various topics, writing stories, making friends and having fun while they do these things….and we all contribute in our own different ways.

Reading all these posts in this thread has made me feel guilty about 'contributing' to the F&G thread now.

[angelic.zest]

i can only speak for myself, when i say this and maybe a few others...

I enjoy posting here and enjoy posting in the F&G, but i only post outside of F&G when i feel i have something important to say, or something that i think i should say. For me i take my time when i post out of F&G, look over my post, several times before clicking submit Lmao..but hey thats just me, im self conscious about expression my throughts, in a forum such as this one because i dont to be judged and criticized.

i dont think this thread was meant to point fingers at those who post in F&G or for those who just go to Religion and Politics, Erotic Photos, etc...i take it just as her vent thread, which is open for discussion.. ahh

The point count really doesnt mean shit to me, it really doesnt, its a nice feature but im sure we all will survivie if its not there but i really do like F&Gs..and if a certain set of ppl dont want to go in there, dont ..ignore that whole section of the forum, if u feel it kiddish. *shrugs*

zesty~

[annie]

To me the post count doesn't matter. It annoys me to see members applauded and congratulated for the number of posts simple because of how they were achieved most of the time. That being said though, that is my issue to either get upset about or ignore. So, I choose to ignore it and very seldom recognize those "accomplishments."

We have tried various other awards. The last set of "yearly" awards was while I was on staff. Honestly, it was a nightmare on many assorted fronts for many assorted reasons. There were also 2 awards called the "Rabbit" awards which were created basically to balance out the post count awards and to recognize contributors with fewer post counts. Those were to have been done quarterly and obviously died a quick death after the first set was given out. I am concerned that staff has continued to keep up the post count awards and not the contributor awards though. Personally, if all sets aren't worth doing then none of them should be done.

No one will be happy no matter which way it is handled.... my only request for the future would be a way to sort "new posts" and leave out forms you aren't interested in looking at, such as F&G. Perhaps have it an option on the CPuser where you can choose which sub forums to show on a now post search. Having 4 pages of new posts of which less then 1/2 of one page actually relate to anything other then F&G is a waste of my time since I do post there but seldom. Just as it is a waste of others time I'm sure to have to sort through other sections that they aren't interested in.

[Tojo]

I think the best thing we can contribute to the site, & perhaps the world in general is a little more effort in getting on with each other.

Why is it so hard to accept that not everyone agrees with our particular point of view? How boring would it be if we all agreed 100% about everything?

Places such as this are discussion forums, where a range of topics are debated & differing views put forth. What I say is what I believe- however I'd be pretty dumb & narrow-minded if I wasn't prepared to look at the oppposing view.


I'm sorry if this upsets anyone- but guys, there is no right or wrong in what we talk about. There is no 'right' way to be in a D/s relationship, or any 'wrong' way. All we can do is contribute our own thoughts & beliefs- some will agree, & some.......will disagree!

[butterflySlave4u]

To me the post count doesn't matter. It annoys me to see members applauded and congratulated for the number of posts simple because of how they were achieved most of the time. That being said though, that is my issue to either get upset about or ignore. So, I choose to ignore it and very seldom recognize those "accomplishments."

We have tried various other awards. The last set of "yearly" awards was while I was on staff. Honestly, it was a nightmare on many assorted fronts for many assorted reasons. There were also 2 awards called the "Rabbit" awards which were created basically to balance out the post count awards and to recognize contributors with fewer post counts. Those were to have been done quarterly and obviously died a quick death after the first set was given out. I am concerned that staff has continued to keep up the post count awards and not the contributor awards though. Personally, if all sets aren't worth doing then none of them should be done.

No one will be happy no matter which way it is handled.... my only request for the future would be a way to sort "new posts" and leave out forms you aren't interested in looking at, such as F&G. Perhaps have it an option on the CPuser where you can choose which sub forums to show on a now post search. Having 4 pages of new posts of which less then 1/2 of one page actually relate to anything other then F&G is a waste of my time since I do post there but seldom. Just as it is a waste of others time I'm sure to have to sort through other sections that they aren't interested in.

To take it a step further, perhaps place the post counts elsewhere within the forum, so as to not distract from ones accomplishments? Perhaps insert the number of posts an individual has on their profile page, as opposed to plugging it into their sigature? Or making it optional to have it posted publically or privately.

[thepast]

Great thoughts everyone. Of course there are as many viewpoints on this as there are on any other issue...

The point of my post wasn't accusatory in any way (as I stated in the post), nor was it to diminish the roles people enjoy having for themselves on the forums. It was more a "food for thought" post, to perhaps lure some people out of their comfort zone a little to post where they otherwise wouldn't, and to perhaps remind everyone that the forums is a HUGE place, with TONS of different people, but at the same time, getting to know new folks (whether they are new to you or just new to the site in general) is 1/2 the fun of the o/l world... after all, we would all be quite boring if we just talked to ourselves & our stuffed hippos all day... not that I do that...

I knew some people w/higher post counts might get defensive with this thread & that wasn't the point... the point was simply to open everyone's eyes that there is more out there then just post counts.

Tufty, I apologize if it appeared my remark on that "tech problem" re: the post counter appeared to be directed at you--it wasn't. You make lots of contributions to the site... it was simply demonstrative of my point (albiet taken perhaps out of context).

Lastly, I would also state that I mentioned in my original post that I didn't think there should be more "awards" or anything of the like... I guess my question is, why even award post count? What if we just did away with that category of award entirely? And left the awards for things like writing, photos, etc? Inherently most awards are popularity contests or they are somewhat mechanistic (the Hall of Fame here)... If everyone with the high post counts says that the awards don't really matter, why not just get rid of them? Why keep them in sig blocks, or keep announcing them? Why not just let all members be "equal"??

Now, please note I don't speak for the staff of the forums. Let me repeat: I DON'T SPEAK FOR THE STAFF. So before everyone says "well as a staff member you should..." I am not staff. I am merely posting as a forums member.

I think that's all I have left to say after a long day...

Thanks for the great thoughts, everyone!

[Tufty]

Tufty, I apologize if it appeared my remark on that "tech problem" re: the post counter appeared to be directed at you--it wasn't. You make lots of contributions to the site... it was simply demonstrative of my point (albiet taken perhaps out of context).

No need for apologies, delia. It wasn't taken personally at all

[***Kate***]

there's rewards?
there's a post counter ?

shrugs

[gemmy]

Hmmm I just saw the OP as a note to say it is all worthwhile but that having to defend a low post count as not being a viable part of the site not an accurate statement.

I think it's all worthwhile personally and if those that see F&G as frivolous don't have to go there, simply

We all come here for different reasons, that's the beauty of diversity and a high quality in this community (BDSM)

Recognizing post count for fun rewards is just that - Fun

We all add value

[Ozme52]

Saying thanks for reaching a milestone such as 1000 posts is one thing... creating the appellation of Forum God/Goddess is another.

WB, who never asked for it, was the first. Kinda cool. But then, because an icon was added to be put in the signature, it was like it became a goal in and of itself.

That was, imo, when post-counts became more important than content or intent (eg to have fun in F&G) Now I see compitition in the Thank-you count... I was sorry to see it created.

That said, this seems like the third or fourth time post-counting has been discussed and in the end, we all tend to agree that doing something to change it is irrelevent to the continued health of the forum.

So why rehash it? (Now that I've had my say of course. LOL)