The 'Thanks' button and the 'Karma' (aka Reputation) Systems

[Marc]

A decision was made by the moderators to de-couple the 'Thanks' mod from the built in Karma (Reputation) system. Before, giving someone 'Thanks' in a post added 5 'points' to Karma.

We are still discussing how we're using both systems, but the point is they are technically 2 different systems. The 'Thanks' button is a 'mod' (a 'hack someone wrote for vBulletin) while the 'Karma' system is a part of vBulletin.

Part of the discussion is that they are different systems, each with its own 'counter', so they should stay separate.

I'm posting this as public notice of the change, AND for discussion of the two systems and the change by regular visitors.

[harry]

In case you are still unclear what the 'thanks button' or 'Karma System' are about, read the following:

Karma - How do I get karma? How does Karma work?
Karma - How to Give Karma and How to See Who Gave You Karma

'Thanking' someone for a Post in a Discussion Thread

[Jim Wynne]

Scorekeeping doesn't contribute much to the overall mission, which is "People helping People," so if both the "Thanks" and "Karma" things were disattached from cumulative numbers (or disappeared altogether) it wouldn't make much difference to my level of participation, or the relative quality of it.

[BradM]

Originally Posted by Jim Wynne

Scorekeeping doesn't contribute much to the overall mission, which is "People helping People," so if both the "Thanks" and "Karma" things were disattached from cumulative numbers (or disappeared altogether) it wouldn't make much difference to my level of participation, or the relative quality of it.

And from a man who has rightfully accrued his well-deserved portion of both, that perspective is much appreciated, Jim.

[Marc]

A number of people are still emailing me about not seeing Thanked Posts adding to their 'Karma' (aka Reputation) in their UserCP. This is typical:

Originally Posted by email or PM

Hi Marc,

I have a Karma related question that is not addressed in the various threads. My Karma seems to have frozen at 41 in my user CP, with last karma received on the 19th Feb, but according to my profile I have been thanked several times since then. In addition I have thanked others, given karma and referred someone. Is my karma frozen for any particular reason (something I have done wrong that I am unaware of?), or is it just a periodic update? I am keen to build a reputation within the Cove and want to make sure that I understand the mechanics of the system.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer me,

Regards,

Just to remind everyone - The 'Built In' system is the Karma system. The 'Thanks Button' is an add-on 'mod' for vBulletin.

When I do the major vBulletin update, I may eliminate the 'Thanks' mod. What I am considering is making the 'Thanks' button a link to the Karma button.

I'm willing to discuss this, but right now its sorta confusing. The whole idea of the 'Thanks' button was a visible, quick way to thank someone for their post with the post its self showing the people who thanked a person for the post, as well as the total Thanks received and the total Thanks given. The way the Karma system works, only the visitor can only see who gave them 'Karma' in their UserCP (User Control Panel).

As explained above, the 'Thanks' systems *was* linked to the Karma system so when someone gave Thanks, Karma points were added (the number of Karma points added for a 'Thanks' is a number that can be set in the 'mod's' settings).

Note that prior to disconnecting the two, one 'Thanks' added 10 points to a person's Kama.

Discussion?

[Stijloor]

Originally Posted by Marc

A number of people are still emailing me about not seeing Thanked Posts adding to their 'Karma' (aka Reputation) in their UserCP. This is typical:

Just to remind everyone - The 'Built In' system is the Karma system. The 'Thanks Button' is an add-on 'mod' for vBulletin.

When I do the major vBulletin update, I may eliminate the 'Thanks' mod. What I am considering is making the 'Thanks' button a link to the Karma button.

I'm willing to discuss this, but right now its sorta confusing. The whole idea of the 'Thanks' button was a visible, quick way to thank someone for their post with the post its self showing the people who thanked a person for the post, as well as the total Thanks received and the total Thanks given. The way the Karma system works, only the visitor can only see who gave them 'Karma' in their UserCP (User Control Panel).

As explained above, the 'Thanks' systems *was* linked to the Karma system so when someone gave Thanks, Karma points were added (the number of Karma points added for a 'Thanks' is a number that can be set in the 'mod's' settings).

Note that prior to disconnecting the two, one 'Thanks' added 10 points to a person's Kama.

Discussion?

Marc,

I liked the way it was before the change.

[Jimmy the Brit]

Originally Posted by Stijloor

Marc,

I liked the way it was before the change.

Me too - people often give thanks for a reply, but rarely give Karma - makes it impossible for new Covers to gain any sort of credibility.

Jim

[D.Scott]

Originally Posted by Jimmy the Brit

Me too - people often give thanks for a reply, but rarely give Karma - makes it impossible for new Covers to gain any sort of credibility.

Jim

The flip side to that is credibility doesn't mean much when Karma is so easy to get.

Take a look through some of our threads and notice how the "Thanks" button is being used. You will even find thanks given to the original post in a thread. One of my favorites is thanks given to a reply like "Sorry I can't answer your question but I really like your problem". Many people around the world would consider it impolite not to thank someone for replying to a post. I see many threads where every post is thanked with no regard to the usefulness of the answer. This is by no means a measure of credibility. There is no magic number to reach before you are recognized as "giving the right answer".

I am one of those who argue against the Thanks = Karma system. I believe the credibility and reputation of members and contributors should be earned through recognition by forum management. Things like longevity, helpfulness, content of posts and promotion of The Cove should be the drivers of management recognition. Reputation and credibility should be judged by what you contribute. People will read your posts and realize you are to be respected for your contributions. There should be no need here to wear a star saying "Hey, look at me". I don't care if it is your first post or your 5 thousandth. The content of your post will determine your credibility in my eyes.

Dave