Changes to rep system [Archive] - Absolute Write Water Cooler

TemlynWriting

04-27-2005, 06:34 PM

I hope that the situation gets back "into hand" (instead of out of hand) because I for one really appreciate the REAL rep points that I have been given -- the ones that let me know something I've said has been appreciated. I feel good about having a reputation built more on helpful posts than on frivolous "bonks."

There are so many helpful people on these boards. It has become a bit confusing to see some very new members with more rep points and blobs than others members who have not only been here longer, but who are well-known for their extreme helpfulness, but may not visit "The Office" and "Take it Outside," choosing rather to stay in particular genres, where the popularity contests rarely venture. No offense to the newbies, as I'm sure you're all nice people, and will share helpful information which will earn you many rep points. :)

It wasn't such a bad idea to begin with, KTC, nominating others who had said something deserving of rep points (in fact, that was a good idea, making others aware of some really helpful people). Where it went downhill was when it came to randomly giving points to everyone on a thread; that was a bit overboard. I even hung out on the thread a short time, and received a few random rep points, but not even enough to complete one whole rep blob.

I figure that it's not so bad when trying to build up to the 2nd blob, kind of like padding one's posts, but after receiving that 2nd blob, if the practice continues, it tends to lose meaning, like Jenna said.

Anyway no hard feelings. And that's all I have to say about that. :)

btw - Don't get me wrong -- I'm not ungrateful for the few frivolous bonks. All things in moderation, after all! :)

dragonjax

04-27-2005, 10:58 PM

There are so many helpful people on these boards. It has become a bit confusing to see some very new members with more rep points and blobs than others members who have not only been here longer, but who are well-known for their extreme helpfulness, but may not visit "The Office" and "Take it Outside," choosing rather to stay in particular genres, where the popularity contests rarely venture.

:Smack:

Dang, I KNEW I was hanging out in the wrong forums. I don't go outside unless my kids drag me there, kicking and screaming. And God knows that I never go to the office voluntarily...

((sigh)) Guess I'm destined to get green blobby thingies slowly...

:gone:

stormie

04-27-2005, 11:24 PM

I was getting a little paranoid, wondering why I only had one of those blobs. Guess I had to party and drink more coffee....

Think I'll ever make it to two blobs now ? Huh?

http://bestsmileys.com/paranoid/1.gif

TemlynWriting

04-28-2005, 12:24 AM

:Smack:

Dang, I KNEW I was hanging out in the wrong forums. I don't go outside unless my kids drag me there, kicking and screaming. And God knows that I never go to the office voluntarily...

((sigh)) Guess I'm destined to get green blobby thingies slowly...

:gone:

LOL! @ TIO and the Office. :)

And...don't worry, hopefully with this reformed blob system, a few very deserving folks will be receiving some more. :)

ZaZ

04-28-2005, 12:31 AM

I still find it hard to believe that anyone puts meaning on an accumulation of green pixelated blobs. Then again, I quoted the blob. So who am I to talk? Check it out! I'm going to actually shut up now.

As I was saying, aren't the blobs pretty much irrelevant? I mean, aside from the lunatics who attach some kind of personal value to theirs and those who get all worked up because others have more. What I find most frightening is the number of posts some of you people have. You would have to have no life at all to accumulate such numbers.

Don't get me wrong, I like it when Lizziepants and the other ladies send me green blobs with the reason being because they want to have coital relations in some fantasy world free of shame, guilt and gravity. But you know, that happens all the time. I'm used to it.

"Hey ZaZ, it's happy hour!"
"Ole!"

Ed Williams

04-28-2005, 02:01 AM

....has given me rep points, but, if it were possible, I wish we would just do away with them entirely. Then we could go back to people paying attention to what's in the posts themselves, and not how many points they might accumulate. It would also end a lot of pointless discussion and hurt feelings about something that is essentially meaningless. Think about it - threads on bonking and arguing about rep points themselves? We need to get beyond this, and move on to more productive and less conflict ridden discussions...

KTC

04-28-2005, 02:06 AM

Ed, I don't even think about the blobs ever. I don't even notice them. They're not there. (Well...except when somebody..ahem...has so many of them that I feel like I am pulling into an alien airstrip! Glare, baby...too much glare!)

Ed Williams

04-28-2005, 02:12 AM

...at first I didn't think anything about them, but as I accumulated more I started getting "bonked" by more and more people. I didn't figure it out for awhile, but in some cases I think it was because they figured I'd "bonk" them back, and then I realized that I was giving out some major rep points per each bonk. I'm glad Jenna set it back to one, and I'm as guilty as anyone of repping friends and stuff. If possible, I wish we'd just do away with the rep points and blob business, much more important stuff to deal with. The focus here needs to be on writing, not on this kinda stuff....

brokenfingers

04-28-2005, 02:15 AM

Blasphemy!!

Why, the only reason I come here is because of the rep points!

Without them, my life would be empty.....

KTC

04-28-2005, 02:18 AM

I agree Ed...the focus should be on writing. They could be done away with. I don't think anyone puts any credence in the blobs. I do think that entertainment on the boards is necessary too, though...and the bonking provided downtime for possibly overstressed writers. I've seen your helpful posts. You deserve the green-mile you got there!

Richard

04-28-2005, 02:23 AM

Er...to be honest, I stay out of all the 'Bonk' threads entirely. I like getting the rep points because it shows I've helped someone out, but I'm really not that fussed about having a hundred thousand of them for posting in what's basically a chain letter ;-)

Susie

04-28-2005, 02:35 AM

Dang, just when I get my first shiny green blob, I'm gonna have to wait forever for my 2nd... lol. Everyone here makes good points and everyone deserves rp's! That's just imho.:)

Hugs, Susie

Patricia

04-28-2005, 02:52 AM

All that's left for me to do now, is write? ;)

Brainerd T.

04-28-2005, 03:40 AM

The first day I came to the forum, I happened on to the Bonk thread by accident. It looked like an interesting thread. I joined in the discussion. WAM! I had a blob! Then all the talk about blobbiness.

It is something to play with, but I don't think they should be called rep points. They should be called pat points. You pat my back, I'll pat yours.

Rep points should be earned, not given away. The thread is fun, but I do kinda disagree about the points thing.

I think there should be another system for establishing reps.

Com on, Floo. Get that stool back under the counter. Someone will stumble over it.

paprikapink

04-28-2005, 04:40 AM

This thread is so moving.
-sniff-
I simply must bonk you all!

-paprika

dragonjax

04-28-2005, 06:05 AM

I'm admitting how dumb I am. Having never read any of the bonk threads, whenever I'd get a rep point because someone wanted to "bonk" me, I thought that person was making a pass at my sexy avatar.

[dragon smooches]Hey baby. Bonk here often?[/dragon smooches]

Seriously, there are entire threads that focus on the good and evil of rep points and awarding them and whatnot? Really?

Like wow, Scoob.

So, er, whenever I'd award a rep point, did that make me bonkers?

Okay, okay, I'll stop.. :flag:

Renee

04-28-2005, 06:52 AM

I agree that the rep system should be done away with completely. It just shouldn't be that big a deal..

maestrowork

04-28-2005, 06:55 AM

Crap, now no one will EVER catch Ed Williams.

;)

brokenfingers

04-28-2005, 08:01 AM

...And just when I was sooooo close to fulfilling my plan for world domination!

reph

04-28-2005, 08:06 AM

Points and blobs do a service because recognition in any form occurs too rarely in real life, especially for isolated writers. I do wish people had given points only for genuine contributions instead of jumping on the "I bonk you, you bonk me" bandwagon.

I think people with more points, assuming that their points reflect something real, should be able to give or take away more points. Presumably those who usually know what they're talking about can better evaluate others' posts.

maestrowork

04-28-2005, 08:10 AM

I think people with more points, assuming that their points reflect something real, should be able to give or take away more points. Presumably those who usually know what they're talking about can better evaluate others' posts.

Sounds good, but there's no way we can monitor and enforce that. The system cannot distinguish whether a "bonk" is for a genuinely good post, or a frivolous one. Unless someone's going to sit there and look through everyone's reps, there's no way to do this...

Unless.... we have a nomination process, and say, OK, Uncle Jim, or Reph, or Maestrowork, or... are deemed valuable, helpful members, so they should be able to give or take X points. But I think Jenna already said there's no clear way to do that... either you're an admin (10 points) or you're just like any one else.

JennaGlatzer

04-28-2005, 08:25 AM

wurdwise

04-28-2005, 08:32 AM

I opt for nothing. If somebody has something to say that they don't want to say in a post, they have pm. Just my two cents.

Ed Williams

04-28-2005, 08:48 AM

Unless.... we have a nomination process, and say, OK, Uncle Jim, or Reph, or Maestrowork, or... are deemed valuable, helpful members, so they should be able to give or take X points. But I think Jenna already said there's no clear way to do that... either you're an admin (10 points) or you're just like any one else.....how would we do that? Give everyone on AW a vote, and whomever gets the most votes are deemed the most valuable, helpful members? Or do voters get weight for longevity, publishing history, or whatever so that some votes carry more weight than others? What if a bunch of the newer members vote for someone unknown to everyone here? This rep point business is like communism - on paper its perfect, but when you get into the details you realize you have an unworkable mess. If people read the boards for any period of time they will come to their own conclusions about who the most valuable posters are, and they will read their posts and take their advice. And that's yet another reason why we need to get out of this whole rep point/blob business, look at the time we're frittering away because of it. It has outserved its usefulness.

P.S. Jenna, my vote is for "nothing" too.

Ella

04-28-2005, 09:21 AM

Being an honest bonker, and most of my bonks honest, I'm still all for the rep system. Sure, it will be abused, as most things are.
I like the fact we can get an idea of how helpful/reputable a person is, especially for new visitors. I do agree with doing away with multiple bonk party threads, though. And a rep point is so much quicker to give someone a quick bit of appreciation or feedback than PM'ing.

reph

04-28-2005, 10:09 AM

Sounds good, but there's no way we can monitor and enforce that. The system cannot distinguish whether a "bonk" is for a genuinely good post, or a frivolous one.
True, and over in the bonk thread, they're still going at it. (Why not shut that thing down?) However, such a big change in the system puts newbies at a disadvantage.

paprikapink

04-28-2005, 10:24 AM

More negative points, that's what we need here. Negatives are sooo tabooooo. (I've only done it once.) If they flew around like the positives do, we'd have some checksn'balances.

Or. Bonks but no blobs.

Or, just accept that it is meaningless and let it be that. Just cuz something is meaningless, it has to cease? Does this mean the end of fried Twinkies?

What's this world coming to?

Discuss.

-pk

Medievalist

04-28-2005, 10:26 AM

Right. Actually, I was searching for an option to get rid of the whole points and blobs system, but still leave the rep comments. In other words, people could still make the comments, but it would eliminate any issue about "points." Unfortunately, vBulletin doesn't give me a lot of options in the repping stuff-- it's all or nothing.

I bet you can edit the template for posts so the blobs don't show. Just remove the PHP stuff from that part of the template (after, naturally, making a copy for Just in Case.) Users can still log on to their Panel and see comments, but there's no external blobbishness.

Another geeky workaround would be to delete or modify the
reputation_pos.gif and the other rep point gif--so they don't show.

CACTUSWENDY

04-28-2005, 10:30 AM

:Ssh: I'm so ashamed. I have to ask. I can't let it be. (sigh) Please forgive me, but who is Charlie? His screen name? :( (am I the only one?)

Chacounne

04-28-2005, 01:09 PM

Charlie is otherwise known as Chunky C, our loveable glasses-wearing caterpillar.

Hope this helps,
Chacounne

reph

04-28-2005, 01:37 PM

I bet you can edit the template for posts so the blobs don't show.
If the blobs didn't show, they couldn't serve as credibility indicators.

If blobs are removed, will Sort by Reputation in the Members List still work? Can we at least see how members rank?

Medievalist

04-28-2005, 01:50 PM

If the blobs didn't show, they couldn't serve as credibility indicators.

I think that's what Jenna wanted; to get rid of the visual cue, but keep the comments.

If blobs are removed, will Sort by Reputation in the Members List still work? Can we at least see how members rank?

Sort by Reputation should still work.

Brainerd T.

04-28-2005, 04:23 PM

It doesn't take long for people to know who the most A Stoot and knowledgeable posters are. Undeserved blobs confuses the issue, and leaves the impression that this person is better than they really are, either in knowledge or "niceties". This doesn't even approach the dual issues of excellent critiques and wealth of experience/knowledge that is shared.

If there is any system at all for the newcomer (or the oldcomer) to be able to see at a glance whether this or that person is more qualified than the next, it should be in the title given. "Grand Dame Supremo" or "Knowledgeable booger" or something.

Some build a reputation of being nice. Period. But they may not have the experience or crtiquing skills some others may have. The deserve a reputation as well, such as "Empress of the Southern Comfort".

Take me, for example. I have three blobs. They are undeserved. However, I can crit pretty good, and I'm kinda nice. But I'm too new to deserve three. That's being honest. I tell jokes. I haunt places that.......never mind.

I think there should be a system, but I think the "blob system" has gotten out of control. With the one point per bonk, it is a start to get things under control, but I doon't think Regis Philbin will be satisfied. (Regis Philbin? You don't KNOW who Regis is? On Tuesday nights on Fox, he's the guy that hosts American Idol. Sheesh.)

Ed Williams

04-28-2005, 04:45 PM

...."rank?" What all this is proving is that there is no objective way to establish such a thing, and that we need to spend our time worrying about writing, not how to rank each other. What rep points and blobs do is set up a scoreboard situation here, one that is not fair to anyone involved. People should go by what they read and the overall reputation of the writer, which is easily found in sources beyond just their posts on AW, a quick Google search should tell you all you need to know.

Betty W01

04-28-2005, 05:50 PM

I'm not worried about it, really. I have been in AW long enough to know whose blobbiness is deserved and whose is not, and it won't take smart newcomers long to do the same. And dumb newcomers won't be helped, no matter what we do.

I do think shutting down the rep/blob thread might be a good idea. What a buncha nuts! (No offense meant to anyone in here who's been hanging out in there...)

maestrowork

04-28-2005, 06:15 PM

Yes, and no.

I think, when used correctly, the rep points could really be an incentive for someone to help out others. I think if we take away the "blobs" (but still keep the points/comments) it might solve some of the problems of abuse, because the rep points/comments will only be meaningful to the person -- no one else can see it (if we always take away the "sort by rep point" feature in Members List). That way, the incentive is always personal -- meaning it feels good to help someone or make someone smile and get a nice comment, but it won't create that competitive/resentful/meaningless problem with blobs. The "beacon of light" or "better than ice cream with hot fudge" can be another fun way to encourage people to participate, as well.

I think the thing to get rid of is the "blobs" themselves -- at least not showing them. That's when the rep system is "visible" to others, and it creates the worst controversy. We want to create an environment for encouraging everyone to participate and help others, but at the same time prevent people from abusing it or resenting it.

There's always going to be that "popularity contest" in one form or another. That's human nature. Those who "hang out" more, especially in the popular threads, would appear to be more popular than those who don't. But as long as we don't "advertise" that (e.g. with the blobs) I think we'll be okay. In time, we all know who are sage and who are goofy and who are jerks. We don't need blobs to tell us that.

dragonjax

04-28-2005, 07:00 PM

What about cleaning house and starting everyone over with 10 rep points and one blobby thingie?

:scared:

maestrowork

04-28-2005, 07:15 PM

What about cleaning house and starting everyone over with 10 rep points and one blobby thingie?

:scared:

Then we'll have the same problem all over again.

ZaZ

04-28-2005, 08:01 PM

I vote keep the blobs!

wurdwise

04-28-2005, 08:05 PM

ZAZ! After all that mumbling and grumbling, tsk, tsk. But have I told you lately how hot you are?;)

rich

04-28-2005, 08:08 PM

How difficult would it be to exclude the point system from those who don't choose to give or recieve any? As much as I don't like the whole process, I'd settle for that.

If one of the objects of the rep points was to keep a civil board, I think that was already achieved on the first site. One of the damaging aspects of the system is having some members becoming so civil that it defeats the purpose of the board. It's good to offer support to other writers, but not to a point where the board leans toward a mutual admiration society.

I stopped giving and taking away points a while back. Yeah, I can be something of a crank, but the few compliments I've given in whatever form, (grudgingly wrenched from my black soul) should be taken quite seriously by the recipients.

DeadlyAccurate

04-28-2005, 08:43 PM

Right. Actually, I was searching for an option to get rid of the whole points and blobs system, but still leave the rep comments. In other words, people could still make the comments, but it would eliminate any issue about "points." Unfortunately, vBulletin doesn't give me a lot of options in the repping stuff-- it's all or nothing.

I love the comments section of the rep system. I wish this were possible, too. It's great for keeping the board (hopefully) cleared of "Me, too," or "LOL" posts, or for simply making a comment that really wouldn't be of much interest to everyone else. PM'ing isn't quite as efficient, since it doesn't indicate which post you're commenting on unless you copy it to the PM.

Kate Nepveu

04-28-2005, 08:43 PM

And a rep point is so much quicker to give someone a quick bit of appreciation or feedback than PM'ing.I agree with this. I've hit the little "I approve" button much more often than I've taken the time to PM someone, and it doesn't clutter up the thread either.

And I admit, I _do_ get a little glow of happiness when I get a rep point on a post I've made, and I'm proud that I earned my two blobs the hard way, especially since I don't post much.

With that bias admitted, I don't really see that the system is actively harmful; silly, yes, but even if people don't restrain themselves in the future, not harmful.

Betty W01

04-28-2005, 08:49 PM

Please warn us if you take the system down - I'd want to copy my rep point comments. They are a big lift on a day when I feel like a total waste of skin in here.

wurdwise

04-28-2005, 08:55 PM

I have to agree with these last few posters. Those comments feel good, they lift me up when someone says I've done something helpful or how much they liked something I've said.

three seven

04-28-2005, 09:07 PM

They are a big lift on a day when I feel like a total waste of skin in here.
Betty, that's terrible! Why would you feel like that? :Hug2:

Betty W01

04-28-2005, 09:10 PM

Betty's reply: creeping insanity; menopausal melt-down; doing/saying something incredibly stupid (like trying to post this in an edit window instead of a reply window <sigh>... shall I go on?

sgtsdaughter

04-28-2005, 09:13 PM

Betty,

That's not just you . . . believe me. I have a feeling that most of in here feel those stupidities in our lives on the daily basis. Than again, does being a writer give you liscense to be insane?

brokenfingers

04-28-2005, 09:22 PM

Rep points do have a positive side as well as a negative side.

They are effective as an incentive. I'd say 95% or more of my rep points have been in response to posts I've made and I can tell you - it does feel good when you get positive feedback.

Writing is a thankless and solitary craft and so while it's not that big a thing, it always feels good when you receive a pat on the back or someone acknowledges that you made them smile or provided helpful information.

I think where the ill feelings come in is when others see people who rapidly gain rep points through knowing who to stroke or through the buddy system.

In the end, to me it doesn't matter - I know who's opinions I respect, who's I ignore, who I like, who I could do without etc.

What if we reset all the points, entitle everybody to be able to give only one rep point (no matter how many blobs they have) and ban all gratuitous rep threads.

The rise in blobs would be much slower and more evenly spread. No more stroking those with masssive blobs or forming blob cliques.

Or we can do away with them entirely. That's fine also.

I've already had mine downloaded and laminated and I wear them proudly upon my garbageman's uniform....;)

ZaZ

04-28-2005, 09:25 PM

ZAZ! After all that mumbling and grumbling, tsk, tsk. But have I told you lately how hot you are?;)

Actually, you haven't. You continue to allude to the fact that I'm hot but never really get down to the specifics. Obviously, you like beer bellies and men with talented tongues.

maestrowork

04-28-2005, 09:29 PM

Zaz, how can I ever compete with you?!!!

I don't have a beer belly.

wurdwise

04-28-2005, 09:31 PM

I've already had mine downloaded and laminated and I wear them proudly upon my garbageman's uniform....;)

:hooray:

wurdwise

04-28-2005, 09:32 PM

Actually, you haven't. You continue to allude to the fact that I'm hot but never really get down to the specifics. Obviously, you like beer bellies and men with talented tongues.

You got me pegged!:kiss:

ZaZ

04-28-2005, 09:33 PM

You act as if acquiring a beer belly is some kind of impossibility.
It takes hard work and dedication, a few friends on the other side of the bar, borderline criminal behavior and the need to accept the affections of fair maidens who actually prefer the beer bellied human male to those who might consider exercise.

Regardless, stop exercising immediately and go get yourself a twelve pack.
Report back when you've finished. Then prepare to watch the ladies flock to you.

And don't even tell me you picked up light beer.

Sarita

04-28-2005, 10:14 PM

I don't have a beer belly.
Hey! You told me you had a 200lb beer belly and a gun! Were you lying to me, Raymond?

Oh: Do what you will with the rep system. But I do love my comments, I'd like to hang on to them :) They make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

rich

04-28-2005, 10:42 PM

"fuzzy," there's the rub.

katiemac

04-28-2005, 11:42 PM

As nice as the reps are, we did perfectly fine without them on the ezboard system. Perhaps the first day or two without comments people will miss them, but within a week or two I would think everything would be back to normal.

As I believe Betty said, most of here have been around long enough to know who's posts we enjoy the most and who's advice we take to be the most sincere. Within the first couple of days being on this new board, I receive a "bonk" because someone recognized me from the old board and was glad to see me here. Frankly, I was a bit surprised to have that bit of recognition, and it was nice. But at the same time, I recognized the usernames of my own favorite posters.

I'm finding those same users, especially ones who have been here before I joined one year ago, with less points than those names I don't recognize at all. Either way, I've come to pay attention to those posters by the content of their information rather than the number of blobs they have on their screen.

rich

04-28-2005, 11:53 PM

That's the gist of it, katiemac. If I follow up on this post and say,

"YOU GO GIRL!"

rich

04-29-2005, 12:04 AM

Excuse me, I accidently slapped my rodent.

To go on: my last post would probably generate a number of merit badges that would be ill-deserved even if I was doing it under a fawning exuberancy, and even if my shallower mind had convinced my common sense that what I posted was not really BS, which it really smacked of.

JENNA, TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!

reph

04-29-2005, 12:53 AM

People should go by what they read and the overall reputation of the writer, which is easily found in sources beyond just their posts on AW, a quick Google search should tell you all you need to know.
A Google search? Sure, if the person posts under his or her real name and has a substantial publication history under that name, and the name isn't common. That lets out people like me who try to provide help and humor but who aren't famous writers. Famous writers get recognition elsewhere, anyway.

paprikapink

04-29-2005, 01:03 AM

I wish we were all over at SYW right now.

-pk

rich

04-29-2005, 01:05 AM

Most Google searches find the online stuff that folks publish. If you frequently publish in print, even national print, your name won't show up. Then there are those who appear a lot online for whatever trivial reason through working the online system.

Kind of like rep points.

pepperlandgirl

04-29-2005, 01:50 AM

Whoa, I'm surprised the rep points are such a big issue for some people! I putter around here and barely notice them at all...i do check my comments daily, because so far, all my comments mean something. And I only hand them out when I mean it. But all in all, I thought it was just an extra little fun bonus on this board (and it's awesome that the board can even have something like this. I've been on some boards where there's so much hostility and bitterness that a system like this would be doomed from the beginning).

Obviously the people who just want blobs are out there, but you know, I'm sure there are more people like me who simply don't worry about how many "blobs" another person has. Shoot, I don't even know what a "bonk" is and it's only because of this thread that I made the connection between "more green" and "more points."

rich

04-29-2005, 01:58 AM

Okay, as you ply through the pros and cons of the rep-point program, can anybody figure out a way to leave me without any square green lights?

Patricia

04-29-2005, 03:52 AM

Then we'll have the same problem all over again.

I don't think we would, if we didn't start another "pad your reps" or "bonk" thread, keeping an element of respect for what they are suppose to be used for, and that is comments that have value for helping, encouraging, or making one smile. A smile or good laugh is good for the soul.

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 04:04 AM

ChunkyC is working on it as we speak. We have an imperfect but workable solution coming your way.

GailKavanagh

04-29-2005, 04:11 AM

is that it means something entirely different to the Brits and Aussies among you. I have been avoiding those threads thinking you were all engaged in some kind of virtual orgy.
I only read this thread because I didn't know what a rep point was.
Now I have, I am enlightened, both about the rep points and the - er - bonking. I think.

Gail Kavanagh

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 04:17 AM

Nah, it means the same thing in the US. They were just messing with the double meaning.

And having a virtual orgy.

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 05:04 AM

ChunkyC

04-29-2005, 05:59 AM

Okay, gang. We have discovered an option we would like to give everyone. Please note that there is a 'gotcha' with this, as there so often is.

This option allows a user to hide their reputation from view if they choose, as I have now done. The 'gotcha' is that if you do decide to 'hide your rep,' you will no longer be able to view your reputation comments in your User CP. They are still there, just hidden.

Other users will still be able to give you rep points and accompanying comments, and you can still give others rep points and comments. This just 'hides' the blobs and the comments you've received.

To hide your rep, follow these steps:

click User CP
click Edit Options
In the Logon & Privacy section, uncheck Show My Reputation Level
scroll down to the bottom and click Save Changes
That's it. When you wish to view your comments, you'll need to go through this process again and check Show My Reputation Level to get them back.

I know it's not a perfect solution, but we wanted to make it available so that each of you could decide for yourself if you'd like to make use of it. If anything is unclear, let me know.

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 06:12 AM

C: Thanks! It's an extra step to see the comments when you feel like it, but not so bad. Basically, you can leave the blobs hidden, then if you want to go look at your comments, whenever you feel like it, you can just check the box, read them, then go back and uncheck it again.

Patricia

04-29-2005, 06:17 AM

That works for me!

Inspired

04-29-2005, 06:18 AM

Sounds like a decent idea. Thanks, Jenna. And Mr. Chunky.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 06:20 AM

That's much better! I don't care about the blobs, but I do care about seeing the comments quickly and easily. Thanks, Jenna! I was groaning when I read the thread about doing all that back and forth stuff.

ChunkyC

04-29-2005, 06:25 AM

It ain't the most elegant solution, but at least it gives you the option of stepping out of the blob game if you want.

Don't forget that you can click on the scales in one of your own posts to check your rep points. If they haven't changed since the last time you checked, then there's no need to go into your User CP to turn the comments back on.

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 06:25 AM

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 06:27 AM

Can you just take everyone's blobs away, start them with one, and tell everybody to stop using them unless they have a good reason?

Medievalist

04-29-2005, 06:29 AM

It didn't work. :( I can set the levels for the comments that go with the blobs (like "shiny, shiny jewel," "beacon of light," etc.), but I can't set the levels for the # of blobs. vBulletin decides that. So we're back to ChunkyC's plan.

ChunkyC you could set the levels; it's just a matter of finding out where in the php script vBulletin sets them, and changing them--it's going to be an initial variable, declared once somewhere and stored. All you need is a text editor.

Ah, shoot, I'll take a look this week end.

Ed Williams

04-29-2005, 06:30 AM

...a normal life on these boards again!

jdkiggins

04-29-2005, 06:34 AM

Thanks Jenna and CC.

Ed Williams

04-29-2005, 06:36 AM

1. Wurdwise, I love your avatar.

2. Now I can't remember the other thing on account of the first thing.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 06:49 AM

LOL! Thanks, Ed. You would REALLY like the other one I wanted to use, but it was too racy.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 06:58 AM

Oh, hell, changing that wasn't hard at all, and it won't take but a minute to change it back long enough to look at comments. Cool.

MacAllister

04-29-2005, 06:59 AM

w00t!

I love it! <g>

reph

04-29-2005, 06:59 AM

Oh, shoot. Now if I don't opt for a black square, I'll look like a rep-point showoff. If I do opt for the black square, I'll have to undo it to check points and read comments, and my blobs will reappear, and I'll look like a rep-point showoff.

The black-square option solves the problem for people who want out of the system, but it doesn't touch the complaints about undeserved points.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 07:03 AM

Reph, if you got the black blob, if someone sends you frivolous points, the only one who will know is you, so you could pm them and say thank you, but I preferred to be repped only when I have done something to do deserve it. But I thought the same thing you did about checking to see the comments. I thought, ooh, I'll have to do this quick so nobody can see my blobs show up and think I'm an egomaniac!

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 07:14 AM

:roll: But yes, Wurd just gave the same explanation I would have.

reph

04-29-2005, 07:21 AM

Wurd, I can't do it quickly. I have dialup. Loading the rep-point page takes a really, really long time because I have so very many points. Then I'd be on for quite some time, reading all those high compliments that I get for my brilliant and altruistic service to this board.

There's no way around it. I'll look like an egomaniac no matter what I do.

I wonder why that is.

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 07:23 AM

:ROFL:I can't imagine, Reph. You seem so humble to me!

mommie4a

04-29-2005, 07:29 AM

Is there any point in making that a sticky or an announcement or something? I just printed it out and followed the directions (easy and took no time at all) but do you want to make it easier for everyone to find it, should they want to do it? Just a thought. Thanks for working on this.

Patricia

04-29-2005, 08:45 AM

I wonder why that is.

Reph, check who is on just before you go to bed. If the coast looks pretty clear -- go for it. Download will be faster at that time too.

I'm a nightowl, so it is going to be easier for me to check quick and get out. Only one gonna see my blobs are Jenna and European residents.

;)

Sarita

04-29-2005, 08:51 AM

w00t!

I love it! <g>
Me too. Thanks Chunky/Jenna!

ZaZ

04-29-2005, 08:55 AM

Soon it will be more nonconforming to have your blobs.
It's a madhouse! A madhouse!

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 08:57 AM

Hand me a beer and we'll talk about it.

ZaZ

04-29-2005, 09:05 AM

Love to, but I'm not drinking today.

:Wha:

I know. I don't get it either.

Sarita

04-29-2005, 09:06 AM

Love to, but I'm not drinking today.
Excellent, more for Denise and I ;)

Mr Underhill

04-29-2005, 09:09 AM

Oh, shoot...
The black-square option solves the problem for people who want out of the system, but it doesn't touch the complaints about undeserved points. :idea:
Perhaps we could have a rep-point amnesty week, the way some cities do with unlicensed handguns.

You would have a week to turn in undeserved rep points in to the authorities, no questions asked. As an incentive you would get... um... Girl Scout Cookies?

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 09:18 AM

Love to, but I'm not drinking today.

:Wha:

I know. I don't get it either.

Well, make yourself useful and get me and Sara a beer then!:hat:

reph

04-29-2005, 11:43 AM

Reph, check who is on just before you go to bed. If the coast looks pretty clear -- go for it. Download will be faster at that time too.

I'm a nightowl, so it is going to be easier for me to check quick and get out. Only one gonna see my blobs are Jenna and European residents.
Ann, I hate to break it to you, but you're not the only one here who stays up late and lives in the Pacific time zone.

brokenfingers

04-29-2005, 11:55 AM

You know what?

This is stupid. Now we have black squares and green squares.

The blobs never meant anything - but the comments about what we have said, the feedback, did mean something.

Not showing your rep blobs also means not seeing what people have said about your posts.

But even more important - it removes any incentive for a person to even use the rep button. To even comment on what someone has said. So why have it now? Why have it if noone is going to use it?

I thought the rep system (not the abused version, but the ideal version) added a dynamic to the Forum. It was a cool added feature that kinda invigorated participation.

If we're gonna remove it - fine, so be it.

I say either have it, with rules (like no gratuitous rep threads, one rep per member) - or remove it entirely.

If we're gonna do it, let's do it right. Remove the rep system - Let us all stand upon the merit of our words and contributions to the Community.

Old school....

reph

04-29-2005, 12:21 PM

brokenfingers, you can still read the comments. You just have to pull the curtain aside each time. See Chunky's post:

http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showpost.php?p=178343&postcount=74

brokenfingers

04-29-2005, 12:38 PM

Hello Reph,

I understand that. My point is:

If people are removing themselves from it then people aren't going to use it - so why bother having it?

Do you really believe members are going to hit the rep button when half the members are blacked out - essentially un-acknowledging rep points?

Do it and do it right - or don't do it at all. That goes for having rep points or not having rep points.

mdin

04-29-2005, 12:48 PM

http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/politicaldrseuss/images/film_sneetches.jpg

reph

04-29-2005, 12:57 PM

Do you really believe members are going to hit the rep button when half the members are blacked out - essentially un-acknowledging rep points?
I'll still give points to people who use the black square. I take it to mean that they've chosen to make their "reputations" private, not necessarily that they don't want good posts acknowledged.

JennaGlatzer

04-29-2005, 01:10 PM

Yeah, I don't get it, broken... why would you stop leaving comments for people who have made their reps private? They can still read the comments. They just have to check a button, then uncheck it again when they're done reading.

Guys, I can't please everyone to perfection here. I'm doing my best.

Galoot

04-29-2005, 02:25 PM

I want a blue square, Jenna. :(

Galoot

04-29-2005, 02:33 PM

aboyd

04-29-2005, 02:40 PM

You're doing fine Jenna. Your solution works.

If you guys get really stuck, I can modify the code so that the blobs don't display at all, but the comments and scale icon are still available. (Although now that I think about it, that's trivially easy, just commenting out a line of code -- so you & ChunkyC must have decided against that. However, if you get stuck on a technical problem, I can probably help for a short time.)

-Tony

Chacounne

04-29-2005, 03:47 PM

[QUOTE=brokenfingers]
But even more important - it removes any incentive for a person to even use the rep button. To even comment on what someone has said. So why have it now? Why have it if noone is going to use it?]

I've been debating with myself how I feel about the rep points over all, and how I feel about what has appeared to be the abuse of the system. I have to say that the points I received really meant something to me, because they showed me that I was on the right track, that I could make a meaningful contribution even as newcomer. There were also several times when a comment provided a much-needed lift on a very bad day, and really lessened my feeling of isolation. I know it's petty, but there it is. I also recognize that there has been some abuse of the system, and that needs to be dealt with. Now, after a days discussion, it appears that the new chic thing to do is to turn off your rep points; black blobs are turning up all over. Forgive me, because I do respect all of you very much, for what I am about to say, but it really reminds me of Dr. Seuss's book about The Snitches. "The cool people" have decided to turn their blobs off, so there will be definite peer pressure for everyone to turn off their's. I just think we can make the previous rep system work, if Jenna starts us again at one and bans the gratutious rep and bonk threads. We should be adult enough to abide by the system.

Just my thoughts, for what they're worth,
Chacounne

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 03:57 PM

I like having the blue ball/blob thingy.

C'mon peolple, first you resent those with large number of blobs, then you want Jenna to revamp the system, then you want this and that. We can't please everyone here. So what do you want?

I do think though... now you have two systems... now some people opt out and some people still have gazillion blobs and they're probably still bonking each other silly. And when you sort, those who are helpful but disabled rep show up at the bottom... as if they had the worst reps (because we can't even see their "beacon of light" anymore).... So the rep system's (for those who are still doing blobs) still meaningless...

I really like the rep thing -- I think it's a great incentive. But I really hate it when people take it too seriously or too casually. Either way, it's killing an otherwise interesting incentive system.

Now it's just a mangled child.

KTC

04-29-2005, 03:59 PM

Okay, Okay...I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I wish I never said the word BONK. I have hidden my blobs. I didn't realize their would be so much conversation over this issue. I was silly to start the thread and encourage it. I had no idea...

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 04:18 PM

Not to :horse:

But I personally think the thing to do is: 1) reset everyone back to 10 points; 2) only give or take 1 point at a time (not sure about admin's 10, since it would limit the "willingness" for an admin like Jenna or CC to rep anyone); 3) ban/discourage any frivolous bonks (how are we going to enforce that? I don't know). I'd hate to lose all my rep comments though, so if there's a way to either archive them or keep them.... heck if worse comes to worst, give us an advance warning, and I'll cut and paste to my personal file...

Oh yeah, getting rid of displaying the "blobs" would be cool too... that way, there will be no "competition." (Aboyd, are you serious when you say you can do a one-line code change?) The incentive will still be there, just no more external desire to "best" someone else...

And if someone still wants to disable rep and not participate, they can.

KTC

04-29-2005, 04:22 PM

That all sounds great Ray. I too would hate to lose my comments. There are some really thoughtful people on these boards who have given me great little nuggets that I would like to hold on to!

Patricia

04-29-2005, 04:30 PM

Not to :horse:

And if someone still wants to disable rep and not participate, they can.

Just because we disable the rep's visibility, doesn't mean we aren't participating. It only means those other than ourselves can't see the reps. We can comment and gain reps, with or without the reps showing.

I personally have gotten some really nice comments since the turn-off option that Jenna and Charles so generously implemented to try and keep the majority of members happy.

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 04:37 PM

But some people don't know that. I have a few people PM me just to ask, what the heck is the black blob thing you have... and can I still rep you? I think it creates confusion -- but nothing won't settle within a few days or weeks, I suppose. :Shrug: (and yeah, I still get reps after I turned off the blobs).

I just think it is creating two systems now... one with the black blog, and one with a gazillion green ones. It is confusing to many people, that's all, and it still makes the gazillion green blobs meaningless (and people can still bonk people silly). So it hasn't really solved anything on a global scale...

Or maybe I should sit this one out and see how this is going to turn out....

Patricia

04-29-2005, 04:47 PM

Sure it takes a few days for everyone to get the hang of it. All "new" things take a while. It will be old hat in a couple of days. Maybe a comment in the FAQ for the newbies might help, if that is what concerns everyone.

What I'm really hearing here gang, is that we want to be competitive with the reps showing. And that is what got the abuse going in the first place. What is the big deal if we can see own own rep score and comments.

KTC--don't feel bad. You thought it was going to be a fun thing. It's not your fault it was abused.

MacAllister

04-29-2005, 04:49 PM

I appreciate the comments. I LOVE the comments.

...But I've thought the rep system was goofy, pretty much from the beginning. I sat in the top end of the reputation-sort for a long time. Ahead of people like Uncle Jim, Victoria Strauss, HapiSofi, Ann Crispin, Nomad, Dave Kuzminski, Jaws, Andy Zack...(the list goes on and on)...

That's just wacked. It's more about visibility and approachability, then.

I don't think there is anything so terrible about the bonk threads, honestly. It's a way for newbies to quickly get to know other members, and figure things out, and feel welcomed and appreciated.

I think Jenna has done a terribly smart thing by removing the importance of the blobs themselves, in terms of "reputation" or "listen to this person with a kazillion green blobs"...

three seven

04-29-2005, 04:51 PM

I think it's faintly hilarious that we're all taking this so bloody seriously. Here we have a system designed to encourage worthy participation and bring the community together, but which can only do so by causing a controversy over its own merits! Genius!

Sure, it's nice reading all those lovely comments but when people's prime objective in participating is to accrue blobs and move higher up the rep chart, the system is clearly working against itself. If you can't be bothered to join in unless you think you're going to get bonked, well you don't deserve a reputation.

three seven

04-29-2005, 04:55 PM

I've thought the rep system was goofy, pretty much from the beginning. I sat in the top end of the reputation-sort for a long time. Ahead of people like Uncle Jim, Victoria Strauss, HapiSofi, Ann Crispin, Nomad, Dave Kuzminski, Jaws, Andy Zack...(the list goes on and on)...I'm tempted to chime in here with a comment on the current situation, but I shan't. In fact I've been in the bonk thread so I can't.

I'll just echo what Mac said instead.

Celeste

04-29-2005, 05:12 PM

Originally posted by maestrowork

C'mon peolple, first you resent those with large number of blobs, then you want Jenna to revamp the system, then you want this and that. We can't please everyone here. So what do you want?

Originally posted by Chacounne
Forgive me, because I do respect all of you very much, for what I am about to say, but it really reminds me of Dr. Seuss's book about The Snitches. "The cool people" have decided to turn their blobs off, so there will be definite peer pressure for everyone to turn off their's.

I was going to stay away from this thread because I think all the fuss over the "blobs" and rep points is just silly. But what I've quoted from what maestro and Chacounne has said is exactly what I have thought about this whole ordeal.

First it was being called a popularity contest, then it was all about sucking up to get points, then it was about members having less or more points than members who've been here longer, then it was a matter of what is considered a 'deserved' point, then it was how to control how points are given, and so on..., which led Jenna and CC to try to accomodate and setup a system to make everyone happy, but there are still folks making complaints about having the hassel of clicking a button to check them. It's just silly.

And like Chacounne has said, now it's as if people are disabling their rep points just to follow along. Can't show the 'blobs' because it's all ego and about being popular, right? Anyone who has gotten numerous rep points quicker than others couldn't have possibly gotten them because of something positive they've done or have said, whether that be having given someone a smile, made someone laugh, cheered them up when they're down, having given good advice, or support, could they? Lol.. And what's even more amusing is most of the people who have complained about the 'blobs' still have theirs turned on, but the ones who thought others were being overly sensitive about it have turned theirs off. You'd think it'd be the other way around. And now it's gotten to the point if anyone chooses to leave their reps enabled/viewable that person is going to probably be thought of as flaunting them.

''Oh look at me! I have all these blobs! Aren't I special...?!!'' Come on!

Lets stop the fuss over this and discuss more important, constructive issues, rather than raving over who has too many or less points/green boxes.
Please. For Pete's sake they're just green boxes. They don't define who we are. Yeah, it's cool to read the nice comments from other members, I appreciate all the nice compliments I've gotten and how friendly everyone has been toward me, but this is just getting to be too big of an issue when it shouldn't be. I don't want to upset, or offend anyone, but it's childish.

*Going to hide under my blanky and go to sleep now to avoid the lashing I will probably get after posting this*

celeste

HConn

04-29-2005, 07:04 PM

Woo hoo! Never mind, Jenna, I'm happy. Now when I sort by reputation in the Members List I'm higher than;

HConn
jdkiggins
JennaGlatzer
katiemac
LiamJackson
MacAllister
maestrowork
Medievalist
mommie4a
poppyhullings
rich
Saritams8
three seven
wurdwise
XThe NavigatorX
And it's permanent. I'm better than Ray! I'm better than Ray! Neener neener neeeeener!

I think Galoot, at least, should have his rep points reset to 10. Nobody else really needs it.

Personally, I opted out of the rep system because I had, you know, soooooo many green boxes. Sure, it was nice to receive all that adulation, but it was a faintly embarrassing to wear it on my sleeve, as it were.

So I've decided to go with a green box. I'm just a humble guy, I guess.

Celeste, people are just talking about ways to fix the system. Let them try to work it out. It doesn't mean they're taking it "seriously* any more than a long thread about some TV show would be too serious. It's fun to talk about.

Let people goof off. They'll talk about constructive things when they feel like it, and telling them they're being childish is no help.

Sincerely,

Mr. Longblob (though you can't tell in these trousers)

mommie4a

04-29-2005, 07:06 PM

I got a rock.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 07:20 PM

I think everything will die down in a few days and almost everybody will opt for a hidden reputation. The ones who don't, does it really matter? Maybe they like the color green, that's all it will come down to, because the blobs will have lost their meaning. But this still seems like the best solution.

If you try to set up the system with rules that ban certain types of bonking, there's always going to be somebody who has to break them, and that's just more work for Jenna. I just got up and I'm having my coffee and I read this thread and all the new posts in the other ones, we need a tech forum, we need this, we need that. And all the ideas are good ones, but I thought to myself, damn, this woman has a massive job on her hands just running this board! How in the hell can she do it, being as busy as she is with her career and family?

But she does it, and she does a great job. As do her moderators. I love AW. It's my online home.

rich

04-29-2005, 07:21 PM

All I wanted was a choice. One gets a choice of avatars, a choice of PM or no PM, etc. I wanted the option of not participating in that particular fraternity/sorority--that's all.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 07:25 PM

Rich, don't feel bad. You weren't the only one unhappy about the blobs.

Celeste

04-29-2005, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by HConn

Celeste, people are just talking about ways to fix the system. Let them try to work it out. It doesn't mean they're taking it "seriously* any more than a long thread about some TV show would be too serious. It's fun to talk about.

Let people goof off. They'll talk about constructive things when they feel like it, and telling them they're being childish is no help.

Sincerely,

Mr. Longblob (though you can't tell in these trousers)

Dear Mr. Longblob,

Hey, I'm not stopping anyone from trying to work it out. Just throwing in my view of it all, just as everyone else has.

I meant no harm in my post. And I do understand that people are just trying to come up with ways to correct the system. But there have been threads where there were others getting upset and taking the whole rep point system too seriously, or should I say personally... I haven't said anything different than what some of the others have said also. But you told me to let them work it out, so I guess that's my cue to stay out of it. I'll let ya'll have fun with it. ;)

But just as you've said "Let people goof off", I guess that could also apply to this whole blob issue too, or the bonk thread. And that's not saying let them abuse it. But by having it be turned into such a debating issue, which it has been, is doing nothing but turning something that's supposed to be positive into something negative. I agree, let people enjoy it.

But hey...you've told me, so I guess I'll go back and talk about a TV show, which I enjoyed. :)

celeste

Fractured_Chaos

04-29-2005, 08:24 PM

I turned my blobs off, because I'm a lemming. http://members.cox.net/drgnlvr/bump.gif

Mark Anderson

04-29-2005, 08:34 PM

But there have been threads where there were others getting upset and taking the whole rep point system too seriously, or should I say personally...

Yes, we can see that.

I don't want to participate in the rep system because I don't come here for validation of worth. I come here to hang out with writers. If I want approval I'll take my kids to Chuck E. Cheese.

Kindly don't say I'm just 'following along', among other stated and implied insults. It's unbecoming in one who isn't taking this seriously.

I appreciate that Jenna offered a solution that should satisfy everyone. My not participating has zero effect on you doing so. If you like the system for giving and recieving positive feedback with others, to make each other feel good then right on! More power to you. Exercise is good for me, but just because many folks don't doesn't decrease my enjoyment of the activity.

Julie Worth

04-29-2005, 08:50 PM

Oh boy! I’ve hidden my poor reputation as well. I just wish it wasn’t a black blob. Who wants a black blob next to their name?

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 08:53 PM

OK, I'll be the smarty pants here....

I've predicted this problem about rep points from day one, just because I knew human nature. Some sage folks told me, don't worry, it will settle after a couple of months and no one would even notice.

Well...

Human nature doesn't change.

Now we have the two systems (blackblob or longblob) and some sage folks are again telling us, don't worry, it will settle after a while and no one would notice.

Chances are, no. The system will continue to be abused and people's feelings are going to be hurt, because no matter how we say "let's not take it too seriously" somebody will. Some people would feel like they need to "turn off" their blobs to be cool... meanwhile, MaryJane over there is having a ball with her 9 blobs. It would be ideal if everyone's on the same page, but unfortunately, we will NEVER be on the same page until the admin comes up with a solution that squarely puts us on equal footing.

I think the rep system is really good in encouraging new users to participate, and everyone would agree that the comments are always wonderful to give and receive. The problem is, there's always going to be abuse. And some people are going to take it too seriously and b!tch about it. Thus this whole mess to begin with. We manage to turn a good, fun thing into this bitter debate.

Again, human nature.

Personally, I don't mind not having blobs. But at the same time, looking at the dull, black blob under my name, it zaps my energy. I find myself no longer as chipper.

Human nature.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 08:54 PM

Technically, it's not next to our names.:poke:

katiemac

04-29-2005, 08:55 PM

aka eraser

04-29-2005, 08:56 PM

I think Jenna and Charlie are on the right track.

The plain, simple, unadulterated truth is the rep system was not doing what it was intended to do. It was supposed to show newcomers whose posts could be considered to be coming from a reliable source - someone who's been-there, done-that.

I see no point in bemoaning how, why or where it went "wrong" or even whether in some folks' minds it went "wrong" at all. It was causing confusion and some discord.

This solution, in conjunction with the title idea, seems a workable one. If folks still want to show their blobs - fine. If others don't - fine. My guess is within a week or so, most won't. I love the comments too but it's a simple matter to check them once or twice a week (or day) and see what's new.

Jenna and Charlie are working hard on this and I think we should all get on board. This vBulletin system is still new to us and the Cooler itself is a mutable thing. We can always reassess down the road if other ideas occur or new tweaks to the system are developed/learned, but let's give this a shot for now without any more bellyaching.

maestrowork

04-29-2005, 08:58 PM

This is the way I see it. We're all one big corporation here, and we're all on the payroll. We're just not that interested in sharing our salary with the rest of the community, and aren't concerned about money everyone else is making.

A sort of "ask, don't tell" policy. Since dubbing myself with the black blob, I've given reputations to a whole thread of people who sufficiently and gratiously answered my question. I'm certainly not turning down the money I make -- I love it! -- and I'm not about to stop others who deserve it from getting paid.

That's why I said earlier, let's turn off the display of blobs at all. Everyone. So your rep points and comments are like your salary... only you and your boss (the admin) will know. It's nobody's business. But you still get paid. Then no more competition, no more jealousy, no more injustice. Who cares if MaryJane has 1110000 rep points?

Human nature deflected.

katiemac

04-29-2005, 08:59 PM

Right. I think the fact that this thread even exists in the first place is account for the rep system needing a change. I think this is workable, we just need some time for everyone to adjust. I mean, in the end, what does it matter if you can't see anyone else's rep? As long as you do what you want with yours, it shouldn't make a difference what people do with their own. This should be settling a problem, not creating a bigger one.

... And I'm out for the weekend. Enjoy, everyone!

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 09:02 PM

But didn't Chunky or Jenna say earlier that if they turn the blob showing function off, there's no way to make comments?

brokenfingers

04-29-2005, 09:05 PM

Dammit - I've been cool all my life and also been an Official Member of the In crowd wherever I've laid down my hat.

Just have your people fax my people with the final proposal so I know which hat to wear.

(This is just an attempt at humor folks. Please do not send your lawyers...)

Patricia

04-29-2005, 09:10 PM

Why does it seem that the biggest dissenters of the new blob system are the more active participator of the bonk and free rep threads? LOL Come on guys, we are making far too much of this. They are just little green blobs turned to one black blob with a magic touch on the key boards.

Why don't we just let Jenna and Charlie do their thing.

Julie Worth

04-29-2005, 09:28 PM

Soon everyone will have a black blob. No one can resist peer pressure.

ChunkyC

04-29-2005, 09:33 PM

But didn't Chunky or Jenna say earlier that if they turn the blob showing function off, there's no way to make comments?
A point of clarification while we let everyone have their say....

Turning the blob showing function off does not eliminate the ability to give and receive points and comments. All it does is hide the blobs from your posts, and hide the comments from your CP.

The scale icon at the bottom left of each post is still there. You can still send someone a comment. The comments and points you have received are still there. They are just invisible until you choose to turn them back on for a moment so you can read them.

You can check your point level by clicking on the scale in one of your own posts to see if you have received any new points/comments since the last time you looked, saves you having to turn your rep on only to find there are no new comments.

Thanks for your input everyone. Believe me, we're listening. It's the best way to find out what works and what doesn't.

wurdwise

04-29-2005, 09:37 PM

Well, my opinion, after learning that-and thanks, Chunky-is to get rid of the blobs, period.

BlueTexas

04-29-2005, 09:59 PM

As you can see by my lowly three blobs, I wasn't in the bonk thread. I love the comments...they can be so encouraging. Make us all black dots, whatever...but let us keep our comments please!

soloset

04-29-2005, 11:13 PM

I hadn't realized there was a way to hide your rep points until I saw on the PA thread that Ed had managed it. So I'm technically not a follower, I just know a good thing when I see it. :)

I'm not a big fan of rep points anyway -- I don't base my opinion of a post on green blobs, I base it on the content of the post and if I've read other posts by the person that are competent. But if other people want to goof around with it, who cares?

I like that hiding the rep system doesn't turn it off. It seems like a good idea to me to have a less personal than PMs but more private than a reply post method of easy communication. If I see a post I agree with but don't have anything to add to, I like having the option to fire off a one sentence comment directly to the person instead of mucking up the thread with it.

[Edited to add:]

D'oh! The option to turn it off is a new thing, not just something I've been missing the whole time?

Oh, and I like the black blob. It makes me feel all goth all over. And very formal and serious.

reph

04-29-2005, 11:23 PM

Why does it seem that the biggest dissenters of the new blob system are the more active participator of the bonk and free rep threads?
Exception here. I don't find that the black-square option solves most of the problems, and I stopped posting in the bonk thread because I got undeserved points there.

Medievalist

04-29-2005, 11:32 PM

I want to submit an alternative proposal.

Forget the Rep points.

If I say something you like, something you think is helpful, send me chocolate.

Heck, if anyone says something you like, send me chocolate :)

rich

04-29-2005, 11:39 PM

There are many exceptions, Reph, but the scatter gun Celeste used makes any counter-post look a hell of lot more focused.

Penelope

04-29-2005, 11:43 PM

I trust that those who truly know me, know me. And it'll have nothing to do with one black blob or seven green blobs.

I'll probably opt for the green blobs though since, as reph already mentioned, it can be slow switching back and forth when you're on dial-up.

rich

04-29-2005, 11:49 PM

For what its worth, Poppy, I'll always remind you of your ice cream and fudge nature.

mommie4a

04-29-2005, 11:50 PM

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet or not, so I apologize in advance if I'm repeating what another has said.

If you just CLICK on EDIT OPTIONS, then look at the number of rep points above where you can click the box to turn your rep points on, and you notice it's the same number as the last time you looked, no need to change to see what your comments are. If, however, the number has increased, or plummeted, then you can decide if you want to change the view and see who repped you and what they wrote about it.

Just a suggestion that saves time re: changing the view back and forth.

Sarita

04-29-2005, 11:51 PM

You can also just click on the scales next to one of your posts to find out how many you have. :)

Poppy, we love you avec or sans blobs. :)

Patricia

04-29-2005, 11:53 PM

and I stopped posting in the bonk thread because I got undeserved points there.

Yes, I know you did, and so did I. That comment was not all inclusive. I did, just to prove a point went around "drive-by" bonking those who had only 1, two, or three points who had something to say, no matter what thread they were on. I accidently bonked Ray! I meant to bonk the person below him and got him. He needed them like, yeah, sure! And that was just before the I point came back in. LOL

All of you have a great week-end.

mommie4a

04-29-2005, 11:55 PM

You can also just click on the scales next to one of your posts to find out how many you have. :)

Poppy, we love you avec or sans blobs. :)

Hey, thanks Sara! Someone did post that, didn't they?

And I ditto the comment to Poppy.

Penelope

04-30-2005, 12:04 AM

I know you can check your rep point count by clicking on the scales and all, but problem is, I can't ever remember what number I had last time. I'm not so good with numbers. LOL

Thanks y'all. :)

Brainerd T.

04-30-2005, 12:07 AM

[B]Somehow it has fallen through the cracks of understanding. The winner of the rep points gets a date with Floo. Don't know who Floo is? Maybe we should keep it a secret a little longer. if everybody knew what the rep points led up to, they might not be in such a hurry to accumulate them so fast. Or, maybe they'd try harder.

(sigh) I had to settle with Floo. The best looking movie stars weren't available.

Brainerd T.

04-30-2005, 12:08 AM

Maybe my last post fell into the category of undue brevity. Or maybe too much information.

paprikapink

04-30-2005, 01:21 AM

As this thread is seriously short of posts, I'll chime in. I'd like to aknowledge Ray's keen perception from the git-go: this rep thing is gonna get nutz, on account it's operated by people and we all know how they are.

Now I'd like to confess my own foresight, although I didn't pipe up at the time (in fact I think I even typed a post about this way back when and deleted it): it's just math. Here we have a very young board, and already people many blobs, and more blobs beget even more blobs...it no time at all there'd be more green blobs than letters on the screen. I wasn't thinking, though, about rep points being "worthless" (that goes without saying that you still need $3 to buy a latte even if you have 8 blobs). I was thinking it would help to make rep points worth less.

What if you had to have 100,000 points before you got a blob? Or even 5,000?

Not even the most dedicated bonkwh*re could persist through a freebonks thread long enough to rack up a blob.

Just thought I'd throw that out there in case bonks per blob is something Jenna and Chunky can tinker with.

-pk

Julie Worth

04-30-2005, 01:31 AM

Just thought I'd throw that out there in case bonks per blob is something Jenna and Chunky can tinker with.

-pk

Somebody’s tinkering. My user CP button doesn’t work anymore.

JennaGlatzer

04-30-2005, 02:16 AM

What if you had to have 100,000 points before you got a blob? Or even 5,000?

Tried that. It doesn't give me that option. I can't change the blob levels.

Reph, what's the problem now? What does it bother you who gets undeserved blobs if you can't even see them?

This is really getting stupid.

Tony, I know nothing about changing code. If you do, I'm all ears.

JennaGlatzer

04-30-2005, 02:24 AM

To recap, here are things we can't do (at least, we haven't found any way to do so):

- We can't globally turn off blobs. That's something each member has to do by him or herself, unless we want to shut down the rep system altogether and lose the comments.

- We can't set the blob levels higher.

- We can't set everyone back to 10 points. We'd have to go through each of more than 2,000 member profiles individually to do this.

- We can't police who gets deserved blobs vs. undeserved blobs. You want to take this job? I have writing to do.

Please save your comments from the User CP if you want to. I don't want to lose the comments either, but this is getting completely ridiculous and is not worth this kind of aggravation. I can't make everyone happy, no matter how I'm trying. I may just shut down the whole rep system.

three seven

04-30-2005, 02:31 AM

Hey, I've got an idea! why don't we all just shut up and stop moaning and show Jenna and Charlie some appreciation and support? Radical, I know...

brokenfingers

04-30-2005, 02:31 AM

How's it going Jenna,

Hey, I might have come across as an insensitive, arrogant, self-centered jerk - in other words like a guy - earlier in the rep thread.

I do appreciate you and chunky's hard work and efforts to keep this thing going and also realize that you have other things in your life to attend to besides catering to us.

Just wanted to get that out of the way.

Have a good one!! :)

Okay, you buncha palookas!! Who's got something to say about my black blob?!?!?!

[Edit: I can't believe three-seven and I posted at the exact same time! How funny is that?]

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 02:37 AM

What if you had to have 100,000 points before you got a blob? Or even 5,000?

-pk

OOOOO, I like that. And everyone can only give 1 point each time... it will take FOREVER (like 5 years?) to reach 5000... by then, everyone who stays around would have gotten over the whole blob thing...

I like that.

Edit: just read Jenna's post. Crap. OK, so it won't work.

I really appreciate what you're doing, Jenna and Charlie. I think people will just have to live with an imperfect system. I think it's really naive to think that people are going to behave. And it's equally naive to think that we can have a perfect system for everyone.

I'll copy and paste the rep comments, then wait and see how this whole Rep silly business is going to pan out....

Sarita

04-30-2005, 02:46 AM

I can't make everyone happy, no matter how I'm trying.

Well, you're making me happy. Shouldn't that be enough? Oh, wait, what? The world doesn't revolve around me? Oh...

Hey, I've got an idea! why don't we all just shut up and stop moaning and show Jenna and Charlie some appreciation and support?

Ahhh, the voice of reason... Jenna & Charlie: :Hail: For your hard work :)

rhymegirl

04-30-2005, 02:46 AM

Hey, I've got an idea! why don't we all just shut up and stop moaning and show Jenna and Charlie some appreciation and support? Radical, I know...

I agree. Jenna, I don't care whether I have blobs or not. I'm sorry you're going through all this. It just seems like such a trivial thing with all the important things going on in the world and in our lives.

rich

04-30-2005, 02:53 AM

So, what's everybody writing these days? This disruption had little to do with we're freakin' WRITING. Let's get all the CP's into our scrapbooks, the cheerleaders' diary, the BMOAW's. And let's get back to what this board is suppose to be about--FREAKIN' WRITING!

wurdwise

04-30-2005, 02:59 AM

Oh, my! :idea: I've been on a writer's site all this time? I thought it was about hot tubs and what kind of dog I would be!:banana:

amidsummerswrite

04-30-2005, 03:32 AM

I don't really see the point in keeping these points around, especially if you can pretty much cheat(as seems to be the case in the 'bonk' thread) and get more anyway. I've kind of felt untrustworthy because I only had one green jewel this whole time.

Are the comments such a big deal? Can't you still just PM someone and say something about their post? I'm not super computer literate, so maybe there isn't anyway to do that. But, I thought PM'ing and the comments were separate.

I just looked and realized there are some posters with far less rep points than posters who have been here only a month, yet they've posted more than the month-olds.

I still think it's a decent idea, but maybe everyone should be reset to make up for some of the frivolous ones(no offense to those who have accumulated a lot of points honestly).

Sorry I keep editing. I'm going back and reading this whole thread(probably should've done that first!)

I agree with Brainerd:
It is something to play with, but I don't think they should be called rep points. They should be called pat points. You pat my back, I'll pat yours.

Rep points should be earned, not given away. The thread is fun, but I do kinda disagree about the points thing.

JM2¢

Penelope

04-30-2005, 03:55 AM

just shut up and stop moaning

That's not what you were saying last night.

Oops, sorry, different topic.

But that reminds me, I better get my little black book and copy all these phone numbers down that people gave me when they repped me.

(Just trying to inject some humor here.)

And of course, thank you, Charlie, and Jenna (got your bookplate yesterday, btw, thanks).

Fractured_Chaos

04-30-2005, 04:08 AM

Fractured_Chaos

04-30-2005, 04:13 AM

I can't make everyone happy, no matter how I'm trying.

:Hug2:

aboyd

04-30-2005, 04:45 AM

Tony, I know nothing about changing code. If you do, I'm all ears.Yeah, I can change your code to make the board operate however you wish. If ChunkyC is the person who installed the board, he should probably PM me the geeky details.

(If you have phpMyAdmin installed, I can probably set everyone back to 10 points, or convert all the 10 point ratings to 1 point ratings, all in one fell swoop. But I'm not sure you'd want to do that stuff, even if it were possible. It's your site, so if you want to just command me via PM, I'll do it.)

You sound exasperated. :( No worries. I'm sure nobody will even care about this a week from now.

-Tony

_

JennaGlatzer

04-30-2005, 04:48 AM

Hey Tony! :kiss:

I paid to have vBulletin install it. I'm going to try one other thing later tonight. If that doesn't work, I'll PM you and maybe you can work on it if you don't mind.

tjwriter

04-30-2005, 04:55 AM

Some of us didn't participate in the bonking and stuff. I have avoided it because I wanted to really earn mine. The majority of the ones have I have earned are because I am working towards improving my posts to make a greater contribution.

I know you can't please everyone, but will the comments disappear if the reps are reset? I want to save those somewhere first.

Mr Underhill

04-30-2005, 04:58 AM

If you have phpMyAdmin installed, I can probably set everyone back to 10 points, or convert all the 10 point ratings to 1 point ratings, all in one fell swoop.How about you take the natural logarithm of everybody's reputation score, and make those the new scores? That way there will still be some trace of the current totem-pole evident, but nobody will have like 250 times the rep points of those who didn't get out of hand.

:Lecture: ;)

aboyd

04-30-2005, 05:13 AM

This is a forum for writers! I have no idea how to do logarithms!

Can't I diagram a sentence or something?

-Tony

_

aboyd

04-30-2005, 05:28 AM

I paid to have vBulletin install it.Actually, that's good. The same info that the vBulletin people needed, I will need. You could just send me whatever geeky details you mailed them.

Anyway, I'm out for a few hours tonight (it's Friday! Woo!) but if you PM me, I'll get on it early Saturday. If not, then you must have found a great solution, so that's good. :)

-Tony

_

three seven

04-30-2005, 05:33 AM

Ok, obvious question: WHY?

Everyone knows the score, everyone's got their own feelings, everyone has the option to display or hide their rep, and everyone knows that if you reset the counter and start again, we'll be having this exact same discussion in another three months. What's the point? Why not just leave it, forget about it and move on?!

ChunkyC

04-30-2005, 05:56 AM

Actually, Three, though Jenna has not made any final decision, we're kinda leaning towards finding a way to keep only the commenting function. Which means ditching the rest of the rep system, including the points. Then there's no temptation to 'keep score' or collect blobs and we'll still have that convenient way of patting each other on the back that is the one thing about the rep system everyone seems to like.

three seven

04-30-2005, 06:18 AM

We're kinda leaning towards finding a way to keep only the commenting function.I see. Yes. In that case, I have nothing else to be irritable about and can return to just being tired. ;)

reph

04-30-2005, 06:45 AM

I know you can't please everyone, but will the comments disappear if the reps are reset? I want to save those somewhere first.
You can save the page that shows the comments. The Mac (this one, anyway) has a feature for saving a Web page quickly. It's called Scrapbook. I don't know about PC equivalents.

Galoot

04-30-2005, 06:48 AM

vBulletin has a setting for member list field options (http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/vboptions_group_memberlist) according to their online manual, which "allows you to select which User Profile fields are viewable on the memberlist." Does this mean you can disable the reputation column altogether? Thus, no way to sort by rep?

Further, if you replace the following icons...

reputation_highpos.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif
reputation_pos.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif
reputation_neg.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_neg.gif
reputation_highneg.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_highneg.gif
reputation_balance.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_balance.gif
reputation_off.gif http://absolutewrite.com/forums/images/reputation/reputation_off.gif

...with transparent one-pixel GIFs, it would allow everything that was allowed before with the rep system, but it wouldn't be in your face. You'd have to actually hunt around with your mouse to read someone's reputation title. Having the ratings there, but invisible, would negate a lot of the competition.

Just some thoughts.

JennaGlatzer

04-30-2005, 09:24 AM

Galoot, that's just what Lisa suggested, too. Problem is, I have no idea how to do that. Luckily, CC thinks he does. So he'll work on it tomorrow, I think.

Brainerd T.

04-30-2005, 09:29 AM

(Come on Floo, this place is more than folks like us can understand. We may have by-passed evolution, but they're smarter than we are. Let's go find the rest of our zoo.)

T42

04-30-2005, 09:31 AM

Just an idea and may just be a pain in the butt. Can you just delete any reps that were given from the bonk thread which would take everyones rep points back to what it was before this all started? Then just make it clear that bonk threads, pad your reps and that sort of thread is not allowed. If people want to make up songs or have fun fine but don't make it a thread about giving each other points. I don't know if that would even work as far as taking blobs back to the "real" points or if it would be a total pain in the butt! Doesn't matter to me what you decide but I think given each other kudos when we really have been helped or feel a person deserves them is a nice thing and for Jenna to set it up that way was a great idea. What other web can you go to and feel like you made a difference because you are rewarded with a special little green square? (my favorite color)

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 10:16 AM

Ooo, the gif replacement sounds good. Change them all to an invisible pixel gif, then nobody will ever see it. And if we disable the "sort by rep point" -- then really, nobody can see it. Problem solved. We can bonk all we want and nobody would care.

;)

Galoot

04-30-2005, 11:03 AM

Galoot, that's just what Lisa suggested, too. Problem is, I have no idea how to do that. Luckily, CC thinks he does. So he'll work on it tomorrow, I think.
If CC can handle the memberlist reputation thing but has trouble with the images, I can hand over a bunch of transparent GIFs for uploading into the images/reputation/ directory.

Only $50. ;)

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 11:12 AM

Only $50. ;)

I'm sure CC or Jenna will find some other ways to repay you. <eg>

reph

04-30-2005, 11:31 AM

Can you just delete any reps that were given from the bonk thread which would take everyones rep points back to what it was before this all started?
I kind of like that idea, but there would still be the problem of point totals getting too big for other reasons. A few people have great long strings of blobs that they earned--say, 8 or 9 squares. When they rep someone, that person's total goes up pretty fast. Then the second person has maybe 4 blobs and goes around giving 4 points at a time. Another three months of this and all the regulars who do anything good will have green ice-cube trays. Another six months, green chessboards. It also sounds like a lot of work for the admins.

Does vbulletin have a forum for admins to compare notes, as ezboard does? Other boards must have similar troubles with points.

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 11:39 AM

Reph, we can only give 1 point now.

Lisa Y

04-30-2005, 03:36 PM

I just think the black, square peas look like...I don't know...like death. :eek:

ChunkyC

04-30-2005, 08:04 PM

Good morning, folks.

For those who have been following along intently, if you can bear with me a bit longer, I am going to try the invisible blob trick. I already made some and just need to find a little uninterrupted time to work on transferring them to the AWForums site. I don't like doing stuff like this while in the middle of a whirlwind, which today is shaping up to be at work. So, I'm going to get my 'ducks in a row', and then give it a shot over my lunch break when I can lock myself in my room and put a sock on the doorknob to let everyone know I'm busy.

What they think I'm busy at, I leave up to their imaginations. ;)

If it works, I'll PM Jenna and post here right away to let you all know.

See you soon.

mommie4a

04-30-2005, 08:05 PM

You sure you don't want to use a tie, Chunky?

T42

04-30-2005, 08:09 PM

I kind of like that idea, but there would still be the problem of point totals getting too big for other reasons. A few people have great long strings of blobs that they earned--say, 8 or 9 squares. .Hey Reph. Wouldn't deleting the bonk reps automatically take the points back down to where they were before this all started? If people earned the points the old fashion way then they should be able to give that many points when they give reps. It was working fine and a good idea until everyone (including myself) got carried away with the {{{bonking}}}. If all of my bonk threads were deleted from my user cp then that would take me back to the squares I had without the bonking and then if I gave someone a rep point and they got 4 because I had 4 squares then it would be OK because that is what I deserved and what they deserve. When all is done if someone starts a pad your rep thread or bonk thread then the monitor could close it? Just some ideas....:)

JanaLanier

04-30-2005, 08:10 PM

Invisible blobs sound great, but if it doesn't work out, the black blob is okay. It's like a beauty mark. :) (Look out, Cindy Crawford!)

Thanks for all the hard work upkeeping AW, Jenna and Chunky --

:Hail:

Even if people complain, we all still appreciate everything you do. :)

T42

04-30-2005, 09:45 PM

Can't you still just PM someone and say something about their post? I'm not super computer literate, so maybe there isn't anyway to do that. But, I thought PM'ing and the comments were separate.
JM2¢The problem with just PMing someone is, some people don't even read the PM. (even the ones who monitor the boards)

wurdwise

04-30-2005, 09:47 PM

If that's where they were informed the comments were going to be, they might start.

reph

04-30-2005, 09:51 PM

Hey Reph. Wouldn't deleting the bonk reps automatically take the points back down to where they were before this all started? If people earned the points the old fashion way then they should be able to give that many points when they give reps.
Deleting the bonk reps would help. Are there superblobby people who got most of their points in the bonk thread, so they look like outstanding board citizens but they were just playing around? But points are given outside that thread for reasons that aren't great. People won't even agree on what's a good reason. Giving points to your friends? Giving to cheer up a person having a bad day?

Giving as many points as you have blobs makes sense in one way, but eventually the quantities will get too big and everything will go much faster.

Brainerd T.

04-30-2005, 10:51 PM

(The flea enters the room. The humans run for cover. Everything gets deathly quiet. The fleas climbs on top of the Floo's nose. The microphone is too big to the flea to use on the floor, so the Dodo lays on the floor and holds the microphone up to his bill so the flea cal talk. Without the microphone, the flea would never be heard)

"Personally, I dont' care about the blobs. I care about the comments. It brightens up my whole day."

("Floo, if you don't leave that microphone alone, I'm gonna throw it at you. Floo, what are you doing! This is not the time to........ Oh, no! Turn it off. Just turn it off")

The announcer is heard giving a sigh of relief 'Ladies and gentlemen: the flea and his Floo has left the building. You can now come out of hiding.'

ChunkyC

04-30-2005, 11:10 PM

Ta-daaa!!

wurdwise

04-30-2005, 11:14 PM

Chunky, YOU are a genius!

(and people, please don't start whining about the members who keep their blobs showing. It's a personal choice, like...well, it just is.)

awatkins

04-30-2005, 11:14 PM

Wow, CC, you did it! :Hail:

T42

04-30-2005, 11:22 PM

Chunky, YOU are a genius!

(and people, please don't start whining about the members who keep their blobs showing. It's a personal choice, like...well, it just is.)Looks like to me that no ones is showing. Isn't that what they had planned to do? Could be that I have just had too many brownies and can't tell the difference:)

awatkins

04-30-2005, 11:23 PM

All the comments are showing in my CP. Cool. :)

amidsummerswrite

04-30-2005, 11:27 PM

We are all one!! Woohoo!

Nice work!

ChunkyC

04-30-2005, 11:28 PM

:thankyou:

I'd like to thank Galoot, Tony, Lisa and everyone else who offered up suggestions and tips for getting this thing under control. And especially Jenna for not throwing in the towel and pulling the plug on the whole thing.

So, in order to get things back as close to the way they were as possible, I disabled that option that lets users turn their rep off. Everyone's is on. This is so that you can see the comments in your User CP whenever you want, just like before. The only difference between the way things are now and the way things were before this kafuffle started, is that ALL blobs are now invisible. Therefore, there is no outward visual indication of a user's point level. The only person who knows how many points you have, is YOU.

So go ahead and bonk if you want. Give someone a pat on the back if you feel they deserve it. They'll know who it came from and why, just like before, and I'm sure will appreciate it just as much as before.

Sound good to y'all?

brokenfingers

04-30-2005, 11:30 PM

Chunky C is officially my Hero-for-the-Day!!!

amidsummerswrite

04-30-2005, 11:31 PM

You da man, ChunkyC.....um, unless you are a woman. You get the point!

50,000 bonks for you....oh, wait...I don't know how to do that!

Just so everyone knows, I have 1,002,447 rep points! Heed my word!! LOL

:thankyou:

rich

04-30-2005, 11:44 PM

I'm calling him slim from now on.

wurdwise

04-30-2005, 11:48 PM

Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought you said all blobs are invisible. I see blobs.

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 11:53 PM

CC, you can still sort by rep points... is it possible to turn that off?

maestrowork

04-30-2005, 11:54 PM

Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought you said all blobs are invisible. I see blobs.

You need to refresh your cache so that the new blob image is downloaded.

In your browser, click on the "refresh" button while holding down the SHIFT key. It should reload the page and refresh the cached images...

Chacounne

04-30-2005, 11:57 PM

I like this solution very much.

Thanks for all the hard work, worrying,
and putting up with this opinionated bunch.
Chacounne

wurdwise

04-30-2005, 11:58 PM

Whalla! No blobs! Thank you, Ray. (If I would ever log off this friggin board!)

Galoot

04-30-2005, 11:58 PM

CC, you leave trails of profuse coolness. Now I wonder if that column in the Members List can be knocked loose. (naggity naggit nag) :D

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 12:06 AM

Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought you said all blobs are invisible. I see blobs.
If you were logged in before I did this, images of the blobs are in your computer's local cache. Just refresh the screen, or log out and log back in and they should go away.

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 12:08 AM

CC, you can still sort by rep points... is it possible to turn that off?
I'll certainly look into it. That might take editing a template file, something I'm just beginning to learn about.

Mr Underhill

05-01-2005, 12:33 AM

Bra-vo. Well done, Mister C. :Clap:

CC, you can still sort by rep points... is it possible to turn that off?Does anyone really care at this point? I've never even looked at the Members List until just now, and doubt anyone would know to sort by reputation unless prompted to do so.

Sure enough, when I try it, all the bonk-thread bacchantes show up first, and I'm somewhere down on page 5, right between scullars and BookCoverDesigner. Works for me.

Take a break and worry about it next weekend if anyone still cares, that's my advice.

BTW, just as advertised, I can still see the rep-level tags by mouse-over if I find the right spot. With invisible blobs however, they just look like so much random nonsense. Very good indeed.

jdkiggins

05-01-2005, 12:53 AM

I'm so glad you guys explained all this. I left for my mom's house this morning and came back to a screen full of blobs. I knew I hadn't checked my reps and wondered why everyone's blobs were showing. Thought I'd lost my mind there for a second and feared someone sabatoged my puter. :)

Ray, thanks for telling how to refresh to no blob heaven.

CC, you're great. Thanks.

Joanne

maestrowork

05-01-2005, 12:53 AM

Does anyone really care at this point?

You bet your a** someone will care if we keep it available.

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 02:13 AM

CC, you can still sort by rep points... is it possible to turn that off?
I'll certainly look into it. That might take editing a template file, something I'm just beginning to learn about.
Done.

Galoot

05-01-2005, 02:49 AM

Beauty! You can't even hack the URL (by any method I've tried) or use Advanced Search to sort by rep. Rockin', Chuck.

Them Canadians is smart.

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 03:30 AM

Beauty! You can't even hack the URL (by any method I've tried) or use Advanced Search to sort by rep. Rockin', Chuck.

Them Canadians is smart.
It's them thar long winters with nothing to do but read computer manuals ... so long as you're not forced to burn them to keep warm. http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

reph

05-01-2005, 03:37 AM

What's the purpose of making it impossible to sort by rep? Nobody's forced to do that.

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 03:45 AM

For the same reason as making the blobs invisible, reph. To eliminate any and all ways we could use to rank ourselves by the number of points we have, and thereby cause the sport of casual bonking to die off because now it's absolutely pointless.

Where's the Tylenol?

JennaGlatzer

05-01-2005, 04:06 AM

CC: You are my hero.

This thread is hereby closed to debate, further complaints, etc. CC and I both spent 2 days trying to figure this out and make as many people happy as possible, and he DID IT! :TheWave: Now there's nothing left to do except... give him lots of invisible rep points!

Love you, Charlie!

ChunkyC

05-01-2005, 05:13 AM

http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/images/smilies/emoteLilLove.gif backatcha all.

aboyd

05-01-2005, 05:48 AM

Good job. Looks fine!

-T

stormie

05-01-2005, 06:16 AM

Thanks, CC. But--I don't know why I'm thanking you when I was JUST ABOUT TO EARN MY SECOND BLOB! (Sort of.) I promise I'm calm now. No nor'easters around here....

maestrowork

05-01-2005, 07:47 AM

CC, you are #1.

Can I be #2? (OK, folks, we're not talking about bathroom humor here...)

maestrowork

05-01-2005, 07:52 AM

What's the purpose of making it impossible to sort by rep? Nobody's forced to do that.

If we're taking out blobs and not letting anyone see other's rep count, there's no reason to sort by rep points. Out of sight, out of mind. Can't have your cake and eat it, too. No rep counts, no ranking. I don't want to see MarySueAllenGreen as #1 in blobs....

bjewel77

05-01-2005, 10:40 PM

wurdwise

05-01-2005, 10:47 PM

I am finding myself more generous in giving rep points now. Go figure.

MacAllister

05-01-2005, 10:50 PM

Me too, Denise! I had become accutely aware that I was handing 'em out by the fistful, and so had gotten sort of stingy with them. :)

Charlie and Jenna, I think ya'll are friggin' brilliant! Hurrah!

maestrowork

05-01-2005, 11:38 PM

Let the bonking begin again!

(Jenna is gonna kill me now...)

reph

05-01-2005, 11:41 PM

I've become stingier with points. A point seems a less valuable gift if no one but the recipient will know about it.

I...see...dead...reputations.

maestrowork

05-01-2005, 11:44 PM

Reph, if it brightens someone's day... it's a perfect gift to me.

arrowqueen

05-05-2005, 03:36 AM

I just thought the ointment had cleared them up. Either that or they'd turned black and dropped off.

ChunkyC

05-05-2005, 04:41 AM

I just thought the ointment had cleared them up. Either that or they'd turned black and dropped off.
:roll:

Yup! We used Preparation-B on 'em!

robeiae

05-05-2005, 05:23 AM

Hey no-neck! Decribe your blobs!

"...heavy, dark, and pendulous..."

(Let's do the Time Warp again!)

Rob

CaoPaux

05-06-2005, 05:25 AM

I miss my blobs. :cry:

But at least I still ooze profuse coolness.

robeiae

05-06-2005, 09:32 PM

But at least I still ooze profuse coolness.

There's ointments for that, too...

CaoPaux

05-06-2005, 11:44 PM

There's ointments for that, too... :rolleyes: :tongue

Brainerd T.

05-07-2005, 04:31 AM

(Floo, plug my microphone in. No, not that one. The one in the corner. Is it working?
Testing. Testing. Turn it down! Turn the dang thing down!!)

Ladies and gentlemen: Floo is a Dodo. He'd be extinct except he by passed evolution like I did (I'm a flea). He was flicked in prison for so many years, he's addle brained. But he's a nice guy.

The floo may be a big bird, and a slob, but there's nothing like a blob!

Floo! Floo! Get out of that closet. Don't aim that thing at me. Just wait til I get you home. Is my microphone turned off? Not again......... Floo!!