You know what CoolCryptovator you are right in what you say, i am guilty of not sending merit. There are reasons for that however, mainly the first being is that i am actually very rarely on here as i am so snowed under with work at present. Hence why I havent been in any signature campaigns as i simply don't have the time at present.

Thanks for the good advice quote, and although i agree somewhat on what you say, i'd like to also believe there are other people out there like myself who do chime in with conversation and arent here exclusively for the bounties/spamming. That is totally subjective and open to debate.

I'm going to make a concerted effort this weekend to look for some quality posts and dish out some s-merit. I achieve absolutely nothing by holding it. So thanks for the reminder! 

With all of these new exchanges popping up here there and everywhere, i am seeing a very common theme and it's one i don't like AT ALL and i feel it gives bitcoin/crypto a bad reputation in general.

What am i talking about? Trading competitions! Where you can win XXX amount of whatever crypto for being the most active or hitting a certain limit. Don't get me wrong, i'm sure there are a few people out there who will do alright from these deals, but i imagine the vast majority end up losing in the short term or the long run.

For me, its targeting the wrong audience. It does absolutely nothing toward our hallowed "mass adoption" hopes, and its encouraging gambling all so that the said exchange can make a profit in fees!

Yet we wonder why the SEC are so reluctant to give crypto its blessing! 

Whats your thoughts?

There is too much being made of this rejection. I - like many others - expected it to get rejected and in all honesty i think most of us are waiting on the  CBOE and their efforts to get an ETF approved, which many are a little more optimistic on because of what that will actually mean.

 Sooner or later it will happen and when it does then the fun will really begin and the FOMO will be on a scale that will be a thing of beauty!

Hello all, just thought i'd share this with you to prove a point that it is absolutely possible to "rank up" quickly on Bitcointalk.

Let me just say that i am not posting this to boast or brag (totally not what i'm about), its simply intended as a guide/advice to show that it is actually pretty easy to rank up if you're willing to work at it.

I joined here in mid-May, wasn't active for the first 2 weeks while i browsed the site offline, and i haven't been online much at all over the past 2-3 weeks as i have had lots going on in 'real life' and vacations etc, so effectively i have been here less than 2 months!

Just to let you know, i don't know ANYBODY in real life from this site, i don't get any preferential treatment and there's no bias toward me, you or the vast majority of people on here. So please don't think that its impossible or too hard to rank up- it's really not. See below.

• Post quality: Super simple tip. I don't profess to be an expert writer, infact, i've been called out on here before a few times for making my posts too long (i obviously disagree  ). What i do know is effort is rewarded. If you are willing to post something helpful, something useful, something that another user on here can look at and take something constructive from, then that is what i consider to be a good post. It dosen't have to be an essay or perfect grammatically correct English- it just needs to be useful/helpful!
• Study other people: Look at what other people are posting. This is so easy, have a quick look at higher ranked members post history. I'm not saying copy from them- Definitely not, but look at what they are posting and understand why they are a respected member. Its really no coincidence. They are posting high quality, relevant content that people find useful.
• Shitposting: Pardon my language  , it has to be said though! If you shitpost on here then i can GUARANTEE you will be stuck as a newbie forever. Examples of shitposts? take a look at the Bounty section... Its an embarrassment! If you post "great project" "super project" and all that other crap- you will get what you deserve....NOTHING.
• Merit begging: Really didnt want to bring this up, but if you beg for Merit then you are done! Easiest way to get Merit? Make something worthy of Meriting! Its nice to know your work is appreciated and that people find what you say worthy of a Merit. Once you get your first/first few, it will spur you on to [continue] make better quality content
• Quality over Quantity: Guys just use common sense on here. Why bother posting 10-20 crappy posts when you could spend the same amount of time (or less) making decent thought out posts that could potentially be rewarded and recognised by the community? Makes more sense right?  

I'm no different to any of you. i'm just an ordinary family guy who is sharing his experience as a relatively new member and how i have found my time on here so far. If i can do it then so can you. This really isn't rocket science- it's not even hard work!  . Just change your forum habits and if you are willing to put the time and effort in, you will be a valued member of the community and rank up faster!

If anyone has anything to add then i'd love to hear your thoughts! Cheers.

Not saying this is impossible, but unless there were to be some sort of catastrophic event take place, then maybe this would happen. However, in the western world i think it would be fiercely rejected by most normal folk. Never say never i guess as we don't know whats round the corner. 

Joseph, if you have a genuine proposition and have information and hard facts to back it up, there are people within this forum that will absolutely listen to what you have to say.

Just be a little more transparent and give us a little insight as to what it is that you propose, so we as adults can distinguish whether this is genuine or just a pipe dream. You don't need to put a full whitepaper on here, but some decent information will help your cause greatly! 

Bitcoin at $1000? I wish but i'd say there's virtually ZERO chance of that ever happening again. I could easily elaborate on this but i think there are people on here who are far more qualified than I to make that call.

I seriously doubt you will ever see it below 4k, but as this is crypto- you never really can be 100% certain.

I fully understand where you are coming from The Pharmacist- trust me i do.

I'll go a step further and applaud you for taking a hardline stance and having passion about a place you have clearly invested a lot of passion and time into it. I didnt need to be here for a year to see the 'state of decay', 2 months here has shown me all i need to see really.

While i think there is some excellent information on here, and i literally come across or learn something new most times i have a good session on here, i also see the other side of it, which is such a shame really. I have lots going on in my life and i can't be here as often as i'd like, but Merit isn't on my agenda, if someone merits me i'm glad they enjoyed/appreciated my post or input. I don't need it for any other reason.

Also i certainly haven't taken offence to you, it might seem a bit personal because of what i've said in the original post, i just feel that everyone has a right to try and defend themselves that's all. So I also apologise if this caused you offence in particular.

 However there are MANY other instances (from other members) across the forum as i originally stated. Some warranted, some totally unjustified.

I've just touched upon a similar topic in a thread i made a short time ago, where i have suggested there are things happening with senior members ASWELL as newbies.

While i stopped short of saying it, this indeed was one of the things that was at the forefront of my mind. I've seen this happen multiple times now and both the sender and the receiver are complicit in this and its BLATANT abuse of the system.

Don't get me wrong here, i know its only a tiny percentage of Sr Members, but i hope they are rightfully punished.

If you're going to be dishonest, then surely you'd be a little more subtle about it wouldn't you! 

Hey i agree with the majority of what you've just posted to be fair

I don't dispute for one minute that newbies are the cause of a lot of the problems- hence my original post and solution that i suggested. I genuinely didnt know about the other guys post- that is a totally honest mistake.

Before May of this year i had never been on here on any account ever. The reason i try and give my point of view on here is so you can see it from a point of view that isn't maybe as 'cynical' as someone who has been here a long time. I try to offer perspective from a newer member as i feel that its vital people to understand general sentiment across the board.

I don't think there was any real malice in what you said and i am certainly not huffed or holding grudges, however, i'm trying to stipulate that by speaking to people in a certain way, could perhaps discourage people to post or participate in the future. That's the point of my post. There are MANY instances of this across the site and indeed i've been previously accused of looking for merit.   If people want to confuse my enthusiasm for something else then thats their problem i guess.  

Ok, this could be unpopular opinion but i'm speaking my mind here and i'm not out to cause trouble or start mud slinging here...but this NEEDS to be said!

As stated in the title Newbies are NOT the only problem here!

I posted last night here, as i usually do its quite long and detailed as thats how i write- i like to be thorough! Not to everyones taste, though other peoples writing style is not to mine either.

I hadn't been on here for well over a week and i can honestly hold my hand up and say that i had no idea a similar post to mine had been posted a few days before.

The response i got was and i quote: "These have been suggested before, and there was just a thread like two days ago with hilariousandco suggesting that there needs to be a merit requirement for the noob-->Jr. Member transition.  Therefore, this thread is redundant and, in addition, it's way too wordy.  Seems more like a merit-grab attempt than some actual concern from a member with 56 activity."

Now who said this is irrelevant, and i don't have a problem with them either, i'm merely using this as an example.

To me there are 4 totally unnecessary putdowns in this paragraph. Let me address them:

-Firstly it wasnt a "redundant" post, as there was additional info on there that wasn't covered (though i chose to lock the thread shortly after).
-It was classed as too wordy- well as i stated above i write the way i write and i can't please everyone- would you rather 'When Bitcoin moon' posts or someone who actually puts a little EFFORT into their posting behaviour?
- It was no "Merit grab" attempt, for what its worth i don't fish for Merit, if someone chooses to give it to me then thats their call, i'm really not bothered but can you honestly tell me why i would even need it when i don't even use the bounty section? Please don't assume you know me- you don't.
-Lastly the "actual concern from a member with 56 activity" REALLY? You bought Bitcoin before me so my opinion is irrelevant?  

The last statement to me implies utter contempt to 'newer' members and that anyone new here is of no importance. I'm sorry but i have as much right as anyone else to be here. Yes there are people who've been here longer than i and built this place to what it is, i just don't think it gives someone the right to be judge, jury and executioner just because you rank higher.

---

I'm only using this as an example of MANY other negative and quite often vindictive behaviour toward other members.

Particularly in the newbie section, i have seen many people shot down when they've posted something quite useful, cited by senior members for having been posted before, its not relevant or its a merit attempt. You have to remember there are hundreds of newbies EVERY DAY on here that probably aren't going to scroll through dozens of pages, so is it relevant- for a newbie yes, yes of course it is!

While i am all for constructive criticism, i don't think this helps in ANY WAY shape or form, it only serves to dissuade members from posting anything else in future in fear of being vilified or singled out.

I'm probably seen in the eyes of some as causing trouble here, but you couldn't be further from the truth. Its an open forum and i think we have every right to speak our minds- good or bad. It needs to be looked at and senior members should be ambassadors for the site...not executioners.

And as you can see....i always make lengthy posts!  

I can see me getting shot down for this post.....C'est la vie.  

Hi guys, i haven't been on here for over a week or so but see the same questions popping up quite frequently with regard to stopping spammers/scammers etc.

What i mention here may have been mentioned previously i don't know, but as this is the Meta section i figure i might aswell have my 2 cents.Please forgive me if these subjects have been touched upon, i just think we can't progress without sharing ideas i guess.

No Newbie to Jr Member rank up WITHOUT Merit

As described in the title, I propose that ANY newbie member should have to gain a small amount of Merit (Maybe 1-2) in order to rank up to Jr Member.

Reason being: I think a LOT of people/spammers/ low quality posters would be put off from joining or participating on here from day 1. As the vast majority of bounties require Jr Member rank in order to participate, i think there's a good chance that this would really encourage folk to make an effort with their posts and in doing so - eliminate a lot of crap that the forum is swimming in.

This may sound tough or discriminatory to some, however i see it as an incentive and i really don't think its too tough to gain 1 Merit! It only takes a little effort.

---

Suggestion number 2 is similar to number 1

14 day probationary period for new members

A period for monitoring a persons activity on here and to ascertain if it actually is a person or a 'bot'.

Reason being: I'm not wanting to sound like the Gestapo here so please don't think i'm being harsh. I feel that if people are here for the right reasons- i.e. actually participating and joining in the conversations- this really wouldn't have been an issue to me when i joined up. If its explained (possibly by email or on registration screen) when you first join up as to why its been implemented, i again think it only encourages the right sort of person to join and encourages better posting behaviour. If its a (another!) spammer- they fail probation and dump them!

---

I really don't think either of these suggestions are too harsh. Most genuine folk would understand the reasons behind it. Both are easily achievable if you're a newbie. What i don't know is if these are at all feasible to implement within the site, but i just thought i'd share my thoughts out loud.

Its happening every other week now, someone bans it then they reintroduce it further down the line. A lot of these countries/governments should actually do a little due diligence before making such bold moves.

Unfortunately, a select few people who have ZERO managed to make a few $£ from here have told their friends and they have told their friends and they have no interest in anyone or anything other than trying to make some money from here.

In many ways this is the problem with an extremely popular website. If people can exploit it to make quick cash because they are from a disadvantaged background- they will.

As for me, i live in the UK so anything i could possibly make from here would barely put a dent in my outgoings. On the other hand someone from Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan etc the returns are comparable to a kings ransom!  

Its unfair to discriminate on people based on their geographical location, but with all due respect, the people who are spamming like crazy are clearly not here for the right reasons.  

I have to disagree and say that the Merit system is VITAL for this site. Can you imagine the numbers of people joining if they could get to the proverbial top of the tree by posting spam and crap? Unimaginable it really is.

While i take pity on some people who are struggling to get some merit when you can see they are actually putting the effort in, the flip side is that if it were removed, this site would become shambolic and literally a free-for-all and virtually impossible to moderate.

All of the people who complain about the Merit system have one common denominator- their post history! Why should they be able to rank up when they aren't here to do anything other than sponge from it?

As for yourself my friend, if you're on 9 merit then you know its possible to get it, just post some good content and i'm sure you'll be rewarded soon enough!  

I honestly don't see what is so difficult for newbies here. Fair enough if your English isn't great i can maybe understand. But for everyone that joins here with all intents and purposes of actually joining in the conversation, there really shouldn't be a "problem".

This isn't rocket science, its a forum about an interest or a hobby.

Unfortunately a lot of people think that this place owes them a living for whatever reason, and their sole purpose for being here is only money and ZERO participation in anything else. Does it really hurt to offer some insight (whether someone agrees with your opinion or not) say hello and be a COMMUNITY member?

Seriously, if people can't even be bothered to contribute, they are in the wrong place.

There's a common trait among scammers and that is they are lazy people who in my opinion are no better than burglars and thieves. Sadly, there are also a lot of people who can't identify a scam and fall victim to them.

Using a little common sense sometimes works wonders. You have to remember the old saying...."A fool and his money are easily parted." 

Hi everyone, I just thought that i'd share this to people who are brand new/relatively new here.

This is an attempt at trying to get people who are new here to pay attention, not to make silly mistakes, FOLLOW THE RULES and become a valued member here. Its a bit of a long read but stick with it as it will help you on your journey here.

For starters i'd point you to this here which you should definitely read before doing ANYTHING!  There is some excellent advice here and some of it is so basic, yet people don't adhere to what it says. Please do yourself a favour and read it: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=1689727.0

Biggest Newbie Pitfall

We see the same topics and posts here multiple times on a daily basis, i'm pretty sure you know the ones i'm on about- how to rank up, how to get merit, its too hard, its unfair etc etc.  

I can tell you right now, whether you like it or not, if you post something like what i've written above you are most likely ALREADY DOOMED . Sounds harsh but its true. I can't even begin to imagine how many times senior members here have seen these posts. I have been here 5 minutes in comparison and i am fed up with seeing them so trust me when i say- DON'T ASK! The answers to your question are already littered throughout the site and really aren't difficult to find. That's why its vitally important to look around for a solution.

Remember, i'm only saying this for your benefit.  

Browsing OFFLINE

Ok, this is subjective and i'm not saying its for everyone, but it helped me when starting out here.

I browsed the site offline (not logged in) for the first 2 weeks i joined here. This will sound counter productive to a lot of people here, the reality is that it has gave me an advantage that a LOT of others have missed. So why browse offline?

1: To see what people are posting here. Could i 'fit in' here? Have i got enough knowledge to be a valued member? If not, i needed to find somewhere i can mix with the crowd.

2: To keep my activity/merit (was hoping i would get some!  ) ratio respectable. Again, this depends on the person. I'm not here to Bounty Hunt primarily. Don't get me wrong i wear a signature but i might aswell if i'm here i guess. When i started here i wanted to become a valued member and contribute, try to make this site a better place, to prove that there are actual people out there who's sole intent isn't driven by reward, rather than the art of learning.

3: To stop me posting irrelevant/pointless comments. I'd rather post something relevant or helpful than a string of words that are meaningless. There are MODERATORS all over the site, so post crap and spam, you will stand still and never rank up. The alternative- post where you have solid information/insight to the question/problem thats been posted by the OP.


Find your NICHE

As stated above, find places within the site that are your NICHE. Break the site down into categories and find what YOU know something about. If that's the bounty section- unlucky! You should be looking to post where you are comfortable posting and where you have something to say. There are niche's ALL OVER this site. If you're an 'expert' of a certain trading strategy, a certain coin, a certain exchange, mining equipment, cloud mining, wallets/ledgers, upcoming events, great sources of info, i don't need to go on here- i can think of loads more off the top of my head.

Look for the posts that YOU know something about, participate and contribute.  

Finally, don't complain!!! In 99% of cases where i see people complaining about the rules, the rankings, the merit system etc, there is one common denominator- behaviour on the site. Anyone can look at anyone elses posting history, if you're posting rubbish you only have yourself to blame.

The rules are the rules and they aren't going to change to suit you. Just adhere to them, learn, take onboard what i've said here and i PROMISE it will help you. This isn't rocket science guys, a lot of it is just common sense.

As i always say, if you need any help then reach out! I will always try to help where i can.

Thanks for reading this far and good luck on your journey here.  

Could anyone tell me if you can convert the chocolate coins that you get as a kid at christmas time to Bitcoin? if so...where please? 

Thanks for your opinion guys, good to have a reflection on what has happened yesteryear. Hence the reason i posted this in Meta to see if people who have been here a long time could say if what i said was feasible at all.

You learn something new every day!