If you received a merit...

[suchmoon]

... it likely means that:

• You made a post and someone thought it's a good post, or perhaps someone clicked the wrong button.

It doesn't mean that:

• Anyone else thinks it's a good post.
• Anyone likes your post or you.
• Anyone agrees with your post or with you.
• Your post is right or righteous.
• You're not a shitposter.
• You're trustworthy.
• You're not dumb.
• Your post doesn't break the forum rules.
• You'll get any more merits for that post or any post.
• You should try making more such posts.
• You should pester other users for merit.

Just some inspirational-motivational thoughts for your Monday. May or may not be based on a true story.

[1714893870]

1714893870

[1714893870]

1714893870

[1714893870]

1714893870

[LoyceV]

I like it, I still sometimes see people who think Merit means I endorse something. Allow me to add a few from my perspective:

If I Merit your post, it doesn't mean:

• I endorse what you're offering
• I trust you
• Someone else should trust you based on my Merit
• I like you

It could mean:

• The post is worth reading
• The post says a lot about you
• I want to encourage you
• I think you're a real user with a real question/problem
• You're not a spammer
• You made a very good post and deserve a lot of Merit
• I clicked the wrong button^* (it has happened)
• You deserve to Rank up and I my source sMerit needs emptying

^* Using suchmoon's words

[The Sceptical Chymist]

It doesn't mean that:

• Anyone agrees with your post or with you.
• Your post is right or righteous.
• You're trustworthy.
• You're not dumb.

I like it, I still sometimes see people who think Merit means I endorse something. Allow me to add a few from my perspective:

If I Merit your post, it doesn't mean:

• I endorse what you're offering

I clipped some of the list items out, but the ones I quoted are important to understand.  There was a case of someone getting red-tagged by a DT member because the DT member doesn't like the merited member, and I think that's inappropriate.  I think Theymos even got upset that there was some merit distributed to a member whose name I can't recall.  It was recently, I think.

I've given merits to OgNasty, TECSHARE, and even Quickseller (I think), even though I don't have positive feelings about any of them in general.  Sometimes a post is good, makes a lucid point and deserves a merit or two, and in those cases I put my feelings aside, hard as it might be sometimes. 

[AB de Royse777]

I guess the original thought was about receiving a merit from Suchmoon but inspired by LoyceV's post here what I do and don't mean.

If I give you merit(s) then this possibly do means:
- It's a post worth reading for me
- I learnt something new from your post
- You engaged in a discussion
- You did some research and the post is informative
- You helped someone with the information they have asked
- You solved a problem
- You did something good for the community
- I wanted to encourage you to create more posts
- I went through your post history and found out that you deserve ranking up

Possibly do not mean:
- It might not worth reading for anyone else.
- I agree with your view or thoughts
- I am endorsing your suggestion or statement
- A good relation between you and me
- I am emptying my sMerits
- Clicked in the wrong button, I am very careful when I send out merit.

PS: You might find some take and cut from the idea with the users above my post since I read their responses and my post could reflect some idea from them.

PPS: This is not a complete list.

[suchmoon]

Well, the merit cycling club is almost all here (o_e_l_e_o clearly looks down upon Meta lately) so you know everything above is 100% factual

The silver lining here is that basically this means you can get merit regardless of all that stuff. The only thing that truly kills merit earning is being an annoying prick, since that often leads to being ignored. Don't be an annoying prick.

[AB de Royse777]

Well, the merit cycling club is almost all here (o_e_l_e_o clearly looks down upon Meta lately) so you know everything above is 100% factual

Wait a minute!
Was this post only for the Cycling Club members? Please don't say "yes" or I will feel embarrassed :-P

[o_e_l_e_o]

Well, the merit cycling club is almost all here (o_e_l_e_o clearly looks down upon Meta lately)

I'm too busy pedaling away. Gotta burn off all those cookies somehow.

so you know everything above is 100% factual

I am Leo, and I approve this message.

[suchmoon]

Wait a minute!
Was this post only for the Cycling Club members? Please don't say "yes" or I will feel embarrassed :-P

No, it's me who should feel embarrassed. I thought it's common knowledge that only cycling club members are allowed to post on this forum. Must be some mistake by the administration to not have everyone else banned.

I'm now torn if I should add "/s" but I think someone will find a way to misinterpret it regardless so whatever

[AB de Royse777]

You are not inviting CH and co?
/s

By the way, all good though.

[suchmoon]

You are not inviting CH and co?

I have a feeling that CH is not the type that waits for an invitation and he will probably stop by to illustrate the "annoying prick" part.

[o_e_l_e_o]

Bingo cards on standby...

[MainIbem]

... the merit cycling club ...

Does this truly exist? Could this explain why merits seem to circulate among some members? Any qualification for intending members of the club, if it existed?

[pablogomezz]

I’ve trade few similar topics about merit and for me it’s still a bit hard to get merit without strong knowledge in crypto. To be honest I’m reading a lot last week and I’d like to help other members in way I can.

Thanks! It’s informative

[dkbit98]

I think you should also make a post If you didn't receive a merit....  

... it likely means that:

• You made a bad or boring post, and nobody noticed it.

It doesn't mean that:

• You should continue doing the same thing.
• You will never receive a merit.
• Anyone hates you
• You are a shitposter.
• You should copy-paste and spin text
• You should chase merits all the time
• You should beg for merits
• Your should send PM to other members asking for merits.
• You should buy merits.
• You should buy other accounts.
• You should became a troll.
• You can't write better posts.

[KaneVWE]

... it likely means that:

• You made a post and someone thought it's a good post, or perhaps someone clicked the wrong button.

It doesn't mean that:

• Anyone else thinks it's a good post.
• Anyone likes your post or you.
• Anyone agrees with your post or with you.
• Your post is right or righteous.
• You're not a shitposter.
• You're trustworthy.
• You're not dumb.
• Your post doesn't break the forum rules.
• You'll get any more merits for that post or any post.
• You should try making more such posts.
• You should pester other users for merit.

Just some inspirational-motivational thoughts for your Monday. May or may not be based on a true story.

What ? Now merit score isn't a super accurate indicator of undeniable value when analysed objectively?
That must be why you said the terms good poster and bad poster are meaningless without strict definition and criteria to measure against.

So the only issue is..
why is this meaningless garbage the basis for the trust system ?
Why do campaign managers put any stock in this meaningless nonsense?

Anyway good to see some reality creeping in.
Challenging the status quo or presenting very valuable information that is also inconvenient to DT or merit sources ( generally the same thing shockingly) will not get your posts ignored. They read them are unable to debunk them but of course would never merit them or any other valuable insights you offer whether they agree with those or not.
Once you are on the merit starvation list you don't come off.

It really doesn't matter I guess to any that are not here for financial reasons.
The only shame is that theymos sanctioned those controlling this meaningless crap to manipulate the forum software into turning their petty gripes and annoyance at being whistle blown on into fake lies of scamming and claims of financially motivated wrongdoing.

That is more of a design error.  Well the entire shambles of merit and trust is one big design error but that is the most offensive part.

When a meaningless metric empowers proven scammers to label their whistle blowers as scammers with zero evidence you start to see the dangerous mess merit is in its totally subjective and meaningless form.

A members true value is based only upon any lasting change their posts resulted in.  Whether that be for bitcoin,  another project or for a group of people who's lives you have changed in a huge way they didn't expect.

The forum has given thousands of members an opportunity they would have never had elsewhere. For that we all should be grateful.  Merit is a cancer but fortunately even that can not destroy the forums past. It can destroy the forums future but let's hope its prevented from turning the entire place into an echo chamber and completely discouraging new users.

The most valuable post is that which opposes popular or accepted widely held views and conclusively debunks them.
Of course CH bingo posts are valuable too. Anything pertaining to real legends deserves a nice sprinkle of merit.

I think perhaps he is just that polite these days. Someone should hit him up with an invite.

[suchmoon]

I think you should also make a post If you didn't receive a merit....  

Well, you already did so...

Good point though. I've been trying to find those ever-elusive unmerited good posters for months and so far anyone who can string a sentence or two together without sounding like a total moron seems to have received merits before I notice them. So if one hasn't received merits yet and has made at least a few dozen posts outside of bounty boards - they must be really bad at stringing those sentences. Sometimes even utter shitposters get a stray merit but that's fine, they'll never move beyond being just a statistical anomaly. Anyone with even a tiniest spark of a real person can and will get merits.

[Foxpup]

Does this truly exist? Could this explain why merits seem to circulate among some members?

No, it does not truly exist; it only falsely exists. I originally created it as a joke to mock those who incorrectly believe merit only circulates among a few members, but it's since gotten way out of hand.

Any qualification for intending members of the club, if it existed?

You have to send and receive a large amount of merits from other members of the club, of course. The fact that we also send merits to users outside the club is immaterial and you should pay no attention to it. /s

What ? Now merit score isn't a super accurate indicator of undeniable value when analysed objectively?

It never was, nor did anyone say it was. We sincerely apologise for the incredible amount of time you wasted "debunking" something nobody ever believed in the first place.

[icopress]

Does this truly exist? Could this explain why merits seem to circulate among some members? Any qualification for intending members of the club, if it existed?

MainIbem, you'll have to pedal harder to be accepted into the Merit Cycling Club, at least unless you're Foxpup's half-brother through his dad's cousin.

Not to mention, you shouldn't be allergic to: chocolate bitcoin wrapped in gold foil, a game rabbit burrito served with habanero sauce, a slice of Black Forest gâteau made with genuine Black Forest kirsch, a 55-gallon drum of WD-40, a pine cone in a bottle

Well, one more little thing ...

An Error Has Occurred!
You can only send 50 merit to a given user per 30 days.

[KaneVWE]

Does this truly exist? Could this explain why merits seem to circulate among some members?

No, it does not truly exist; it only falsely exists. I originally created it as a joke to mock those who incorrectly believe merit only circulates among a few members, but it's since gotten way out of hand.

Any qualification for intending members of the club, if it existed?

You have to send and receive a large amount of merits from other members of the club, of course. The fact that we also send merits to users outside the club is immaterial and you should pay no attention to it. /s

What ? Now merit score isn't a super accurate indicator of undeniable value when analysed objectively?

It never was, nor did anyone say it was. We sincerely apologise for the incredible amount of time you wasted "debunking" something nobody ever believed in the first place.

Lol so full of shit. That's why suchmoron said it was completely stupid to suggest that some of the 99.93% of the forum could make posts as good as some posts made by  the 0.07% of top merit earners. Or that all pre merit legends were spammers.

Do you think the threads are not publically available where you bunch of idiots were claiming there merit score was a legitimate metric for appraising post value. People only need to pull up CH's original threads here on meta when he stated posting regularly here to see you are completely bullshittkng.

I'm irresistible to foxy. However much the the other merit cyclers tell her not to talk to me she can't stop herself.

Ignore foxpups clear lies or opinions not based on any form of reasoning   Simply pull up the top 20 merit fans and recipients of the usual gang members and see they are infested with each other, as are their trust includes.

So anyway since you have all decided to forget you were claiming high merit score = super valuable poster  .. or that the score had any objective and useful meaning at all then why is the trust system based upon it and why do campaign managers care about it at all?

Merits were seriously cycled hard especially early on, they still are now but That was the crucial period. Now they may try to scatter them around to lots of different people in very minute measures knowing full well that those people will never have enough to release the strangle hold the current gang have on DT1 and therefore the best rev streams.

The entire merit based control systems have been converted into a tool to create a 2 tier system and protection racket.

I mean the OP details exactly why merit score is completely meaningless in terms of objective post value and completely open to abuse motivated by financial gain.

Now suchmoon ownes Bpip can you expand merit fans and recipients to top 25. Top 10 is to shabby.

First rule about merit cycling club
Never admit there is a merit cycling club.

Second rule about merit cycling club
Never ever ever admit wrongdoing however conclusive the proof is that a DT1 is a scammer.

Third rule about merit cycling club
Claim anyone noticing merit is cycled is CH

Obviously try to get them banned, tag them, merit starve , falsely accuse of trolling etc

Suchmoon should have stuck to her more simple explanation :

You have a merit score ? It is meaningless with regard post value. It's also a tool to crush free speech. It has other far more dangerous applications but let's not get repetitive.

Or even more concise. Merit was cancer for this forum.

[AB de Royse777]

It did not take much longer :-P

[erikoy]

It likely means that

*trying to contribute the forum in simple way like actively participating in the discussions.
*trying to convince the readers that somehow may get their ideas the same as well
*trying to obey the forum rules and regulations
*trying not to get involve in the dispute especially in the trust system
*trying not get part of promoting scam projects (ICO, DEFI, STO and IEO)
*trying to not to plagiarize any posts from other users or other articles by providing source or links to the posts
*share some insights knowledge that help other users especially to the newbie or new comers
*trying to motivate other users by simply sharing ideas base on experience and stay in the forum
*trying to help spreading awareness on major problems especially in shit posting to major board discussions
*trying to respect other users in their opinion

It doesn't likely mean that

*I am a quality poster
*A user with good reputation
*I am helpful
*I could not plagiarize
*I could not shit posts
*I could not promote scam projects and do fraud activities
*I contributed meaningful posts
*I could not be a keyboard warrior (trolling)
*I am motivated to continue the journey here in the forum.


Earning some merits is like a motivation that could be a reason to enjoy the stay here in the forum.

[dkbit98]

It did not take much longer :-P

Just ignore the gremlin with a single click of a button, and hope they lock him in some mental institution soon.

[Yogee]

But how do you even get it wrong? A separate tab opens when you click "merit" and you get to enter how many merits you want to send to that post. I just couldn't think how you'll commit two mistakes in a row.

[LoyceV]

But how do you even get it wrong? A separate tab opens when you click "merit" and you get to enter how many merits you want to send to that post.

Mistakes come with volume Up to last Friday, I've sent Merit 7381 times. I usually open the Merit link in the background, then go through a bunch of them at once. I remember once Meriting the wrong post (which wasn't so bad anyway) because of using too many tabs at once. And there's this

[casperBGD]

But how do you even get it wrong? A separate tab opens when you click "merit" and you get to enter how many merits you want to send to that post.

Mistakes come with volume Up to last Friday, I've sent Merit 7381 times. I usually open the Merit link in the background, then go through a bunch of them at once. I remember once Meriting the wrong post (which wasn't so bad anyway) because of using too many tabs at once. And there's this

post for post, better or worse, but that user is stacked on this 40 merits that you gave him/her and left the forum, since that was the last post from that user

on the one side one can think that you provided him with good value, with this 40 merits, but obviously that did not work, since there is nothing more from the user after that, may be a "40 merit curse"

[suchmoon]

But how do you even get it wrong? A separate tab opens when you click "merit" and you get to enter how many merits you want to send to that post. I just couldn't think how you'll commit two mistakes in a row.

You're underestimating me... I can easily do it if I click "+Merit" on the wrong post - I get confused quite often here because "Report to moderator" and "+Merit" are my two most-often used features and they're on the opposite ends of a post - and then don't pay close attention to the username on the next page.

Merit sending should happen on the same page. Or at the very least the page where I enter the merit amount should display the post content that I'm meriting. There's definitely enough space on that page. And the damn zero default should be removed - I can't think of any good reason to have it there.

[r1s2g3]

Wow!!  Unending Merit debate going on.

When I joined this forum , Merit just got implemented and debate started.

I just clicked Meta today after so many days, and first post I encountered  is still about merit.

[lovesmayfamilis]

I just clicked Meta today after so many days, and first post I encountered  is still about merit.

Many newbies still understand the forum in such a way that merits and ranks are most necessary in order to be here.

I recently saw a post from a newbie who got a lot of merit for one post.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5275669.msg55193113#msg55193113

 I've often seen a simple transfer of merit in large numbers, but here the message really made sense. And yet 47 merits is worthy of the title of academician And this is such a quantity that you can hardly send by mistake. Forgive my suspicion, although I understand perfectly well that everyone is free to dispose of their merits as they want.

And sometimes a good joke is tantamount to a message that contains valuable information. And this can also be rewarded with merit.

[suchmoon]

Wow!!  Unending Merit debate going on.

When I joined this forum , Merit just got implemented and debate started.

I just clicked Meta today after so many days, and first post I encountered  is still about merit.

I'm sorry about that. It's been a while since I created a thread about merit so you just picked the wrong day to check Meta

However, this being Meta... what else are we going to discuss here. Shitposting dominates this forum. Merit is inherently linked to that.

 

[gentlemand]

Aw. Seems a shame to pop someone's bubble. One may as well let them enjoy it for a while.

If it's someone lowly and totally unfamiliar I usually have a quick browse of their other posts just in case they're a loathsome poo in every other post they've ever created. If they are then I'm cockblocking.

[Smartvirus]

What ? Now merit score isn't a super accurate indicator of undeniable value when analysed objectively?
That must be why you said the terms good poster and bad poster are meaningless without strict definition and criteria to measure against.

I agree with you on the fact that, merit isn't an accurate indicator but then, it reflects the judgement of the people, their perception and how they see your post to be credible to the context of the forum.

So the only issue is..
why is this meaningless garbage the basis for the trust system ?
Why do campaign managers put any stock in this meaningless nonsense?

I wonder what the basis could have been in a moderated secured system where your barely familiar with any user but still hopes to do business with them. There's got to be some form of ratings in place to distinguish put some users up front of others based on their contributions and activities on the forum though, using the trust system is still rightly based on users discretion. It only gives you an idea on how to navigate.

It really doesn't matter I guess to any that are not here for financial reasons.
The only shame is that theymos sanctioned those controlling this meaningless crap to manipulate the forum software into turning their petty gripes and annoyance at being whistle blown on into fake lies of scamming and claims of financially motivated wrongdoing.

I won't say the forum isn't strongly moderated as it uses to be besides, the newbies now seem to have done a little bit of research to have persisted else, I see a couple of ban appeals still on this same board and have seen a user complain to have been banned due to report by a moderator but then, this is a claim that could be looked into and banning whistle blowers without evidence, I don't think anyone could be banned without an evidence of some sort.

A members true value is based only upon any lasting change their posts resulted in.  Whether that be for bitcoin,  another project or for a group of people who's lives you have changed in a huge way they didn't expect.

I agree with you on this point but then, this is basically based on the users judgement and the level of response from the masses can't be totally wrong. Not having a single user as the judge of a post but the forum itself is a concrete idea to better authenticate a post.

Your quite an experienced user and poster to be a Jr. Member, I give you that.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Welcome back, always knew you were alive 😉. The merit discussion is getting tiresome but the goodnews is there's a reduction in the new thread created on this topic although this merit related discussion is something we can't end in the forum since it's a part of the forum. Some threads like this makes a lot of sense compared to the random threads created by mostly newbie acting like they can give you want they don't have, coming out with their guides on merit without them having anything to show as proof.

Just to add some thought on the ongoing discussion, here's mind. If you received a merit from me.. it could likely means any time f the following and it's left for you to decide which category you fall under:

• First and foremost, you deserved it (I hardly make mistakes but not immune to one) sometimes I might send amount ordinary, you'll feel it's too much but that's just how I operate.
• Your post was above average but doesn't necessarily mean I found them useless to myself. It probably would had been a recommendation from someone else as I get that alot.
• Could be out of my generosity as I practice that alot especially in my service related threads

On some occasion too, I could be in a rush to spend my monthly allocation before they declare especially when the month hasn't been fruitful in regards to finding deserving post.

[Yogee]

.....You're underestimating me... I can easily do it if I click "+Merit" on the wrong post - I get confused quite often here because "Report to moderator" and "+Merit" are my two most-often used features and they're on the opposite ends of a post - and then don't pay close attention to the username on the next page.

Merit sending should happen on the same page. Or at the very least the page where I enter the merit amount should display the post content that I'm meriting. There's definitely enough space on that page. And the damn zero default should be removed - I can't think of any good reason to have it there.

Hehe I gotta admit that I sometimes do not pay attention or double check the title and the username before I send merit since I'm confident I got the correct post.

I don't know about displaying the post content in the but I would prefer a pop up when I click "+merit" instead of being redirected to a separate tab. If that's not possible, maybe admin can interchange the content by putting the "Merit a post" above the long "You have received a total of ___ merit. This is what determines your forum rank........."

.....

LoyceV, I never thought merits could pump x10. Only crypto does that.

[UmerIdrees]

I usually send merit to a post which i feel is good and have sense of humor in it. If i found a useful material or if anyone replied to me and it helped me, i would give out merit too. There is no specific reason for me to give merits and also i do not have much merits to distribute.

[friends1980]

God dammit what a horrible reality check. I thought you were all my friends and that I was super popular. I even boast about my Merit score to people IRL and I'm keeping it up-to-date on my LinkedIn profile.

I guess the only friend I have left now is @KaneVWE, who recently called me a salad tosser, which is probably the kindest insult he's ever given to someone.

[FIFA worldcup]

God dammit what a horrible reality check. I thought you were all my friends and that I was super popular. I even boast about my Merit score to people IRL and I'm keeping it up-to-date on my LinkedIn profile.

I guess the only friend I have left now is @KaneVWE, who recently called me a salad tosser, which is probably the kindest insult he's ever given to someone.

You don't need to be carried away with it and keep on doing the good work.

You are super popular as people love to read and give you merits 

[suchmoon]

God dammit what a horrible reality check. I thought you were all my friends and that I was super popular. I even boast about my Merit score to people IRL and I'm keeping it up-to-date on my LinkedIn profile.

I guess the only friend I have left now is @KaneVWE, who recently called me a salad tosser, which is probably the kindest insult he's ever given to someone.

Nice merit score you have there. It'd be a shame if something happened to it...


Edited 2020-11-30 to fix a broken image

[friends1980]

God dammit what a horrible reality check. I thought you were all my friends and that I was super popular. I even boast about my Merit score to people IRL and I'm keeping it up-to-date on my LinkedIn profile.

I guess the only friend I have left now is @KaneVWE, who recently called me a salad tosser, which is probably the kindest insult he's ever given to someone.

Nice merit score you have there. It'd be a shame if something happened to it...

Thanks a lot. Now I have to update my LinkedIn profile again.

In case you're in a generous mood: 666 is my true ambition.

[The Cryptovator]

It's a quite complicated task for me since I have to take a real-time decision during sending merits.

If I sent merit likely means,
- Somehow the post is contributing to the forum.
- The post is useful for forum users or me.
- The post is informative & helpful for forum users.
-  Knowledgable questions from where other forum users would learn something new from the discussion.
- Want to encourage you to contribute more.
- At least a good post to me.

Likely it doesn't mean,
- I like you personally.
- You are trusted to me.
- You wouldn't be a spammer.
- Someone else should merit you.
- I am expecting to send back.
- I am following you.

[vapourminer]

just to chime in.

i have been questioned on occasion as to why i merited a post as i have merited both (or more) sides of a position. simple answer is i found them informative, civil and well presented. so yes i merit people i dont really like (well those not on ignore although if they were quoted and i like it i will go back and merit it) and positions i dont agree with.

this has often resulted in my meriting a series of posts in a particular thread supporting many positions i may not personally have an opinion on or agree with.

im here to learn and any post that teaches me something can get merited.

[suchmoon]

this has often resulted in my meriting a series of posts in a particular thread supporting many positions i may not personally have an opinion on or agree with.

I've been accused of meriting ideologically-impure opinions on Bitcoin transaction throughput or some shit like that. As if lack of merits would make those opinions disappear.

[Peanutswar]

~

Im glad that I received merit came from suchmoon lol.

But how do you even get it wrong? A separate tab opens when you click "merit" and you get to enter how many merits you want to send to that post. I just couldn't think how you'll commit two mistakes in a row.

Human error still exists mate, there is a chance or possibility that you can make a misclick if you often giving merit to other members.


It does it mean...

• You give helpful feedback
• You give a good content
• You posted informative thread
• I like the information
• It gives me idea and curiosity
• I see that you are improving

[NavI_027]

It does it mean...

• You give helpful feedback
• You give a good content
• You posted informative thread
• I like the information
• It gives me idea and curiosity
• I see that you are improving

Nice, this list is more inspiring . But I also get what OP is pointing about. So whatever reason might be, whether the sender's hand slipped and merit the wrong member or not, as a receiver you must react properly. Learn to enjoy simple treats but don't appreciate it too much because it might lead you to wrong conclusions.

Also, know the difference of being joyful and boastful, receiving merits (especially from well known members) here doesn't give us the right to brag ourselves. Always choose to stay humble and kind.

[suchmoon]

Also, know the difference of being joyful and boastful, receiving merits (especially from well known members) here doesn't give us the right to brag ourselves. Always choose to stay humble and kind.

You can brag... just keep in mind that until you get to maybe 50-100 received merits from 20+ different senders you can't really draw any statistically significant conclusions from it.

Nor should anyone at any time try to earn merits. Merits are supposed to follow good posts, not the other way around.

[PrimeNumber7]

Also, know the difference of being joyful and boastful, receiving merits (especially from well known members) here doesn't give us the right to brag ourselves. Always choose to stay humble and kind.

You can brag... just keep in mind that until you get to maybe 50-100 received merits from 20+ different senders you can't really draw any statistically significant conclusions from it.

I have received nearly 800 merit from over 100 unique people in the span of approximately 18 months. I don't try to earn merit, but I do try to put a lot of effort into what I write, especially when I am wearing a paid signature, but also in general.

I have noticed my posts that I put more effort into tend to receive more merit. This means if someone has received merit for a post, they should try to put similar amounts of effort into other posts.

I have noticed some merit sources tend to read (and in turn give merit for posts in) certain subsets of sections, that will vary from merit source to merit source. This should not be unexpected (few people will read threads in every sub), but there are some subs with low traffic that receive small amounts of merit. I believe this will lead to these subs receiving even less traffic.

[Upgrade00]

receiving reward allows your posts to be useful to those who read them and reward you

Merits do not increase the credibility of the content you put out neither does it make them more useful. Merit awarding does not mean the meriter wholly agrees with a post, but they found something worth commending in it; could be effort or genuine willingness to learn.

but there are people who make it like a community to send gifts to each other, this has happened and they are just looking for a gift to increase account rankings, and what do you think?
is it legal?

How users choose to award merits is a personal decision as quality is subjective. Overtime users who regularly give out quality content would stand out and this could look like a community, similar to the merit cycling club allusion. There are also local boards where members merit posts they most understand or relate best to, both scenarios may strike someone looking in from outside the wrong way, but that does not make it unethical.
In my opinion, there's nothing illegal about merit transactions except when it is bought, or given to alt accounts.

[suchmoon]

receiving reward allows your posts to be useful to those who read them and reward you, but there are people who make it like a community to send gifts to each other, this has happened and they are just looking for a gift to increase account rankings, and what do you think?
is it legal?

Sending someone who is not a total shitposter some merits needed to rank up is not an issue. Using merits to rank up your account farm is a big issue. Lots of possibilities in between. Perhaps the community makes good posts. Perhaps the community is full of sockpuppets. One thing for sure - sending or receiving merits is not a proof of anything. You would need to show that there is actual misuse or abuse going on if you want to pursue such cases.

And none of it is illegal... just some of it might be frowned upon or considered untrustworthy.

[SiNeReiNZzz]

... it likely means that:

• You made a post and someone thought it's a good post, or perhaps someone clicked the wrong button. (I love your sense of humour)  

It doesn't mean that:

• Anyone else thinks it's a good post.
• Anyone likes your post or you.
• Anyone agrees with your post or with you.
• Your post is right or righteous.
• You're not a shitposter.
• You're trustworthy.
• You're not dumb.
• Your post doesn't break the forum rules.
• You'll get any more merits for that post or any post.
• You should try making more such posts.
• You should pester other users for merit.

Just some inspirational-motivational thoughts for your Monday. May or may not be based on a true story.

Oh yes, to read about this subject with the Merits, is also always too delicious...  

I love to read through the thread here!
And between the trash and the rubbish I keep seeing these great shining sunrays, which make this forum shine in a great light for me, again and again.
Strangely enough, these are also the users who have the most of these so-called merits here.
Maybe it is because they do something better, than the rubbish and trash I mentioned above... Does it!?

And yes, I am really firmly convinced!

As a result of my longer absence here in the forum, through the theft of my account about 4 years ago, and the succesful recovery not too long ago
(although I didn't no more believe in it in my mind), of course I missed exactly the moment with the introduction of the merits system
(and also the trust-System (DT1,DT2...)
Something like that did not exist at my time here in the forum...

Therefore, of course, I completely lack the experience, but it's not like I haven't read a lot about it, since I got back on board...
I think, it is a good solution to separate the wheat from the chaff in this way!
I will educate myself a little more...

Of course everything has its advantages and disadvantages, and something like the creation of a merit-monopoly can be quickly assumed.
But that is not my impression that this would be the case!

I have also collected a few merits in the last months, but it's not like I'm begging for these at any time or writing something just for the reason to hope for a few more merits in my accountstatistics.
Of course a higher ranking is nice to look at, but it does not show the person behind it... Think about it!  
It is only 1 parameter of many, that express a good reputation and if only some here would rather focus on THESE other parameters... to the honest and human ones... This would be a good start!
As a good person with a good hear, without bad ulterior motives, but the desire for pure exchange of knowledge and mutual help, and maybe even a heated discussion every now and then (for what a forum is there for, damn it), does it all by itself, without thinking about it.
And lo and behold, these merits come all by themselves, received from members who think in a lot of ways, the same way as I do...
And only these received merits, are these ones you can really call merits, i think!

I also think, apart from those who have nothing good in own mind, from the beginning anyway,
but those who really have a good heart and wonder why there are few or no merits for them:

Do not blame others, but to reflect yourself!
Reconsider your attitude!
And just try not to think about the topic of merits.
Believe me, you will be surprised...

/edited

[Mr.sprin]

open a bitcointalk account and see the merit go up one to two merits and you feel happy, the posts that you made before are read by other people and useful, have you ever felt such pleasure?

[SiNeReiNZzz]

open a bitcointalk account and see the merit go up one to two merits and you feel happy, the posts that you made before are read by other people and useful, have you ever felt such pleasure?

No offence meant, please do not misunderstand me wrong with the following:

/edit: Apart from the fact that you did not receive any merits (with this account).

A quick question:  Do you have children?
Based on your testimony, I would say no.

I think that has little to do with pleasure...
For me it is maximum a recognition, and not more!

[suchmoon]

open a bitcointalk account and see the merit go up one to two merits and you feel happy, the posts that you made before are read by other people and useful, have you ever felt such pleasure?

Yes. But this makes me wonder how you are such an expert on merit recipient emotions...

https://bpip.org/smerit.aspx?to=Mr.sprin

Total records: 0

[LoyceV]

https://bpip.org/smerit.aspx?to=Mr.sprin

Total records: 0

I've suggested it before but I'll do it again: Users should be banned if they make 1000 posts without earning a single Merit

[TheBeardedBaby]

https://bpip.org/smerit.aspx?to=Mr.sprin

Total records: 0

I've suggested it before but I'll do it again: Users should be banned if they make 1000 posts without earning a single Merit

But what about all those bounty hunters posting their infinite Twitter and Facebook reports? They will be left without a job, hungry and on the streets begging... /s
Then who is going to end on my competions which I do from time? It will be boring..

[icopress]

I've suggested it before but I'll do it again: Users should be banned if they make 1000 posts without earning a single Merit

LoyceV, What about you? You wrote the first 3000 messages and did not receive any merit. 

[suchmoon]

I've suggested it before but I'll do it again: Users should be banned if they make 1000 posts without earning a single Merit

LoyceV, What about you? You wrote the first 3000 messages and did not receive any merit. 

Good point. Banning all pre-2018 users would solve all concerns about the fairness (or lack thereof) of the airdropped merits.

[AB de Royse777]

I've suggested it before but I'll do it again: Users should be banned if they make 1000 posts without earning a single Merit

LoyceV, What about you? You wrote the first 3000 messages and did not receive any merit.  

Good point. Banning all pre-2018 users would solve all concerns about the fairness (or lack thereof) of the airdropped merits.

Nope! Not all!! :-D
If the first 1000 post is the threshold then I think I survive :-P

PS: Lately too many merit posts again in this board and I blame it to suchmoon /s
15 none sticky topics about merit in the first page
https://archive.vn/wip/qUJ0e!

[KaneVWE]

What ? Now merit score isn't a super accurate indicator of undeniable value when analysed objectively?
That must be why you said the terms good poster and bad poster are meaningless without strict definition and criteria to measure against.

I agree with you on the fact that, merit isn't an accurate indicator but then, it reflects the judgement of the people, their perception and how they see your post to be credible to the context of the forum.

So the only issue is..
why is this meaningless garbage the basis for the trust system ?
Why do campaign managers put any stock in this meaningless nonsense?

I wonder what the basis could have been in a moderated secured system where your barely familiar with any user but still hopes to do business with them. There's got to be some form of ratings in place to distinguish put some users up front of others based on their contributions and activities on the forum though, using the trust system is still rightly based on users discretion. It only gives you an idea on how to navigate.

It really doesn't matter I guess to any that are not here for financial reasons.
The only shame is that theymos sanctioned those controlling this meaningless crap to manipulate the forum software into turning their petty gripes and annoyance at being whistle blown on into fake lies of scamming and claims of financially motivated wrongdoing.

I won't say the forum isn't strongly moderated as it uses to be besides, the newbies now seem to have done a little bit of research to have persisted else, I see a couple of ban appeals still on this same board and have seen a user complain to have been banned due to report by a moderator but then, this is a claim that could be looked into and banning whistle blowers without evidence, I don't think anyone could be banned without an evidence of some sort.

A members true value is based only upon any lasting change their posts resulted in.  Whether that be for bitcoin,  another project or for a group of people who's lives you have changed in a huge way they didn't expect.

I agree with you on this point but then, this is basically based on the users judgement and the level of response from the masses can't be totally wrong. Not having a single user as the judge of a post but the forum itself is a concrete idea to better authenticate a post.

Your quite an experienced user and poster to be a Jr. Member, I give you that.

The problem is that without some stipulation or definition or criteria as the Lower threshold of good.
Or even an guarantee that the person believes the post to be good ( however weird and wonderful good is to them) then there is nothing preventing the member meriting what they know is a completely misleading net negative piece of garbage aka not good.

This therefore means that they know wilfully that there is no credibility or reliability or value at all to the post and they could wilfully merit misleading net negative shit. What is to stop them? What is to motivate them? Well read the " most important thread you can contribute to ..." on this very board.

Yes, some reliable, credible and useful metric could be sensible but merit is not anywhere near that.
There is no sensible argument  ( which will stand up to scrutiny)that merit is useful.  

If you want people to look at merit and say well the more merit the more inaccurate more misleading it is then that is likely more useful in meta and rep. I have not examined the other boards as much.

If people are relying on merit as some kind of metric or accurate and useful indication of useful data then ..... ?

I liked your reply though. It represents what many people probably think, and is perhaps why they are willing to give the system a chance. I mean if so many people genuinely consider it a good post then maybe there is some value? That is very optimistic

But do they?really?

Do people do they really reward what they think is objectively optimal for all persons aka the truth or what is best for them?
You know the answer and so do I. Even at this very moment.

People find merit in what is best for them. That is only natural. Any designer should know this.



  

[icopress]

Good point. Banning all pre-2018 users would solve all concerns about the fairness (or lack thereof) of the airdropped merits.

By the way, I could not help but notice that it is already autumn and you and the guys from your club are pedaling without warm hats. 

[Nellayar]

We received merits because the specific post we did help and amazed them.

It does not mean that all of our posts have quality and amaze everyone. For me, merit is just an instrument in order to provide quality post for individual and measures how a certain user help and share knowledge / experience in forum. Those who have a lot of earned merits are deserve to be honored and respect because they did a lot to achieve that goal. Except for those who have 1000 earned merits by means of airdropped.

Good point. Banning all pre-2018 users would solve all concerns about the fairness (or lack thereof) of the airdropped merits.

The best thing to do is to ban those users who have no earned merits until now. When they get banned, quality posts goes high. In addition, those newbies who failed to earn a single merit for 2-4 can be considered also in a list of banned users because they failed to achieve a single merit.

[Foxpup]

What... what is that picture of me doing on a hat? Well, I guess should have seen it coming. It's like my grandma always said: "Grandson/granddaughter, whichever one you are now, don't go posting nude pictures of yourself online, because some shady Etsy seller will make tens of dollars putting them on a T-shirt or something for people to wear and show off your unusual genitalia in public instead of masturbating to them in private the way you intended." She was always giving good advise like that. I'll miss her.

[icopress]

Good point. Banning all pre-2018 users would solve all concerns about the fairness (or lack thereof) of the airdropped merits.

The best thing to do is to ban those users who have no earned merits until now. When they get banned, quality posts goes high. In addition, those newbies who failed to earn a single merit for 2-4 can be considered also in a list of banned users because they failed to achieve a single merit.

It's horrible idea to ban user who's been inactive before merit system is introduced. If theymos plan to do this, i'm sure few people will start meriting currently inactive user, but have made some contribution in past rather than meriting recent good post/thread.

He probably didn't understand that this was subtle humor ... Apparently, sig 'roobet requires a really large number of publications from the participants.