Should the post count be hidden?

[MajorGeneral2]

I don't care much, but I'd say yes, hide it. The only purposes are the 300th post and the occasional "Welcome" message to 1st posts. The argument for newbies being able to detect vets is invalid, IMHO, because a big post count doesn't mean smart posts, as has been mentioned (often it just means "SPAM SPAM SPAM!"). I know several people who always have intelligent posts, but don't post often, so their count is low. I'll certainly agree with having where an individual can get it though, if he's curious.

 

[Silverflame]

Originally posted by ainwood


Why do you even need to know that? Why is it important? Just because someone is new, doens't mean that their opinions are any less valid than someone who's racked up 2000+ posts. And vice-versa.

It helps to distinguish between newbie trolls and respected vets who know about the topic a lot. You don't see that a lot here a CFC, because the flame levels are relatively low. In some places people make joke accounts that post a troll topic and immediately get banned. I agree that their opinions have the same validity, but sometimes if you're really new to a game (such as civ3), and you see an argument between a vet and a newbie, who would you trust more? It's really hard to imagine how it can be useful unless you feel it personally as a lurker...

 

[WildFire]

Posts don't really matter if you've been here for a certain amount of time. All that really matters is the name of the poster and all of a sudden, you know who it is and what they stand for.

 

[pdescobar]

Originally posted by Silverflame
It helps to distinguish between newbie trolls and respected vets who know about the topic a lot. You don't see that a lot here a CFC, because the flame levels are relatively low. In some places people make joke accounts that post a troll topic and immediately get banned. I agree that their opinions have the same validity, but sometimes if you're really new to a game (such as civ3), and you see an argument between a vet and a newbie, who would you trust more? It's really hard to imagine how it can be useful unless you feel it personally as a lurker...

It has long been considered proper etiquette on Usenet for newbies to read through a newsgroup for a week or so before they begin posting themselves. This gives one an idea of what sorts of things are proper to discuss there as well as giving a fair bit of knowledge as to which posters are respected and generally thought to know what they are talking about and which aren't.

As web forums are in large part replacing Usenet, the same etiquette rules apply here. IMHO, that will give you a much better gauge as to what information is fairly trustworthy and what isn't than simple post counts. I understand where you are coming from, but I think a combination of reading through some older threads and lurking for a bit will give a much better indication of poster knowledge than a post count will, particularly on a set of forums as diverse as these.

 

[spycatcher34]

Here we go again.

 

[Knight-Dragon]

No, I like it where it is.

 

[china444]

NO.
I know I have been known for spamming for postcount, but that wont happen anymore.

I like the feeling of hitting 100 posts, or 1000. Then newbies who come here look up to people with alot of posts. I know I sure did when I came here. I dont see what the big problem of postcount is. People- Deal with it if you dont have more posts.

 

[anarres]

Originally posted by china444
I know I have been known for spamming for postcount, but that wont happen anymore.

And why is that china444?

Surely you spammed to get a high PC, and now you have a high PC you have vowed to stop spamming. Both of these are indications of it being a problem.

I like the feeling of hitting 100 posts, or 1000.

Even disabled, you can still access your own PC.

Then newbies who come here look up to people with alot of posts. I know I sure did when I came here.

THIS IS PART OF THE PROBLEM

Well, at least we know where the spam-man sits.

 

[Toasty]

My post count has been fairly earned, you shall not rob me of it .

 

[Darkness]

I don't think post count is very important, but why hide it. Some people like to see how many posts they've made. There's no harm in that. And if a poster decides to increase his/her post count the mods usually take him/her out quickly. So, I don't really care if the post count is hidden...

 

[anarres]

Sorry to be flippant with my last post china444, but really, the whole point is that PC doesn't reflect any of the following:

1) Intelligence
2) Maturity
3) Understanding of Civ
4) Being a valued member of the CFC community
5) Ability to play the game

However, it may indicate:

6) The ability to spam

So, WTH should someone with a high PC get the respect of anyone else? Because they can spam? Really?

WillJ,

Are you seriously saying it depends on whether your own PC is displayed, or you have to go 1-click to see it in your profile? You're one picky person!

Silverflame,

I believe your main gripe can be alleviated by looking at the 'Registered' date, it is no more of an approximation of someone's commitment than the PC.

Toasty,

I really can't take your argument seriously. Are you on drugs today?

 

[Peri]

Will the results of this poll be implemented or is this just to let off steam?

 

[anarres]

I set up the poll because in two other threads in Site Feedback people were saying they thought the post count should be hidden. I had noted others mentioning this for some time in this forum.

There seemed a consensus (at least amongst the outspoken), so I'd though I'd find out for sure what people thought.

TF obviously decides what happens at CFC, which is how it should be.

 

[Alcibiaties of Athenae]

I liked it better when they were hidden.

Some people began adding their's to their location fields, and it was shortly thereafter restored to view.

Like Lefty, I feel PC onlt encourages nonsense and gives some people an inflated feeling of self-worth.

Except for the avatar requirement, it is pointless.

 

[Toasty]

Originally posted by anarres

Toasty,

I really can't take your argument seriously. Are you on drugs today?

I have never done drugs in my life, thank you very much . I'm simply saying that the vast majority of my posts have been quality and with thought, despite the occasional spam-esque post. Therefore, I don't deserve for it to be taken away, no do I ?

 

[china444]

Originally posted by anarres

So, WTH should someone with a high PC get the respect of anyone else? Because they can spam? Really?

Ok anarres, say today was your fisrt ever day here at CFC.

You see two posters Lt Killer M, and some newbie with 12 posts, and you want to ask a question about civ. Who would you ask?

Most likely Killer, because he has a higher post count.

Oh, and I guess it is a bad thing that I have vowed to stop spamming. Would you rather have me go on another spam-rampage or stop now?

THAT is where the Spam-Man sits on the issue

 

[Dianthus]

As a newbie with a low post count (2 before this, what an increase) I voted No. I'm not in the least bothered whether people know I'm new here.

 

[ainwood]

Originally posted by china444


Ok anarres, say today was your fisrt ever day here at CFC.

You see two posters Lt Killer M, and some newbie with 12 posts, and you want to ask a question about civ. Who would you ask?

Most likely Killer, because he has a higher post count.

China,

Say today was your first day at CFC, and you saw two posters; Simon Darkshade and some newbie with 12 posts.

You want to ask a question about civ3. Who would you ask?

Most likely Darkshade, because he has a higher postcount.


However, Simon has never played Civ3 (AFAIK). The 'Newbie' maybe someone like SirPleb, who regularly kicks-a$$ in the GOTM, but rarely (if ever) posts.


(Not sure what SirPleb's postcount is, but he certainly doesn't post much now )

 

[china444]

Sure Ainwood, but most of the poeple here at CFC play civ. And Darkshade never posts in Civ3 GD, so that isnt a good example. My example was meant to be in the Civ 3 forums.

 

[Dralix]

Originally posted by china444
Sure Ainwood, but most of the poeple here at CFC play civ.

I wonder if that's true or not. It would stand to reason that it is, but does anyone have the statistics to back up such a claim? I suspect that as time goes on, the number of posters who are playing the game will get lower and lower.

If I were new to the site and/or Civ3, I would post my question in the Newbie thread (or in a thread of it's own) and wait for the replies to come in. I would evaluate each reply on it's own merit based on the information therein and how it applies to my play style. Some tips by very seasoned and well respected players might not interest me so I wouldn't adopt them just because of their PC.