How does the whole merit giving aspect work?

[El_Tammy]

I really want to celebrate this moment with my family here on the forum as it is my first thread in like a while so I'll start it off by saying HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎊🎊🎊

For like sometime now, I've been asking myself so many questions about the forum and how it operates and works, how do the moderators know if a user has multiple accounts, makes posts using AI, and even know everything about the forum in general. To some extent, I have seen the beauty in their service as it shows that the consistent and constant work they put in is what has added some colour to the forum and all. Imagine Bitcointalk with none of these moderators, it's definitely going to be a place, platform or forum with no control and order.

Yet with all these analyzed, what I still do not get very well is the aspect of is the aspect of giving merits and I think I really need good explanations on how it works, the criterias checked or followed and even the qualifications of a post. The rules states that merits are giving to threads or even comments with high quality and that's something I've seen over the period of time I've been a member of the forum. But then, I've also come across some comments and threads or topics that deserves to be given merits from my observation but are not given. I am a social science student and with the same process we apply in theory making, I try to analyze some posts and comments which even shows that the writers take alot to time to construct them. The amount of findings some posters make even impresses me but at the end of the day, you see that the post only or does not even get a single merit. What I want to know is if there is a particular way or guideline people still follow to give merit because according to the guide I saw which gave me hope was that they (merits) should be given to posts of high quality.

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

[promise444c5]

The rules states that merits are giving to threads or even comments with high quality and that's something I've seen over the period of time I've been a member of the forum. But then, I've also come across some comments and threads or topics that deserves to be given merits from my observation but are not given.

Visibility..
Post as comments made on the 3rd page and above might not be easily noticed by a merit source even if it’s a quality post but then, it could depend on what’s being discussed on the thread..

Hence, what you see as quality to you might not be to another person, a merit source might see a thread as not upto what they need to merit while another could see it differently.. but visibility plays same role here, let’s say you have two similar threads one on LB and the other on GB .. more merit source could easily spot the one on GB, merit it ,  while the one on LB gets lower visibility and less merit.

Btw if you think a post deserves merit you can report on this thread: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5093271.0

[FirmWars]

For like sometime now, I've been asking myself so many questions about the forum and how it operates and works, how do the moderators know if a user has multiple accounts, makes posts using AI, and even know everything about the forum in general.

Having multiple accounts on the forum is not an issue, the issue when you are using those multiple accounts to cheat in a forum contest, bounty and signature campaign. The moderators does magically know everything on their own but they act based on the report they get from other forum members that values keeping the forum clean. Other members have skill in detecting AI generated content and then it's reported to moderators before moderators takes the final action of deleting the post or letting it stay.  Moderators do not go after multiple accounts, DT members does that, they will leave a negative (red) tag on any multiple accounts that cheats in any forum campaign, but you will only get a natural tag for alt account that has not committed any crime.

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

It's not a thing of great different, more than 100 merits is distributed to different quality post on the forum every day, there's a tool used in tracking total merit cycle on the forum just that I don't know how to find it now but what I'm saying is that on a daily lots of merits are sent to quality post just as theymos said that merits should be objectively sent to quality post. If you post is not merited does not mean that another's was not.   If you are questioning whether your post is not merited, what you should also consider is how visible your post is, you will hardly get merit when you posts are hidden in 4 pages on.

[Hazink]

how do the moderators know if a user has multiple accounts, makes posts using AI, and even know everything about the forum in general.

The moderators don't really pay attention to multiple accounts as it's not against the forum rules. Spotting if someone has multiple accounts or not is mostly being done by other forum members through wallet connections or other similarities that connect those accounts. The admin can actually spot those accounts since he has access to all the IP logs.

As for the AI post, you can also notice when someone uses Ai if you are not sure if there are tools for you to use and confirm that, which is what many members make use of. Check the thread if will give you a guide

But then, I've also come across some comments and threads or topics that deserves to be given merits from my observation but are not given.

If you come across such a post, you can also merit them. It's not only the duty of a merit source to merit a post, and you can also report such a thread or comment on the link suggested by the promise above.

What I want to know is if there is a particular way or guideline people still follow to give merit because according to the guide I saw which gave me hope was that they (merits) should be given to posts of high quality.

Everyone has their definition of what they call a quality post. There is no special technique on how to spend or send merit to a post. Whatever post you consider worthy of receiving merit just merit it. I believe that's how people spend their merit.

If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

Maybe those who are holding there Smerit have not seen enough posts to share them with, just like you still have 2 smerit left on your profile unspent.

[Donneski]

What I want to know is if there is a particular way or guideline people still follow to give merit because according to the guide I saw which gave me hope was that they (merits) should be given to posts of high quality.

The merit system as much as I know isn’t based on a fixed standard that everyone follows. What deserves merit to one person might not to another even if the post is well written.[/quote]

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

Sometimes it’s about originality sometimes usefulness sometimes timing and sometimes the post just isn’t seen by people who can give merit. It’s frustrating at times but I don’t think most people are intentionally hoarding sMerits.

[Btcdeybodi]

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

Just when we thought that discussions about merits has gone into extinction after Theymos approved new merit sources but here we are, merit discussions are gradually popping up again in the Meta board. Just to let you know OP, merit is very much in circulation, you can check daily statistics here and see for yourself. So, i disagree with you that forum users are hoarding merits. If your posts doesn't get merits just know that it's either you are not making enough quality posts or you are not making posts in relevant boards that attracts merit sources.

Just so you know, DdmrDdmr did a merit spree recently, you can check his merit history and see the numerous profiles he merited so just keep up with good and quality posts, if they don't get merited immediately, there are still chances that they will be merited in the future.

[GeorgeJohn]

For like sometime now, I've been asking myself so many questions about the forum and how it operates and works,

Just with time you fully comprehend how forum works.

how do the moderators know if a user has multiple accounts,

This question is not necessary, except you have the intentions to cheat

makes posts using AI, and even know everything about the forum in general. To some extent, I have seen the beauty in their service as it shows that the consistent and constant work they put in is what has added some colour to the forum and all.

That's what they determined to do, for the aspects of using AI, you run a AI test or plagiarism test at anytime

Imagine Bitcointalk with none of these moderators, it's definitely going to be a place, platform or forum with no control and order.

They will not be boundaries adjustment, and shitposters will be more numbered than quality posters

[Cryptohygenic]

For like sometime now, I've been asking myself so many questions about the forum and how it operates and works, how do the moderators know if a user has multiple accounts, makes posts using AI, and even know everything about the forum in general.

It is not a concerned obligations of the Moderators to be aware of all these stated but an individual users personal interests and there is no way you would know multiple accounts being owned by a single user unless the accounts are linked through wallets or the user makes it open to the public of owning the acocunts.
AI posts in the forum are being tracked by individual built bots that identifies computerized generalized posts in the forum. And everyone is entitled to stay tuned with all activities been carried on in the forum and not just limited to the moderators.

[OcTradism]

What I want to know is if there is a particular way or guideline people still follow to give merit because according to the guide I saw which gave me hope was that they (merits) should be given to posts of high quality.

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

In the merit and announcement thread that you quoted, there is basic guideline but in another thread for a forum welcome message, there is something more.
Writing a welcome message.

Guidelines on how to post and how to get merit basically tell newbies to post less, read more, and rather than making hundred of useless posts, they can focus on quality of their posts and reduce the quantity. Do it consistently, newbies will be able to learn very well, are able to improve their post quality and contribute more for the forum community. This way, newbies will receive merit and rank up with time, not easily, not quickly but it is achievable.

Forum rank

When you start out, you are a Newbie, and you will run into various annoying limits. These limits will be reduced to the point where you shouldn't usually notice them after you have participated in the forum for a few weeks. If you are on the forum to talk, then that's all you really need to know about rank. Don't worry about it too much, and you will eventually rank up.

If you want to maximize your rank, then you need to increase two statistics which are listed on your profile:

• Activity, which is maximized by posting once per day on average. Posting more than that is useless in raising your activity.
• Merit, which is gained by making good posts.

If you make ten thousand posts in a week, your activity will be capped and you will still be a Newbie. If you make ten thousand useless posts over any period of time, you will gain zero merit and you will still be a Newbie. You can rank up only by making good posts consistently. It's quality over quantity.

When trying to write quality posts, a lot of people act as though they're writing a book report for school: putting facts that we already know into their own words. Nobody wants to read that, and you will not get merit for it. Moreover, the length of your post and the quality of your English are only minor factors. In trying to write a quality post worthy of merit, you should offer new ideas, personal experiences, or perspectives that other forum users will actually find new and interesting.

[jcojci]

Giving merit or not is personal prerogative. No one can force you to gives your merit to others. You decides by your own if that is good post or not.

You give merit to post that you think it is valuable and have good things inside the post.

Maybe you see a good post lack of merit but you don't have merit so you can suggest others to check to see if they also think the same as you.

You can report that to sources merit and they have a thread that people can giving their post or other post to get merit.

You don't have to think about merit and make a good post.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Having multiple accounts on the forum is not an issue, the issue when you are using those multiple accounts to cheat in a forum contest, bounty and signature campaign.

Or when someone is buying/selling those accounts--account farming is nowhere near as prevalent these days as it was prior to 2018 when the merit system was introduced, but it still happens and still has the potential to cause major chaos should a trusted account change hands and then, say, start requesting loans or pulling some other crap whereby the reputation of the account is leveraged toward nefarious ends.

The moderators does don't magically know everything on their own but they act based on the report they get from other forum members that values keeping the forum clean.

Fixed that up for ya.  I'll send you the bill.

[EarnOnVictor]

TBH, I've noticed this myself, it's so obvious, and no unbiased person would deny it. Still, we have some dedicated, selfless readers and merit givers too. I only hope more of them are admitted into the current system to cover up for its inadequacies.

With the current merit system and structure, it will continue unchecked, there's nothing you can do about it, so long as it's humans handling the meriting, the human nature/factor will apply. Only a restructured system would make a change, by compelling everyone, or more people, to do the needful.

[Yablee0]

I've also come across some comments and threads or topics that deserves to be given merits from my observation but are not given. I am a social science student and with the same process we apply in theory making, I try to analyze some posts and comments which even shows that the writers take alot to time to construct them. keep.

The way you are sounding with so much confidence and boldness in what post is best to be merited is  what am still trying to understand because I know you are not a merit source, only the merit source members has the mandate in deciding that not us, moreover you don't have to put more of your concentration on how to get merit else you will hardly see it, just do what is expected by posting quality post and am sure the merit source are everywhere on the forum perhaps if one didn't see it today or in months to come surely someone else we see it and accord it the required merit that suit it.

[LoyceV]

~and even know everything about the forum in general

This is actually quite easy: just read a lot

I've also come across some comments and threads or topics that deserves to be given merits from my observation but are not given.

Why don't you answer your own question: why didn't you Merit those posts that you think deserve it? Don't say you don't have sMerit, as you have 2.

I am a social science student and with the same process we apply in theory making, I try to analyze some posts and comments which even shows that the writers take alot to time to construct them.

This matches my expectation from "social science": you're expecting rewards for efforts instead of results. Instead, you should look at Bitcoin from a technical perspective.

[lovesmayfamilis]

OP, I think you'll understand me better. Everyone acts similarly to you, based on their first merit. I don't think you're not understanding how merits are awarded, as I don't believe this is your only account. But if you want to be more specific, I can say this: those who give merits are divided into two groups. Those who read the forum mostly read useful posts, but they don't always have the necessary amount of merits to evaluate every quality post. The other group, you could say, doesn't read but simply exchanges merits with their community, and for them, quality is completely unimportant.

And you, I'm sure, are well aware of all this.

[El_Tammy]

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

Just when we thought that discussions about merits has gone into extinction after Theymos approved new merit sources but here we are, merit discussions are gradually popping up again in the Meta board. Just to let you know OP, merit is very much in circulation, you can check daily statistics here and see for yourself. So, i disagree with you that forum users are hoarding merits. If your posts doesn't get merits just know that it's either you are not making enough quality posts or you are not making posts in relevant boards that attracts merit sources.

Just so you know, DdmrDdmr did a merit spree recently, you can check his merit history and see the numerous profiles he merited so just keep up with good and quality posts, if they don't get merited immediately, there are still chances that they will be merited in the future.

Trust me man, to some extent I have started losing hope because I give it all 😂

Well I can or will say I'm still new to everything with no good coach and I can really make do with one because currently, being in this forum each day and making these comments is one thing that gives me life and peace. I really like to know a lot more than the little I have known over the months and I'm really happy and open for guides.

[LoyceV]

I'm really happy and open for guides.

Enjoy!

[Satofan44]

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

Don't let others tell you lies or hide the real state of things here. This is not how merit is being given these days, and maybe it never was how users did it. The following represents the overall practices for earning easy merit these days.

1. Join Bitcoin contests such as the Node or LN challenge (low to medium difficulty). Even easier, join useless contests wherever they are available. Check local boards where they exist, there are useless art or food contests.
2. Follow around those that give out merits frequently and for pretty useless posts, post often where they post and around the times when they post.
3. Agree with and be nice to merit sources and merit givers, even if you have to fake it. Find ways to agree with their post, no matter how wrong or useless their post is.
4. Send merit to users who could merit you, that will make you stand out even more. They like their ego being reinforced. Besides being nice to those people, you should give them merit wherever possible.

Just follow this and you can gain any amount of merit needed for ranking up. Any claims to the contrary are lies -- there is no reason to hide the truth from users who do not have connections here. You can also work back from some recent top merit earners, focus on those that don't deserve it or have pretty shitty posts. Look where they are getting the merits and how, then just insert yourself in the process. Most spamming users are doing this and so are the account farmers. Questions?

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

If I have very little of something, why would I give it away? This question can only be really asked of merit sources, not of average users. I like hoarding my sMerit. Sometimes I use it to acknowledge a good post that I have read but will not reply to, effectively ending the discussion with that (at least temporarily).

[The Cryptovator]

1. Join Bitcoin contests such as the Node or LN challenge (low to medium difficulty). Even easier, join useless contests wherever they are available. Check local boards where they exist, there are useless art or food contests.
2. Follow around those that give out merits frequently and for pretty useless posts, post often where they post and around the times when they post.
3. Agree with and be nice to merit sources and merit givers, even if you have to fake it. Find ways to agree with their post, no matter how wrong or useless their post is.
4. Send merit to users who could merit you, that will make you stand out even more. They like their ego being reinforced. Besides being nice to those people, you should give them merit wherever possible.

The bitter truth, I realised what you want to express. But still quality posters are rewarded by merits. Instead of thinking about earning merits, if someone focuses on learning and contributing to the forum, it's still possible to earn merits and rank up. It looks like you are irritated by the methods of how users are spending their merits.

If I have very little of something, why would I give it away? This question can only be really asked of merit sources, not of average users. I like hoarding my sMerit. Sometimes I use it to acknowledge a good post that I have read but will not reply to, effectively ending the discussion with that (at least temporarily).

It's true no one is forcing you to spend your merits, but if all the users think this way, then merit circulation will drop. I admit merit sources are obliged to spend their merits; otherwise, they will lost them. But there is no benefit if you are hoarding your merits as well. From your perspective you can reward as well, and so far I can see you are spending your merits as well. I often encourage merit holders to help other users; just follow your own standards and reward what you think is a quality post. You can measure quality posts based on your own criteria, but help other users. That is also a kind of contribution to the forum.

[El_Tammy]

While we will not be directly moderating this, I encourage people to give merit to posts that are objectively high-quality, not just posts that you agree with.

Don't let others tell you lies or hide the real state of things here. This is not how merit is being given these days, and maybe it never was how users did it. The following represents the overall practices for earning easy merit these days.

1. Join Bitcoin contests such as the Node or LN challenge (low to medium difficulty). Even easier, join useless contests wherever they are available. Check local boards where they exist, there are useless art or food contests.
2. Follow around those that give out merits frequently and for pretty useless posts, post often where they post and around the times when they post.
3. Agree with and be nice to merit sources and merit givers, even if you have to fake it. Find ways to agree with their post, no matter how wrong or useless their post is.
4. Send merit to users who could merit you, that will make you stand out even more. They like their ego being reinforced. Besides being nice to those people, you should give them merit wherever possible.

Just follow this and you can gain any amount of merit needed for ranking up. Any claims to the contrary are lies -- there is no reason to hide the truth from users who do not have connections here. You can also work back from some recent top merit earners, focus on those that don't deserve it or have pretty shitty posts. Look where they are getting the merits and how, then just insert yourself in the process. Most spamming users are doing this and so are the account farmers. Questions?

So how come it still is a thing of great difficulty for users to give merit to some posts and comments that are worth it or is there still something we've got to know. If really I'm not hitting the point, I please want major explanations because I really don't see why people will decide to hold the sMerits that are not something they should keep.

If I have very little of something, why would I give it away? This question can only be really asked of merit sources, not of average users. I like hoarding my sMerit. Sometimes I use it to acknowledge a good post that I have read but will not reply to, effectively ending the discussion with that (at least temporarily).

For real you have said something true and just the fact, as it is what it is and it is now becoming more and more the actual situation. The real posts that deserves the merits are not even gaining them but they're some comments you'll see that they give merits to, you'll begin to doubt the process. But hell yeah, they have the right to choose who they want to give them (merits) to so we can't come out to question their decisions.