Posted on Dec 13, 2013
Do we really need a point system on RallyPoint?
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I'm beginning to feel like a hamster on a wheel with the RallyPoint point system--leaderboards, badges, blue ribbons, top #%, discussion points, thought badges, etc. Yes, I know the site is called Rally-POINT, but the awarding, tracking and racking up of points seems a bit childish when we're supposed to be having adult conversations.
Can we talk, help, connect, etc. without a point system? I suspect that in the long run the point system is going to be counterproductive to RallyPoint's mission and growth. Less meaningful questions posed, quick responses given, likes thrown around as if they were candy, endorsements for people you don't know, etc. all in the name of more points. This will erode the legitimacy of the service and create point inflation. It also creates an environment of competition not conversation.
What are your thoughts?
(NOTE: Sorry for those of you that responded to the original post. It had to be deleted because a bunch of code got into the post.)
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 17
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The point system doesn't really matter to me. I enjoy the conversations. I do think it motivates some people to respond and get involved in the discussion. But the system, like all similar systems can be abused. I would think that the point system would only become a distraction if you let it become one though. If one doesn't really care how many points or what ranking they are then it doesn't really distract that person is my thinking.
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It seems to me that the RP 'point' system is a great way to help kickstart new members to interact within the RP environment, as well as keep some users interested & active, so they develop their posting and blogging skills, as well as expose all to a broad spectrum of discussions and information. Many of us may already have these skills, but it may help newer members see what's trending and aid them in interacting and connecting with other members. A vast amount of experience, knowledge, and general comradery is available here on RP, and the point system is a way to encourage more interaction amongst younger or newer members. As we become more in sync with the RP environment, the points tend to matter less, and we evolve into being an integral part of the community, with the 'points' being a non-issue.
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I kind of enjoy the surprises from the point system. Suddenly, I discover, I have this blue ribbon thing that I hadn't paid much attention to before.
It is easy to see how one could be diverted from the site's mission to the simple racking up of points, but in my recollection there were ways of doing something analogous while on active duty, sometimes to the direct detriment of the mission.
It is easy to see how one could be diverted from the site's mission to the simple racking up of points, but in my recollection there were ways of doing something analogous while on active duty, sometimes to the direct detriment of the mission.
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I feel like there must be something broken in the points system...
I spent every waking minute on RP for about a month, and rose to the top of the E-5 heap. Since January, I've probably spent an average of 15 minutes a MONTH on RP, but I'm still #2!!!
I find it hard to believe that so many of my efforts from 9 months ago are still getting responses and likes that I'm still coasting this close to the top...
I spent every waking minute on RP for about a month, and rose to the top of the E-5 heap. Since January, I've probably spent an average of 15 minutes a MONTH on RP, but I'm still #2!!!
I find it hard to believe that so many of my efforts from 9 months ago are still getting responses and likes that I'm still coasting this close to the top...
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It's like achievement points on X-Box or PlayStation, they really just raise my self esteem for a little bit...
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Is it bad I didn't even know there were points? I know there is a percent gizmo...but honestly I don't see how in the heck I can be in the top 1% when I have two contacts and no endorsements. That seems like someone is grading on the curve.
I do check in. Comment when I have something to say, which isn't a lot.
If I get a lot of points, can I trade them in for air miles and get a free ticket? j/k
I do check in. Comment when I have something to say, which isn't a lot.
If I get a lot of points, can I trade them in for air miles and get a free ticket? j/k
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Humans turn everything into competition and so much devolves into what is essentially a popularity contest where numbers transcend substance. It doesn't have to be that way but usually is.
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