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Mad Eye Touz · 07-16-2008, 04:42 PM

Hello SnitchSeekers!

My fellow admins and I have been in discussion for about a month on 'tags' and post bit coloring. Tags ("user title" is the correct term, but "tags" is more fun) are those colorful lines of text below usernames. A post bit is the information below your avatar (Location, Join Date, Posts, Hogwarts RPG Name, and Ministry RPG Name). If you notice, some members have tags, some members don't, some members have colored post bits, and some don't. As of right now, tags and post bit colors (that are non-official titles including Fan club and language mod positions) are given out at random by admins. Since we started with tags years ago, we've never taken requests for them.

We are considering changing this, but we want to ask you, the members, your opinion on it. There are three options in the poll above for you to choose from. I'll elaborate on each below.

1. Fun tags and post bit colors only given at random as they always have been.

--This will be no change to the current rule.

2. Fun tags and post bit colors open for request via a thread open always, with restrictions on who can request and how often.

--This option will make tags and post bits much like submitting signatures in Scribbulus Everchanging Inks. We will put a thread in Scribbulus Everchanging Inks where you (if you qualify) can go in and request tag and post bit changes. Though, there will be many, many restrictions on this. The admins have come up with some qualifications for if this option is chosen:

You may request a tag/post bit change if:
1. You have no unexpired warnings/infractions
2. You have been a member of the site for one year
3. You have at least 850 posts

This isn't limitless though. Members that qualify for tag and post bit requests may make requests only 4 times a year (once a season, if you will). It will be kept up with through a new profile field.

3. Fun tags and post bit colors open for request via a thread occasionally and will be open for anyone.

--Like the option above, we would allow members to request. The difference is that the thread would be open only sometimes (probably about 4 times a year) and no restrictions would be put on who can and can't request.

So, consider everything above before you vote. There's advantages and disadvantages to every option. For example, voting for option 2 excludes new members, but voting for option 3 only doesn't allow you to request when you want. Think about what would make you the happiest, talk about it with your friends, and then vote.

We're 'revising' the tag rules a bit, too. The new rule stands as this: You can have 4 tags in total. If all 4 tags are 'official', then members are granted 1 additional fun title. And by 4 total, I mean, 4 TOTAL. This counts for everything, including your usergroup image title. So, if you're looking at my tags - I would have 4 official so I would qualify for the 1 additional (which I have). I would be at the limit.

This may be common sense, but I want to throw it out there just so we're clear. We will NOT touch official tags. Your House icon will not move or change and does count as a tag. The official fan club titles will not be changed and we will not change the colors of fan club tags.

Thanks guys and vote with care! Feel free to ask questions in this thread or make suggestions.

UPDATE: Due to the suggestions in this thread, we've added editable 'Post Bit' options to your profile. Please see this new site news article for more information!

Paint.the.Limelight · 07-17-2008, 02:33 PM

I have a question....For the second option, does 'you have no unexpired warnings/infractions' mean if you've ever received a warning or infraction, you can't request a colored bit or tag?

Egyptian_Blue · 07-17-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ndebic

OMG - I dodn't mean to gripe at the TPs. I understand that this is really the place where you do express yourself andyou get more of a sense of who someone is, so understandably that is where you can base a lot of the decisions on. It's just the TP and other threads, I never really understood, so never been in there. I suppose the other ways aren't really broadcast around, about how you can earn one, so people like me and others, who don't really know a lot of people on the site and participate in those threads, it's just a bit more difficult.

Didn't mean to offend anyone

The TP really isn't for everyone. I didn't like it when I first went in there, but then I played around a bit and discovered that I loved it.

Now, to stay on topic:
I am personally in love with the random tags. I never knew mods gave out TP tags until I got the Frosty one. And honestly, that really made my day. It made my year even, so much more fun, because no one else had one that said what mine did. And though I've admired the post bit colors since I joined, I'd rather not request it. It feels so much better if one day you look and *poof* you have color on the sidebar.

If people can request tags and such, I'm sure they'd all be different, but what if the mods get a ton of themed ones that are really similar? I can totally see a bunch of "Edward Cullen <333" or "I Love Draco" tags on the horizon. Part of the fun of random tags is seeing what the mods come up with. From what I've seen, the mods are much more creative than myself and come up with the wittiest tags.

Not to mention, during the holidays and special events and even in the FCs there are often oppurtunities to request special tags.

Mad Eye Touz · 07-17-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrmy_lvr_4evr

I have a question....For the second option, does 'you have no unexpired warnings/infractions' mean if you've ever received a warning or infraction, you can't request a colored bit or tag?

Warnings and infractions that aren't really, really bad will expire with time. Like, spam warnings really expire quickly. We mean that members will need to have no active warnings/infractions. Though, if someone received an infraction that never expired - there may be ways (like a very long period of good behavior) around it. It'd be case by case for those that got major infractions (but probably leaning more towards 'no' on that case).

As for the TP comment not being for everyone - not true. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to hop in there and have fun.

Paint.the.Limelight · 07-17-2008, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Eye Touz

Warnings and infractions that aren't really, really bad will expire with time. Like, spam warnings really expire quickly. We mean that members will need to have no active warnings/infractions. Though, if someone received an infraction that never expired - there may be ways (like a very long period of good behavior) around it. It'd be case by case for those that got major infractions (but probably leaning more towards 'no' on that case).

As for the TP comment not being for everyone - not true. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to hop in there and have fun.

Thank you. I was a bit confused.

Biochemkris · 07-17-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrmy_lvr_4evr

I have a question....For the second option, does 'you have no unexpired warnings/infractions' mean if you've ever received a warning or infraction, you can't request a colored bit or tag?

If you have an infraction or warning right now, you can see there's a spot telling you when the warning/infraction expires. If you have a warning or infraction with a date there you wouldn't be elligible. If it says "expired" then you would be eligible. This way you're rewarded for being good, even if you've made mistakes in the past.

My Opinion:

I love randomness. I don't want to get a whole bunch of PMs after saying this but, I also give out titles to members when other members ask me to because I just think that's so thoughtful and fun. I'd really rather not have it be a free for all when it comes to requesting titles even if it is only 4 times per year per member (I'm not sure if all of you caught that aspect of option #2 since I heard some people talking about changing your title any time you wanted like your siggy but, that's not the case).

However, I do think we need to have more opportunities where members can request titles during special events. I think as it stands now we don't even do this once a year and I think it would just be fantabulous to have TWO threads open around Christmas time: one for members to request titles for themselves and one for members to request titles for other members. That way, admins are giving out pressies to members who request a title and other members are giving out pressies to their friends (or random people!!) with requested titles.

So, anyway, as you probably guessed, I voted for option #3. I think it's probably the best compromise between change and no change and I'm all about the compromise. Though, it's really the members' opinions that matter most.

EDIT: Oh, and I never paid attention to warnings/infractions when giving out random titles and nor do I think it would be a big deal if the requests were only once a year or whatever as opposed to whenever members wanted up to 4 times a year.

Egyptian_Blue · 07-17-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Eye Touz

Warnings and infractions that aren't really, really bad will expire with time. Like, spam warnings really expire quickly. We mean that members will need to have no active warnings/infractions. Though, if someone received an infraction that never expired - there may be ways (like a very long period of good behavior) around it. It'd be case by case for those that got major infractions (but probably leaning more towards 'no' on that case).

As for the TP comment not being for everyone - not true. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to hop in there and have fun.

Aww, I didn't mean for it to come across that way. What I meant was that not everyone likes it. For example, when I first poked in there, I hated it. I couldn't keep track of what was going on and had trouble talking to people. But then a friend convinced me to give it another go and I did and I ended up loving it.

It's for everyone in the context that everyone is more than welcome to join in the magic and mayhem (hehe) but not for everyone in the context that some don't like it. Sorry for the confusion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biochemkris

However, I do think we need to have more opportunities where members can request titles during special events. I think as it stands now we don't even do this once a year and I think it would just be fantabulous to have TWO threads open around Christmas time: one for members to request titles for themselves and one for members to request titles for other members. That way, admins are giving out pressies to members who request a title and other members are giving out pressies to their friends (or random people!!) with requested titles.

Actually, I really like that idea of a "gift tag" thread around the holidays. It's random, but also personal, from someone who cares about and knows you.

V

Biochemkris · 07-17-2008, 02:54 PM

Touz needs to stop scaring the members with her comments. *votes for that instead* LOL

[/spam]

Mad Eye Touz · 07-17-2008, 03:02 PM

*cries*

*hugs everyone and Egyptian_Blue/Alanna the most* I love you and I don't mean to scare or come across as um.. evil or something. No harm, no foul, lots of hugs!

Erm. Right. I haven't voted in the poll yet. I just can't decide what is better for all. And it's really hard with the vote so close. 50 now for change, and 47 for no change.

I think we're going to have to go into some sort of "in between" on this. Like, option 3 with a twist or two.

Egyptian_Blue · 07-17-2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Eye Touz

*cries*

*hugs everyone and Egyptian_Blue/Alanna the most* I love you and I don't mean to scare or come across as um.. evil or something. No harm, no foul, lots of hugs!

Erm. Right. I haven't voted in the poll yet. I just can't decide what is better for all. And it's really hard with the vote so close. 50 now for change, and 47 for no change.

I think we're going to have to go into some sort of "in between" on this. Like, option 3 with a twist or two.

It's no biggy Touz. You are very huggable and lovable and not evil at all!

I think you were smart though, in waiting. I thought I knew what I'd like the best but now I think I should've waited to read all these a bit. I just hope whatever wins works out really well and makes everyone happy.

Nabs · 07-17-2008, 03:08 PM

Awww this is a great idea, but I think the random tags would be SO much more fun! I remember squealing whenever I noticed that I'd gotten a random tag, they're wicked fun!

X-Girl · 07-17-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

However, I do think we need to have more opportunities where members can request titles during special events. I think as it stands now we don't even do this once a year and I think it would just be fantabulous to have TWO threads open around Christmas time: one for members to request titles for themselves and one for members to request titles for other members. That way, admins are giving out pressies to members who request a title and other members are giving out pressies to their friends (or random people!!) with requested titles.

BAAAAM!

I think Kris settled it.

If we have something like that twice a year...then well, everyone's happy no? Especially around the holidays and maybe...JKR's birthday? Some huge occassion. That's what I was hinting at in my earlier post.

PLUS. The idea where people can have their friends "request" for them, makes it HAPPY DAYS for everyone! The random-lovin' people get what they want because well, they'd have no clue what/who HIT them...and as for the requesters, they can just...nudge a friend and have them do all of their dirty work for them! Genius, really.

Edit: LMFAO.

The surprise tags are pricelessssss.

*tackles the Scarrehh Touzzz*

Steelsheen · 07-17-2008, 03:38 PM

ok, haha, very funny guys. i see the changes now.

first off i want to say. i appreciate the surprise. really i do. when people said you will be surprised, yes i can confirm right here right now, it is surprising.

so now that we have it, we're gonna start pestering you about it (yeah you saw this comin' didnt yah?

)

like for me-- Sniffles? uh..... is that because of what i said in my first post? maybe i should've said ".... us n00bs (wields wand out and slashes everything in sight)" then maybe you couldve called me Slytherin slasher or Wand warrior or even Mischievous Maverick but not Sniffles ~~sniff~~ i gotta stop doing that.

the post bit coloring is mighty nice indeed, very green

. would've liked it a slighter darker shade though, like my default post color (dark olive green)

anyway thanks Mods for adding a surprise and color to my SS life

but i still support #3. maybe because i got used to other forums where the user title is customizable by default, and i usually have something that goes well with my username.

jesusfr33ke2010 · 07-17-2008, 03:39 PM

Even though i have no tags, I think that to request one would take away the fun of getting a tag.

Biochemkris · 07-17-2008, 03:55 PM

Oh I also wanted to mention something people may not have thought of but, having requests only open at certain times would probably be more work for the admins than having a request thread open all the time (in case anyone was worried about that) since having a thread open all the time would spread the work out over the entire year (except for the first couple weeks it is opened, of course) whereas a thread a couple or four times a year or whatever would be non-stop title changing for however long the thread is opened for. So, maybe the same amount of work but gradual as opposed to a whole bunch at once (esp if the whole bunch at once are unrestricted as to who can request).

Anna Banana · 07-17-2008, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Eye Touz

1st question: We edit post bit colors in the same place we edit tags. They just go hand in hand (like, if I'm going to go in a edit a tag, I might as well as edit the post bit kind of thing).

2nd question: Not unless we allowed everyone to edit their own usertitles as well (tags). Which would defeat the purpose of all of this, huh? haha

2a. We're looking into this now, Kris thinks she MIGHT be able to do this. Maybe. No promises.

3rd question: We'll see. Perhaps.

*groan* Again, if I'm going to go in just to change colors.. I might as well as be changing the whole thing. Changing colors, and only colors, would (for me - let me share my opinion since yall are all sharing yours) be like scraping dry food from a restaurant's plate with a fork. You know that awful, teeth-hurting sound? I'd feel like the maid, changing your socks or something. The thing about tags, for me, is just how HAPPY they make you all. haha Changing the color of your tag upon your request, sure, makes you happy, but is more like house cleaning than a surprise visit. (I shouldn't make metaphors in the mornings..)

I'm not saying we won't consider this, I'm just saying that if we opened up just color changing, my teeth would hurt and I'd develop a twitch.

Not really "winning". I'm currently reading the poll as 45 for "Change" and 46 for "No Change". It's a pretty close race.

And I do agree, that the admins (only admins can give out tags/post bits) should give out "more" -- it's a matter of finding the time. =/ I can assure you that I get no thrill like the thrill of sneaking into a thread and giving out a tag or two. But, the admins of this site are very busy people. We do try though, and I hope you all know that.

Yes, I do agree that allowing US to edit all of that WOULD defeat the purpose of this.

Thanks for explaining how the tag colors/post bits go hand-in-hand. I wasn't really sure how that worked.

On the question 2a that you said Kris MIGHT be able to do...what was question 2a?

I reread my post and I couldn't figure out which one you were referring to.

Thanks, Kris, for looking into it, though!

I see what you're saying about the whole scraping plates and teeth thing. It'd just be nothing more than monotonous, tedious work. I can definitely understand how you'd feel that way. heehee

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to look into more options for all of us on the tags/post bits. :glompness and tackles:

Mercia · 07-17-2008, 04:29 PM

I have a question

. If option 1 wins , which it looks like it will, will random people who dont really know any people in power get the tags and bit coloring. Cause looking through this topic most of the people that have posted seem to know each other and coincedently enough most of you have tags. This kind of goes back to the clique thing i mentioned earlier.

Sorry if im coming over like im been a pain or something

Mad Eye Touz · 07-17-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginny_Fan

I have a question

. If option 1 wins , which it looks like it will, will random people who dont really know any people in power get the tags and bit coloring. Cause looking through this topic most of the people that have posted seem to know each other and coincedently enough most of you have tags. This kind of goes back to the clique thing i mentioned earlier.

Sorry if im coming over like im been a pain or something

It's not "winning" in my eyes. Last I looked it was 50 for "No change" and 50 for a "Change". We'll have to come to some common, middle ground. Or have a Tag Tuesday where admins just go crazy on certain Tuesdays. We'll come up with some sort of compromise, no worries.

atmor · 07-17-2008, 05:07 PM

I just hopped in to say HA! I GOT A TAG!

*clams down* Lookit Lub my tag *huggles*

*dances around with my first tag*

Edward Penguin · 07-17-2008, 05:11 PM

I think the debate on here has been wonderful, but we recently voted for a slogan, "where magic and mayhem reign" I think the debate shows that. It's magical to get a tag and chaotic sometimes seeing that there is a new one. But the fact of the matter, tags are unique expressions of who others think we are.

I remember my first tag, and we had to give information about ourselves and a tag was chosen for us. *it was during a christmas gift thingie* but, it was random...and requested. I think that people come here for the fun of being here...and so allowing them the chance to get one (sparingly) is a way to include them in that fun.

Nattie · 07-17-2008, 05:18 PM

I think, reading the reasons behind everyone's point of view, it's great that everyone sees the other side of the argument and wants more of a middle ground.

I do think the randomness is great (esp as I just got one - woo hoo - thanks SOOOOOOOOOO much), but I like hearing when people got them during special SS events - such as the Christmas and Valentines days events. Surely that would be the middle ground? They can be requested at certain times of year, so available to all members despite where you hang out or who you know, but you also have the random/ earnt tags that surprises you and makes your day.

Liisa · 07-17-2008, 05:55 PM

You know when I first came onto this thread to vote, I never thought that it would become such a heated debate. I actually voted for choice # 1 because it seems to me, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it.' But after reading through these posts, maybe I was wrong.

This seems to be a very sensitive issue for some people. And I understand where they are coming from, I do. I also feel as though I have been a very active member of SS both in the TP and RPG. And I often wonder what I need to do in order to receive a tag. I don't know about everyone else but for me, just simply finding the time to log on can pose a problem. (But I make a valiant effort.)

I have 2 amazing daughters, a husband, and a 50 hour-a-week job occupying the majority of my time, but I still use whatever free time I can to join in the SS fun.

I think the question that bothers us newbies the most is, "will I / why am I being overlooked?" Really, if there was a way to guarantee that that never happened then great, but this is not a perfect world and there will never be a way to guarantee that. So I guess we will just have to have faith in those who know better than we do. The Admins at SS do an amazing job running this site and I'm sure that it can't be easy. (Especially if we are crying out about injustices all of the time.)

All I know is that for me, whether I get a tag or not, I have found some life-long friends here that I will cherish always! (You know who you are...

) And I hope to find more soon. Tags are fun, but I can live without one until I earn it. FYI - If you are looking to "tag" me, my favorite color is pink! lol

NannyMcPhee · 07-17-2008, 05:57 PM

Perhaps I pay too much attention to detail, but as I read through those first few posts, the members who wanted the tags to stay a surprise already had a couple under their belt.

There were some really good points made, and yes while surprises are nice, on a site as big as this I think it'd be extra special for everyone to be included. I mean ... why is it that the admins are the only ones who assign the tags? I have joined a couple other RP sites in which the member has the option of writing their own tag after so many posts (I can't remember the number).

The TP is a great way to make new friends and get your personality out there, but it's not for everyone. Even if it is tried, some people aren't that comfortable being extremely silly and it is really easy to feel left out.

I know so because it's happened to me.

But this isn't a therapy session so I shall speak no more of that matter.

I just think it'd be nice to make everyone feel included. Site harmony or something like that.

[The End]

argentinaz_angel · 07-17-2008, 06:09 PM

That's kind of a thing I'm agaisnt, members getting their own tags, even mods don't have that power

It's just a matter of the surprise, the magic of getting that tag. Suddenly going online and finding it there and its just... wonderful xD Utterly wonderful, and I don't want other people to loose that sense.

If other members suggested a tag for you, that's not bad, still a surprise, still magic. I just think requesting one for yourself looses the purpose that comes with the tag.

But compromises can always be made, and currently we're almost at a 50-50 for change or no change. I'm sure we can work something out to keep the magic of the tags, and distribute them to more people