Someone explain this to me because I'm clearly stupid:

[Gillamobster]

Gold points? Leveling up? Ranks?

Don't all these things just promote spam?

I mean, shouldn't forums reward members who contribute positively, not just massively? Quality over quantity and all that jazz.

[Angantyr]

No it hasn't, at least from what I have noticed. A lot of it is just something to add on to, plus most of the kids who post spam esq kind of stuff normally leave. Though I do feel a few of lot of pointless posts *cough*Bleach club*cough* do exist possibly to attain it but more so just cause they do not bother to take the time to type up something seriously. Also the people who have high post counts ie 4000+ have contributed quite a bit to the forum.

Though at the same time I have noticed that some of the quite long posts often get ignored. But as I said a lot of the ones that do, do actually post quality posts. It is just something to really play around with I guess.

[Taco]

Originally Posted by Gillamobster

I mean, shouldn't forums reward members who contribute positively, not just massively? Quality over quantity and all that jazz.

What Winter said on this, basically. There aren't really that many members who really have a "massive" post count, anyway. Most of those who have over 4000 poss are either moderators or former moderators who've contributed a lot to the site in the past in one way or another. And yeah; most of the spammers leave after not too long; either because they drift away, or because their asses get banned. Post responsibly, kids! Or we'll kill you. But yeah, the leveling, gold, etc, are I guess just a little extra to reward people for participating. I'd guess it probably doesn't mean much to most people.

Besides, having a small post count doesn't necessarily mean that particular member makes quality posts, either. There's a good chance there are a few members who have relatively small post counts, but still kinda make generally lackluster posts anyway, that you might not notice because they post so seldom. Every once in a while, however, you'll spot them. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Storm]

Well, Winter and Taco have pretty much explained it... and Link in his... unique way!

However, adding on from where they have left off, I remember when I first joined here as a wee newbie. At this time last year, I was looking at these big strong uber-people who were at lv. 30+, with post counts of over 1000 and with several rep bars. Many of these people were moderators, or as I later found out, ex-moderators. However, when you are a low-level newbie, you look up to these people as your superiors and aspire to be like them. These people have nice long cool posts, and personally I think that the leveling system helps promote members to stick around and become one of the greats.

Now, I am lv. 32, with a 1000-and something post count, still going strongly and actively here. I hope that I am considered important by todays new members, much like I did last year to those who were in my position and above. Yeah kiddies, love the Storm!

[postalblowfish7]

and there's the reputation system too. those little green squares are the true test of whether or not people are finding the content of your posts spammy or not. most of the one liner kids, like winter pointed out, don't stick around - or have a little red dot where there should green ones. think a post is useless? give them some bad rep! of course it only counts if you've acquired enough positive reputation yourself - a fair system i think. the titles, levels, and gold are really more for fun than anything else. lighten up

[Fishie]

I don't think it really encourages people on here to spam. If they spam, then they get warned. If they don't listen, then they get banned. Its basically common sense on here, but if you post on here by giving at least decent posts then people on here will respect you. People with over 4000 posts I would say contribute a lot to the forums like Winter had mentioned. There are however many members here that I feel contribute a lot here and I definitely respect them for what they do on here.

[Helter Skelter]

The whole points/rank thing is a bit silly, really.

It doesn't really promote "typical" spam, but a lot of posts on here are only long for the sake of being long. People repeat themselves, digress into completely irrelevent things, and gabber on and on and on when whatever they wanted to say in the first place could've been summed up in a line or two. I've yet to understand the one-line-is-spam rule fully, because a post really should be seen for its content, not its ridiculous length.

But hey, if some people really want to write 5 paragraphs about French Fries, that's up to them.

[Kyo-san]

Yeah... I agree with all that... but it does promote people who are massive nerds (such as myself) to post in the forum regularly... so I guess it's just the point of view that you take...

[Taco]

Originally Posted by Helter Skelter

I've yet to understand the one-line-is-spam rule fully, because a post really should be seen for its content, not its ridiculous length.

What content can be formed in a post that's just one line long? Maybe sarcastic or snide remark, or the bluntest and most simple of statements, but that kind of post doesn't really encourage anyone to respond to it. Also, one sentence is hardly enough to explain the person's point of view, which users are encouraged to do. A post such as:

"This thread is pointless."

Does not do much to explain the person's view.

"This thread is pointless because I don't like it."

Does a little bit better, because the person has explained why the thread is pointless. However, they've yet to explain why they don't like the thread.

"This thread is pointless because it's such an asinine subject to discuss."

Is even better still, but it still doesn't explain why the thread is asinine. Like I said before, there isn't much a person could respond to in a post like this, either.

"This thread is kinda asinine. I mean really; how much can one say about this? That they like a, b, or c the best. Maybe why, too, but beyond that, why should I care whether you like a, b, or c better? What part of the equation is intellectually stimulating?"

See, this works, because the person has asked a question that someone may or may not be able to answer. On the other hand, the person could make the questions into general statements, and someone could still respond by saying

"I disagree. There is plenty of intellectual stimuli in discussing the differences between a, b, and c, and why I prefer one over the other. Let me explain..."

I hope this has been an educational discussion for everyone! Happy posting, kids! Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Silver]

What if you're like me? I love replying to the games kind of frequently, and getting my word in a lot. Some games, such as that three word game almost require one liners. Sure I write a little more if I feel it neccesary, but sometimes short and sweet is the way to go.

Actually thinking about it, I think most of my posts are just a little long-winded

In the wise words of Helter Skelter "I've yet to understand the one-line-is-spam rule fully, because a post really should be seen for its content, not its ridiculous length."

[Taco]

Originally Posted by celtic_silver

What if you're like me? I love replying to the games kind of frequently, and getting my word in a lot. Some games, such as that three word game almost require one liners. Sure I write a little more if I feel it neccesary, but sometimes short and sweet is the way to go.

Word games are different, as they are in what is generally considered to be the "Spam Forum" (it was where the spam thread was before it got trashed by the moderators.) Also note that I spent maybe a minute or two in writing this message, and yet I wrote at least three times as much as a "one line post." So you can get in a "quick word" without using a one-liner. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

[Itachi Uchiha]

Originally Posted by Taco

(it was where the spam thread was before it got trashed by the moderators.)

Yeah, true there did use to be a spam thread for these sort of one line posters but still, its gone now. Mainly because there was so much spam being posted it caused the server to lag (or something like that). Still as for the whole rep, level and gold system i feel it works. It adds a little bit extra to this forum that most don't have. It basicly shows you who posts a lot and that thier posts are actually good. Take me, when i first joined i was a big noob and spammed a fair amount. Now i don't post unless theres something worth saying.

Still as for the system, i like it. Keeps your friends happy when you send gifts lol.