What is the significance of the "StarS" sometimes that are along side the threads. I see sometimes five stars and some or highlighted. Just curious as to purpose. Probably dumb question.
Stars on Threads
artgibson
1 - 6 of 38 Posts
Joined
·
2,852 Posts
Posted By Dr Rivet on 23 Nov 2009 08:44 PM
Garrett
In some quarters the rule is "He who speaks the most [or loudest] often knows the least". The premise is that the individual is trying to convince himself that he is "worthy of note". I consuder the quality of the information provided, not the amount of bandwidth an individual consumes to be a much better measure than any number of stars. Many people like to hear themselves talk [or see themselves in print]. I would be happier if there were no indication on MLS of how often some one had posted on the forums [fora?]; I consider it pretty much irrelavent to intelligent, informed discourse on technical subject matter.
I know several highly knowledgable people who decline to respond because they are uninterested in the totally uninformed, opinionated blather that will follow their well reasoned explanation on a particular subject.
Regards
My point exactly. Not a number of posts, but a rating by peers to gain stars. As I said, it seems to work in the automotive forums especially.
For example.
I post a problem with model X not doing Y correctly. It gets two replies. One fixes the problem, the other is unrelated (exactly what you are pointing out: where can I buy it, why did I buy it in the first place, it is too expensive, so I would not buy it, etc.) . Karma points would be left for the one poster that helped.
Garrett
In some quarters the rule is "He who speaks the most [or loudest] often knows the least". The premise is that the individual is trying to convince himself that he is "worthy of note". I consuder the quality of the information provided, not the amount of bandwidth an individual consumes to be a much better measure than any number of stars. Many people like to hear themselves talk [or see themselves in print]. I would be happier if there were no indication on MLS of how often some one had posted on the forums [fora?]; I consider it pretty much irrelavent to intelligent, informed discourse on technical subject matter.
I know several highly knowledgable people who decline to respond because they are uninterested in the totally uninformed, opinionated blather that will follow their well reasoned explanation on a particular subject.
Regards
My point exactly. Not a number of posts, but a rating by peers to gain stars. As I said, it seems to work in the automotive forums especially.
For example.
I post a problem with model X not doing Y correctly. It gets two replies. One fixes the problem, the other is unrelated (exactly what you are pointing out: where can I buy it, why did I buy it in the first place, it is too expensive, so I would not buy it, etc.) . Karma points would be left for the one poster that helped.
Joined
·
2,852 Posts
Oh both for sure. But, as said, it could be a good aspect and one that would actually boost the equal footing, especialy for the noobs in the bunch, not sure how it would hurt it? Right now, anyone can give any thread all or no stars, regardless of if they have posted in it or even asked the question in the first place? Also think for member to member sales, an aspect of the forum I have in fact used.
As for the trend of Asperger's that goes on in the smaller scales (I have boxes of stuff from my prototype modelling days, I can rattle off the top of my head how to kitbash a PRR X54 in HO out of a Branchline kit) I would think that it would not lead to that aspect at all, as it would reward helpfulness from those that asked the question. But then my thoughts to this idea were, as stated by Erich Honecker: "Vorwärts immer rückwärts nimmer!"
As for the trend of Asperger's that goes on in the smaller scales (I have boxes of stuff from my prototype modelling days, I can rattle off the top of my head how to kitbash a PRR X54 in HO out of a Branchline kit) I would think that it would not lead to that aspect at all, as it would reward helpfulness from those that asked the question. But then my thoughts to this idea were, as stated by Erich Honecker: "Vorwärts immer rückwärts nimmer!"
Joined
·
2,852 Posts
Your post makes me think that the rating of subjective answers is a problem? This is where this idea could really come through.
Suppose if a noob asked your very first question of what is the best track and they get replies, some from members with higher rep than the others. Good? Bad? I would think it would help give them some basis for a final (and educated and backed) decision.
Otherwise, the three posts saying "Use XYZ's Track, it is the best" without backing, as the three guys that have not laid an inch of the stuff....might steer them in a bad direction. Versus someone say, that has years of different brands being used and and can give pro/con of each?
Suppose if a noob asked your very first question of what is the best track and they get replies, some from members with higher rep than the others. Good? Bad? I would think it would help give them some basis for a final (and educated and backed) decision.
Otherwise, the three posts saying "Use XYZ's Track, it is the best" without backing, as the three guys that have not laid an inch of the stuff....might steer them in a bad direction. Versus someone say, that has years of different brands being used and and can give pro/con of each?
Joined
·
2,852 Posts
Posted By Steve Stockham on 24 Nov 2009 07:18 PM
Sorry, I can't go along with your reasoning. Adding stars to "rate" the perceived value of a posting is only asking for trouble....big trouble! Steve is absolutely correct in that we could end up losing members just because of something like that! Quality will always trump quantity! That's why we come to MLS!
The quality vs. quantity is the exact thing concept would help, so I am not sure why you don't agree with my argument, but then support it in your last sentences?
Sorry, I can't go along with your reasoning. Adding stars to "rate" the perceived value of a posting is only asking for trouble....big trouble! Steve is absolutely correct in that we could end up losing members just because of something like that! Quality will always trump quantity! That's why we come to MLS!
The quality vs. quantity is the exact thing concept would help, so I am not sure why you don't agree with my argument, but then support it in your last sentences?
Joined
·
2,852 Posts
Posted By Steve Stockham on 25 Nov 2009 11:53 AM
Okay, a reasonable request. I think we both agree that we (meaning all of us) really don't like to have to read through whole threads of inane postings.
Now, another example, there is a thoughtful discussion going on and someone interjects a less-than-usefull comment (this happens over on LSC whenever an LGB topic shows up.) These things can degenerate into useless flame wars but that is really what our Moderators are for! It doesn't take long before the "offending" party figures out that their postings aren't being met with agreement and if the poster continues down this path, he begins to fall into the realm of TROLL. Do we really need star ratings to tell us this person is being a TROLL?
Third, and probably the most relevant, are the newbies that come here. Some jump right on in but most (and I, myself, was one such) are hesitant to "speak out." We don't want to seem dumb by asking "stupid" questions. Every once in a while (fortunately a great while here on MLS) someone answers one of these newbie's questions with an acerbic "You know, it would be nice if just once people would check the archives! We've only answered this question a thousand times!!" Which is almost guaranteed to chase off a potential new large scaler from MLS and possibly the hobby as well! We all were there at one time and we all would have had a difficult time if we had experienced that! Now, add a low or no-star rating to this newbie's postings. Is it any different from telling them that their posts are worthless?
When I say quality will always trump quantity I am talking about somebody who is interested in having six stars and the term "Engineer" next to their name. Inane two word posts are irritating, yes but they really haven't been a problem in recent years. Remember, MLS is like a very inclusive Large Scale club that just happens to meet on the internet! When posting, the Golden Rule is probably the best way to look at it. That's my reasoning anyway. I hope that clarifies my position.
![Image]()
1. True. There can be some fun threads, and the occasional funny reply. No harm there.
2. Well, things are different over there for assorted reasons. The mods here seem to do a fine job, better than a lot. Some let things go way to far, and the other extreme was about six years ago when I got banned from a Suzuki tech forum for reporting a SPAM message ONCE.
3. True, they do, and as you point out, apart from the odd and what should be uncalled for harsh comments of search first/post in wrong area, most get some good answers or direction. I think much of it is the search methods on this site lead a LOT to be desired. It could be worse, one of the Honda Tech boards, all posts by a newbies get a huge NOOB warning on their posts. Really a bit uncalled for, especially when someone that has "been in the motor trade" for for a living gets grouped with the 16 year old rice fan boys.....
4. Very clear, and I see the direction you are taking is the same as mine, but with a different means. And one that seems to work for the most part.
Thanks!
Okay, a reasonable request. I think we both agree that we (meaning all of us) really don't like to have to read through whole threads of inane postings.
Now, another example, there is a thoughtful discussion going on and someone interjects a less-than-usefull comment (this happens over on LSC whenever an LGB topic shows up.) These things can degenerate into useless flame wars but that is really what our Moderators are for! It doesn't take long before the "offending" party figures out that their postings aren't being met with agreement and if the poster continues down this path, he begins to fall into the realm of TROLL. Do we really need star ratings to tell us this person is being a TROLL?
Third, and probably the most relevant, are the newbies that come here. Some jump right on in but most (and I, myself, was one such) are hesitant to "speak out." We don't want to seem dumb by asking "stupid" questions. Every once in a while (fortunately a great while here on MLS) someone answers one of these newbie's questions with an acerbic "You know, it would be nice if just once people would check the archives! We've only answered this question a thousand times!!" Which is almost guaranteed to chase off a potential new large scaler from MLS and possibly the hobby as well! We all were there at one time and we all would have had a difficult time if we had experienced that! Now, add a low or no-star rating to this newbie's postings. Is it any different from telling them that their posts are worthless?
When I say quality will always trump quantity I am talking about somebody who is interested in having six stars and the term "Engineer" next to their name. Inane two word posts are irritating, yes but they really haven't been a problem in recent years. Remember, MLS is like a very inclusive Large Scale club that just happens to meet on the internet! When posting, the Golden Rule is probably the best way to look at it. That's my reasoning anyway. I hope that clarifies my position.
1. True. There can be some fun threads, and the occasional funny reply. No harm there.
2. Well, things are different over there for assorted reasons. The mods here seem to do a fine job, better than a lot. Some let things go way to far, and the other extreme was about six years ago when I got banned from a Suzuki tech forum for reporting a SPAM message ONCE.
3. True, they do, and as you point out, apart from the odd and what should be uncalled for harsh comments of search first/post in wrong area, most get some good answers or direction. I think much of it is the search methods on this site lead a LOT to be desired. It could be worse, one of the Honda Tech boards, all posts by a newbies get a huge NOOB warning on their posts. Really a bit uncalled for, especially when someone that has "been in the motor trade" for for a living gets grouped with the 16 year old rice fan boys.....
4. Very clear, and I see the direction you are taking is the same as mine, but with a different means. And one that seems to work for the most part.
Thanks!
1 - 6 of 38 Posts
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
