Stars and Flags v time spent ... Another Stat !

a reply to: Timely

If I look at your stats. I see you're a debater and in comparison with you starring and replying a discussion in combination with your replies you've a strong expression for good answers and a high karma those things. I could learn from those who have that

a reply to: 0bserver1

Thanks ... but that is not my point.

I'm thinking the stats are flawed for some of the reasons shared .

Is it important to have accuracy ... or not ?

I've never been one to dwell on how many stars/flags i have (probably not got much?) but I'll thank the OP or other posters for sharing info in a thread etc.

Means more to me to read/comment on a well made thread than look on how many S&F they or i have... Although its a good idea they get recognition for what they've shared or threads made etc.

a reply to: Timely

Yes, accuracy sure does a lot, if you mean like finding your sources and also filter those sources one will reach more like-minded, that's what learned from being here. Also using an analytical tool to improve writing seems to help.

But, from the time I arrived here until now my awareness grow exponentially, and that's also something you've got have to grip on.

I can understand that fascination and reality should be divided in your mind, also to keep both feet on the ground and listen what others have to tell about it.

I mostly overread my threads just to see if I missed a good remark. And if I see that I'm wrong I'm able to review my thread so it would be taken over by others as the truth.

But, as some say it's not about earning stars or flags it's about curiosity and understanding what happens in the world.
If I wanted to be a writer, as that's what my status here says I would write a book and go to a publisher, or turn myself to become a journalist.

I'm none of that just someone who enjoys amazing stories sometimes based on truth and sometimes still a mystery for everyone.

This way of expressing myself is becoming an addiction, and sometimes I've got the feeling to go into a rehabilitation center to get loose from all this information if I'm not to become a wrecked lunatic in about twenty-five years..

Well, the last of words of my phrase is already partially true lol.

Coming here is also to try and find basic fundamental questions for myself: why are we here,
What is the meaning of our lives, Is there live elsewhere besides Earth. Are they struggling the same way we do, will it all end after we exist.

Many of these questions have being answered coming here , I would never had known if I wasn't ask to tell my story here.

Only I have to protect myself and others ,not to share this with the ones who are not on the level as I am . It seems that the only way to discuss these things with like- minded seems to be here..

I did the majority of my posting before stars and flags were a thing. Back then it was about how red your bar was.

a reply to: PistolPete

You see even ATS evolves in time..

a reply to: Timely

I've got a WATS and karma score of 26, had 16 applauses.

I've got a habit of trying to paint my picture in threads I know I'm not exactly welcome (you mention gangstalked threads) ultimately I'm not getting any stars and highly unlikely anyone will engage me in terms of discussion.

I still do it though.

Just like certain popular members don't actually contribute much other than snarky one liners. Maybe they are actively chasing stars.

Good on them I guess, they are a real contribution. A true sound bite of society.

I guess it depends what you are doing here, me personally I'm here for discussion and learning, I'm a self-confessed idiot. Being a bit thick doesn't stop me learning.

Never really cared for stars and flags, most of my applauses have been for posts where I've genuinely tried to help others understand alternative view on a point or made the effort to deliver a different view point.

Mods have opinions too, I guess some have been applauded for their political opinion, maybe me too.

I'm here for interactive discussion... Whatever floats ya boat

The star system suffered problems that affected some members years back so any numbers using that value is most likely inaccurate also.

My stats are 100% accurate.

I boast about them every day.

I include them on my resume.

a reply to: berenike

Or other people are like me nowadays and give people stars just for turning up in their threads. 

Indeed, it's part if taking care of your thread participants. I've had a few threads where I have been starred little, I couldn't care less. I'll still engage my brain and attempt to engage in discussion... Give some stars.

It's a two way street.

I've admittedly had a huge learning curve in my 5 years here also, I'm still learning.

I could go into one of the ten most recent threads, surmise what would be a popular comment and post it. It would not necessarily be my POV though.

So I don't for the most part. I'm guilty of occasionally baiting people though, I've done that.

a reply to: Timely

Hey mate!

Stats mean nothing. I have decent stats and I'm generally disliked around these parts.

Let our words make our reputations what they are.

originally posted by: 0bserver1
a reply to: BlueAjah

I think there are three kinds of users here: The thread makers , thread debaters, and both.

At the moment I consider myself a thread maker. I can definitely spit out a name on ATS who is a thread debater (my nemesis if you will ), but at the same time I like to contribute the best I can to each thread others make...if I find it interesting.

My view is that if you put effort into a thread and are passionate about that subject then some ATS members will follow along with you. It is always about moving forward and sometimes spotting trends. At the end of the day you will get "fans" of your post/threads, so merely stars, flags, blah blah blah will follow. I still want that trophy though

Edit: I also got into trouble a few times where MODS smashed me with bad karma for definitely violating T&C on ATS after my debating drifted "slightly". So I don't recommend this avenue. I try and make sensible replies nowadays. Out of the doghouse feels great

a reply to: Timely

I think people really don't understand the Star and Flag system period. I see threads with hundreds of replies but with hardly any flags at all. Just because the majority will disagree with the OP does not mean it's not worthy of flags. If it's a hot topic, it should be flagged. If people are debating a subject to no end, it should be flagged.

The stars seem to be given to the first comedian with a sarcastic reply. Then from there it becomes a comedy show to see who can be the funniest. Then they start giving each other stars.Then the thread dies.

This is a place to learn.

The reward system is for the owners and moderators, not us.

Our numbers don't matter whether we're right or wrong.

a reply to: Timely

sometimes i think people are replying to themselves (multiple accounts), but i suppose IPs could be checked to see if that was happening

First let me just state that I hate the whole star collecting aspect of this site. Stars have zero impact on the content of a persons posts. They encourage a "group think" mentality and the steady stream of repetitive herp-a-derp one line insults and "sound bite" parroting. That being said, IF they were to expand on stats collected and displayed I would be interested in seeing a "stars awarded" stat showing how many times a poster has starred posts to encourage more robust use of the system.

originally posted by: BlueAjah
a reply to: Timely

Why are you worried about status or flags and stars?
That is not what this is all about. That is what Facebook is about, but not ATS.

ATS is about discussing things, expanding our minds, and finding the truth about many subjects.

Your life is not measured in how many stars you earn. Unfortunately people are groomed to think it matters starting in kindergarten, when you earn stars for accomplishments, and later when children are given trophies for just being there. Giving people some kind of award for just being on a forum is just like the trophy. What does it really prove or matter?

Don't live your life for the stars. Live your life to live.

True... Plus you signed up 10 days before me and your stats are way better than mine...

originally posted by: Timely
a reply to: ROBOTNINJADRAGON

Not in all cases ..
there are members here who do deserve a glance without preconcieved ideas.

"More often" doesn't preclude all cases. So that's given. My observation is fairly accurate.

Thank you all for your input.

It shows how contentious the stat system is ... without even mentioning the glitch stats ( not you Lysergic ! )

Interesting to hear member thoughts on this subject.