User Titles

[shadows]

I think that members should be able to choose personalized User Titles. I know that I would utilize it.

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by shadows

I think that members should be able to choose personalized User Titles. I know that I would utilize it.

I think personalized titles are a good idea.

That said, and FWIW, the title system the way it is was never difficult for me to understand. Quite honestly, I never paid attention to it. But, if SSL wants to change it...

One question though - post counts are already shown - so is a title designating the length of time one has been a member really necessary?

[smc]

Originally Posted by shadows

I think that members should be able to choose personalized User Titles. I know that I would utilize it.

Originally Posted by hegirllvr

I think personalized titles are a good idea. ...

One question though - post counts are already shown - so is a title designating the length of time one has been a member really necessary?

I believe the point of standardized titles is as a designator of level "achieved" (for want of a better word), which is determined by a simple algorithm reflecting number of posts and reputation (but not, I do not think, "length of time one has been a member"). Self-chosen titles would defeat that purpose, obviously -- but perhaps that purpose is of no consequence.

[Slavetoebony]

Or "Beginner" for the newbies, going on to "Interested", "Hooked" to "Completely Addicted".

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by smc

I believe the point of standardized titles is as a designator of level "achieved" (for want of a better word), which is determined by a simple algorithm reflecting number of posts and reputation (but not, I do not think, "length of time one has been a member"). Self-chosen titles would defeat that purpose, obviously -- but perhaps that purpose is of no consequence.

Ah yes, you are correct. The coffee hadn't hit yet when I made that post.

The idea of "level achievement" (again, for lack of a better phrase) is more purposeful on this site than other forum sites I belong to. Here, simplistic reply posts in threads such as 'hot girl' or 'yeah' are discouraged and active participation in the forums is encouraged.

For that reason, perhaps the system works well enough. Aren't we then be dealing with an issue of semantics?

[smc]

Originally Posted by hegirllvr

Ah yes, you are correct. The coffee hadn't hit yet when I made that post.

The idea of "level achievement" (again, for lack of a better phrase) is more purposeful on this site than other forum sites I belong to. Here, simplistic reply posts in threads such as 'hot girl' or 'yeah' are discouraged and active participation in the forums is encouraged.

For that reason, perhaps the system works well enough. Aren't we then be dealing with an issue of semantics?

Yes, we are dealing with semantics -- "how humans express themselves through language." In this case, SSL (the site owner) has expressed his opinion that the the current set of user titles "sucks," implying that as humans we are not expressing ourselves well with this particular taxonomy. Perhaps we need him to chime in on what he would like the taxonomy to express, and then we can discuss titles.

[ErosArtist]

Originally Posted by smc

Yes, we are dealing with semantics -- "how humans express themselves through language." In this case, SSL (the site owner) has expressed his opinion that the the current set of user titles "sucks," implying that as humans we are not expressing ourselves well with this particular taxonomy. Perhaps we need him to chime in on what he would like the taxonomy to express, and then we can discuss titles.

Excellent idea.

And speaking of semantics, and the fact the phrase 'that sucks' or 'it sucks' implies something to be a negative thing or action. How did that come to be? Personally, I like the verb in all it's variety: I suck, you suck, he sucks, she sucks, and so on. How can that possibly be bad?

Ok, thread hijack complete...

[smc]

Originally Posted by hegirllvr

Excellent idea.

And speaking of semantics, and the fact the phrase 'that sucks' or 'it sucks' implies something to be a negative thing or action. How did that come to be? Personally, I like the verb in all it's variety: I suck, you suck, he sucks, she sucks, and so on. How can that possibly be bad?

Ok, thread hijack complete...

I actually can answer your question about "suck," but I feel it would suck () to take the thread even more off track. So, why don't you start a new thread on word origins -- this is very closely related to my academic work -- and we can have a discussion. I'd like that. (I'll be teaching in a few minutes so I might now answer until later today.)