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I am just wondering what you guys think.

elaborate please

I would think spamming would take a whole new level...people would make whimsical remarks in the hopes of attaining points. If however, there was some way to moderate and assign points to posts that had value, that would be a different story, a difficult chore though.

What would the points be used for?

Originally Posted by sm04as I would think spamming would take a whole new level...people would make whimsical remarks in the hopes of attaining points. If however, there was some way to moderate and assign points to posts that had value, that would be a different story, a difficult chore though.

I have to agree. I think a points system might do more harm than good. People post here without any special points system because we find good deals here and want to share good deals we find elsewhere. I don't think CheapyD needs a point system to get people to use his site more, and I think the number of irrelevant posts would skyrocket.

Personally I like the site just the way it is, but that's just my opinion.

Eh, what's the point?

I was planning on posting a thread about this.

Anyway, I agree that the spam will go through the roof.

There are some serious questions that need to be answered before I say yes to points.

1. How will we gain points?

2. What will the points be used for?

3. How will the point system benefit the site and the users?

4. Will the point system cause more problems (spam, etc), than be beneficial?

5. Is the point system a reward for active users or a way to get more publicity for the site?

6. Will lurkers benefit equally or more?

Well, There are more questions I am sure, but these should do for now.

^good questions

i really dont see the benefit, but am willing to hear how it would work

It seems to me that the points would cause more harm than good...We don't need the spam that would bring to the site, and any form of a user controlled system like the one that sm04as suggested would be abused to the point of uselessness.

I like the site just fine the way it is...having a smaller community actually makes this site much better than VGTalk. Any benefit that the point system would bring would be overshadowed by the flood of spam and new users that contribute nothing to the site.

I agree, too much hassle to pull it off. Just leave everything the way it is. We've been getting cool upgrades lately, but leave this one alone.

The only way to keep the spam away is to create a point system that is completely unrelated to your post count.

How can we do this?

One way is by creating a virtual game like Defender's dice game where people could play for fun and win points. Maybe you could play against other forum goers and win more by beating them?

Another way is to have contests where you win points instead of physical prizes. Cheapy could keep his usual contests, but add more mini contests where you win points.

We should keep things as is. I like how everything is right now, and something like this is just gonna bring a lot of spam, like someone else said. It's kinda pointless.

Originally Posted by Scrubking 1. How will we gain points?

Usually points are earned by posting topics and replies. You usually get more points when posting a topic than a reply.

There is an option to make a minimum amount of characters when posting, but then we won't be able to make short replies when needed. So it really is a gamble. But it could bring a lot more people to the site, which can be a good or bad thing. It'll be good for CheapyD because he'll get more hits and traffic, but there be spammers and not to mention a lot more deals will be gone faster.

I voted Maybe.

I like the idea, it could spice things up some. But, am also concerned about the possible problems. I like Scrubking's idea about mini contests to win points.

I don't know. Being that I can't think of any ideas on my own right now, I guess I'm witholding my vote until further info.

1. How will we gain points? This is up to CheapyD of course but judging from responses here. I would say not by posting at all. I suggest a set number you get at signup...say 100. And CheapyD can get creative with point giveaways in certain threads or instances.

2. What will the points be used for? Points are the basis for MANY mods on PHPBB...such as RPG games, drawings, and many others. Points allow for a system to reward users for actions or to charge users as well. There is a mod to actually take away points for someone to post. Which means that SPAM would DECREASE! Imagine only getting 10 points per day and you run out...you cant post till the next day. That would mean you would post very sparingly or find a way to make points.

3. How will the point system benefit the site and the users? The points system is the basis for rewarding users in general. The benefits could be great. Scrubking himself asked for a way to reward long time users...well this could be the start.

4. Will the point system cause more problems (spam, etc), than be beneficial? That depends on how its used. Since CHeapyD nor I are NOT evil men...I think it would be used for the benefit of all mankind. :-)

5. Is the point system a reward for active users or a way to get more publicity for the site? Points could be used for MANY purposes..reward and promotion are just two things.

6. Will lurkers benefit equally or more? Lurkers wont benefit at all since to collect points you have to have an account. This is a plus for anyone who wants to participate in however the points are utilized.




Good questions and I hope I answered them well.
Please keep in mind that a points system can GREATLY enhance a forums. While at this time CAG is all about the deals and posts..I think the site could be cool as a larger community. I do believe that CheapyD started this site as a commercial venture. I think Points might create better stickiness to the site since they could be used in other ways. Sometimes it can be dull just posting and reading all day. Imagine playing games here too. Imagine that we had clans where certain groups could compete for fun. I am not saying all my ideas are good or that even any of them would happen. Its really up to the Cheap Master Himself. I just wanted to open the discussion.

Keep this topic alive and please express any thoughts.

Sounds like a big headache to me screw points .

How close is CAG to realizing a points system?

Its just an idea for now that is being tossed around.

Personally I am not super Gung-ho about it. I think it would be fun to add but it may be a bit premature to do so now.

If this thread goes really against it I think CheapyD would agree with you guys unless he can be shown some serious value in it.

I got a quick question though...

Should we also remove number of posts in profiles? Some people post a lot just to look cool or to get a new rank title. Should we eliminate that?

Either not do it or make it like "Who's line is it anyways" where the points don't matter anyways :P