Karma/DHARMA points

Hi Guys and Gals,

This is really a message to SunnyP but I thought I'd make it open to everyone to discuss.

As you may have seen in the 'announcement' topic there is a poll as to whether we should move. As it looks like we are going to move and that will enable SunnyP to add lots of new features to the site, such as Karma/Dharma points. Those of you on losties will know that its very simple, a +1 if you like the theory a -1 if you don't like it. Heres my problem with this...

This site has only been running for a month or two but since there are only 20 or 30 regular members I know all you pretty well, for example VTD has a dog like mine SunnyP has two daughters who are twelve and fifteen, Lojozz supports Leeds and MSHL lost a vital body part a little while ago. My point is that I don't know if I'd feel comfortable giving a minus to a theory.

And basically I was wondering if there is any other way to rate the theories for example a 1-5 star rating. I would feel better doing that. But I don't mind if you do use Karma/Dharma points please don't feel like you need to change your plans just for me but I think I might be speaking the thoughts of a few of us at the moment.

TheHolyStickman

Hi HSM, I see your point and look forward to reading others views on this.

There are a few possibilities....the karma/dharma points can either be applied to the post (by hitting a "thanks" button) or to the poster (which will display a total in their mini-profile under the avatar). So basically, there will be no -1 facility, only +1, so you either give a point or not

I'm not sure about star ratings...I know you can get them on vbulletin boards but I dont know about phpbb...I will investigate though.

Why the urge to give points to theories? Huh?

My thoughts about any sort of a point system are mixed. The point system on lost-theories was very abused IMO.
It is nice to have feedback about how others rate theories, especially if they are positive,but.... opinons are just that, and each person , views theories the way he/she thinks.

Occam wrote:Why the urge to give points to theories? Huh?

I totally agree. In my humble opinion it can create bad feelings and be abused. I think it contributed to the downfall of L-T.

The comments one receives are a plus or minus unto themselves.

Shamballa wrote:

Occam wrote:Why the urge to give points to theories? Huh?

I totally agree. In my humble opinion it can create bad feelings and be abused. I think it contributed to the downfall of L-T.

The comments one receives are a plus or minus unto themselves.

One value of the +/- system could be to provide automatic nomination for the Hall of Fame. I've noticed that Theories that got great attention and feekback at the begining of the month, seem to get buried and ignored come Hall of Fame nomination time.

Also, at least in my perspective, there are many things I read, that I like, but I have no intelligent critique or comment to make. For every post that simply reads "nice theory, I liked it", a +1 would suffice, and not clog up the thread. Personally, I'd rather drop a +1, than be the 16th person to say "nice theory", pushing it over to page 3, and effectively burying the actual head post of the thread.

I agree with not having a point system.
I think it can be too easy to just give a +1 or -1 without commenting.
We learn a lot more from comments and they often lead to great discussions.

vincentthedog wrote:I agree with not having a point system.
I think it can be too easy to just give a +1 or -1 without commenting.
We learn a lot more from comments and they often lead to great discussions.

My point exactly. This is a discussion forum. There may have posts that are nicely written, and with great ideas, but if those posts do not move people to think and comments... well, they should better be posted on a blog. Of course, that's only my opinion.

I've participated in several forums with some kind of post and/or user "ranking". I know these systems are supposed to encourage participation, but in the end usually drive to competition. Not that competition is bad in itself, but... you know, I've got enough of that at work .

I am with hsm. The truth is if we have a point system similar to LT it would be flawed because I would give you all a +1 if your theory was "Vincent & Hurley are Adam & Eve". I guess I am guilty of an emotional investment that would bias my theory evaluation.

Yes perhaps this would work better with no points system. On lost-theories sometimes I just put 'ggod theory +1' on here I give much better opinions.

I agree with all the comments made about the problems that can arise from scoring systems...especially that it could cuase great theories to sink to the bottom of a page when a comment would keep it at the top.

This is how it is....if you want it you got it, if you dont you wont

Once (if) we move the forum, we can have a vote on wether to add this feature or not.

You are very democratic SP lol,

I liked the idea that the HSM suggested with the star rating.

Yes Chirpey I would be on board with a star system. But I don't think SunnyP (who by the way has the best avatar ever!) will be to make it work with the phpbb or whatever it is.

I just hope that if we vote to have a scoring system that it doesn't affect our comments as some of your leave some really great ones!

I like (and look forward too) reading all types of opinions, the comments made by everyone, and the general good natured atmosphere here at losties.darkbb. A point system might put a damper on the theories posted. This is such an enjoyable, good natured, group and part of the fun of it here for me is getting to see things from other's point of view without a plus or minus system to possibly influence my reading of the posts.