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by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

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Would AB survive without the point system?

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Answers. 18 helpful answers below.

  • by Carmella on February 15th, 2007

    Carmella

    Yes, it would. It worked before the points system, and it'd work again without the points system.
    In fact, I think it'd be better and would help to fulfil the 'Bag's original goal of 'sharing knowledge', which many feel the Bag doesn't really do any more. The points system has enhanced the social side of the site, but has detracted from the real knowledge (and not opinions) side of things. (edit)I'm not having a dig at anybody here, but you know it's bad when people are publicly announcing their intention to rate others up just to see what the next level is called.

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  • by AB-Joel on February 16th, 2007

    AB-Joel

    It certainly could, because it didn't have one before.

    Technically speaking, before the "point" system, there was still a rating system that was based on the number of questions answered, and the average rating of the answers. Many people looked at those ratings the same way people look at the "point" ratings now, but the new system helps us avoid the firestorms that arose from abusive negative ratings, and it lets us reward people for other actions that benefit the community like moderation. While the new system has a few very vocal critics, the old ranking system had far more complaints about abuse and unfairness than the current one.

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  • by Sunblynd 5.0 on February 15th, 2007

    Sunblynd 5.0

    Absolutely. The rating systme is fun, but it can be more frustrating for others who feel it makes the whole ideal of the AB collective competitive. Myself and others have noticed that it has taken on the persona of a video game of sorts. Rating system or no, AB was here before it, and will more than likely be here long after it's discontinued... if ever.

    The rating system is nothing more than a credibility meter for those members who have been on here the longest and have earned the respect of their peers. It's not an intelligence meter, believe you, me on that issue. AB is user moderated, hence the justification of the rating system, those with higher authority have earned that position and the rating power to moderate the credibility of contributors, we moderate eachother and keep eachother in check, to maintain not only the sites integrity but the credibility and integrity of the AB collective.

    It's not about points, it's about your credibility... and what are you without that?

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  • by Arisztid on August 7th, 2007

    Arisztid

    I think it would but it would not be as popular.

    I come here to answer questions and I would do so with or without the points system.

    To me, if they disabled the comments system I would be quite put out. I enjoy the comments more than the points.

    I believe that AB would lose many of the members who are here to gain rank, and there are many. However, a good core of us would stay.

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  • by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

    Anonymous

    No, it probably wouldn't. Most people here are all in for the points and don't aim at the spot, where its to ask and answer questions. Unfortunately AB wouldn't probably propser much, without it. Good question.

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  • by Anonymous on February 15th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Yes, but I would speculate that some of the wisest and best people who answer on here would not be around and also that the quality of answers would fall somewhat. Sounds cynical, but in my short time here, that is what I believe.

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  • by doodlethenoodle on February 15th, 2007

    doodlethenoodle

    I have been told that there didn't used to be a point system, so i imagine yes.

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  • by M Moon on August 7th, 2007

    M Moon

    I think that Answer Bag is and always will be a valuable source of information, regardless of topic.

    What is distracting though at times, come from the comments section, not from the answers themselves --a seeming tendency for some 'viewers' to vent when they don't agree with [points[ taken away to them. Of course, these individuals never disagree when pluses are given to them! Amazing!

    Personally, I appreciate each 'up,' each 'down,' as a method for me to contemplate 'the why' someone would do either, regardless of whether an 'up' or a 'down!' It is BOTH that assist awareness and advance potentials for better understanding of all cooperative measures.

    As mentioned by someone here, this ISN'T a personality contest -- all having the right to free speech, but surely some of the 'complaints' are not for the mere 'correction' of a viewpoint, but for bashing the giver for either 'misunderstanding' or 'just because they didn't [give me a plus]'!

    How are we to take in new, different or unfamiliar information if some have a seemingly graceless 'need' to take [a negative point] as a platform for inappropriate commentary? THIS is not pleasant for any of us, as I hopefully assume WHY we are here is TO LEARN!

    Although many of us do believe learning to be THE POINT, we are -- still -- human beings, maybe not easily hurt in such a valuable, respected format, but these kinds of ill chosen or even inappropriate comments easily may create a awkward distraction from THE TOPIC!

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  • by Juggernaut on February 15th, 2007

    Juggernaut

    iam still quite new..iam learning the ropes quickly..but as i have stated recently, i beleive iam interacting in a competitive playground..fun, as well as challanging..i joined this site, to see how far i can go using my tiny brain and help spread knowledge within this community. in conclusion, i love the points!

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  • by Firebrand on February 15th, 2007

    Firebrand

    I do not think they had a points system until November last year. I am not sure I was not here until just before Christmas, but a lot of the senior members seem to think that was preferable

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  • by nevets - badgicide on February 15th, 2007

    nevets - badgicide

    You need a mechanism to vote answers up or down, so there has to be points in some respect. Allowing users who have more points to have a greater voting capacity is a good idea - so I think the points system works.

    I don't think the leaderboard is a good idea though.

    I remember the old system where you got grades. I think going back would reduce the number of social questions and increase the number of useful questions.

    Short answer: I don't know!

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  • by Universe Of Life on February 15th, 2007

    Universe Of Life

    Yes ... but not as strong ... it sometimes can be a little dull ... the points system gives it some flavor in the way of competition ... and I believe everyone likes to compete to some degree ...

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  • by Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger on September 17th, 2008

    Ed the Jetpacking Headbanger

    Yes and I think the quality of the activity would improve.

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  • by eric on January 27th, 2008

    eric

    I wouldn't leave. What do the points really mean anyway? Does it mean someone on a higher level is smarter than me? Does it mean a newcomer is stupid? No! It's the fellowship I enjoy.

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  • by dontcallmewave on January 27th, 2008

    dontcallmewave

    yup

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  • by Wolf Of Time on February 15th, 2007

    Wolf Of Time

    yes, but it would'nt be as fun. = )~

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  • by Anonymous on August 11th, 2008

    Anonymous

    It would be much better without the point system. And all people would be on an equal footing. Fact is some here the longest and at the highest levels have become spiteful trolls and like to take points away from others. And others seem to have partners to help them hurt others. I would like to see the point system here ended. Probably the most harmful feature on AB.

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  • by Anonymous on August 11th, 2008

    Anonymous

    It would be much better without the point system. And all people would be on an equal footing. Fact is some here the longest and at the highest levels have become spiteful trolls and like to take points away from others. And others seem to have partners to help them hurt others. I would like to see the point system here ended. Probably the most harmful feater on AB.

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