Susan's Place Transgender Resources

The new version of SMF fixes the issues I had installing modules on the forums. Thus the karma description mod is working once more. As such I have re-enabled Karma on the forums. Karma should be given to reward helpful posts, great topics, and posts which contribute to the topic at hand. Negative smites should not be used unless a post clearly violates the rules, policies of the site, or the spirit of our community. All karma is reviewed, and karma which was given for inappropriate reasons will be removed.  Inappropriate smites will result in penalties being given.

I just finished posting a question about this before I read your announcement, Susan. When the server came back up, it seems that many members had high karma counts, while some, like me, have none (sniff,sniff)? How were these beginning counts determined. Just curious-
-Barb

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 27, 2007, 08:09:00 PM
I just finished posting a question about this before I read your announcement, Susan. When the server came back up, it seems that many members had high karma counts, while some, like me, have none (sniff,sniff)? How were these beginning counts determined. Just curious-
-Barb

Karma was enabled for years before a bug in either Php 5.2 or the forum software stopped me from being able to install certain addon modules which allow me to prevent abuse of the system. We try to keep the karma/reputation system a positive thing instead of allowing it to become a tool of character assassination.  As such I disabled the karma option until the problem was fixed, which was today. So once the problem was resolved I re-enabled it. People who had positive karma before it was disabled kept it, people who registered after karma was disabled have not been given any yet, but it will come. Just make good posts and the community will give you the recognition you deserve! :)

I hate the concept  :(  !!!!

So we all try to be popular to get some "belonging" brownie points.

Sounds so much like the school and workplace cliques I have always so much hated ! And the snobbery and judgmentalism that goes with them  >:( .

So some posters become "better than others" ???  ?

Big brother giving us popularity gradings  :o !

Horrid idea, really really really horrid idea ....

Please lets all be equals in our worth until we're judged in the minds of others. But not a forum mark (aka. school grade for being a good girl).  Please ?

Laura x

I prefer you don't try to get karma. I perfer it be given to you by other users spontaneously. That being said anything that encourages people to write better posts, I am all for.

The karma system is a part of these forums and will remain so.

.

Thanks, Susan, for your prompt reply. I appreciate the explanation.
Barb-

Let me put it in a way you two can understand. This site's reputation is a feedback system. If you get applauded people feel you are doing something right, if you get smited you are doing something wrong. Reputation is here to stay. If you seriously have a problem with it then it might be time for you to look for another forum that better serves your needs. If you stay with that attitude you will have lots of smites in your future. If you get smited enough and you don't change the course you are on, you may end up losing your access to this site.

Have a nice day.

---

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 27, 2007, 09:15:41 PM
Thanks, Susan, for your prompt reply. I appreciate the explanation.
Barb-

You are most welcome Barbara Ann.

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 09:17:45 PM
Let me put it in a way you two can understand. This site's reputation is a feedback system. If you get applauded people feel you are doing something right, if you get smited you are doing something wrong. Reputation is here to stay. If you seriously have a problem with it then it might be time for you to look for another forum that better serves your needs. If you stay with that attitude you will have lots of smites in your future. If you get smited enough and you don't change the course you are on, you may end up losing your access to this site.

Hey Susan! I like this karma system it seems appropriate enough. I was just wondering though!?! If you get enough applauds do you get rewarded? Or is there just punishment for having too many smites?

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 09:17:45 PM
Let me put it in a way you two can understand. This site's reputation is a feedback system. If you get applauded people feel you are doing something right, if you get smited you are doing something wrong. Reputation is here to stay. If you seriously have a problem with it then it might be time for you to look for another forum that better serves your needs. If you stay with that attitude you will have lots of smites in your future. If you get smited enough and you don't change the course you are on, you may end up losing your access to this site.

Have a nice day.

---

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 27, 2007, 09:15:41 PM
Thanks, Susan, for your prompt reply. I appreciate the explanation.
Barb-

You are most welcome Barbara Ann.

Ahhhhh, so these are subjectively based upon the whim of the 'smiter'. Hypothetically then, if your posts are indeed of merit but people just don't like you, they can 'smite you into oblivion' and banishment.

I have far more grievous things to worry about.

You didn't read my initial post on this topic did you?

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 08:03:50 PM
...Karma should be given to reward helpful posts, great topics, and posts which contribute to the topic at hand. Negative smites should not be used unless a post clearly violates the rules, policies of the site, or the spirit of our community. All karma is reviewed, and karma which was given for inappropriate reasons will be removed.  Inappropriate smites will result in penalties being given.

We are very strict on abuse of the reputation system. I have removed people's ability to give reputation forever for abuse in the past.

Thank you for re-installing it, Susan.

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: NatalieCarole on June 27, 2007, 09:45:00 PM
Hey Susan! I like this karma system it seems appropriate enough. I was just wondering though!?! If you get enough applauds do you get rewarded? Or is there just punishment for having too many smites?

No rewards persay, just the good feeling that you can get from knowning that the community values your contributions. I also may give reptuation some consideration when hiring new staff members. But it's not a deciding factor by far.

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 09:48:39 PM
You didn't read my initial post on this topic did you?

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 08:03:50 PM
...Karma should be given to reward helpful posts, great topics, and posts which contribute to the topic at hand. Negative smites should not be used unless a post clearly violates the rules, policies of the site, or the spirit of our community. All karma is reviewed, and karma which was given for inappropriate reasons will be removed.  Inappropriate smites will result in penalties being given.

We are very strict on abuse of the reputation system. I have removed people's ability to give reputation forever for abuse in the past.

You have demonstrated that you are an honorable woman with integrity.

And in that knowledge I find reassurance.

Quote from: Laura Eva B on June 27, 2007, 08:53:20 PM
So some posters become "better than others" ???  ?

The way I see it is if this methodology is used by someone and karma is not available then post counts will be used for such determinations. I.e. Karma is not the concept at fault.

This said, I have never much cared for the concept on a poster basis but do like it on a post basis but ^*shrug* all in all, ignore it exists and everything works just fine so we all end up happy ;)

Quote from: Rhonda on June 27, 2007, 09:52:22 PM
You have demonstrated that you are an honorable woman with integrity.

If she was not I would not be here ;) ... A comment that you may find more meaningful than others here but of no less value.

But to expound on this for the sake of others.  Simply put, I TRUST Susan. I have found ALL of her dealings fair if perhaps humanly slanted at times. Simply put, she is a rather wonderful leader in this. To be blunt, you have nothing to fear unless you earn her wrath.

Just my thoughts... sand in the wind.

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 09:51:02 PM

Quote from: NatalieCarole on June 27, 2007, 09:45:00 PM
Hey Susan! I like this karma system it seems appropriate enough. I was just wondering though!?! If you get enough applauds do you get rewarded? Or is there just punishment for having too many smites?

No rewards persay, just the good feeling that you can get from knowning that the community values your contributions. I also may give reptuation some consideration when hiring new staff members. But it's not a deciding factor by far.

Not even 'S & H Green Stamps" ?

Uhhhh, never mind; I'm going now....... :embarrassed:


___________________________________________

Posted on: June 28, 2007, 01:47:11 AM

---

Quote from: Kimberly on June 27, 2007, 11:41:18 PM

Quote from: Laura Eva B on June 27, 2007, 08:53:20 PM
So some posters become "better than others" ???  ?

The way I see it is if this methodology is used by someone and karma is not available then post counts will be used for such determinations. I.e. Karma is not the concept at fault.

This said, I have never much cared for the concept on a poster basis but do like it on a post basis but ^*shrug* all in all, ignore it exists and everything works just fine so we all end up happy ;)

Quote from: Rhonda on June 27, 2007, 09:52:22 PM
You have demonstrated that you are an honorable woman with integrity.

If she was not I would not be here ;) ... A comment that you may find more meaningful than others here but of no less value.

But to expound on this for the sake of others.  Simply put, I TRUST Susan. I have found ALL of her dealings fair if perhaps humanly slanted at times. Simply put, she is a rather wonderful leader in this. To be blunt, you have nothing to fear unless you earn her wrath.

Just my thoughts... sand in the wind.

Hmm.....the simplistically minded will equate or gauge quality on the basis of quantity in this instance, not that it means anything, given that such a notion is solely a function of puerile subjective interpretation of that which they possess no power to influence, but not so with a rating system which they do possess power to influence.

That system can be manipulated, for both the positive or the negative.

I think that I will go have some burnt popcorn; would you like some, Kimberly?  :) :o

Quote from: Kiera on June 28, 2007, 03:11:59 AM

Quote from: Rhonda on June 28, 2007, 02:00:26 AMHmm.....the simplistically minded will equate or gauge quality on the basis of quantity in this instance, not that it means anything, given that such a notion is solely a function of puerile subjective interpretation of that which they possess no power to influence, but not so with a rating system which they do possess power to influence.

Rhonda, can you translate please?

Susan, glad to see back in good working order. Karma, among other mods, is meant to be fun and is a very handy way to comment/compliment somebody with a very short note instead of extra post. Can you replace your arrows with my (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deltaxchange.com%2Fforums%2Fimages%2Freputation%2Ficon14.gif&hash=6986650c05046d4ae497e6633766055d487034fc) "thumbs" (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.deltaxchange.com%2Fforums%2Fimages%2Freputation%2Ficon13.gif&hash=57a61e45c0e21d3f1c1004b31f42e4cc2e65085f) easily enough? (This is a test ;D as requires postbit change)

Ever hear of "Tachy Goes to Coventry"? Standard on VBulletin. Very cruel indeed! :icon_bunch:

It's all just a conspiracy between Susan, the voices in my head and extraterrestrial sea slug like entities who wear dead flowers in their hair and who recently had their Volvos repossessed....

I think.

Permit me to consult my astrolologererer, before I commit to this explanation....or be committed.  :o :o :o :o :police: :angel: >:D :-* :P ??? ;D :embarrassed: :police:

Quote from: Susan on June 27, 2007, 08:03:50 PM
the karma description mod is working once more. As such I have re-enabled Karma on the forums.

Oh snap!

I've thought about this karma thing overnight; and I really don't see where it would be a help in promoting the kind of exchange I have loved here at Susan's. We have counts of posts, staff titles, stars; and now we have a metric that gages our "reputation." I just wanted to have honest, transparent, compassionate exchanges here; and I have always strived to do just that. Now, in spite of my best intentions to carry through with genuine communication and yes, love, with my kindered sisters, I feel that any dialog from here forward will be tainted with a "reputation" marker; but no marker can quantify my heart-felt feelings for those of our group.
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example. Also, you might want to consider zeroing out everyone's reputation - start out on equal footing, as it were. Let the past stay in the past.
My love goes out to all you girls who are transparent - it really comes through in your posts. They ring with truth and compassion. To me, that is the hallmark of a good woman - the kind I want to be. I'm sure that I will get a chance to meet some of you at events or in other forums. Many of you have become very dear to me.

Please withdraw my membership. Like Martin Luther said: "...since it is neither safe nor honourable to act against conscience."
-Barbara Ann

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example.

I have my actual pic on here, albeit one before I "found" some extra weight.  I have it here because, personally, I don't care what people know or think about me.  However, there are staff members here that, for a multitude of reasons such as personal life, job security, etc., cannot or will not post a pic that could be seen by the public in general.  To require a staff member to post an actual pic (and I think most of us do anyway) would be limiting the talent (not that I have any) available to Susan to help manage her site.

Beverly

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example.

Why should staff members be required to give up their anonymity? There are people I am not out too, including many of my relatives. This site gets heavy traffic, and is arguably one of the most visited sites for transgendered people, if not the most visited.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I've thought about this karma thing overnight; and I really don't see where it would be a help in promoting the kind of exchange I have loved here at Susan's. We have counts of posts, staff titles, stars; and now we have a metric that gages our "reputation." I just wanted to have honest, transparent, compassionate exchanges here; and I have always strived to do just that. Now, in spite of my best intentions to carry through with genuine communication and yes, love, with my kindered sisters, I feel that any dialog from here forward will be tainted with a "reputation" marker; but no marker can quantify my heart-felt feelings for those of our group.
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example. Also, you might want to consider zeroing out everyone's reputation - start out on equal footing, as it were. Let the past stay in the past.
My love goes out to all you girls who are transparent - it really comes through in your posts. They ring with truth and compassion. To me, that is the hallmark of a good woman - the kind I want to be. I'm sure that I will get a chance to meet some of you at events or in other forums. Many of you have become very dear to me.

Please withdraw my membership. Like Martin Luther said: "...since it is neither safe nor honourable to act against conscience."
-Barbara Ann

I don't really pay attention to the poster's reputation number when reading a post. The reputation markers were always here prior to a forum bug. I enjoy giving karma. It's an easy way to say 'right on' to a post without posting a reply. I doubt that our members here would be so petty as to use the karma system for some type of puerile popularity contest. Also, as was previously stated several times in this thread, smites are taken very seriously and frivolous smiting is not tolerated.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM

I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example.

Barbara, while I hope that you reconsider, for I have enjoyed reading your posts, I take no issue with your decision or anything you have said, but for this one suggestion.

I am simply not comfortable with having every post I write show my appearance.  When I choose to post my picture, fine.  I chose to post that in response to something said.  But for me to decide "My picture belongs everywhere"...  I am not happy enough with my appearance to do so.  I do not wish to see my own face and upper body, as it is right now, staring at me from every post I make.  If it is not a requirement for anyone else and I do not see why it SHOULD be a requirement, then why should I be required to do so?  What is leading by example when there is no problem to begin with?  I am obviously not an anime mecha.  I do not deceive anyone with this.  I would rather have no avatar than to, at this time, post my own picture.

Give up being anon? Impossible for me.  A good part of the staff have seen an actual pic of me though so it is not like I have remained behind the curtain all of the time.

Karma was here before and with the exception of a few abusers (who were dealt with), it worked fine and does not create a society of have and have nots.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AMAlso, you might want to consider zeroing out everyone's reputation - start out on equal footing, as it were. Let the past stay in the past.

That would be unfair to our long time members, some of whom have been here for years. It makes sense that a member who's posted here for years would have a higher karma than a member who has just registered.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AMI have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example.

Wouldn't a better idea be for you to use your picture as your avatar and lead by example rather than expect others to?

Thanks Susan,

I also agree that the Karma system promotes positive posting. I also love to be able to give someone kudo's when they write a good post and tell them why.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Quote from: Nero on June 28, 2007, 12:19:21 PM
I doubt that our members here would be so petty as to use the karma system for some type of puerile popularity contest.

If they do the applaud is removed; The karma given is taken seriously as well;

...

All in all the way Karma is used here it is honestly not a bad system, and I HAVE left boards that had a lousy implemented of the reputation idea before.

The best advice I can give: If it bothers you, ignore it's existence.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I've thought about this karma thing overnight; and I really don't see where it would be a help in promoting the kind of exchange I have loved here at Susan's. We have counts of posts, staff titles, stars; and now we have a metric that gages our "reputation." I just wanted to have honest, transparent, compassionate exchanges here; and I have always strived to do just that. Now, in spite of my best intentions to carry through with genuine communication and yes, love, with my kindered sisters, I feel that any dialog from here forward will be tainted with a "reputation" marker; but no marker can quantify my heart-felt feelings for those of our group.

We have had the reputation system for years, it's not new. I can tell you based on years of experience, that the reputation system encourages exactly what you claim you seek.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example.

I do not and will not require anyone to post an photograph as an avatar, staff or otherwise, until they are comfortable enough and ready to do so on their own.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
Also, you might want to consider zeroing out everyone's reputation - start out on equal footing, as it were. Let the past stay in the past.

I did zero out all negative reputation. Everyone started at 0. I will not take reputation which people earned through their contributions to this community and take it away from them. You don't generally need to worry about reputation, it comes frequently, on it's own. You can even help. Reward people who you feel make excellent posts, posts on topics you like, or people who you feel just needs to know that someone appreciated them. That's the reputation system at it's core.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
My love goes out to all you girls who are transparent - it really comes through in your posts. They ring with truth and compassion. To me, that is the hallmark of a good woman - the kind I want to be. I'm sure that I will get a chance to meet some of you at events or in other forums. Many of you have become very dear to me.

Please withdraw my membership. Like Martin Luther said: "...since it is neither safe nor honourable to act against conscience."

If you wish for your account to be deleted you must request it via your profile.

I think you are being over-reactionary on this. If you check the reputation log once you reach 15 points you will find that reputation isn't petty, it's used mostly as a positive reinforcement. It's a way to say good post to people for whatever reason.

Quote

Who	Whom	(+/-)	Reason	Where	When
Susan (+169/-0)	melissa90299 (+4/-2)	+	For apologizing	In topic	Today at 05:27:45 PM
Kiera (+12/-0)	Barbara Ann (+2/-0)	+	Needed a hug!	In topic	Today at 04:42:16 PM
Nero (+37/-0)	Lori (+22/-0)	+	rofl!	In topic	Today at 04:19:11 PM
Susan (+169/-0)	melissa90299 (+4/-2)	-	Attack the issue never the person	In topic	Today at 03:06:42 PM
POSH (+1/-0)	melissa90299 (+4/-2)	-	Not really a people person	In topic	Today at 02:53:08 PM
louise000 (+1/-0)	mavieenrose (+2/-0)	+	Because Mver's post was very well informed	In topic	Today at 02:21:03 PM
Nero (+37/-0)	MeghanAndrews (+2/-0)	+	made me laugh	In topic	Today at 02:14:34 PM
Ken/Kendra (+23/-0)	Marq and Mia (+6/-0)	+	Great Bigender Post	In topic	Today at 01:23:36 PM
Nero (+37/-0)	RebeccaFog (+16/-0)	+	I'm sorry, doll.	In topic	Today at 12:43:55 PM
Dennis (+61/-0)	Susan (+169/-0)	+	For reinstalling karma - thanks Susan	In topic	Today at 12:30:42 PM
Nero (+37/-0)	Tay (+1/-0)	+	helpful post	In topic	Today at 12:27:28 PM
Pica Pica (+1/-0)	Doc (+1/-0)	+	Knowledge of pirates	In topic	Today at 10:07:11 AM
Jaston (+1/-0)	gina_taylor (+13/-0)	+	Because shes a lovely woman	In topic	Today at 08:05:04 AM
Jaston (+1/-0)	Rob (+1/-0)	+	Because he gave me so much information on FTM	In topic	Today at 08:04:44 AM
Jaston (+1/-0)	Hidrix (+3/-0)	+	Cool dude	In topic	Today at 07:10:19 AM
Susan (+169/-0)	Keira (+2/-0)	+	Very nice	In topic	Today at 07:09:02 AM
Susan (+169/-0)	LostInTime (+42/-0)	+	Thank you again for all the news!	In topic	Today at 07:08:15 AM
Nero (+37/-0)	RebeccaFog (+16/-0)	+	good topic	In topic	Today at 03:30:14 AM
ChildOfTheLight (+5/-0)	Kate (+76/-0)	+	Happy birthday!	In topic	Today at 12:07:40 AM

I hope you reconsider, but I will not ask you to stay if you feel this isn't the place for you. Either way you decide, we wish you nothing but the best.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 09:08:25 AM
I've thought about this karma thing overnight; and I really don't see where it would be a help in promoting the kind of exchange I have loved here at Susan's. We have counts of posts, staff titles, stars; and now we have a metric that gages our "reputation." I just wanted to have honest, transparent, compassionate exchanges here; and I have always strived to do just that. Now, in spite of my best intentions to carry through with genuine communication and yes, love, with my kindered sisters, I feel that any dialog from here forward will be tainted with a "reputation" marker; but no marker can quantify my heart-felt feelings for those of our group.
I have a suggestion that I feel will promote honest communication. Make it a requirement that all Susan's staff members post their own picture instead of a ficticious avatar. Let them lead by example. Also, you might want to consider zeroing out everyone's reputation - start out on equal footing, as it were. Let the past stay in the past.
My love goes out to all you girls who are transparent - it really comes through in your posts. They ring with truth and compassion. To me, that is the hallmark of a good woman - the kind I want to be. I'm sure that I will get a chance to meet some of you at events or in other forums. Many of you have become very dear to me.

Please withdraw my membership. Like Martin Luther said: "...since it is neither safe nor honourable to act against conscience."
-Barbara Ann

[shaking her head in great sadness]

Oh my Lord....

I have nothing further to say on this.  :'( :'( >:(

In order to answer some of your comments:

To Susan:
"I did zero out all negative reputation. Everyone started at 0. I will not take reputation which people earned through their contributions to this community and take it away from them."

I'm puzzled about that,Susan. On one hand, you zeroed out members negative reputation; yet, you keep the positive reputation, stating that you will not take away the reputation that a person has earned. Didn't they earn the negative reputation also?

"We have had the reputation system for years, it's not new. I can tell you based on years of experience, that the reputation system encourages exactly what you claim you seek."

It seems to me that the age of this, or any system, is not a validation for it continued use. Change the wording a litte, and one might use the statement to support any number of things.

"what you claim you seek."
What I claim I seek? Search my posts, and you can see what I seek - compassion - honesty - thankfulness; and yes, I am goofy at times.

To Nikki:
"Wouldn't a better idea be for you to use your picture as your avatar and lead by example rather than expect others to?"

Online reputation (taken from Wikipedia): Reputation is a factor in any online community where trust is important. Examples include eBay, an auction service which uses a system of customer feedback to publicly rate each member's reputation.

But Nikki, I'm just a lowly new member. I'm just starting on transition. I don't have a bunch of stars, staff title, hundreds (or thousands) of posts, and now, a high reputation factor (read trust) attached to my name. I don't have all these markers that give the perception of the person having a high level of achievement, knowledge, and yes, authority. I know what it's like to introduce myself and fervently hope to get some help with my journey; and I'm thankful to this day for those who encouraged me. People who are in the position of authority are also in the position to influence those around them. What better way to encourage and foster open, honest communication among the members of the community than to show others the real face behind the posts? We encourage new members to feel at ease and express themselves - but I feel that many of the staff (read leaders, for that is how I believe they are perceived) are sending a mixed message when they use a fake avatar. This is all just my opinion, as always.
Barb

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PMTo Nikki:
"Wouldn't a better idea be for you to use your picture as your avatar and lead by example rather than expect others to?"

Online reputation (taken from Wikipedia): Reputation is a factor in any online community where trust is important. Examples include eBay, an auction service which uses a system of customer feedback to publicly rate each member's reputation.

But Nikki, I'm just a lowly new member. I'm just starting on transition. I don't have a bunch of stars, staff title, hundreds (or thousands) of posts, and now, a high reputation factor (read trust) attached to my name. I don't have all these markers that give the perception of the person having a high level of achievement, knowledge, and yes, authority. I know what it's like to introduce myself and fervently hope to get some help with my journey; and I'm thankful to this day for those who encouraged me. People who are in the position of authority are also in the position to influence those around them. What better way to encourage and foster open, honest communication among the members of the community than to show others the real face behind the posts? We encourage new members to feel at ease and express themselves - but I feel that many of the staff (read leaders, for that is how I believe they are perceived) are sending a mixed message when they use a fake avatar. This is all just my opinion, as always.

There is no "level" that must be achieved to lead by example. You don't lead from a position, you gain a position by leading. If you believe showing your real face as your avatar is best to encourage "open, honest, communication", you have all the position you need to lead by example... 15 posts. Don't assign others to carry your causes, encourage others to "join" you in your cause.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
To Susan:
"I did zero out all negative reputation. Everyone started at 0. I will not take reputation which people earned through their contributions to this community and take it away from them."

I'm puzzled about that,Susan. On one hand, you zeroed out members negative reputation; yet, you keep the positive reputation, stating that you will not take away the reputation that a person has earned. Didn't they earn the negative reputation also?

Yes but I regularly wipe bad karma to give people chances to start over.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
"We have had the reputation system for years, it's not new. I can tell you based on years of experience, that the reputation system encourages exactly what you claim you seek."

It seems to me that the age of this, or any system, is not a validation for it continued use. Change the wording a litte, and one might use the statement to support any number of things.

We have our experience here to use to validate it's continued presence on this site. It serves a moderating influence and one that's here to stay.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
"what you claim you seek."
What I claim I seek? Search my posts, and you can see what I seek - compassion - honesty - thankfulness; and yes, I am goofy at times.

Which is exactly what the reputation system helps to encourage.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
To Nikki:
"Wouldn't a better idea be for you to use your picture as your avatar and lead by example rather than expect others to?"

Online reputation (taken from Wikipedia): Reputation is a factor in any online community where trust is important. Examples include eBay, an auction service which uses a system of customer feedback to publicly rate each member's reputation.

Our reputation system does not work in this manner but isn't trust here important as well.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
But Nikki, I'm just a lowly new member. I'm just starting on transition. I don't have a bunch of stars, staff title, hundreds (or thousands) of posts, and now, a high reputation factor (read trust) attached to my name. I don't have all these markers that give the perception of the person having a high level of achievement, knowledge, and yes, authority.

All those things come based on how long you have been here, and your contributions to the community, so stop sweating them so much.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
I know what it's like to introduce myself and fervently hope to get some help with my journey; and I'm thankful to this day for those who encouraged me. People who are in the position of authority are also in the position to influence those around them.

Have you ever seen anyone who came here looking for support and encouragement who didn't find an overabundance of here?

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
What better way to encourage and foster open, honest communication among the members of the community than to show others the real face behind the posts? We encourage new members to feel at ease and express themselves - but I feel that many of the staff (read leaders, for that is how I believe they are perceived) are sending a mixed message when they use a fake avatar. This is all just my opinion, as always.
Barb

I said it's not going to happen, so it's not going to happen. It's time to move on.

Quote from: Barbara Ann on June 28, 2007, 07:10:07 PM
We encourage new members to feel at ease and express themselves - but I feel that many of the staff (read leaders, for that is how I believe they are perceived) are sending a mixed message when they use a fake avatar.

We encourage new members to feel at ease and express themselves, and part of that is for them to not have to place their face on the site.  How would you feel knowing that, once you got a certain "status" on the site or a staff position, you would be required to place a photograph of yourself next to every single post you make?  The idea makes me uncomfortable, personally.  If that were required, I would have refused my position as chat staff.  Not to sound hopelessly arrogant, but I do believe I have something to contribute as a staff member.  I educate on androgyne gender identity on another site (a forum for youth) and I regularly refer people questioning their gender to Susan's chat.  I like to be there to greet the new kids on the block, so to speak.

If others say that I am being dishonest by having a mecha as my avatar, then I will consider perhaps that I may change my avatar, but if I was required to have a picture of me, I would find a loophole--you'd probably end up with a picture of my wrist or something, anyway.

It's fine. Tay don't sweat it...

i like that we can see why we get reputation points... i think without that it wouldn't be as effective.

Quote from: ht on June 29, 2007, 04:04:41 PM
i like that we can see why we get reputation points... i think without that it wouldn't be as effective.

It wasn't ;)
I agree though, being able to see the justification behind the applaud/smite is part of what makes this system work.

One of the things I do is come up with a "karma quotient". This is the person's total number of posts divided by their karma. In this way I don't rate someone higher or more trustworthy just because they have been here longer. There is a difference between someone that gets a Karma point for every 10 posts they make as opposed to someone who gets a karma point for every 100 posts they make. Anyway, that is how I use it.

Love always,
Elizabeth

Quote from: Laura Elizabeth Jones on June 28, 2007, 08:32:44 PM

Quote from: Laura Eva B on June 27, 2007, 08:53:20 PM
I hate the concept  :(  !!!!

So we all try to be popular to get some "belonging" brownie points.

Sounds so much like the school and workplace cliques I have always so much hated ! And the snobbery and judgmentalism that goes with them  >:( .

So some posters become "better than others" ???  ?

Big brother giving us popularity gradings  :o !

Horrid idea, really really really horrid idea ....

Please lets all be equals in our worth until we're judged in the minds of others. But not a forum mark (aka. school grade for being a good girl).  Please ?

Laura x

I think that the reputation idea is a good one since it allows people to be judged by how they act on this board. I do not see it as "popularity gradings" at all. But, that is okay, you have your viewpoint on this and others have theirs. I guess it will just be one of those "agree to disagree" type of issues.

ayup. I imagine such a system has seen abuses in the past, and that wheel will just-a keep on turnin.

"karma"

Well, personally I don't care what my 'karma' is. I'll admit I don't like the idea but ultimately I have no say so there's no use in arguing. I do not smite and I do not applaud as I do not want to be drawn into any melodramas online.  :P

    
Re: Karma has returned.

karma always returns, that's what it does