[OldGuy]

close the topics

There are many old topics that still have current interests. There is no reason to close the topics that are still valid. All that is being asked is that you contribute value to the topic in each post rather than slap in some comment that adds no value.

general tone of the forum where people just add a comment on the end of a thread without looking to see if a question has already been answered or even to say something meaningless

This is quite an accurate assessment of the true target of this process. All that is being asked is to make sure your added content includes value that relates to the topic.

earnings are less

There is no change in the earnings per post at this time. There is a new site platform being developed that will include a new sliding scale formula based on content quality, but that will not change until the new site platform is installed. The only current affect on revenue is that there is at least a 1FC penalty for each negative reputation point. It could be more if there is a site rule violation.

keep my post 10 a per day

The 10 post per day "limit" was only a site recommendation for the maximum number of posts per day. It was never intended to be a daily "goal". Although there is no limit to the number of posts you can contribute each day, there is a reduced rate of compensation for all post beyond the first 10. The truth is, those who blather on over and above 10 posts per day almost always end up posting junk for the sake of posting something. Slow down and make sure each post contributes value to the topic.

= = = = =

All members can help make this an effective campaign to reduce the junk content. If you see useless comments that do not add value to the topic, report them so they can be addressed more quickly. On the other hand, if you see quality content that adds value to the topic, give them a positive reputation point when deserved.

[SUPERSINGH]

I suddenly think I'm on postloop and making a dollar or 2 dollars a day.

[Angie10]

As with everything else, where there's change, sometimes we don't like it. But I can only see positives coming out of this. Let's face it, a lot of the topics here have become stale, yet we continue to contribute to them, sometimes churning out the same, tired comments. But as a side note, I'd urge admin to close those types of topics and archive them to encourage all members to come up with fresh content. Just saying

[chaelin]

Money should never be your first motivation to post because anyways you won't earn much no matter what so it is better to keep it clean and short.

[SUPERSINGH]

We are getting deductions while getting negative ratings, can we expect bonus fc if we receive good ratings? Have you thought about it as well.

[OldGuy]

We are getting deductions while getting negative ratings, can we expect bonus fc if we receive good ratings? Have you thought about it as well.

The answer is yes, as a matter of fact.

The current site software and platform is aging. Positive reputation points are not an accurate measure of quality, but only reflect the combined opinion of the ForumCoin community. Since they only represent an opinion, their only value is as a guide. A decent reputation point score simply tells you the community thinks your content is acceptable and adding value to the site. A low score is simply a message from the community telling you that you need to do better. However, the opinion of the community would not be an acceptable or fair way to determine revenue for anyone.

A negative reputation point comes because there was a specific reason for the low quality content being pointed out. A "fine" of at least one FC is to make it clearly understood that that post is not acceptable. However, that fine is also the reason it would be better for members to report unacceptable content than issue them on their own to prevent arguments, hard feelings or revenge negative posts from others. Report them instead so the negative rep points come from administration after a review to verify that it is deserved.

An entirely new software and site platform has been under development to replace the current site with a significant number of improvements. At last report, the testing phase is beyond 95% completed. Once it has been verified that every detail of the new software works as designed, we can expect that new display to appear. There is no set date announced, but it should be coming in the near future.

One of the exciting features of the new software is a complex algorithm formula to rate the quality of the content of each post. The formula details will remain a secret to prevent members from attempting to "game the system".

A high quality post will receive greater compensation while a low quality post will receive a much smaller amount. The pay will not be a flat rate per post, but will be made on a sliding scale based on the quality of the content itself. Those who consistently provide high quality content will see a notable improvement in their earnings while those who only provide low quality content will see revenue vanish.

If the reputation point system even remains, it will still only be an expression of opinion from the rest of the community and will still only be valid as a guide. The opinion of others cannot be used to alter earnings.

This upcoming change is actually the reason I have been begging all members to work on improving the quality of your content so you can benefit from that higher pay per post with higher quality content.

[OldGuy]

A startling revelation!

After reviewing thousands of posts over the last few days, I suddenly see the real issue that explains the volume of low quality content, and also explains why those who post them do not understand the issue.

This is a forum, where you are paid to contribute content that adds educational content on the stated topic. You are expected to provide new and unique information that will be a benefit to future readers.

Forums earn revenue from advertisers and revenue from advertisers is directly affected by search engine ratings. Search engine ratings are based on quality content. When a site is loaded with useless content, the search engines react accordingly with very low ratings and sites suffering from such ratings rarely show up in first page listings on any topic. Advertiser revenue is exceptionally low as a result.

There are chatroom environments on many social media sites where endless chat type comments are the norm. Social media sites do not rely on search engine placements of the threads and topics. Instead, they create detailed personal profiles of each participating member and sell that collected data to advertisers to target you for personal ads based on the content you have posted.

They are not the same kind of sites at all. If you post content on a forum that pays you for the content, you are expected to provide useful content that will be a benefit for future readers.

If you want to chat without providing useful content, you should be posting that on a social media site where quality content makes no difference other than the ads you see as you browse online based on your own collected personal profile.

Forums that pay for your content cannot justify paying you for useless content that only belongs in chat type exchanges. There is the difference in what is expected here.

[bestwriter]

While I fully endorse what you are planning to do I have a suggestion. Up to now let me tell you all of us yes, ALL OF US have posted substanceless posts now and then as they were allowed. We had this laid back attitude.

You can start this negative rating from now on. Close those threads and let the community write those threads once again. You can merge threads that are common or treat them on a first come first served basis. This will also save you a lot of work.

THIS WAY THOSE RESPONSIBLE USERS WHO NORMALLY NEVER POST TO EARN WILL BE SAVED FROM EMBARRASSMENT AND NOT LEAVE THE SITE.

Hope you will accept this suggestion.

[OldGuy]

Yes, I fully understand that situation, especially as I made that "startling revelation" as described in my post above yours. I noted that general chat was common for most members and began to wonder how to even proceed with this new approach.

I think there has to be a transition period so members can adjust. After all, the general idea is to work together to improve the quality of the content, not chase everyone away. I'm working on it. I ask everyone to help make this change without ripping up the carpet.

Are you all up for that idea?

[Netherrealmer]

Well I know what you mean. Maybe you can close the topics where people keep saying
the same things over and over? This will motivate people to start making new topics.
I think that if new topics are made, there will be less of this posting forever in one topic.
I admit I used to do it. But won't anymore. Instead I will write up new topics that add more value to the site.

You mean the people who ALWAYS:

I cant do this because I have no skill etc same excuses over and over again. All they do is pity party then ask for websites where they can earn but if you give them sites they will pity party again.

[sprite1950]

Yes, I fully understand that situation, especially as I made that "startling revelation" as described in my post above yours. I noted that general chat was common for most members and began to wonder how to even proceed with this new approach.

I think there has to be a transition period so members can adjust. After all, the general idea is to work together to improve the quality of the content, not chase everyone away. I'm working on it. I ask everyone to help make this change without ripping up the carpet.

Are you all up for that idea?

Yes I think that's an idea. To be honest I'm very nervous about posting now and probably overthinking it a bit. Of course there are some threads which don't require a lot of thought especially in the General Chat section and we need a clear guideline about where we can post less serious answers. Are you getting rid of the forum games section which is purely for entertainment or threads like "What is the weather like where you are?" These don't really add much value to the forum.

[anil02]

I might have been guilty of being repetitive or duplicating things sometimes. Yet mostly, I do try to bring new content, new perspectives. That is why my earnings too lag at times, as my articles too are not as frequent as they could have been.
Now, I would be a bit more cautious and not post too much, especially on some of the posts with multiple threads.
I hope that other members too would adhere to this advice.

Some time it is possible but not at all the time, it is better if admin feels that any post is repetition, delete that post.

[OldGuy]

Of course there are some threads which don't require a lot of thought especially in the General Chat section and we need a clear guideline about where we can post less serious answers. Are you getting rid of the forum games section which is purely for entertainment

As previously stated:

Obviously, there is little that can be "research backed" in most of the general topics section, and the games section does not even count, since rep points do not apply there.

But then again, very few members ever repeatedly post nearly the same content in any of those topics as can be seen in the CGT - Computers, Gaming & Technology, Webmaster Questions, Discussion & News or Business, Money & Wealth - BMW Forum.

This review applies to those topics that are intended to inform other members and visitors with details and news in those forum categories.

The games section is separate. It is for entertainment when members need a break from the serious. Fergal and CyberFreak both still enjoy games from time to time so I know of no plan to close that section.

[Angie10]

Some time it is possible but not at all the time, it is better if admin feels that any post is repetition, delete that post.

I agree with you on that as well. While I get that FC may not be spoilt for social moderators, I strongly feel the site could do with those in charge taking a more proactive stance. Also, it may well be time to review the rules to encourage us all to contribute more, especially where starting new threads is concerned, which I confess to being guilty of not doing as often as I could. Additionally, as I've mentioned to OldGuy, I think we could do with very old posts being archived and closed off. Just saying.

[OldGuy]

Observations over the past 12 days since this new initiative was announced:

There has been a dramatic drop in daily post volume as members hesitate before posting low quality content.

As you browse content, pay attention to any posts you encounter that have received a negative reputation point. Use those examples for yourself to see what can be considered low quality content.

Some members have suggested closing high volume older topics and that suggestion has been considered. If a topic continues to hold interest of some members, there is no reason to arbitrarily close it. We just ask that any future posts include content that adds value to the topic. Avoid commentary that does not contribute added information that will be helpful for future readers.

Although this initiative is primarily to improve the quality of content in the informational forums, I neglected to add that this initiative also applies to commentary in the Articles Section. You may also note that very low quality content in the general topics forum have received recent negative reputation points. Don't just slap in some random comment that does not add value to the topic even there. Pay attention to those samples that have received negative reputation points to learn what is not acceptable in a paid to post forum.

There has been an increase in reported posts, but there has also been a concern about some members reporting content just to disrupt this initiative to improve quality. The reporting has helped us see that nearly all members have posted junk now and then. With that revelation, reported posts are reviewed, but in most cases, a pm letter has been forwarded to review and discuss reported posts rather than issue more negative points as a “transitional learning opportunity” to work together to improve the quality of content. If you see low quality content, please continue to report it so we can work together to help all members improve the quality of future content.

Low quality content that is directly observed by administration is likely to continue to receive negative reputation points.

Our goal is to improve the quality of content, not to chase members away. Please work with us to improve the quality of all content, and use this process to learn how to improve quality of your content no matter where you work online. We want you to succeed in your online journey.

[sprite1950]

Our goal is to improve the quality of content, not to chase members away. Please work with us to improve the quality of all content, and use this process to learn how to improve quality of your content no matter where you work online. We want you to succeed in your online journey.

I don't really know what you expected but I could have told you how this would turn out. Of course people are hesitating before posting .. the whole atmosphere of the forum has changed since this happened and people are moving on because being reported for low quality content is destroying the confidence of many members. I've got to be honest, I'm just not feeling the love here any more.

I know your intentions are good but something tells me this is not the way.

[oldbuddy]

Just my 2 cents, but I have not seen a negative red thumb yet. I applaud the effort being made to clean up the forum and make it more useful and look forward to posting more.

[sprite1950]

I'm not sure whether I am imagining it but it seems that after the recent spate of reporting, and posts about low quality content, people are drifting back to ForumCoin. It was very quiet after all the drama but I believe it is now picking up again. Perhaps OldGuy could enlighten us?

[OldGuy]

... after the recent spate of reporting, and posts about low quality content, people are drifting back to ForumCoin ...

You are very observant. Although many members stood back and watched rather than risk getting hammered with a pile of negative reputation points, some remained constant and kept the lights on while we all learned how to proceed with this new development.

The daily average postings ran around 317 prior to the announcement and dropped to around 211 per day for the two weeks after the announcement was made. At first, I issued some negative rep points as low quality content was discovered, but then I was also taking the time to actually review thousands of posts all over the site. In addition, an increase in the reported content brought up posts from many members where it was a genuine surprise.

It became obvious that nearly every member has contributed content from time to time that adds little to no value to the topic and following through with the volume of negative rep points would do little other than chase everyone away. It is not our intent to destroy the moral of members, just encourage everyone to think about what they contribute and post content that adds value to the topic.

This entire initiative is to raise awareness about the fact that Fergal is paying for each post. Casual comments that do not add value to the topic belong on a social media site where quality is not an issue. Posts on a paid to post forum need to add value to the topic. That is what is being paid for.

Two things seem to have made a difference. First, rather than nail every low quality post with a negative reputation point, I have been sending out "content quality review" pm notes to share reported posts that are not providing quality content. I ask them to "use this example of a low quality post as a learning opportunity" to improve content in the future, all as a transitional learning period before the new site upgrade appears. Even so, there are still times negative points are being issued on totally useless content when administration observes them firsthand.

The second point described is: The site upgrade has been under development for more than a year. It will include an automated algorithm formula to grade the content of each post. Compensation will be on a sliding scale. High quality content will receive higher compensation while lower quality content will receive much less. Once the new site is online, there will no longer be any need for any manual review or negative reputation points.

CyberFreak has been testing every aspect of the new site software to make sure everything works as designed, and to make certain this formula will be fair for everyone. Once that testing is completed, we will see a significant change.

Originally posted early Monday AM:
At any rate, the initial fright seems to have dissipated as many members have had time to think about the quality issues and it looks like some have returned. The volume of posts has significantly increased and we are off to a new level of quality content this site was designed to offer.

EDIT: Noted change by Monday night at midnight:
Although there was a notable increase in hourly posts in the morning hours before the above statement, there was a significant drop in volume for most of the afternoon hours that offset the morning gains. Monday ended with just 205 posts for the day. Nearly 70 members logged in during the latest 48 hours compared to an average of 60 for similar periods during the last two weeks, but it seems many are only watching and not posting during their visits. We still have work to do.

All that is being asked is that members make a point of contributing content that adds value to the topic with each post. Use this time and any pm content quality review notes you might receive from now to that upgrade as a transitional learning period so you can take advantage of the increased compensation of those future high quality posts with that change.

[arunima]

Good to see this initiative to make the site better and have restrictions on useless posting. I am not able to visit this site much and contribute much here. But as soon as I logged in here today, I got a message popping from OldGuy and that brought me to this link. I am happy that this kind of initiative is there for the betterment of the site. I will be careful about my posting behavior and make sure that I stick to the guidelines.