[SteveC]

They are Topic rating stars, when you access a topic you'll see the stars displayed in the upper-right of each topic page (i.e. just above the Prev Next[/b] links). When you find a topic that you think is above the normal chatter an deserves recognition. Then point to the star (i.e. 1-5) indicating just how good you think the topic is and click it with your mouse. The total ratings received from all MLS members is averaged, and that determines the final rating displayed for that topic.

 

[SteveC]

Posted By Totalwrecker on 21 Nov 2009 10:06 AM
{snip...}[/i] Next; What do the stars under our names mean? {snip...}[/i] John

The row of six stars under your user name in the Author column are tied to the number of replies that you've posted on MLS. The number displayed as Yellow/Gold is dependent on the number of replies you've posted.

In the old forum software (i.e. Snitz software, as seen in the archived topics) the color of the stars represented your membership type. On the new software there is no difference in the color of the stars for the various membership levels.

Green Stars = Standard MLS Membership Yellow/Gold Stars = 1st Class Membership
Silver/Grey Stars = Platinum Membership

The star-to-post count on the old forum software was as is listed below. I've not seen a new listing for the new forum software, but just looking at various member's post count and the respective number of stars displayed for each. I don't think that ratio is still the same, the only one that can give a definitive answer to that is Shad.

1 Star.........0 = Hobo
2 Stars......1-9 = Passenger
3 Stars....10-99 = Brakeman
4 Stars..100-499 = Foreman
5 Stars..500-999 = Conductor
6 Stars....1000+ = Engineer

 

[SteveC]

John

Ditch the speed-reading and read what I typed.

I know things don't match up.

{snip...}[/i] On a personal note I think platinum is an ugly metal! lol unless you like gun metal grey jewelry.... {snip...}[/i] Hehehe, that may be but with what one can get for it because of it's industrial uses, if somebody wants to give me a couple of pounds of the stuff for free, I'm all for it.

 

[SteveC]

John

 

[SteveC]

I may wrong, however I believe tha Garrett was referring to the 'Topic Rating' stars.

 

[SteveC]

Garrett

I understand your point, however, I bet the feature would wind up being used as a weapon, and in the long run cause the number of individuals participating to be reduced to a very few. Then the overall membership would dwindle also. Which would wind up producing the same type of atmosphere you hear referred to by former members of the smaller scales. Where the intent on MLS is to provide a place where everyone gets to participate on an equal footing.

 

[SteveC]

The place where I think the ability of peer rating the individual and not just the particular toic, would arise with those questions where any answer given can only be the expression of a personal opinion. I mean look what happens at times now with just the written word.

e.g.
· What’s the best track?
· What’s the best method of laying track?
· What’s the best scale to use?
· What’s best method of powering my layout?
· Which vendor has the best equipment?
· What’s the best method of controlling my equipment?
· What’s the best sound system?
· What’s the best battery technology?
· What’s the best adhesive to use?
· What’s the best way to cut plastic?
· What’s the best paint to use?
· What’s the best remote control system?
· What’s the best method to make a raised layout?
· What’s the best type of lighting?
· What are the best metal wheel-set to use?
· What’s the best large-scale magazine?
· What’s the best way to bend track?
· Which is the best on-line supplier of large-scale?
etc. etc. etc.