Has the 'Respected Member' tag had its day?

[123]

Keep it simple just give everyone a number

Numbers as usernames has to be the stupidest idea ever. Oh hang on

 

[Lister1987]

christ spoon, you got more medals/badges than the chelsea pensioners..

Gets more action than a Chelsea chick too....

 

[Baddegg]

Yes, I've heard it on other forums but not from the sparkies at the wholesalers or on other jobs. It seems to be an internet thing.

Funny how derogatory terms are not used when anonymity is removed isn’t it?.....

 

[Deleted member 105166]

christ spoon, you got more medals/badges than the chelsea pensioners..

@telectrix how do you manage to get Trainee Access without being either a Trainee, or a Mentor?

 

[DPG]

Tel can get anywhere. Lol

 

[123]

@telectrix how do you manage to get Trainee Access without being either a Trainee, or a Mentor?

He is a trainee, it's the 60th year of his apprenticeship

 

[Spoon]

christ spoon, you got more medals/badges than the chelsea pensioners..

Only same number as you mate.

 

[Spoon]

So is this to see how many tags we loose if the tags are removed. Only yesterday I only had 'Forum Mentor' being shown. Not sure why the others have appeared again.
Maybe the decision have been made to keep them after all....

 

[Dan]

So is this to see how many tags we loose if the tags are removed. Only yesterday I only had 'Forum Mentor' being shown. Not sure why the others have appeared again.
Maybe the decision have been made to keep them after all....

I'm having a look see who's got what. And then reorganising the usergroups to get rid of a lot of the tags but keep the usergroup access right.

eg; you're not DIY you don't need the DIY tag. But you might need access to DIY forum - which currently can only be done by adding the tag. So we just need a group for non-diy to apply you to, that gives you access to DIY forum. If that makes sense.

You don't need Mentor AND Trainee - Those both have access to trainee forums. So there's another gone.

CCTV / Alarms probably doesn't need a tag. You just chat about that in the forum - those with access know you have access. Nobody else needs know.

So that would leave you with Arms and Mentor.

 

[static zap]

I quite like the labels...when I see respected member ....

. Of course, we cannot condone outright attacks, racism and so on, but I really can't see why we are even ...

Youv'e been a very respectful Pirate my my reckoning.

Quality input ,
Gizzards slit = 0
Raping n Pillargin = 0

..The only sure thing about life
--is it changes !
Now I just need training in swabbing the decks -does that mean Mopping?
(Not Mopeing)-However it's spelt !

 

[Andy78]

Yes, I've heard it on other forums but not from the sparkies at the wholesalers or on other jobs. It seems to be an internet thing.

Funny how derogatory terms are not used when anonymity is removed isn’t it?.....

I think Badegg's point may have something to do with this, but also the context is important.

If I worked in a large firm where guys came and went and varying levels of training were held by those guys, then talk might be be more forthcoming about issues pertinent to levels of training.

As it is I work by myself and have brief chats in the wholesalers at best, so the term is not likely to crop up. I am however a member of several internet discussion platforms where the issue of training levels crops up more often than in my day to day doings.

So you can see how the context and likelihood of these terms being used is important when deciding whether or not this forum is at fault or to blame for the use and or perpetuation of this term.

 

[Dan]

I think Badegg's point may have something to do with this, but also the context is important.

If I worked in a large firm where guys came and went and varying levels of training were held by those guys, then talk might be be more forthcoming about issues pertinent to levels of training.

As it is I work by myself and have brief chats in the wholesalers at best, so the term is not likely to crop up. I am however a member of several internet discussion platforms where the issue of training levels crops up more often than in my day to day doings.

So you can see how the context and likelihood of these terms being used is important when deciding whether or not this forum is at fault or to blame for the use and or perpetuation of this

It's not the forum. It's the members. We've never had a tag saying that. And never really allowed it.

Don't bring the forum into it lol

I even banned the wording at one point so it starred out but then we had word war 3 about it.

 

[Andy78]

It's not the forum. It's the members. We've never had a tag saying that. And never really allowed it.

Don't bring the forum into it lol

I even banned the wording at one point so it starred out but then we had word war 3 about it.

The members are the forum. Without one there would be no other.

 

[Dan]

The members are the forum. Without one there would be no other.

The forums stance is me. I've never liked the term. And never encouraged that language.

Its members are the ones using it.

I can block it now in seconds. But it doesn't change the members view of it. They need learn how to get along with new members and new guys in the industry / or on the forum.

 

[Toneyz]

Once the forum was a bit of banter between us electricians with an open discussion with situations we found ourselves in and was open to opinions of our peers it has become a how-to for DIYers and when they get told that the advice is you need to engage the services of an electrician they bite back. It is helpfull if a profile is filled in as you can give advice accordingly.

 

[ferg]

In a previous incarnation the forum had the thanks button along with a thanked x times in x posts counter.

For me this worked well as an indicator.

For example 99% of my posts are just general chat very few of them are actually giving technical advice, probably best that way , so a quick look at the thanks count would give weight to different advice from different members.

 

[Dan]

In a previous incarnation the forum had the thanks button along with a thanked x times in x posts counter.

For me this worked well as an indicator.

For example 99% of my posts are just general chat very few of them are actually giving technical advice, probably best that way , so a quick look at the thanks count would give weight to different advice from different members.

It's has the same. Your reaction points are like counts.

Click on any name to see "Posts" and "Reaction Points" or "Reaction Score" - it's one or the other. I'd have to work it out in a min. Just bringing plumbing forum back online first.

 

[ferg]

It's has the same. Your reaction points are like counts.

Unless i'm misunderstanding the reaction point system then I get reaction points for posting general chat and blether that people like and or find amusing.

The Thanks button is/was much more likely to be used after someone provided good sound advice that helped someone out.

No system is perfect but I think that some sort of system to give weight to advisory posts is good.

 

[Dan]

Unless i'm misunderstanding the reaction point system then I get reaction points for posting general chat and blether that people like and or find amusing.

The Thanks button is/was much more likely to be used after someone provided good sound advice that helped someone out.

No system is perfect but I think that some sort of system to give weight to advisory posts is good.

See my edited post above.

The like button, smiley, and love-heart eyes are all positive reactions (so a like) - the other three are neutral.

So my score is usually always low on forums. As I bring rules in lol

So I'm thinking it's the score one.

Find a new member who has a few posts, and you'll see he has a few 'likes' (reaction points) or whatever. It's that one.

 

[Andy78]

The forums stance is me. I've never liked the term. And never encouraged that language.

Its members are the ones using it.

I can block it now in seconds. But it doesn't change the members view of it. They need learn how to get along with new members and new guys in the industry / or on the forum.

Old dogs new tricks etc. You can't change attitudes with older guys or with the industry at large. That's not in your power or interests.
You can however manage the forum to the best of your abilities, and I honestly think you do a pretty good juggling act.

The opposite to your argument would be that short course trained people need to realise the differences between their training and others, realise their limitations, and accept other's views on their position.

The best short course trained people ( notice how deftly I'm avoiding the term ) are those who do this and seek to improve. There are a quite a few internet based members who take this stance and stick up for themselves. They get my personal "respected member" badge in my head.

We are all here to improve and help others, no matter what our background, and banning trade terms that may offend others may not find an end. Do we ban "wetpants" and "spreads" in case any plumbers or plasterers get offended ? Do we even ban "sparky" in case us professional electricians take exception ?

 

[Dan]

Old dogs new tricks etc. You can't change attitudes with older guys or with the industry at large. That's not in your power or interests.
You can however manage the forum to the best of your abilities, and I honestly think you do a pretty good juggling act.

The opposite to your argument would be that short course trained people need to realise the differences between their training and others, realise their limitations, and accept other's views on their position.

The best short course trained people ( notice how deftly I'm avoiding the term ) are those who do this and seek to improve. There are a quite a few internet based members who take this stance and stick up for themselves. They get my personal "respected member" badge in my head.

We are all here to improve and help others, no matter what our background, and banning trade terms that may offend others may not find an end. Do we ban "wetpants" and "spreads" in case any plumbers or plasterers get offended ? Do we even ban "sparky" in case us professional electricians take exception ?

That's one of the best posts I've seen in this thread.

*tips hat to you.

 

[SCOTT SUMMERS]

I've only got one friend

 

[telectrix]

@telectrix how do you manage to get Trainee Access without being either a Trainee, or a Mentor?

was a trainee mentor for some time. tags seem to have been removed and then only today reinstated. however, i am not a solar guru. all i know about that is that it's witchcraft, converting sunlight to leccy.

 

[Silly Sausage]

was a trainee mentor for some time. tags seem to have been removed and then only today reinstated. however, i am not a solar guru. all i know about that is that it's witchcraft, converting sunlight to leccy.

I did wonder why you were a solar guru, but then I remembered, the sun always shines out of scousers ...

 

[telectrix]

I did wonder why you were a solar guru, but then I remembered, the sun always shines out of a Scousers Arse...

corrected that for you. no sweat.

 

[Joe V.]

The very experienced guys at a company I worked for were honorarily assigned to the Fast Action Response Team. Usually prefixed with Old when being referred to it marked them out while keeping them in their place.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

As a holder of the 'Respected Member' badge I have a vested interest here. But in principle, I'm not keen on automatic rating systems. They are subject to abuse on an open forum, and even without abuse can end up ranking the contributions quite arbitrarily. A serious flaw with any system that relies on the response of the OP or the thread readership generally, is that factually incorrect but friendly, helpful-seeming contributions can collect positive ratings, while unpalatable but correct answers can collect negative ones.

Because this forum deals with a subject where technical correctness is especially important, only human oversight by competent mods and admins is sufficiently discerning to ensure that ratings reflect a member's tendency to post consistently good advice.

That said, I was delighted to receive the RM badge and took it as a thankyou for the time and effort invested in researching answers and trying to make (nearly) every post a useful addition to the thread.

 

[DPG]

Personally I think your tag is well deserved Lucien.

 

[Electromob]

I quite like Elite member , myself.

 

[GMES]

Too ..erm,,,,whats the word....oh yeah elitist

 

[Dan]

As a holder of the 'Respected Member' badge I have a vested interest here. But in principle, I'm not keen on automatic rating systems. They are subject to abuse on an open forum, and even without abuse can end up ranking the contributions quite arbitrarily. A serious flaw with any system that relies on the response of the OP or the thread readership generally, is that factually incorrect but friendly, helpful-seeming contributions can collect positive ratings, while unpalatable but correct answers can collect negative ones.

Because this forum deals with a subject where technical correctness is especially important, only human oversight by competent mods and admins is sufficiently discerning to ensure that ratings reflect a member's tendency to post consistently good advice.

That said, I was delighted to receive the RM badge and took it as a thankyou for the time and effort invested in researching answers and trying to make (nearly) every post a useful addition to the thread.

I think even if the tag went we would have to keep it for your and burns. Maybe one or two others.

Another awesome contribution to the thread and forum in general.

 

[jomo64]

perhaps change it to "high-value member" ?

 

[Dan]

perhaps change it to "high-value member" ?

Most who had it I don't regard as high value. They're low value off putting members.

18999 members we have with less than 50 posts.

Imagine if they all got to even 5k each. That knocks the socks of the 4 or 5 with 50k each trying to make the forum theirs and screwing it up for new guys.

Im opting for the first option these days.

 

[HandsOffEngineer]

I've received an e-mail requesting that I vote on this topic. Unfortunately, it's not explained in this thread what 'Respected Member' actually means, the criteria for the badge and what (if anything) is expected of badge-holders. Nor can I see any explanation elsewhere on the Forum. My guess is that it just signifies experience on the Forum and dedication to its standards and is awarded in the hope that this is maintained and that it sets a behavioural benchmark for others.

With that noted, I decided to vote 'No' - which is to say, I think you should keep the Respected Member badge. It's nice to have a bit of competition and something to signify dedication to the Forum's standards. I also like a bit of elitism. Everybody should strive for excellence and leadership in something, even if it might seem trivial in the matter of recognition on a Forum. I also see nothing wrong with 'cliques' and exclusiveness where it's based on merit and serves a functional purpose for everybody else. Cliques aren't necessarily cliquey. They only become so when they end up being self-serving, which I don't see here.

I will say that what matters to me when reading anyone's comments on here - regardless of experience or credentials - is the content of the post, rather than what forum badges they have or even any apparent credentials. To that end, it may help to have (assuming it's not posted up already) an explanation and disclaimer concerning these badges and technical advice generally. In truth, nobody here can give advice, we can only impart information. Advice must come from an electrician who has seen the problem.

 

[Joe V.]

perhaps change it to "high-value member" ?

Or maybe less of the implied value judgements and just call them something like "old hands".

 

[GMES]

@HandsOffEngineer , respected member is a title that staff introduced a year ago ish.
We were all discussing the members as in who were super helpful, never came on our radar, were respected by other members and who would always give helpful advice to new comers even if that new comer was out of their depth.
There are only currently about 8 Respected members and trust me when I say the staff took weeks to choose them.
It was just our way of saying thank you to a select few that had proved over the years that they were worthy of it, as an example there are other members that have 5 and 10 times the post count of these guys but also have had staff warning, short bans, etc.
So to sum it up in the eyes of the staff, those that received the title had proven to be what we considered perfect members since joining.

Now really quickly on to the new titles being suggested, I think the main issue is whatever names or titles are given to one member it's going to upset or alienate another. And as Dan as said throughout this thread some members have currently got certain badges that they might not actually be living upto, so someone with Forum Mentor status, for me shouldn't have that status if they are not willing to get in the trainee forum on a regular basis , helping out the trainees.
Hope that all made sense.

 

[Donald]

After 22 years in the Forces repairing/installing all things electrical/electronic you come to the realisation that badges and titles don't always amount to much; now, after over 22 years in Civvy Street repairing/installing a lot more things things electrical/electronic I'm of the opinion that to judge a person's ability, an indication of time/experience might be a good start point, and/or qualifications with time held. 'Respect' has to be earned.

 

[sandham5]

Surely every member is respected.

It sounds ever so cliquey.

I think in the current times when everybody should be totally equal, denoting who's 'respected' it a bit cheeky.

It used to be called "Elite Member" - Christ, imagine if we had that these days?!?!?!
On TilersForums.com it's now 'Trusted Advisor' but even then the advice changes and it's marking old now inaccurate posts as if the post should be trusted. And it can cause a bit of a shitstorm every now and again because some poor sod has tiled their bathroom the old way and their tiles are falling off.

I've put a poll up to get a feel for it. But it's not to say if either outcome is clear - that we will go for it.

It's up for discussion.

Please be professional with your replies. That said we wont be warning anybody for speaking out. This is my own thread and my chin can take it.

Who decides when someone is “respected “
You kinda have to earn respect.so we need some sort of election process. When you prove you know your subject your up for election. When you get elected but prove you
Hav’nt an effing clue you get voted out.
This system works in our government so there
Is no reason that it would not........ hang about
forget it.........

 

[Spoon]

And as Dan as said throughout this thread some members have currently got certain badges that they might not actually be living upto, so someone with Forum Mentor status, for me shouldn't have that status if they are not willing to get in the trainee forum on a regular basis , helping out the trainees.

I have a Forum Mentor badge, but I don't go into the training section on a regular basis. I just help out everyone when I can.

 

[Joe V.]

If advice is free it's as & when you can. Sticking labels on you then expecting you to live up to them is an interesting idea. When I visited CSSR in Soviet times they were pinning badges on me like there was no tomorrow. The attention was nice but it was still a relief when the BA flight cleared their airspace.

 

[Spoon]

I have a Forum Mentor badge, but I don't go into the training section on a regular basis. I just help out everyone when I can.

Oh, I used to have a Forum Mentor badge..

 

[Baddegg]

Oh, I used to have a Forum Mentor badge..

I did notice spoon but couldn’t think of a witty response,it’s early

 

[Dunc N]

Why does everyone have to have a badge?

 

[DPG]

Why does everyone have to have a badge?

Not everyone does.

Can we get rid of this 5 word minimum thing?

 

[Spoon]

Why does everyone have to have a badge?

Please read posts.
The 'Respect' badge was an idea of the staff.
The others, I think, are so that the forum knows who is allowed into what sections of the forum.
Do they need to be shown??? Not my decision mate.

 

[Spoon]

Can we get rid of this 5 word minimum thing?

put . . . .

 

[DPG]

put . . . .

I don't want to. . . .

 

[telectrix]

maybe you could try stuttering.

 

[Spoon]

Why does everyone have to have a badge?

As I have posted above, to take your comment further, what information 'needs' to be shown? Just the name really.
I can't see @Dan just putting the name and nothing else of the left hand side of the post. It would make us all equal though.

 

[Silly Sausage]

Why does everyone have to have a badge?

Please read posts.
The 'Respect' badge was an idea of the staff.
The others, I think, are so that the forum knows who is allowed into what sections of the forum.
Do they need to be shown??? Not my decision mate.

I think he's joking due to lack of personal badgeage