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As many have noticed, a new "KARMA" parameter has been added to the mini-profiles... and perhaps because of some of the comments in this thread, I moved-up the integration plan a bit.
First... the "WATS" score. I know many believe there to be some controversy or at the least, unfairness, in the method of calculation for the "Way Above Top Secret" ranking. The concerns/comments/ideas have not been ignored, but since the intent is to apply a heavy statistical weight to those who start threads, I believe the oft-discussed formula serves that purpose well, but may be refined as a result of the KARMA rank in order to place a much higher value on flags.
However, there are lots of members who contribute well, but may not start many threads; the KARMA score is for them. The karma calculation places a high weight on stars, a secondary weight on staff applause, and a tertiary lesser-weight on Flags; then compares all that against the number of posts. So that it is indeed possible for a new member with few threads, but great ideas in lots of replies, to achieve a higher "KARMA" than long-time high-WATS members.
Originally posted by Miss Sile
Thank you, it does help. A lot. I haven't wrapped my head around the ” this post” thing entirely, but I think I get it. Any chance you could post the link of Skeptic Overlord where that info was taken? For both explanations. I'd like to read more on the topics. Thanks again for your quick answer.
Originally posted by Miss Sile
Thank you, it does help. A lot. I haven't wrapped my head around the ” this post” thing entirely, but I think I get it. Any chance you could post the link of Skeptic Overlord where that info was taken? For both explanations. I'd like to read more on the topics. Thanks again for your quick answer.
1. On a persons profile what does 'K' mean? ....kudos? I heard the word kudos mentioned somewhere. And if so, how does the number go up?
Post from Skepticoverlord, site owner.
It's not real complicated.
Karma is influenced most by a stars-to-post ratio, with a minor influence from flags.
WATS is influenced most by a flag-to-post ratio, with a minor influence from stars and post-count.
Long term members with a high number of well-flagged threads will achieve a high WATS number -- or -- mid-term members with highly-flagged threads will also receive a high WATS number. It reflects a ranking of those who start quality threads (mostly).
Short term members who create replies that earn stars may achieve a high KARMA number -- or -- those long term members who focus more on adding to existing threads and are starred as a result, will also achieve a high KARMA number. It reflects a ranking of those who add quality to existing threads.
Sure, there may be short-lived abuses to stars and flags, but the intent of the system is to aid in painting a larger picture of ATS content. While, on occasion, some individual posts or threads may receive more flags or stars than deserved, on the whole I believe the system works as intended as a means to showcase important topics and hard-working members.
2. When someone posts something, up at the top of their post they all say ”this post”. What does that mean and what happens when you click on it. I've clicked several times before and nothing happened, just tried now on a random post and it refreshed the page. Did it do something else in the background? Did I accidentally report a post? Or launch a remote control grenade? Oh no! Tell me what I did.
WATS is influenced most by a flag-to-post ratio, with a minor influence from stars and post-count.