Suggestion: Don't show post counts

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That's it; remove the display of individual users' post counts.

The problem: People are using post count as a proxy for reputation, instead of judging posts and users on their own merits (or lack thereof).

I won't say that removing the display of post count will entirely solve the problem, as some people just can't be fixed, but it certainly would help as people would have to find some other way to judge a poster.

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[johnj]

I think something along these lines is a good idea.

I'll add perhaps even disable the count after ~100 posts, just to give a margin of truly new (and potentially scammy) accounts.

[Anonymous]

I disagree fundamentally. I think new users can be rationally questioned by a lower post count especially if they are offering a good or service. New businesses are not entitled to full faith from the beginning. I learned that the hard way.

[deepceleron]

I think a thank/like/karma system would be better. We should reward those that make helpful relevant posts, good posters get more moderation power (like a web-of-trust), and serial trolls' accounts will quickly disappear into unseen oblivion when you set the threshold to "ignore dummies". In many cases there's an unfortunate correlation between post count and banality of the content of those user's posts. Quality = Time on forum/quantity. Solve for quality.

[nhodges]

Post count is decent, a lot of other trade forums that have a 3rd party currency they deal with impose what's called a "two out of three" rule. The 2/3 rule states that three scoring factors (post count, registration date, and amount of currency) can be used to determine who should go first in a trade, if there is no mutual desire to use a mediator. It's pretty effective, not bulletproof, but I haven't been scammed in years doing trades on a forum by applying this methodology on top of common sense.

[Bitsky]

Disagreement here. I often check the postcount, especially when transfers are involved. In my opinion, someone with 500+ posts is less likely to run away with your money than someone who asks for a 10btc loan in the first post. I don't want to call all newbies scammers, but for obvious reasons it would be easier to scam people because all you need to do is register a new account and ask for your next loan instead of building up a reputation. This forum has a newbie section and minimum requirements to post in the other forums; and from what I know, this was done to keep spam and trolling under control. For me, the postcount works like that when it comes to transactions.

That said, it would be nice to have some sort of rating system between users. For example, when Joe sells something to Jane, he could enable a "rate me" option for her. When the trade is done, Joe gets a rating which is displayed underneath the postcount. I'm sure a lot of people here are honest traders, but nobody knows. Same for the dishonest ones.

[JohnDoe]

+1 to OP.

I disagree fundamentally. I think new users can be rationally questioned by a lower post count especially if they are offering a good or service. New businesses are not entitled to full faith from the beginning. I learned that the hard way.

People with 2 thousand posts are not entitled to full faith either. Post count gives a false sense of reputation in my opinion. People should be checking web of trust ratings instead of post counts when doing business with each other.

I think a thank/like/karma system would be better. We should reward those that make helpful relevant posts, good posters get more moderation power (like a web-of-trust), and serial trolls' accounts will quickly disappear into unseen oblivion when you set the threshold to "ignore dummies". In many cases there's an unfortunate correlation between post count and banality of the content of those user's posts. Quality = Time on forum/quantity. Solve for quality.

A karma system is too prone to circlejerking. It was tried already and failed miserably. Check reddit.com to see if more karma actually equates to better quality.

[RandyFolds]

Disagreement here. I often check the postcount, especially when transfers are involved. In my opinion, someone with 500+ posts is less likely to run away with your money than someone who asks for a 10btc loan in the first post. I don't want to call all newbies scammers, but for obvious reasons it would be easier to scam people because all you need to do is register a new account and ask for your next loan instead of building up a reputation. This forum has a newbie section and minimum requirements to post in the other forums; and from what I know, this was done to keep spam and trolling under control. For me, the postcount works like that when it comes to transactions.

That said, it would be nice to have some sort of rating system between users. For example, when Joe sells something to Jane, he could enable a "rate me" option for her. When the trade is done, Joe gets a rating which is displayed underneath the postcount. I'm sure a lot of people here are honest traders, but nobody knows. Same for the dishonest ones.

What does post-count mean though, compared to post history? Look at what the people have been saying, vs. how many things they've said...with the amount of scamming going here on a daily basis, you should be doing that anyways.

Shit, I am a 'hero member' who has done nothing but joke around and buy a couple things. My post count is up there, but the content of what I post is scraping rock friggin' bottom.

Down with the post count and any sort of 'hero'/'newb' titles! They carry too many false implications.

[wumpus]

I like the post count. Along with the registration date I use it as indicator to see how active someone is here.

You can remove it from the posts, I don't care, but please leave it in the profile.

[phelix]

i like it, too. also the user id or registration date should be displayed in plain text.  much better of course would be a good post and reputation +1 system (without downvoting)

[johnj]

i like it, too. also the user id or registration date should be displayed in plain text.  much better of course would be a good post and reputation +1 system (without downvoting)

Whenever I think of a system like that, I can just imagine a web of folk who +1 each other for a quick scam or two.

[phelix]

i like it, too. also the user id or registration date should be displayed in plain text.  much better of course would be a good post and reputation +1 system (without downvoting)

Whenever I think of a system like that, I can just imagine a web of folk who +1 each other for a quick scam or two.

this could become a problem. I still think it would be better than nothing. also if you would include the registration date into the calculation as nhodges suggested, abuse would be effectively prevented.

[Swishercutter]

I think a thank/like/karma system would be better. We should reward those that make helpful relevant posts, good posters get more moderation power (like a web-of-trust), and serial trolls' accounts will quickly disappear into unseen oblivion when you set the threshold to "ignore dummies". In many cases there's an unfortunate correlation between post count and banality of the content of those user's posts. Quality = Time on forum/quantity. Solve for quality.

I second this...or at least a thumbs up thumbs down for threads like Slickdeals.net has...makes it easier to see irrelevant threads/posts.

[cruikshank]

"Now selling a thumbs up for 2 BTC and thumbs down for 1 BTC."

Can't sell or buy a post count. Maybe make post count link directly to someones post history though?

[theymos]

With the next forum software, forum rankings (like "hero member") will be based on both posts and time online, and post counts will probably not appear on topic pages.

[theymos]

Until "Smart Bots" start auto posting content from other sites.

I've seen this behavior from bots before, and it is always noticed after the bot has posted a few hundred posts at the most. If there's any suspicion of a poster being a bot, you only need to Google some phrases posted. Non-bots who post garbage should also be banned, so identification isn't a huge issue, anyway.

If a bot manages to not post garbage, then it's being a constructive member of the community and we should not discriminate.

[BitcoinPorn]

I trust bots more than a low post count.  I like the idea that after x amount of posts, it doesn't show.  Basically using post count only to see how active a newer member is. 

I think the plus minus thing on individual posts would be abused by some organized scam.

[CoinCidental]

why is my post count stuck on the same number since weeks ? have some new changes been made ?

[jackjack]

why is my post count stuck on the same number since weeks ? have some new changes been made ?

Don't you think a thread specifically about your matter would be better?
Aren't you mixing activity and post count?

[CoinCidental]

why is my post count stuck on the same number since weeks ? have some new changes been made ?

Don't you think a thread specifically about your matter would be better?
Aren't you mixing activity and post count?

yes ,sorry ,you are correct
i was just wondering why  it didnt change lol