Are users abusing the merit source application

[Sharon121212]

The usefulness of merit sources can not be overemphasized it has really helped in the effective and efficient distribution of smerit in the forum and has enabled users rank up according to the quality of there post.
I stand to be corrected there are over 100 merit sources in the forum and has been very diligent in the approach of there duties.
No back to my topic merit source application. I have noticed when ever a member has attained a senior member rank there are a possibilities he/she might go ahead and apply for merit sources regardless if the forum needs any more merit sources at the moment.
Could this be right?
Most merit source application then to get merited. Could this be a scheme to get merit?  I know some of the merit sources where directly contacted by the forum about being a source.
If the forum when ever a space is available for merit sources contact user they feel is right and if they are interested put up there application for consideration.
It's appreciated if one wants to selflessly work for the forum.

[OgNasty]

Most merit source application then to get merited. Could this be a scheme to get merit? 

I’d describe it as a scheme to get sMerit.

[Pmalek]

You could look at it as a scheme to get more merits but then again you can look at many other threads or posts as an attempt to get more merits so what is the difference? Merit sources are needed in the local sections for members that don't speak proper English but still contribute to their local boards.
For example, the Croatian section lost their merit source in Regulus who got banned a few months ago so merits are scarce in the Croatian boards ever since. A bigger allocation would be needed there.
A few weeks ago theymos appointed a merit source for the Altcoin section as well so it is a good thing that there are more sources around.

[Jet Cash]

I don't open the threads.

We have to have a topic of the moment. So far we have had -

Sig spamming
Merit
Trust
Reputation
and now we have Merit source applications.

does anyone want to run a book on the next topic?

[btcsmlcmnr]

They smartly caught the hot trend. Years ago, merit topics easily got merits; months ago trust topic easily got merits; and around last 2 months, merit source applications easily got merits. I agreed they are good users, whom contributed many things to the forum, but I think if theymos does not announce that he need more merit sources, I don't think we actually need more merit source applications.
I called it likely hyper inflation of source application, and (if accepted) inflation always does not good.Next thing to add in the book, I guess we might see abundant topics on theymos, started by this one
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5136271.0

[r1s2g3]

I stand to be corrected there are over 100 merit sources in the forum and has been very diligent in the approach of there duties.
No back to my topic merit source application. I have noticed when ever a member has attained a senior member rank there are a possibilities he/she might go ahead and apply for merit sources regardless if the forum needs any more merit sources at the moment.
Could this be right?

But don't you think that after earning 250 + merits, member understand the spirit and purpose of merit  better. If you check the stats then you will find that there are few in this forum that are able to climb from 0/10 to 250. Don't you think that they inspire you to climb the ladder when you are joining as newbie.

Most merit source application then to get merited. Could this be a scheme to get merit?  I know some of the merit sources where directly contacted by the forum about being a source.
If the forum when ever a space is available for merit sources contact user they feel is right and if they are interested put up there application for consideration.
It's appreciated if one wants to selflessly work for the forum.

There is no boundation that you need to merit that merit source application. In fact, I supported many applications without meriting the OP.  Application is needed to show your interest and if user do not put application ,then how the Theymos will know the member's interest. By judging the content of application , you can know a lot about that interested member.

PS :  I also ranked to Sr. Member by earning 250 merits and did not put any application but I think it is personal choice.

[Bitcoin_Arena]

I don't open the threads.

We have to have a topic of the moment. So far we have had -

Sig spamming
Merit
Trust
Reputation
and now we have Merit source applications.

does anyone want to run a book on the next topic?

You forgot to include Merit giveaway topics that have been there lately...
It's just a new indirect way of collecting merit from other forum members and supporters.

[bones261]

OH FFS. I really do not think the vast majority of merit source applications are made in order to grab merit. I think the applicants generally want an opportunity to be more useful to the forum. I don't think these people are engaging in any kind of "abuse" any more than a person who applies to be a volunteer for a charity. Also, to expand further, I don't think anyone is abusing the merit system if someone purposefully creates great content in order to get merit. If it's great stuff, I don't care what the underlying motive is for creating it.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Let say this was a merit scheme for snr members, is it working to any effect? I don't think so, to achieve your next rank you need another 250 merit and you'll hardly see any new application receiving much attention in regards to getting merited.

You do have to understand that, if this users don't apply then theymos won't have a choice to choose from. He did pick some few members previously from a certain thread or you can say board that's why we have higher rate of merits in those areas I don't think he should do the same instead a consideration to the user appying (just as he's doing) should continue and the right users for the job should be appointed.

About users applying when they get to snr member rank, although I have seen numerous applications from other high ranked users, Snr member users might just have majority of the number just because most of them must have had ambition to serve the forum when they were lower ranked users but they waited until they achieve a status other higher reputed members can associate with. If a user can make it to snr member rank then off course that user must have an idea of what quality post are, as you'll hardly see spammers making it that far.

OP you should also understand that merit source application gives more exposure to quality post as you'll hardly see same thread appear on two separate  application therefore more applications shouldn't be discourage.

[Hueristic]

I think this thread is a merit scheme.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5136666.0

[DdmrDdmr]

<…>

I doubt that the intention behind postulating to become a Merit Source is to get merited. That normally comes as some sort of vouch, appreciation for the candidacy, or kick-off sum to show what he will do if appointed. Being a Merit Source is also not a treat, but rather much a responsibility that implies criteria and investing time.

If application numbers are increasing somewhat, it could denote a real interest in boosting a specific board or local section, based on inner knowledge from observation of what is going on there. Specifically, local boards applications are a good way of denoting a lack of merit there, especially if they are backed with a clear case stating why they consider there is a lack of merit and providing an idea of the number of good posts that go unmerited or undermerited (and not a link to a list of already well merited posts).

Edit:
I’ve gone over Meta for 2019 active threads, and found these to be the current set of applications (may have missed some):

[APPLICATION] cabalism13 as Merit Source -> Sr. Member, focus on Philippine local board.
PHI1618's Merit Source Application -> Hero Member, focus on Turkish local board.
[-1 Merit source in RU local] Alex_Sr merit source application UP! -> Sr. Member, focus on Russian local board.
Brainboss's Merit Source Application -> Sr. Member, focus on Altcoin boards.
Merit source application of Coolcryptovator. [Updated] -> Sr. Member, general.
Application For Merit Source [Philippines Local Board] -> Sr. Member, focus on Philippine local board.
[Polish section] Merit source application -> Hero Member, focus on Polish local board.
MERIT SOURCE application -> Hero Member, focus on Economics, Marketplace, Dutch local board.
Merit Source Application - Squatz1 -> Hero Member, focus on P&S.
QS Merit Source Application -> Legendary, general.
Hhampuz Merit Source Application -> Legendary, to be defined.
Merit source application Italian and Reputation Sections-> Hero, focus on Italian local board and Reputation.
TK808's Merit Source Application [ALT Disc, ANN, ANN Tokens, Services] -> Hero, focus on ALT Disc, ANN, ANN Tokens, Services.
Portuguese board Merit analysis and application-> Hero, focus on the Portuguese local board.
bitmover Merit Source Application - and thoughts on Brazilian Bitcoin Community-> Sr. Member, focus on the Portuguese local board.
Merit source application -> Sr. Member, focus on Greek Local Board
Merit source application by Daniel91 -> Legendary, focus Croatian Local Board.

I’ve skipped a few that are currently Merit Sources such as ETFBitcoin, o_e_l_e_o. Some of the above may currently be Merit Sources that I’m not aware of.

Many are local board applications, which I'm delighted with if they can bring a solid case of evidence that their local boards needs a Merit Source.

[Sharon121212]

I must say I am very much clarified about that issue. It's just that there where more merit sources applications without any feed back as to if the got the position or not recently.
To make a note I do not have any issue with merit source the reverse is the case I support that system.

[tranthidung]

< ... >

Hi,
Because you have really good data scraping skills, so would you mind spending your time to make a statistical analyses on some figures of those merit source applications:
(1) Mean or median of total merits earned in the OP, all time.
(2) Mean or median of total merits earned in the OP, within first 24 hours or first 7 days
Weeks ago, I mentioned about it, but I did not say it directly.

Can I express my opinion in opposite side?  
Merit source applications are always good, because, to be qualifying enough to made application and got attention, consideration from  @theymos, applicants have to choose ten high quality topics.
So, they have to spend time, to find, collect, and present them into their applications.
Is it good or bad?
It is obviously good, because some of those topics have not listed or mentioned in any list before they collected and presented in merit source applicatioins.
No matter result of application is, got accepted or rejected, it is only good for community.
One more thing, spammers should and could not apply to be a merit source. Maybe I missed something, but I have never seen spammers applied to be merit sources.  
Consequently, each batch of ten-chosen-topics in Merit Source Applications are usually good topics.

[btcsmlcmnr]

Sig spamming
Merit
Trust
Reputation
and now we have Merit source applications.

And 'Charity', I don't say Charity topics for good purposes are bad. It is good, in fact, but sometimes, it's hard to verify such charity will be used correctly as their original purposes. Within early days after charity topics created, it is probably don't have enough information, events, and proofs to show that charity funds will be used appropriately to help others whom get troubles in their lives.
Additionally, should we consider about new child board, Merit Source Application, inside Meta board. I know theymos said merit source applications should be posted on Meta. However it will be good if we have a child board for that, and applications won't be burried with other discussions.

[DdmrDdmr]

<...>

There’s no data scrapping needed here really (which I’m not particularly good at).

I’ll meet you half way: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KT75u53WScr3sloHwvVKTZ09ZU-2IvfdJTzkvEWMf0U/edit?usp=sharing.
The above link has all the 17 OP Merit Source application TXs (145 TXs, 494 Merits, Avg. 29 Merits). You can use it if you wish to contrast with each OP’s date/time (need to copy that from each OP) to break it down by those 24h and 7 day contrasts.

Even so, I’m not convinced that any Merit data is really relevant in these applications. Sure some have obtained Merits due to their application, whilst others have not received any yet. But that depends on quite a few factors and, the majority, have awarded them likely to vouch for or push an initial awarding capability when the postulant declared being out of sMerits.

[cabalism13]

Haven't seen this topic yesterday until it was mention on our group.

I stand to be corrected there are over 100 merit sources in the forum and has been very diligent in the approach of there duties.

If that number is said to be true then I guess we should be able to feel it. Only few of them is what I really see and feel, not counting the staff and mods for I know they're been automatically nominated as a Source.

Maybe less than 20 of the Merit Sources are really active on giving out their sMerits across the whole forum, then the others are merely on their specified local boards.

I’d describe it as a scheme to get sMerit.

Well, it depends on the current Sources whether they'll share their sMerits or not. But still, we can't deny for having it looked like that.

Merit sources are needed in the local sections for members that don't speak proper English but still contribute to their local boards.

Indeed, if only there are a complete set of Merit Source for every boards then I guess applications would be considered as faulty and considered only for their own-benefits. But the fact that we haven't, these applications would be considered as valid unless the candidates are known for being not worthy (known cheaters, abusers).

As we can see, most of those applications we're only made just because they see a lack of Merit distributions somewhere in this forum. (Just like mine)

I doubt that the intention behind postulating to become a Merit Source is to get merited. That normally comes as some sort of vouch, appreciation for the candidacy, or kick-off sum to show what he will do if appointed. Being a Merit Source is also not a treat, but rather much a responsibility that implies criteria and investing time.

If application numbers are increasing somewhat, it could denote a real interest in boosting a specific board or local section, based on inner knowledge from observation of what is going on there. Specifically, local boards applications are a good way of denoting a lack of merit there, especially if they are backed with a clear case stating why they consider there is a lack of merit and providing an idea of the number of good posts that go unmerited or undermerited (and not a link to a list of already well merited posts).

Indeed. But we can't blame the other users for seeing it like that, for almost all of these applications is being given some Merits due to the own discretion of the other Users who has extra sMerits.


Only theymos can asnwer such issue whether he will consider some boards (like our local) to have some/additional Merit Source.