Q: Feedback: The rating system

No Sirree... was referring to your perfect interpretation of our good friend babowa's quoted portion of the ToU [sic Tou, notwithstanding]

" Do not ask for points. If you feel the system is not clear to users, please provide feedback to Apple; do not instruct other users unless they ask. "

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Thanks for the clarification.

Hehe. I do not believe saying "I hope this resolves your issue" or "I hope this helps!" counts as asking for points? I have never thought of it that way?

You are correct - it is not as outright as simply asking for points ("if you find this helpful/solved, mark my answer, etc"); however, I believe it is a very nicely cloaked oblique, but powerful, suggestion as it prompts OPs to think "ah yes, it was helpful, I think I'm supposed to mark this". But that is my humble opinion. Saying it three times in a row with slight variants is definitely a no-longer-oblique suggestion.

However, if I am breaking a rule by wishing the best for OPs then I'll most certainly stop!

If you are wanting to wish them the best, then there are multiple ways of saying so without suggesting to mark your answer. How about "I wish you the best" or "good luck/have fun with your project" or "if this does not work, post back".

And yes, the system is not fair and never will be - I learned that a long time ago. Once I did, I felt better because I no longer was expecting points - they came as a nice "treat". I also realized that contributors with a low points count can be extremely knowledgeable, so it mattered less how many points one had, but what they said. I read somewhere that the most "compliance" with handing out points one can expect is about 20% or so; there are certain forums here where it is quite easy to gain points compared to some where it is rare to get them. So, you will find people gaining points faster than others; you will also find that OPs mark either the wrong answer or their own - unless they actually solved the problem, it is of no help to anyone searching.

I see you've just made level 4 so congratulations, and keep up the good work.

If you haven't already found it take a look at this Site map of Communities and Categories. The discussions style links should help you see which threads you've already looked at and Following Discussions in particular should make sure you don't miss any follow up questions to any advice that you give.

You might not be able to make user tips of your own yet, but if you have an existing solution to a common problem that you've used before this custom search of your recent posts might help you track them down and save typing. It shows you most recent posts, and then you put in your own search terms to find the one you are after.

https://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?type=discussion&q=Re:&sort=updatedDesc &author=/people/9299424

Personally I'd avoid the "hope this helps" style comments. If it ought to go without saying (and why would you be helping otherwise?) then there is no need to say it.

tt2

{Ran out of editing time}

Using the search tip you can refine your boilerplate answers as time goes by. Not quite as good as a standalone and editable user tip, but the best you can do at this stage.

tt2

I am in agreement with tt2's last paragraph

Personally I'd avoid the "hope this helps" style comments. If it ought to go without saying (and why would you be helping otherwise?) then there is no need to say it.

I am in favor of encouraging folks to come back to the thread and "Let us know how it works out" - thus giving all involved (and future visitors) "closure" on the issue - markies or not

Congratulations on reaching Level 4. You don't worry you'll make Level 5 and user tips before you know it.

Thanks to tt2 for pointing out Austin's Leveling. I always like to give a shout out to members for encouragement as they progress.  A "way to go" from the big kids is like gold.  

Congrats, Austin - keep on truckin' !

I was excited that I would get to "Attend Conference Calls" when I made Level 4... alas, they were not forthcoming - and still are not ( although it could be "me" not getting 'invited' )

ChitlinsCC wrote:

 

Congrats, Austin - keep on truckin' !

 

I was excited that I would get to "Attend Conference Calls" when I made Level 4... alas, they were not forthcoming - and still are not ( although it could be "me" not getting 'invited' )

I've attended at least one.

Were you still Level 4 ?

In case anyone in the general Forum hasn't noticed Meg St Clair has recently reached Level 9. My hero.

I have heard that they do indeed take place - sometimes - I will be quivering with antici.......................pation for an invite!

* perhaps I am perceived as "too opinionated" ??? - some things just "need saying"

Congrats !! Only one more to look forward to

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

I was never invited for a conference call until I reached the lounge; I believe it's a myth for level 4. Not allowed to talk about the two I did listen to. Aside from that, I'll wait until/if the OP has another comment as this thread has gone off topic for over a page which is unfair to the OP and confusing/possibly irritating anyone trying to sift through all the off topic posts.

babowa wrote:

 

I was never invited for a conference call until I reached the lounge; I believe it's a myth for level 4. Not allowed to talk about the two I did listen to.

* I believe * that if it is a myth, the Level Up User Tip needs editing - promises, promises...