A poll where only positive votes are counted is a natural one-way ratchet system, upwards only While not suggesting a "least popular" poll, which would be to say the least unfriendly, It might be more meaningful to be able to register a negative preference. For example a contributor may receive ten for, and ten against, net zero, indicating controversial views, a 'good thing'. Without this balancing factor, a score of ten might just indicate that the candidate has just friends who support their point of view, not necessarily a 'good thing'.

 

The complication might be too difficult to administer, but the results might be startling and interesting, and not just cosy.

 

Views? comments?

Well, the only thing I'd say about it is that I had originally envisioned the entire thing to be purely positive. We've had bad experiences in the past with the reputation system in that users feel a little lousy when they are given negative feedback. In the same light, whilst I agree that it might be more interesting, I don't want to feel that anyone is being actively voted against because these awards are just a bit of fun really. I especially don't want people to be put off posting because they feel that others don't like their style of posts or whatnot.

 

Those are my views at least; I don't know what others feel about this sort of voting, but I'd be interested to hear more comments

it is pretty hard to make a decision in the nominations. there are just so many good people out there

On this, we should have a staff poll too. Anyone agree?

 

Cheers,

 

Ryan Jones

Well, that's something that you guys can arrange if you want to

Well, that's something that you guys can arrange if you want to

 

 

In that case we must have one

 

Cheers,

 

Ryan Jones

Started a new thread for staff awards (in GD):

http://www.scienceforums.net/forums/showthread.php?p=255169