I have realized that with the advent of new merit system, most of the established members are hoarding Smerits.
I thought this was an old thread but no, fresh from today´s oven (albeit using and old recipe). Regardless, do go ahead and show those established members, in order to get a sense of the dimension of the issue being discussed here (if not nominally, numerically).
I have also came across various posts on other forums in which they are selling merits.
Likely existed from the very first day, and pretty much unavoidable, although in big picture, the number of cases and amounts are expected to be small in proportion, to the point that it should be deemed pretty much meaningless (although, at this stage, unused airdropped sMerits are perhaps more of a risk than a potential benefit in my opinion).
IMHO all this is leading to the over all quality decay of this prestigious forum, various new members are migrating to other forums where it is much more easier to rank up. Existing lower rank members are also feeling 'hit the wall' kind of situation and not putting enough efforts in their posts.
You don’t really need rank that much unless it’s to benefit from campaigns. If people find alternatives they prefer, it’s their prerogative, but to discuss there is no need to escalate to any rank at all (although Jr. Member is desirable to be able to include images, which sometimes help to explain or refer to specific information).
But since we have adopted this system I urge all established members of this forum ( who have say in the matter) to look for possible solutions for speeding up the "merit giving system", or look for the alternatives.
It’s been discussed tons of times. The Merit System pivots around various key factors which I assume are monitored, and are moving in the currently intended ranges:
- Currently there is a more or less constant flow of merits of around 4,7K-6,7K per week. That could be increased by means of additional merit sources or allowance, but I figure it targets and intended weekly/monthly amount. I presume that the figure is more or less thought out.
- Each week there are something like 550 – 650 different sMerit awarders (with obvious different weights), which ensures some diversity of criteria.
- There are also between 800 and 1.000 different sMerit receivers per week. Out of those, around 100 are first time receivers. This latter may be an indicator to watch.
- The number of people that rank-up can (and is) be monitored.
Now could it if be moving at a faster pace?
Sure, but I’m not sure that the current parameters fall short of what is currently intended. I mean more sMerits could be pumped into the system through the Merits Sources (ideally through more sources in any case), or the 2:1 ratio (2 earned Merits: 1 generated sMerit) ratio could be altered (i.e. 3:2 ratio).
Those accounts that really put some time and effort scale the ranks (whether it’s their intent or not) without too much of an issue. Time is an important factor though.
One solution from my side is we can modify the merit system by making Smerits in the multiple of 5, So that the minimum merits one can give and receive is 5 from single user. This will lead to the change in minimum numbers of merit requires for jr member and members but I am sure that will speed up the much needed change.
There’s no need for that. Changing the rank’s requirements could be done without the above (i.e. lower the merit requirement for some mid-high ranks). If it has not been done, I assume it’s because it’s thought to be acceptable as is.
