Find your next favourite story now
Login

Updating badges to reflect reality

last reply
71 replies
16.9k views
0 watchers
0 likes
Survivor
Primus Omnium
0 likes
Quote by Rumple_deWriter
Larry, I'm in total agreement. IMO, you should PM this post to Nic.



Thanks, Bill. I just sent my little list to Nicola. I hope she is in agreement, too.
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
The couple of badges I got back, when I came back. ARE GONE!

Guest
Lurker
0 likes
I have 83,148 story views? Sweet!

If the badges were changed to smaller numbers I'd be getting a few more badges.

I'll take them!

Every day it may go up.

And 12,000 + page views.
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
I don't write for badges and those that do are kidding themselves. I write for my own personal rewards. Badges are for collectors and it's not healthy. Everyone should be equal and not wear badges (crowns) of entitlement. When are enough badges enough? A badge does not make the person, but it sure muddles the waters.
Mendalla
Crazy old ape
0 likes
Quote by Survivor


Famous story: 3,000 views.
Legendary story: 10,000 views
Famous Member: 10,000 views
Famous Vocalist: 5,000 listens
Millionaire's Club (Change to "Viewers' Club"): 100,000 views


Bumping Larry's proposal yet again since nothing seems to have happened in the past year. These may actually be too high, to be honest (perhaps 2500 and 5000 for famous and legendary story), but they're a good start IMHO. My oldest story on her is barely over 500 views but I have stories elsewhere that are proportionately similarly view-challenged so that's not unusual for me. Famous Story seems to be a difficult ladder for me to climb.

A mighty warrior meets an unusual challenger. The Last Challenge of Jadek Prynn.

Guest
Lurker
0 likes
Numbers are for mathematicians and collectors. Don't get caught up in a numbers race. A badge will turn yellow, but your words will last forever. Don't be fooled by a badge.
Survivor
Primus Omnium
0 likes
Quote by Mendalla
Quote by Survivor


Famous story: 3,000 views.
Legendary story: 10,000 views
Famous Member: 10,000 views
Famous Vocalist: 5,000 listens
Millionaire's Club (Change to "Viewers' Club"): 100,000 views


Bumping Larry's proposal yet again since nothing seems to have happened in the past year. These may actually be too high, to be honest (perhaps 2500 and 5000 for famous and legendary story), but they're a good start IMHO. My oldest story on her is barely over 500 views but I have stories elsewhere that are proportionately similarly view-challenged so that's not unusual for me. Famous Story seems to be a difficult ladder for me to climb.


Thanks for bumping this, Scott. I sent this list I created to the owner of this site a year ago. I have no idea if she ever noticed it. But I do think these numbers reflect the number of members we have on our site here. It's interesting to see there is actually one member here with a Legendary Story badge with 187,674 views on her only posted story.
Dreamcatcher
Forum Facilitator
0 likes
I think badges are fine and might encourage more participation by members, but the standards required to achieve the badges need to be reasonable and not exclusive to only a few members.

There is a small cluster of members here who could write a poem about bat guano and get 20 votes and hundreds of views simply because they have a quid pro quo troop of followers.

The average member, of which I include myself, plods along 8 votes at a time, just hoping to get on the front page. Badges are well out of reach for the majority of our members. That's like standing at the candy counter with a nickel and everything cost ten cents.

I would suggest a "Badge Friendly" method rather than a "Badge Hopeless" method that benefits all members.

Famous Story: 1000 views
Legendary Story: 3000 views
Famous Member: 7500 views
Legendary Member: 10,000 views
Famous Vocalist: 1000 listens
Legendary Vocalist: 5000 listens
Millionaires Club: 50,000 views
Billionaires Club: 100,000 views
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
When a site becomes all about badges. Its loses legitimacy. It becomes a club for a few. SS should be about writing and not bragging. People seem to lose sight as to what SS is. Do you want writing or glitter? All that glitters, is usually man-made by personal opinions and wafts of deceit.
Unknown User
0 likes
This site is not at all just about badges, far from it. It always takes me aback when that sort of statement arises.

Badges and the like are, it seems to me, encouraging acknowledgments, should one care to consider them that way.

Should anyone seek to acquire a badge for a certain number of stories posted, or for having a story in each possible category, so what? If those writers are spurred on to create for those reasons, and do so, and post good work, good for them. If it also means that by doing so they have expanded and improved upon their writing styles, capacity, expertise, then well done, so much the better.

SS is about writing. Where is the bragging? I have some badges, as do all of us. If there were none at all, I wouldn't care either. But if people wish to fine tune the criteria for them, and it does not concern you or me, well, what of it?

I am not going to lose sleep over it, nor will it hinder or help me with the stories I am struggling to write.
Mendalla
Crazy old ape
0 likes
Quote by Adagio
When a site becomes all about badges. Its loses legitimacy. It becomes a club for a few. SS should be about writing and not bragging. People seem to lose sight as to what SS is. Do you want writing or glitter? All that glitters, is usually man-made by personal opinions and wafts of deceit.


No one is suggesting it become all about badges, but we are suggesting that if we are going to have them, then the standards for them should be reasonable.

A mighty warrior meets an unusual challenger. The Last Challenge of Jadek Prynn.

AnnaMayZing
Chasing Dragons
0 likes
Quote by gypsy

I am not going to lose sleep over it, nor will it hinder or help me with the stories I am struggling to write. It should not be an issue for you or anyone else, either.



Bit harsh, don't you think?



"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

Survivor
Primus Omnium
0 likes
It would seem that this thread has become a forum on whether badges should even exist, or not. It's clear from their profiles that Gav and Nicola were members since July 2010. They originated the site. I see that Maggie joined in October of that year. I would suggest that badges were part of this site from the beginning. Those members could verify that.

Badges were here when I joined in 2012. I never became a member to get badges. That is completely silly to even think so. But they are nice to have. What is the problem with having a little encouragement for the members that join our site? I mean, really, what is a valid argument against having just a little bit of recognition for members who achieve a bit. I'm so discouraged when something like this degenerates into a foolish argument against giving a member or two a few accolades or extra credit for a certain amount of acheivement.

I believe I've said enough about this. I think I will just bypass this thread for now. I'm sorry I ever brought up the subject of updating the badges. It just makes me sad.
hayley
Active Ink Slinger
0 likes
Quote by Survivor
It would seem that this thread has become a forum on whether badges should even exist, or not. It's clear from their profiles that Gav and Nicola were members since July 2010. They originated the site. I see that Maggie joined in October of that year. I would suggest that badges were part of this site from the beginning. Those members could verify that.

Badges were here when I joined in 2012. I never became a member to get badges. That is completely silly to even think so. But they are nice to have. What is the problem with having a little encouragement for the members that join our site? I mean, really, what is a valid argument against having just a little bit of recognition for members who achieve a bit. I'm so discouraged when something like this degenerates into a foolish argument against giving a member or two a few accolades or extra credit for a certain amount of acheivement.

I believe I've said enough about this. I think I will just bypass this thread for now. I'm sorry I ever brought up the subject of updating the badges. It just makes me sad.



Please don't be sad. You did ask for opinions and you started quite a passionate discussion which is quite something for this site. So I think you should feel proud rather than sad.

I agree with Al about badges. If you are a writer you should write only for yourself. Whilst everyone wants to be successful we all know that recognition for an author is an elusive thing. So why seek it?. If you are content with what you write then everything else is a bonus. If it's posted here, or anywhere, that's a plus. If someone takes time, their most precious possession, to read it... that's a compliment and a half. If they didn't like it? So what, you wrote it for yourself and you liked it or they would not have had the pleasure or otherwise. So for some of us accolades are great but not fretted over.

However, we are in the minority. The majority here like the badges, as witnessed by the majority of 'for' posts.

If, as argued in posts above, badges attract members and are also an incentive to contribute, then that is a separate matter. We all seek somewhere to display our work and when/where we can we should wholeheartedly help foster that site and support those that support us. If badges are deemed a positive promotional tool then badges there shoud be.

How to determine the worth of a badge?. I have no idea. I write only poetry, across three sites, two of which award badges. (Stories are an art form I have yet to master and I salute/envy those who have that skill). On one site there are 300,000+ members. There, poetry offerings are split into two distinct catergories. Badges for poetry and stories are awarded on the same basis, i.e. equal value, even though the readership for poetry is, as it is everywhere in life, less than that for stories. For a Famous Story Badge (story or poem) you need 30,000 reads. I do not know how many Famous Story Badges have been awarded to stories since that site's inception 12 years ago, but if I am not mistaken, only eight have been awarded for poetry. The poems and stories, however, keep coming despite the same conversation over badges being raised there from time to time and the need for, perhaps, a Famous Poem Badge awarded, given the traffic, for less 'reads' than wins a Famous Story Badge.

As I said, I have no idea how to rate a badge, but I do believe the bar should be set high rather than low. And if poems have to compete driectly against stories for accolades, so be it. From my point of view I am happy to have someone publish mine, anywhere.

As for competitions? If the site has the resources to organise and run a comp then how special is that?! Personally I think a story comp every two months might be a bit much for everyone, maybe three or four a year? Same for poems. I find it interesting in comparing the latest comp on this site with the latest on the 300,000+ site I mentioned above, that both had a similar number of entries. Well done storiesspace!
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
Quote by gypsy
This site is not at all just about badges, far from it. It always takes me aback when that sort of statement arises.

Badges and the like are, it seems to me, encouraging acknowledgments, should one care to consider them that way.

Should anyone seek to acquire a badge for a certain number of stories posted, or for having a story in each possible category, so what? If those writers are spurred on to create for those reasons, and do so, and post good work, good for them. If it also means that by doing so they have expanded and improved upon their writing styles, capacity, expertise, then well done, so much the better.

SS is about writing. Where is the bragging? I have some badges, as do all of us. If there were none at all, I wouldn't care either. But if people wish to fine tune the criteria for them, and it does not concern you or me, well, what of it?

I am not going to lose sleep over it, nor will it hinder or help me with the stories I am struggling to write.


This site is a community. Like any community, the residents (patrons in this case) have similar and differing opinions. Here, I've found that most of the time we agree on most things. But sometimes, we can only just shake our head at the thoughts and perspectives of the crotchety old fart in the corner. Sometimes those pessimistic 'half-glass-empty' thoughts should be ignored because they offer no constructive value to the dialogue.

Larry is 100% correct. Not about regretting that he brought up the badge issue, but that the badge issue is in need of serious retooling. NO one joined for the badges. We all joined to read and write.

Gypsy is 100% correct as well. We all find inspiration and motivation in different ways. Badges assist many; encouraging acknowledgments, as Gyspy so insightfully stated.


Let's get to work on these badge numbers, so we can get back to reading and writing, and growing our little writing community.
gillianleeza
Story Moderator
0 likes
I agree with some of the things posted before and some not so much.

I personally like the badges. They make me happy and I am not going to apologize for that. For me, they act as incentives at times. We are all expressing our opinions. I like that we are encouraged to so here.

The suggestions for revising the numbers to attain different badges seems reasonable. Having badges on my page does not make me a better writer. They just look nice on my page and make me smile. That is never a bad thing.
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
Quote by gillianleeza
I agree with some of the things posted before and some not so much.

I personally like the badges. They make me happy and I am not going to apologize for that. For me, they act as incentives at times. We are all expressing our opinions. I like that we are encouraged to so here.

The suggestions for revising the numbers to attain different badges seems reasonable. Having badges on my page does not make me a better writer. They just look nice on my page and make me smile. That is never a bad thing.


I agree.
Dreamcatcher
Forum Facilitator
0 likes
Every member, from the crotchety old man in the corner to the dude at the head of the parade with pom-poms, is entitled to an opinion. As I've explained to a couple of members, it isn't the opinion expressed so much as the manner in which it is presented. Be respectful. Be flexible. Be open-minded and consider all sides of an issue.

There are many ways on SS that an author is lauded and/or recognized for achievement. Ratings, views, RR's, EC's, front cover listings and badges. All of which are subjective. At this point, it's the best we got and tweaking of the processes are currently being considered.

Larryf's well-intentioned post was spot on. These things we are currently discussing should be elements of SS that makes being a member more relevant. We should be more supportive and trumpet the victories of each other rather than assuming that just because one author got a piece of pie means there is none left for anybody else.

Gypsy and Ping are right. We are a community, generously supported by Nicola. Let's not waste the opportunity being offered here and encourage new members, mentor those who want help, and celebrate the endeavors of our friends.

ps. and I'll try not being the crotchety old man in the corner.
AnnaMayZing
Chasing Dragons
0 likes
Quote by Dreamcatcher
Every member, from the crotchety old man in the corner to the dude at the head of the parade with pom-poms, is entitled to an opinion. As I've explained to a couple of members, it isn't the opinion expressed so much as the manner in which it is presented. Be respectful. Be flexible. Be open-minded and consider all sides of an issue.

There are many ways on SS that an author is lauded and/or recognized for achievement. Ratings, views, RR's, EC's, front cover listings and badges. All of which are subjective. At this point, it's the best we got and tweaking of the processes are currently being considered.

Larryf's well-intentioned post was spot on. These things we are currently discussing should be elements of SS that makes being a member more relevant. We should be more supportive and trumpet the victories of each other rather than assuming that just because one author got a piece of pie means there is none left for anybody else.

Gypsy and Ping are right. We are a community, generously supported by Nicola. Let's not waste the opportunity being offered here and encourage new members, mentor those who want help, and celebrate the endeavors of our friends.

ps. and I'll try not being the crotchety old man in the corner.


Hear, Hear, Larry. Well said.



"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana

magnificent1rascal
Divine Rapscallion
0 likes
So, did we ever settle on what to request? I think the consensus is that the numbers need to be a reach (to encourage more participation) yet also be demonstrably achievable so members don't become discouraged and give up because they think there's no hope.

Based on that criteria, this would be my recommendation:

Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views

For those who aren't into badges, we offer the option of hiding badges from your profile page. Go to Settings —> Settings/Privacy and scroll to the Your Profile Page section. About three-quarters of the way down that section, you'll see Hide Badges. Check the box to Hide your badges from your profile page. Be sure to press Update Details at the bottom of the page to save your changes.
Connect with Maggie

Like my Facebook fan pages: Maggie Rascal and M.P. Witwer • Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maggierascal • Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Maggie1Rascal
Dreamcatcher
Forum Facilitator
0 likes
Quote by magnificent1rascal
So, did we ever settle on what to request? I think the consensus is that the numbers need to be a reach (to encourage more participation) yet also be demonstrably achievable so members don't become discouraged and give up because they think there's no hope.

Based on that criteria, this would be my recommendation:

Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views

For those who aren't into badges, we offer the option of hiding badges from your profile page. Go to Settings —> Settings/Privacy and scroll to the Your Profile Page section. About three-quarters of the way down that section, you'll see Hide Badges. Check the box to Hide your badges from your profile page. Be sure to press Update Details at the bottom of the page to save your changes.


Looks good to me.
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
I think we can live with this

It’s still going to be a challenge for many, but reachable and already attainable for some. I’ll still never be famous

Looks good.

Thanks Maggie!
Mendalla
Crazy old ape
0 likes
Quote by magnificent1rascal

Based on that criteria, this would be my recommendation:

Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views



I am good with those.

A mighty warrior meets an unusual challenger. The Last Challenge of Jadek Prynn.

Survivor
Primus Omnium
0 likes
Quote by magnificent1rascal



Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views




It will be interesting to see if any of us are eligible for any badges with these changes.
Guest
Lurker
0 likes
Quote by Survivor
Quote by magnificent1rascal



Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views


It will be interesting to see if any of us are eligible for any badges with these changes.


The most views I have of anything is 730. It will be a while, if any of my thingies even get to those numbers. No worries. Others, like yourself, should have a number of pieces that fit those numbers.

Edit: I just quickly scrolled through your stories. Unless I’ve missed something, you have one at 3105 views, and a cluster in the 1800 and 1900’s. That doesn’t seem right. This is a tough one. We don’t want the bar set so low, yet we still want the numbers to be attainable.

We may need to tweak the numbers a bit more. Maybe Maggie has more insight on others’ numbers.
hayley
Active Ink Slinger
0 likes
Quote by magnificent1rascal
So, did we ever settle on what to request? I think the consensus is that the numbers need to be a reach (to encourage more participation) yet also be demonstrably achievable so members don't become discouraged and give up because they think there's no hope.

Based on that criteria, this would be my recommendation:

Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views

For those who aren't into badges, we offer the option of hiding badges from your profile page. Go to Settings —> Settings/Privacy and scroll to the Your Profile Page section. About three-quarters of the way down that section, you'll see Hide Badges. Check the box to Hide your badges from your profile page. Be sure to press Update Details at the bottom of the page to save your changes.



I love the 'Prima Donna' categories, so tongue in cheek. Really made me giggle. Naughty you.
magnificent1rascal
Divine Rapscallion
0 likes
Quote by Ping
Quote by Survivor
Quote by magnificent1rascal



Famous Story: 2,500 views
Legendary Story: 7,500 views
Famous Audio Story: 300 listens
Legendary Audio Story: 1,000 listens
Profile Star: 7,500 profile views
Profile Superstar: 15,000 profile views
Profile Prima Donna: 30,000 profile views
Stories Star: 35,000 total story views
Stories Superstar: 65,000 total story views
Stories Prima Donna: 125,000 total story views


It will be interesting to see if any of us are eligible for any badges with these changes.


The most views I have of anything is 730. It will be a while, if any of my thingies even get to those numbers. No worries. Others, like yourself, should have a number of pieces that fit those numbers.

Edit: I just quickly scrolled through your stories. Unless I’ve missed something, you have one at 3105 views, and a cluster in the 1800 and 1900’s. That doesn’t seem right. This is a tough one. We don’t want the bar set so low, yet we still want the numbers to be attainable.

We may need to tweak the numbers a bit more. Maybe Maggie has more insight on others’ numbers.


If you click on the Viewed tab on the front page and select All Time, you'll see the most viewed submissions in descending order. There are 15 pieces by 10 authors that will qualify as Legendary, and an additional 60 that will be Famous. Granted, those are small numbers, but it can be done.
Connect with Maggie

Like my Facebook fan pages: Maggie Rascal and M.P. Witwer • Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maggierascal • Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Maggie1Rascal
magnificent1rascal
Divine Rapscallion
0 likes
Quote by hayley

I love the 'Prima Donna' categories, so tongue in cheek. Really made me giggle. Naughty you.


Well, I wanted something to convey “bigger than a superstar” and was having trouble coming up with the right term. Diva wasn’t quite right, Principal sounded too stuffy, but Prima Donna struck me as a lighthearted option. Maybe Megastar would be better, though. (I don’t want to offend anyone who earns the badge.)
Connect with Maggie

Like my Facebook fan pages: Maggie Rascal and M.P. Witwer • Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maggierascal • Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Maggie1Rascal
fuzzy1954
Forum Facilitator
0 likes
Quote by Dreamcatcher
Every member, from the crotchety old man in the corner to the dude at the head of the parade with pom-poms, is entitled to an opinion. As I've explained to a couple of members, it isn't the opinion expressed so much as the manner in which it is presented. Be respectful. Be flexible. Be open-minded and consider all sides of an issue.

There are many ways on SS that an author is lauded and/or recognized for achievement. Ratings, views, RR's, EC's, front cover listings and badges. All of which are subjective. At this point, it's the best we got and tweaking of the processes are currently being considered.

Larryf's well-intentioned post was spot on. These things we are currently discussing should be elements of SS that makes being a member more relevant. We should be more supportive and trumpet the victories of each other rather than assuming that just because one author got a piece of pie means there is none left for anybody else.

Gypsy and Ping are right. We are a community, generously supported by Nicola. Let's not waste the opportunity being offered here and encourage new members, mentor those who want help, and celebrate the endeavors of our friends.

ps. and I'll try not being the crotchety old man in the corner.



I personally agree with Maggie post on this thread. that said

I would like to "throw" my name in the list for the newest badge ... "crotchety old man in the corner" I believe Larry / Dreamcatcher can't be the only one here in Stories

Please read my latest poem to honour all who have served

Bitch Called Nam

https://www.storiesspace.com/stories/poetry/bitch-called-nam