Suggestion: Hiding Post Count

Hill-Shatar · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 12:49 AM

A while ago in SYM, there was a thread brought up about removing post count, which was later softened to hiding post count, which is something I've seen implemented on another forum myself. The suggestion itself involves giving user's the optional ability (so if you don't want to use it, don't) ability to hide post counts whenever they post.

I don't really see the down side to such an addition, since if you don't want to use it, you don't have to, and post counts could still be found in the profile page. Is it possible to include this?

On the thread, I humbly ask that we leave custom titles out of this thread, eh?

dragon wench · #2 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 03:31 AM

I would like to see post count elimated completely.

But, I certainly think that hiding post count would be a good second choice.

C Elegans · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 06:34 AM

I agree with DW, I would like to see the post count removed entirely in order to exclude all possibilities of reinforcement for post-farming. I also agree that hiding it would be the second best option.

fable · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 07:22 AM

Works for me, too, and I've suggested as much, before. I can't see any benefit to keeping post counts.

Rookierookie · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 08:58 AM

I fail to see the benefits of eliminating post counts, myself. Hiding them would be neither here nor there.

Magrus · #6 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 09:16 AM

I couldn't care either way. Frankly, I post when I wish to, as often as I wish to, without regards as to how it affects my post count. If that's once a week, or 100 times a day, *shrugs* what should it matter? I think a number of people seem to assume the fact people post a lot has to do with them wanting to be bumping up their post counts. I don't think changing post count options will change that for the most part. The post count function was shut off on the "spam" section of the last board I helped run, to keep it from affecting post count, and that didn't affect the rate at which people kept spamming at all.

Rookierookie · #7 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magrus

I couldn't care either way. Frankly, I post when I wish to, as often as I wish to, without regards as to how it affects my post count. If that's once a week, or 100 times a day, *shrugs* what should it matter? I think a number of people seem to assume the fact people post a lot has to do with them wanting to be bumping up their post counts. I don't think changing post count options will change that for the most part. The post count function was shut off on the "spam" section of the last board I helped run, to keep it from affecting post count, and that didn't affect the rate at which people kept spamming at all.

And brings topics about "How can I see my post count?"

Magrus · #8 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rookierookie

And brings topics about "How can I see my post count?"

*nods* There will always be problems with whatever you do, so, is it worth it to try something new and have new problems, or deal with the old ones? I suppose that would be the real question in regards to someone taking the time to implement a change.

Kipi · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 02:44 PM

Hmmm... hiding would be okay to me, since it leaves me an option to see post counts if I want to... even though I can't think right now any reasons to do that...

So, I'm on with the idea.

Hill-Shatar · #10 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon wench

I would like to see post count elimated completely.

But, I certainly think that hiding post count would be a good second choice.

That was the original suggestion, but I softened it to hiding post counts, as if I remember there was strong opposition to the more extreme option. Compromising, here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rookierookie

And brings topics about "How can I see my post count?"

I'm going to redirect you to the word 'optional' in the first paragraph of the first post.

The other board had it set that you could still see it in people's profiles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magrus

I think a number of people seem to assume the fact people post a lot has to do with them wanting to be bumping up their post counts. I don't think changing post count options will change that for the most part.

What does people post farming have to do with hiding post counts? Nothing really, since if those people cared so much about them they would leave the option off.

Magrus · #11 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hill-Shatar

What does people post farming have to do with hiding post counts? Nothing really, since if those people cared so much about them they would leave the option off.

Why ask me? I didn't bring it up. It was mentioned in every thread started in regards to post count being eliminated, including this one:

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Elegans

I agree with DW, I would like to see the post count removed entirely in order to exclude all possibilities of reinforcement for post-farming. I also agree that hiding it would be the second best option.

I merely countered the fact that getting rid of post count won't fix the fact that some people just posta lot to post a lot, regardless of content.

dj_venom · #12 (**permalink**) 04-16-2006, 09:09 PM

I agree with Hill's statements, the key point being optional. If you don't like the idea, you don't have to use it (I probably won't be using it if implemented).

Xandax · #13 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 06:16 AM

I'd be for removing the post count bar none.
I see no reason for why a post count should even be visible and why posts should be counted for anything but statistical information for the boardadministrators.

Denethorn · #14 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xandax

I'd be for removing the post count bar none.
I see no reason for why a post count should even be visible and why posts should be counted for anything but statistical information for the boardadministrators.

Because it is one of the few measures of a user's experiance/wisdom etc. It is incredibly flawed in that respect, and more than likely useless for such analysis - but its 'the next best thing' on the internet where other characteristics are indeterminable.

While many people claim that a user's post content is far more important than post count, I can recall distinct situations where on a build-your-own-PC forum I would greatly the appreciate the advice of a user with a high post count when compared to that with a user who authored only a dozen responses.

I can provide more detailed argument for keeping post counts, but I don't mind it becoming optional. Whether I hide it or not would be based on my mood, and is mostly preference. GB does not suffer to much in terms of post farming except for in SYM where is condoned/encouraged, therefore I can see no real reason to have it removed.

mr_sir · #15 (**permalink**) 04-18-2006, 08:20 AM

i have no problems with the post count being removed. it was helpful when i first came to the board as you could sort of see who the people were who knew a lot about rpgs etc. but after a while you soon pick up on who seems to know what they are talking about. also, quite a few new posters know a lot about what they are talking about so you can't just dismiss them because of a low post count.