Merit & new rank requirements

[RivAngE]

In my previous post, I wanted to call out on you and say "Where is DdmrDdmr when you need him?" but I forgot to include it, glad to see you still replied with your informative as always statistics!

So... Russian section has traded 1182 merits? Seems legit Is there really more activity there than Altcoin ANN and Bitcoin Discussion? I smell some shady business but whatever!

I believe that the following table also shows the issue of reduced Merits,

But I'm sure sMerits are relative to the overall post count on the forums, which seems reduced as well...

Code:

Reading        nPosts       DiffPrev       nDays   AvgPosts/day
27/11/2018 48.230.858 1.080.277  35   30.865
23/10/2018 47.150.581  944.278  26   36.318
27/09/2018 46.206.303 1.517.366  32   47.418
26/08/2018 44.688.937 1.845.193  31   59.522
26/07/2018 42.843.744 2.245.888  34   66.056
22/06/2018 40.597.856 2.190.432  28   78.230
25/05/2018 38.407.424 3.016.289  31   97.300
24/04/2018 35.391.135 2.354.827  31   75.962
24/03/2018 33.036.308 2.185.262  29   75.354
23/02/2018 30.851.046 2.002.593  29   69.055
25/01/2018 28.848.453 1.864.380  29   64.289
27/12/2017 26.984.073

What we can see is that the average per day (recent averages, comparing one reading to that of the previous month) increases until end of May, and then starts declining with September and October in the lead if we turn the drops into percentages (drops in number of posts since May are in the 10% to 23% area, depending on the month).

I guess that the main issue is my reduced activity since I was very busy in October and maybe the few threads I'm following and contributing to don't have a merit source user.

[1713244837]

1713244837

[1713244837]

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[glenntalbot]

We do not have enough merit sources what can we do to get more? there are a lot of good posts that did not receive the merit that deserved and also there is a lot of "ok" post that got tons of merits so we need also a moderator of merit sources or something.

[DdmrDdmr]

<…>

I think it’s best to be a bit more specific on where we find there to be a lack of merit sources or merit distribution on the whole. One can always postulate his candidacy to become a merit source following the official procedure, but more important than that perhaps, is to build a clear case why one considers a certain board may have a problem, providing as much evidence to back the case as possible.

For example, If I found my local board unmerited, I could venture to make a (longish) list of unmerited posts, and bring that forth to the community (I’d likely back it up with stats of course such as merit distribution, number of posts, number of meriters and merited and so on). Not easy to do, but ut will likely be more helpful to the case if it is backed-up with specifics.

[Direwolve735]

We do not have enough merit sources what can we do to get more? there are a lot of good posts that did not receive the merit that deserved

I think it’s best to be a bit more specific on where we find there to be a lack of merit sources or merit distribution on the whole.

I think that the problem of the deficit of merit distribution on the whole is much more complex and volume than the question of the lack of merit sources. Eventually, merit can be awarded not only by sources, but also by all those users who received merits themselves. I agree that there aren`t enough sources. But even if we add more merit sources, the problem still won`t be finally solved. After all, its other side is that participants rarely send merit to each other.

Despite the fact that users have repeatedly assured that there`s no point in holding smerit, the majority continues to do so (perhaps they`re waiting for the right moment when this smerit can be profitably sold). This is confirmed by a large number of high-quality and informative posts, which at the same time remain "unheeded". I admit the possibility that such comments might not to be noticed by sources (they cannot read everything that is written on the forum), but they definately couldn`t not to be observed by other users. However, the latter, for one reason or another, decided not to reward them.

[hugeblack]

The effect of the newly added merit sources during September 2018 is relatively small on aggregate, and only had a large effect during a week in appearance (but in the aftermaths, more likely than not, the peak reached in September was due to Alt TXs for the most).
This is a summary of the merit awarded by section/subsection during November 2018 (up until last update on the 23rd of this month):

Newly added merit sources can create 50 sMerit per source, "IMO" with the potential one or two sources for each section, "especially sub-sections."

If we are talking about sub-boards "Local boards," especially those that have been established in the last two years, most of the members are below of "Sr. Member," so the section will rely heavily on sources [IOW on 50 or 100 sMerit each month.]
It is better to focus on diversifying sources of merit so that the distribution will be more decentralized.
English and public boards are less affected by this accreditation>

[stompix]

Despite the fact that users have repeatedly assured that there`s no point in holding smerit, the majority continues to do so (perhaps they`re waiting for the right moment when this smerit can be profitably sold).

Excuse me???
Talking like a merit hoarder here, don't you think there might be other things to consider?

Like...TIME?
Since the kid is growing up and getting more active I barely have time to read this forum 1 hour a day and mostly it happens from my phone while watching him play, things might change with the winter since we will stay more indoors but till then it's a damn time-consuming task to hunt for such posts in this sea of two lines / make your quota posts.

Also, consider that I had to restrain myself for giving merit 5 times till now and instead push the report button for plagiarism, and this adds to the pain in the ass of distinguishing a real contributor from a fake one.

This is confirmed by a large number of high-quality and informative posts, which at the same time remain "unheeded". I admit the possibility that such comments might not to be noticed by sources (they cannot read everything that is written on the forum), but they definately couldn`t not to be observed by other users. However, the latter, for one reason or another, decided not to reward them.

Can you link to some, let's say a round number of those high quality and informative posts that remained unnoticed?
I'll be happy to get 10 or 20 posts rewarded if they indeed deserve it.

[DdmrDdmr]

<...>It is better to focus on diversifying sources of merit so that the distribution will be more decentralized.<...>

I think (not 100% sure) that that was the focus was placed when selecting the new batch of Merit Sources added in September, with prime attention to local boards. Nevertheless, monthly allowance varies from source to source, and are possibly dimensioned in relation to activity on the board (although the Merit Sources can merit in any board they like). I’m not sure the minimum monthly allowance is 50 sMerits; at least I’ve read about 10 an 25 sMerits in some cases. Hopefully, they will increase over time, providing the sections are active enough.

In addition, I’m with @stompix in relation to "merit hoarding": I don’t think that it is much of an issue in relation to those that have played the meriting game, but rather more something related to the initial airdrop that has not even budged 1 sMerit since day one. That likely sums up to a fair share (even above all that has already been placed into circulation), some of which will reside in no longer active accounts, and other in hands of accounts where merit is of no concert to them.

[tranthidung]

< ... >

Hate to say this, but honestly I don't want to read threads with pyramid quotes, like yours.
Pyramid quotes require huge space of each page, and make the whole page looks very uncomfortable.
Next time, you should drop unnecessary texts, and only quote specific points at which you want to discuss.
Additionally, it's too bad to see pyramid quotes in Meta board.

[RivAngE]

At least I'm glad to see sMerits are being put in good use by the few people who send them !  
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=merit;u=3

It's been only 8 years since his/her/their last activity!

[TheBeardedBaby]

At least I'm glad to see sMerits are being put in good use by the few people who send them ! 
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=merit;u=3

It's been only 8 years since his/her/their last activity!

,

People paying respect to Satoshi is not wasting of merit. Keep in mind that theymos can generate infinite amount of smerit.

[Harkorede]

At least I'm glad to see sMerits are being put in good use by the few people who send them !  
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=merit;u=3

It's been only 8 years since his/her/their last activity!

In my opinion an educative/quality post can't be outdated.
If a plagiarist is or an unworthy post is found after 10 years, wouldn't he/she be banned or the post get deleted ?
It shouldn't matter how long a post has been so far it is considered helpful or merit-worthy, and moreover as a user I guess I've barely read about 0.1% of the thread on here and should I come across a post that I learn something new from or find helpful I shouldn't give it merit simply because of when it was posted ?

[tranthidung]

You are right at this point.
Users have their own rights and decisions to use their sMerits, holding them forever (till Theymos decide decaying un-used sMerits) or sending them to any one, any topic, any thread they agree with and think that those ones are merit-deserved.

And, @satoshi is one of the most prestigious guys in crypto world. He/she/they obviously deserve/s tons of merits.

People paying respect to Satoshi is not wasting of merit.

It's only an assumption, which might happen or not. Personally, I think we should stick on current situation, rules, systems, etc. of the forum in our discussion.

Keep in mind that theymos can generate infinite amount of smerit.

[Kopyleft]

I do not consider other factors when analysing a post; users post history, last activity, trust rating or even banned status. All this does not in any way reduce the quality of a post or the impact and usefulness it has on others.

[tranthidung]

It does not make sense to send sMerits to banned accounts, especially permanent banned accounts.
They don't need them, and probably don't deserve merits due to their serious violations on forum rules.

or even banned status.

But, you maybe right at this point.

All this does not in any way reduce the quality of a post or the impact and usefulness it has on others.

[asche]

snip

Self made Full Member ? I don't see it.

Also merits are not just about who needs them or doesn't, or it wouldnt make sense to merit a legendary acc either.

If the post is good, user being banned or not, meriting it also highlights said content, thus it is serving a purpose.

[coinlocket$]

As usual the weekly update, we got a boost on merits.

[stelee68]

I feel that the merit system is not doing any justice to the BCT forum members.

Speaking from my own experience, and that I have joined BCT in Nov 2017, made different posts on a number of different various topics in the forum (namely Hardware section-Mining, Speculations, Alt-Coin ANN, and even the Chinese Section), all I have gotten so far is a "+2" for my merit points for a total of 400+ posts.

I have seen many other BCT members' posts with regards to this Merit system, and I can say with some confidence, that most of the fellow BCT members find it rather useless (putting it mildly).

The main problem - Merit did not go around well, and quite a big number of members did not get their due promotion and left the forum.

Sadly, the current btc price also is a PUSH factor to those who have left.

Kindly reconsider abolishing the Merit system, please.

Thank you for reading.

[Zero1One0]

Would it be possible to add another criteria to the ranking-up system?
If feel that I will be stuck as a Full Member forever.  

The element of time would also help in the ranking system while preventing spam accounts.

From Newbie to Jr Member: 6 months + required activity
From Member to Full Member: 1-year old account + required activity
Full Member to Sr. Member: 2-year old account + required activity
Sr. Member to Hero: 3-year old account + required activity
Hero to Legendary: 4-year old account + required activity

Basically, there will be 2 paths on how an account can rank up:
1. Time and activity
2. Merit system

I hope this suggestion will be considered by the mods. Thank you!  

[JayJuanGee]

Would it be possible to add another criteria to the ranking-up system?
If feel that I will be stuck as a Full Member forever.  

The element of time would also help in the ranking system while preventing spam accounts.

From Newbie to Jr Member: 6 months + required activity
From Member to Full Member: 1-year old account + required activity
Full Member to Sr. Member: 2-year old account + required activity
Sr. Member to Hero: 3-year old account + required activity
Hero to Legendary: 4-year old account + required activity

Basically, there will be 2 paths on how an account can rank up:
1. Time and activity
2. Merit system

I hope this suggestion will be considered by the mods. Thank you!  

Sorry to say that to the extent that you are genuine, your suggestion is stupid ...

In other words, if you actually understand what the merit system has added, by propose an alternative of time and activity, you are merely proposing to remove the merit system and to go back to what was in existence prior to the merit system.  There is nothing novel in your proposal.

[DdmrDdmr]

<…>

Having an "alt path" to ranking-up now would defeat the whole purpose of the Merit System. Ranking-up pace is slow for the most, and that could be an issue, at least a psychological one at some point. A couple of months I tried to proyect the amount of time it would require to rank-up amongst other things (see Analysis – Personal merit per day, merit per post and ranking-up projections).

Projections (described in above referenced thread)- Additional people that will rank-up with the Merit System:

Code:

year                Members             Full Members        Sr. Members         Heroes              Legendries
2018                255                 25                  18                  9                   4
2019                1105                205                 158                 91                  24
2020                820                 241                 143                 83                  45
[2021..2025]        3950                2407                729                 453                 285
[2026..2030]        178                 772                 824                 431                 233
[2031..2035]        82                  751                 1795                460                 246
2036++              206                 5939                9115                12684               14197

My projections (based on earned merit per person per rank vs time interval) are a bit scare for the next couple of years …
Speed can only be picked-up in two ways:

-   Getting more overall merit into circulation (even if the same people are still being merited, they will rank-up faster that the above projections).

-   Getting better at posting.