[OpenVerse] Voluntary user system.

[Cruise <cruise@openverse.org>]

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Reply-To: openverse@openverse.org
Reply-To: openverse@openverse.org

Heyas,

  I was reading through the slashdot faq today. Specifically about how their
moderation system works. I think their system is REALLY groovy and I think it
would be possible to use their model in OpenVerse. Here are my ideas on the
issue, Let me know what you think. Please also read the end where I list some
potential pros and cons I see with this system implemented in OV.

  Users can voluntarily register with the system. A central database would be
created which would allow for this registration/authentication to take place.

  A registered user gains "points" for the time spent on the system in relation
to digs against him - IE, Joe User is normally a really nice guy. He helps new
users and he is always willing to show someone how to install the software, but
he got drunk one night and really pissed off a lot of people. His points would
still remain fairly good. Another example - Mary User is a real bitch and
spends most of her time being mean to people, especially newbies. She is,
however, a complete ass licker and is really nice to the reigning
Captain/Moderator/Op/God type person. She would have a low set of points. And
finally, we have FlatLiner User who is there, never really says anything, never
really pisses anyone off.. he is just kind of there. He would have a low set of
points as well.

  Registered users would receive benefits such as nickname reservation and the
  ability to be a server moderator.

  Unregistered users would be allowed to use the system normally, as we do now.

   Registered users with low or negative points would still be allowed to use
   the system normally as we do now.

   A feature would be added to the client which would allow users to ignore
   users based on their points scores. Users with negative points could be
   ignored summarily. just as users with very high points could be ignored
   (why? I don't know.. may be you just don't want someone to say nice things
    today.)

   Moderators would be assigned based on their length of time as a registered
   user and the number of points they have and a random appointment system which
   appoints moderators from the many available people who have positive points.
   Moderators would be given this special power for only a short time (days, a
   week?) afterwich, they go back to being themselves and a new person is
   assigned.

   Moderators are never allowed to kick or ban a user from the system, they are
   only allowed to assess points against them.

  Points could be gained in several ways, Here are some of my ideas.

    * Newly registered users can list a mentor when they register themselves.
      Their mentor would earn between 0 and 5 points based on the new user's
      feelings about them and the help they may have received from their mentor.

   * Moderators/Captains/Ops/Gods can give 2 points a day to any user(s) on
      the system. for any reason.

   * Reporting Bugs. Registered users who report bugs can receive 1 to 5 points
     for their contribution in improving the software. finding a bug would
    get a point, finding and fixing a bug could get as much as 5 points.

   Points would be lost when moderators assess them against users who are (in
   their opinion) not "being good"

The good thing.. This would create an environment which is independent of even
the server administrator's idea of what should and should not happen as far as
freedom of expression goes. Users could allow or disallow the level of users
who they wish to interact with based on points.

The bad thing. Doing this would create a less open environment in regards to
registrations. I can see where problems over the database could arrise similar
to the problems which InterNIC had with access to their database. A central
location would need to be created for this system to work and there would be
feelings of animosity towards whoever maintained it. I am especially interested
in comments on this aspect of implementation.

The thing which falls inbetween - No one would be required to use this system
on their servers. This could create a split in the unity of the project and the
servers which are set up. Creating rival "networks" so to speak. I feel that
this type of situation is part of the reason why I (now) feel that iIRC is less
fun than it used to be with the competition between networks and the attitudes
that come with this.

And what do you think?

 -- 
Cruise - 
OpenVerse Visual Chat - http://openverse.org/
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