2 x "helpful" is not enough

Barbara Daniels1 wrote:
I'm not in this to amass points.

Well I'm not either, but it's still nice to have some. And is pointing out the fact there is a points system and how it works really asking for points?

Message was edited by: Sam_P

Message was edited by: Sam_P

Hi Sam_P,

This according to:

Apple Discussions Use Agreement

4. Interference with the Site.

2.2 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.

Which is basically instructing the user of how to leave helpful or solved stars.

I wish the AD would address the problem myself, but so far the forums have left as such. I always thought, besides the awarding of points to someone helping to increase their status in the AD community, was to aid in designating which post were helpful and/or with solved replies to the topic question. Thus it seems that the forums should adopt some sort of system that would "force" a user to designate posts that are helpful and/or solved replies.

I would have to say though....don't get one's hopes up for the near future 😉

LS 🙂

is pointing out the fact there is a points system and how it works really asking for points?

Yes, it may be somewhat indirect, but the message is unambiguous, you can award points, I want some

Sam_P wrote:

Perhaps we could all add to our signatures something like "Don't forget to mark questions answered when this is the case and mark posts that were helpful or solved the issue as such by awarding stars."

What do you guys think?

A signature of that sort was allowed to slide when the forums first switched to this system. However, it is no longer considered acceptable. Be polite, help out wherever possible, and acquire new information whenever possible. You'll get stars before too long.

Personally, I find a "thank you" to be more rewarding than the stars themselves!

~Lyssa

+And is pointing out the fact there is a points system and how it works really asking for points?+

In addition to what Miriam said: Yes. Using the back door instead of the front door still has the same result: you are inside the house.

Reading the ToU first before giving my 2 cents, or rather before signing up, would of course have been better. But I never read those because they usually just cover common sense.

"Do not instruct users". Funny that: these Apple Discussion Forums exist to instruct users about Apple products. However, one is not allowed to give unsolicited advice about one Apple product: Apple Discussion Forums.

And to further split hairs: I won't be instructing them how to do it. I don't even know how to do it, never having asked a question. Strictly, it does not say "Do not tell people that such as thing as points/stars exist."

In any case, I'll be filling out one of those feedback forms. In the meantime, I'll continue to be happy with Thank You notes.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Besides, as others have said, the stars are also useful for people reading the thread to identify the pertinent answers quickly.

Besides, as others have said, the stars are also useful for people reading the thread to identify the >pertinent answers quickly.

And as others have said, more often than not, stars are not awarded and the answer that provided the solution remains a mystery.

+"Do not instruct users"+

Out of curiosity, where did you find that? I've read through the ToU several times and have never seen that. This is what I've seen:

+Post constructive comments and questions. Unless otherwise noted, your Submission should either be a technical support question or a technical support answer. Constructive feedback about product features is welcome as well. If your Submission contains the phrase “I’m sorry for the rant, but…” you are likely in violation of this policy.+

Apple Discussions Use Agreement



4. Interference with the Site.
You agree to not interfere with or disrupt the Site.
Apple may provide a system whereby users acquire points for various activities.
Do not ‘game’ the system. You agree to not create multiple IDs or otherwise manipulate the points system.
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.

Section 4 (down towards the bottom)

+4. Interference with the Site.+
+You agree to not interfere with or disrupt the Site.+
+Apple may provide a system whereby users acquire points for various activities.+
+Do not ‘game’ the system. You agree to not create multiple IDs or otherwise manipulate the points system.+
+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.+

Miriam: Great minds.

Message was edited by: ~Bee

okokok I give up

Snap!

Yes, I was aware of that one, but that one refers to asking for points...

+"Do not instruct users". Funny that: these Apple Discussion Forums exist to instruct users about Apple products.+

May be a foreign language/connotation thing for me: I took Sam_P's comment in the context of "talking about helping with advice or suggestions = instructing"

Barbara - No, he was "instructing" in the use of points. Of course we are here to help with advice and suggestions, but not to even mention points to an OP.