Conceptual art for propagation of User Answerability

[Ian Dennison_1]

DISCLAIMER ??? I am not an HP Employee and have no input or influence on Forum Design and Management Issues. This is a discussion document about some concepts that may assist we few, we happy band of Forum Users.

Attached is the fruits of an otherwise idle afternoon, in which I took the issues mentioned in various postings about Points Allocation and Forums Codes of Practice, and asked the question,???

How can we encourage the Users to assign points without requirement for draconian legislation or undue restriction?

The answer,???. Make their points assignment habits visible to them and all others.

I have take a small leaf from VantagePoint???s book, in using colour to propagate a status onto an Icon that can represent an entity, in this case a User of the Forums.

The basic colour scheme I have devised is,

Green = Good (>= 90%)
Orange = Iffy (>= 50%, <90%)
Red or Yellow = Urgent attention (< 50%)

These colours and figures are up for debate (there are much better colorologists and statisticians out there than myself). The statistics would be calculated periodically (every 24 hours?) and roundest to the nearest lowest percentage point of the Postings allocated points vs Total Forum Postings for the User (herein known as Points Allocation Ratio or PAR). This is basically the "User X has assigned points to 88 of 99 responses" expressed as a percentage. Every user would point to a specific Icon based on both their Accumulated Points (for their Hat Icon) and their PAR.

Option 1 ??? Bar Graph
A Colour coded bar showing the PAR to the nearest 10%. It would require generation of 11 possible Icons for every Hat (0-100% inclusive), and the bar would change colour depending on the PAR (90% & 100% = Green, 50,60,70 and 80% = Orange, 0% - 40% = Yellow).

Option 2 ??? Medals
A bit large and garish, but would denote 4 possible colour combinations for varying PARs (These could be split into 3 but I wanted to add some variety in the classifications here). Would only require 4 possible Icons per Hat (Pharaoh, Royalty, Wizard, etc)

Option 3 ??? Colour Coded Shading
This is my favourite. Instead of denoting precise values (to 10%) like the Bar Graph, the PAR colour would be used as shading on the right hand side of the Icon. Only 3 Icons required per Hat (Green, Orange, Yellow) and this would not clutter up the page with multiple Icons (remember, we have the ???HP Employee??? Tag and ???Expert in Area??? Star already).

New Icons
The problem with propagating Status against an Icon is that the newbies (those less than 250 points) need an Icon to hang their PAR status against. With tongue firmly in cheek (and not being one of the affected users myself!) I have also proposed some ideas for a new Icon for those Users who have yet to gain a significant number of points, yet are still keen to participate in these Forums.

So, food for thought? Please let me know what you think of the idea of displaying Points Allocation Ratio, what other forms it could take, and whether we should actively pursue HP in providing enhancements to the Forums that we think would benefit all Users (not restricted to just this topic).

Share and Enjoy! Ian

[Mark Greene_1]

Nice work! You've obviously put a bit of time and effort into this. I like the bar graphs most.

As for the newbies, I say give 'em a free ride until they earn a hat. If anyone is going to participate in the forums to the point of earning a hat, then their point-giving habits ought to be fair game for public dissemination as well. Until then it shouldn't be an issue. Remember, there's about five times the number of registered members as there are members with hats.

Just my $0.02

mark

[Steven E. Protter]

Wow.

Interesting stuff Ian.

Take a look at my profile. Three more points handed than answers.

Do we need a graphic for that.

Perhaps an exploding thermometer.

SEP

[Paul Sperry]

Great idea. I like the Colour Coded Shading the best.

[H.Merijn Brand (procura]

1. I like getting points
2. I like giving points
3. I like the point/hat system

Above said, I fully agree with with Mark that up till the first hat it should be a free ride.

It is still optional. Asigning points is no obligation, so large additional icons are - ehhh - not done, so *IF* the forum chiefs (hi dan :) decide that extra info is appropriate, I'd go for the shadow(s), which looks nice, but does not prominently members as `bad'.

Enjoy, have FUN! H.Merijn

BTW I also have 100+ % and I'd love to see a sun over my desert hat-to-be :)

[John Meissner]

Ian - wow! great work... must be a really slow day :)

I think your idea is great for multiple reasons.
1 - encourages people to assign points (even if zero)
2 - will let responders know if they should watch the post for replys (how active the user is in looking at their own threads) and also if the user has a LOW rating might stop responders from replying - thus encouraging the author to go back and assign points.
3 - it's something else for merijn to keep track of :)

Personally I like the medal or colored circle (or even a traffic light - green/yellow/red)

greap work Ian

[John Meissner]

I changed my mind... i like the meter (graph) the best.

as for newbies.... I think they should stay hatless until pro

[Paula J Frazer-Campbell]

Ian

You must not be very busy !!


I like the concept and my vote goes for :-

Shaded


Have a great weekend


Paula

[Pete Randall]

Ian,

I think your idea is commendable, hilarious, and unlikely.

It's obviously commendable, given the time, effort and ingenuity you've applied.

It's also hilarious - the nappies and baby bottles got me giggling.

However, it's also highly unlikely. First off, HP will never endorse a "blame and shame" policy. This Forum is strictly voluntary in all ways: questioning, answering, and points assignment. Secondly, despite the fact that I find your neophyte symbols quite amusing, I have to agree with the other comments that they should be given a free ride until they reach the first "real" hat. Giving them a hat of any kind lessens the achievement of those that have put in the effort to attain a real hat. Thirdly, those that have achieved a hat are, as a general rule (there are always exceptions), very likely to have 100% PARs, anyway, so your symbols will tend to be a bit monotonous. Fourthly, the typical "non-point-assigner" signs on to ask his question, get his answer, and logs out. They obviously don't pay any attention to the conventions, suggestions and instructions of this Forum. Why would hanging a color-coded symbol next to their name have any more impact on their behaviour?

While I love your idea and appreciate the effort you've put into it, I'm sorry to say that I think it was wasted. You just can't change people's behaviour that easily.

Thanks for the laugh, though. Cheers!

Pete

[John Meissner]

Ian - another idea... sorry to flood you.... i'm not too busy today either :)

how about if you are
>=90% you get a halo above your hat

26-50% - something else (can't think of anything
50-98% /

<25% you get devil horns on your hat

[Pete Randall]

Ian,

Sorry - one last thought:

The one thing that HP could do that would help is to remove the ability to shut off e-mail notification. I can only imagine that most of these hit and run types must turn off notification right after they post the question. Then they hang around for five minutes to see what they get for the first few answers and they're gone.


Pete

[John Meissner]

or - and i just thought of this.
how about a popup window (that can't be supressed by pop-up stoper) that displays each time you log in if you have unassigned points? just to give them the idea that ... hey... oh... i need to fix something.

[Patrick Wallek]

I do not like the idea of anything that would discourage anyone from replying to a question. If there is some sort of indicator that someone is not up to date in assigning points, then that is what will happen. This forum is about helping people.

As has been said, the point system is strictly voluntary. As long as that is the case, then there should be no indicators as to how many points someone has or hasn't assigned to their question(s). You are not going to be able to change the people that don't assign points, no matter what you do.

If assiging points was mandatory, then I would probably have a different opinion, but that is not the case at this point.

[John Meissner]

I know... we are here to help. that's what this forum is about. but on a side.... look how many threads have been started in the past 2 or 3 weeks about point assignment. Quite a few. I know this is for helping people. I've received help on many occasions that has REALLY REALLY REALLY been of value.

I think that many of us enjoy helping out... and I'm sure that HP makes out as a result of the free advice dispensed. never the less I think it would be a good idea to make point assignment more "manditory" if you will. The only way I can see controling this is that if you have not assigned all points (even if zero) than you wouldn't be able to ask another question. I'm sure to get some flack for this comment.... but honestly... how hard is it to go back to your question and click some points out. The author obviously took the time to register with the forum. how about taking just a teeny tiny bit more time to assign points before moving on. see that didn't hurt. ok now life moves on.
you can flame me now if you want... but there's an old saying
arguing with a Marine is like wrestling with a pig. everyone gets dirty... only... the Marine enjoys it :)

I know .. i know... i'm not trying to start a fight... battle... conflict... or other abrasive situations... I just think that it would make the forum better

[Ian Dennison_1]

Oh dear, why couldn't I just stay quiet and play solitaire this afternoon :)

More feedback coming on Monday (so this will bounce back to the top and be visible again) but just come clarification,...

The information about Points Allocation Efficiency is already available (refer attached jpeg of my ITRC Profile). We are not giving away any new information.

Pete has nailed it in a nutshell; any influence to assign points must be a positive one. So, how to achieve that positive influence, how far to pursue any measures and (first and foremost) do we bother at all?

Over to you all, Ian

[Patrick Wallek]

Yes, I am aware that each Forums members point allocation statistics are available. However, they do require a small amount of effort (clicking on the persons name) to get to. That is the way I like it.

I do not go and look at a persons point allocation statistics before I respond to their question. I don't care on way or the other, I'm going to try to help them if I can.

I really do not want to see their points statistics right next to their name in any shape form or fashion.

Even if you were to implement something like colors, a graph, whatever, I doubt it would make any difference. There are those who assign points and those who don't. You are probably not going to change those who don't no matter what you do.

[Steven E. Protter]

I'm such a chatter, I rarely bother checking point stats before taking a question, unless there are lots of good liking 0 responders out there.

The thing I need to do a better job of is thoroughly reading the question and responses so I don't make myself look clueless.

Which I have done several times this week.

SEP

[Michael Steele_2]

I've seen some criticism / complaints about responders choosing bunny questions because they believe they are more likely to get points by jumping on the bandwagon, so to speak. And perhaps they end up providing less then accurate information, or a poorer quality of answer, since they are more assured of receiving an award and don't have to work as hard.

Seems logical anyway.

So my concern is for any metric that predicts how an author will award points to make this criticism more common place.

Anyway, it seems like a set up for complaints of the diminishing quality of work. And because of this I would prefer not to see any audit trail at all of how an author awards points. In fact, I think what we currently provide too much information. I.e., this member has assigned points to 96 of 150 responses to his/her questions.

[John Meissner]

Michael - to comment on your last statement about those that post to bunny threads...

I'm sure this goes on. I personally tend not to even go into bunny threads becuase the person most likely is satisfied with their answer. I sometimes do read the posting if it's a topic I know something about or am interested in. An I (personally) will only post to that thread if there is value or a different solution I can provide.

[Michael Steele_2]

I hear you John. I saw these comments in some previous threads and they got my imagination running.

A leap of faith comes to mind.

[Mike Fisher_5]

Ian:
Heck of a thread title
I prefer minesweeper :)

Don't go the medal route...
The Yanks would grab 'em all
[Just trying to start a fight with John M]

Mike "purple heart for multiple paper cuts" Fisher

[John Bolene]

The old adage of "You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink" comes to mind here.

People who will give points most likely will give them, the others may give them seldom or never.

[John Meissner]

that's ok Mike... i was awarded enough medals (10) in the Marine Corps :)