New Award

 

Just the feeble mind of an old man thinking but this week RT has been an ACTIVE member for 5 years. Quite a few others are also in this category.
I propose that a special badge be awarded to all who have reached 5 years of ACTIVE membership.

Just a simple "5" badge would be nice to show their longevity as supporting members !

Just my thinking !

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MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !
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we earned it

That would be wonderful.

Sounds Like A Plan

I do think Jonathan has a valid point that merely being a member is not a qualification. I'm sure there individuals who have 5 years who may have a couple of posts and never returned.

I'm confident Jonathan and Angela will figure something out that will be fair, hopefully it will not significamtly increase their work load in the processs.

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Nuvi 2460LMT 2 Units

Well, I've been around a

Well, I've been around a while. Not too active over the last couple of years, but I pop in enough to keep my account active and see what is new and interesting here.

I'm inclined to not have 5-year icons. Better to keep it based on contributions to the site rather than longevity. And yes, I'd be a 5 year member by about 6 weeks, according to my account info. Looks like I'm member 1768, but I was a lurker for a little while before I finally signed up.

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Rusty Myers Austin, TX Garmin eTrex Vista, Zumo 550

I think the key word is Active

...not merely longevity. It should be fairly easy to track who has actively participated over a 5 year period, say at least one post a week for 40 - 45 weeks out of the year, or some such number as Ms. POI & Co. think appropriate.

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Shooter N32 39 W97 25 VIA 1535TM, Lexus built-in, TomTom Go

I definitely could use

I definitely could use another badge for us who been around since the beginning of this great site.

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NickJr Nuvi 3597LMT

Cannot See The Point

Honestly I cannot see the point in an award for longevity. If anything, an award for quantity AND quality of posts would be more meaningful. As it is, you could post "Hello World" every day in a forum for five years and be rewarded. Some discussion forums I participate in have little vote or approval buttons that allow readers to send "kudos" or approval for the authors posting. Adding such a feature here and setting certain thresholds for the number of approvals would certainly be a better way to reward participants.

--
I support the right to keep and arm bears.

Are we in school

Aardvark wrote:

Honestly I cannot see the point in an award for longevity. If anything, an award for quantity AND quality of posts would be more meaningful. As it is, you could post "Hello World" every day in a forum for five years and be rewarded. Some discussion forums I participate in have little vote or approval buttons that allow readers to send "kudos" or approval for the authors posting. Adding such a feature here and setting certain thresholds for the number of approvals would certainly be a better way to reward participants.

I like the 5 year award, yes, I don't do software or any of the other stuff folks do here, but I have learn alot by being here and input my views as needed.

Being a member for 5 years in any forum is a long time and having a "5" is a nice way to say 'Thanks'.

--
Nuvi 50LM Nuvi 2555LM

Maybe

Aardvark wrote:

Some discussion forums I participate in have little vote or approval buttons that allow readers to send "kudos" or approval for the authors posting. Adding such a feature here and setting certain thresholds for the number of approvals would certainly be a better way to reward participants.

In theory, this may be good; but I've also seen it cause 'Hate and Discontent'. It can incite "You kiss my ---, I'll kiss yours"; i.e. I'll post an approval for you if you do for me.

In addition, unless the thresholds you're talking about is the maximum number of approvals one individual can make in a certain period of time, one can easily set up a program to create an 'unattended approval' every 5 seconds. During a discussion where a suggestion was made to give an award for the most downloaded POI, I set up such a program just to show the insignificance of such an award.

Where would you start such an award? Do you go back to 'day 1'? You can't start the approvals in the middle of the stream as only the 'Old Timers' know how much was contributed by the other 'Old Timers'. Are you aware of who discovered, and corrected, the reason for failed POI wraparounds on many nuvis? Are you aware of everyone who contributed software for this site? Do you know who created and maintains one of the most sought-after POIs on this site, the "Combined Rest Areas"? (Incidentally, he's about to turn 5).

And now you're creating another avenue to make a 'worthless' post to keep active ... just post an approval.

frainc wrote:

I like the 5 year award, yes, I don't do software or any of the other stuff folks do here, but I have learn alot by being here and input my views as needed.

Being a member for 5 years in any forum is a long time and having a "5" is a nice way to say 'Thanks'.

I agree. And I also agree it should be somewhat based on the degree of activity; but what will be the determining factor? I have 25 out of the last 26 weeks; and 5 out of the last 5 .... would this be enough?

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Getting closer

THE KING wrote:

Almost there.. wink

Right behind you

--
2597 Sometimes I wonder..."Why is that Frisbee getting bigger?"...and then, it hits me.

More thoughts ....

More questions ...

What criteria should be used to determine an 'active' member? What about when one posted upward of 50 posts a week when in the heat of activity; and then be lucky to make one-a-week post for a several weeks? Do you determine 'activity' by dividing the total number of posts by the total number of weeks of membership? Or do you go by the total number of weeks of posting?

And what about the threads that were removed because a member made a derogatory post and all of the posting by other members active in that thread were removed? How do you get those posts included? Then there was a thread that was removed because a member was attempting to peddle unauthorized 'pirated' software. How do you include these posts by the other members?

It appears to me that the only fair way is to give a '5 year' award for time served; but not issued, and not included in the '5 year' roster, until their first posting following their 5 year anniversary. And all who have already celebrated their 5 years and have since posted, should be given their award. What the h--; if it wasn't for the ones who contributed when this site started, active now or not, this site wouldn't be what it is today!

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Tossed around a year ago

This has been tossed around a year ago and oddly it became a little controversial:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/32536

recognize milestones like 100, 200 weeks of participation

JM wrote:

I think it would be nice to recognize long term participants on the site.

I'm leaning towards something based on total number of weeks with posting or file maintenance activity rather than just how long a user has been registered on the site.

Perhaps we can come up with some way of calculating "years of participation". Maybe something like (weeks with activity) / 52 ...

Or maybe recognize milestones like 100, 200 weeks of participation ...

Jonathan

Jon, recognizing milestones like 100, 200 weeks of participation sounds like a winner!
I did some poking around and found this:

http://drupal.org/project/achievements

--
Using Android Based GPS.The above post and my sig reflects my own opinions, expressed for the purpose of informing or inspiring, not commanding. Naturally, you are free to reject or embrace whatever you read.

If you have been a member 5

If you have been a member 5 years give them the badge.No strings attached. You will ony see it when they post any way.

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

I would say Charles has an awesome point

And I totally agree with him. As for "knowing" him - nope, we never met. I just agree with his point, and I am three years away from that Five Year milestone anyway smile

--
Ain't nuthin' never just right to do the things you wanna do when you wanna do them, so you best just go ahead and do them anyway ! (Rancid Crabtree, from Pat F McManus fame)

I agree

with Charles45

--
3790LMT; 2595LMT; 3590LMT, 60LMTHD

Why so Hard

charlesd45 wrote:

If you have been a member 5 years give them the badge.No strings attached. You will ony see it when they post any way.

Boy, this should be easy to do, why is some things so hard to do?

--
Nuvi 50LM Nuvi 2555LM

Another badge

I've owned a GPS for approximately three years and really enjoy tinkering with it and learning new things. The POI Factory has many very knowledgeable,dedicated members and as a result as others have said in previous comments the site wouldn't be what it is today without them.

At the POI Factory we have the general maintainer, POI contributor, software contributor, active member, contributor of the week and contributor of the year badge. Do we really need another one ? Maybe we should change the sites name to the Badge Factory. The reason I think we're all here is to talk and discuss topics relating about GPS.

There's other very successful informative GPS forums out there (GPS Review, GPS Passion etc) who don't issue recognition badges to their users. Their primary goal is discuss issues related to the GPS world, isn't that the reason why we're all here ?

I don't want to sound nor be disrespectful but I think the primary goal of stars or badges was intended for teachers in elementary schools to encourage young children to work hard.

Lastly lets all remember that everyone has a right to their opinion and whether we agree or disagree we must respect their views.

--
Nüvi 255WT with nüMaps Lifetime North America born on 602117815 / Nüvi 3597LMTHD born on 805972514 / I love Friday’s except when I’m on holidays ~ canuk

What an Idea

That's a great idea...a FIVE YEAR award. Consider it the equivalent of the hash marks worn by military and law enforcement personal. It signifies a milestone - time at the 'Factory', not achievements reached or awards earned.

For those of us who have contributed POI's we have the 'shield' token regardless of how long we are/were active; those who've contributed with programming, etc., also have tokens regardless of their 'active' status. I say ditto for the FIVE YEAR award - it should be for total time with the Factory; everybody will earn one eventually.

Mike

--
Freedom isn't free...thank you veterans! Heard about the tests to detect PANCREATIC CANCER? There aren't any! In Memoriam: #77 NYPD-SCA/Seattle Mike/Joe S./Vinny D./RTC!

Award

Hehehehe! Me too!

Newbie

Hmmmm, guess I'm a newbie with only 5 years and 6 weeks!

Temporary Badge

johnf wrote:

Hmmmm, guess I'm a newbie with only 5 years and 6 weeks!

For all of you youngsters with 5+ years, here is a temporary badge of Congratulations for your time spent here. Thanks for your contributions. cool

/─*─\
*(5)*
\*_*/

I'm not really the artistic type so Who can make a nicer badge from the keyboard?

--
Harley BOOM GTS, Zumo 665, (2) Nuvi 765Ts, 1450LMT, 1350LM & others | 2019 Harley Ultra Limited Shrine - Peace Officer Dark Blue

Badges

Or This One

GeoC320 wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqomZQMZQCQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lj056ao6GE

--
I support the right to keep and arm bears.

Because if you've been here 5 years and have 10,000 posts>>

frainc wrote:
charlesd45 wrote:

If you have been a member 5 years give them the badge.No strings attached. You will ony see it when they post any way.

Boy, this should be easy to do, why is some things so hard to do?

you are obviously more worthy than someone that's been here 5 years with only 2,000 posts...recognition, for some, is a zero sum game...if I have 5/10000 and you have 5/2000 and we get the same award my award means nothing :rollingeyes:

/sarcasm

--
"You can't get there from here"

5 Year Award

Lets keep it simple. If you have been registered for 5 years and still active, have a 5 year badge. I don't think we need a complicated formula.

Cheers

--
Wanted -Woman with GPS -send picture of GPS

5 yr member

TMK wrote:
frainc wrote:
charlesd45 wrote:

If you have been a member 5 years give them the badge.No strings attached. You will ony see it when they post any way.

Boy, this should be easy to do, why is some things so hard to do?

you are obviously more worthy than someone that's been here 5 years with only 2,000 posts...recognition, for some, is a zero sum game...if I have 5/10000 and you have 5/2000 and we get the same award my award means nothing :rollingeyes:

/sarcasm[/

Is it really a award or just something showing some one has been a member for five years?

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

"Time in Service", Not "Productivity"

canuk wrote:

I don't want to sound nor be disrespectful but I think the primary goal of stars or badges was intended for teachers in elementary schools to encourage young children to work hard.

Not totally true. Although teachers do use awards as incentives, awards are also used later in life with 'working hard' NOT being the 'primary goal'. Where I was employed for 35 years we received diamond pins (one diamond for each period of recognition), it had nothing to do with 'productivity' ... only 'longevity'! This also holds true in many clubs, organizations, and other activities. Even some churches recognize their 'elder' members, based only on time as members.

RT

--
"Internet: As Yogi Berra would say, "Don't believe 90% of what you read, and verify the other half."

Sounds right BUT>>>

Mike L. wrote:

That's a great idea...a FIVE YEAR award. Consider it the equivalent of the hash marks worn by military and law enforcement personal. It signifies a milestone - time at the 'Factory', not achievements reached or awards earned.

For those of us who have contributed POI's we have the 'shield' token regardless of how long we are/were active; those who've contributed with programming, etc., also have tokens regardless of their 'active' status. I say ditto for the FIVE YEAR award - it should be for total time with the Factory; everybody will earn one eventually.

Mike

can you really trust a Giants fan?? smile :)

--
"You can't get there from here"

probably not !

the last time I trusted a Giant's fan was back in the days when Y.A. Tittle was the quarterback.

Go Patriots ( a little louder please )

--
MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

Sure You Can

GO GIANTS!! grin grin grin

--
Tampa, FL - Garmin nüvi 660 (Software Ver 4.90), 2021.20 CN NA NT maps | Magellan Meridian Gold

Ok

Time for my 2 Cents again

GO NEW ENGLAND !!!!!! smile smile smile

--
johnm405 660 & MSS&T

Just did it !

Hit the 5 year mark as a member of this fine group !
5 years 2 days !
Think I have missed posting perhaps a total of 5 weeks in that time usually when we were on cruises.

Been a fun ride !!!!!!

wink

--
MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

congratulations

MrKenFL wrote:

Hit the 5 year mark as a member of this fine group !
5 years 2 days !
Think I have missed posting perhaps a total of 5 weeks in that time usually when we were on cruises.

Been a fun ride !!!!!!

wink

You been here a long time, congratulations .

--
Charlie. Nuvi 265 WT and Nuvi 2597 LMT. MapFactor Navigator - Offline Maps & GPS.

Should I worry

TMK wrote:

can you really trust a Giants fan?? smile :)

Got a trip to Worcester soon, should I black out my NY tags? wink

--
Freedom isn't free...thank you veterans! Heard about the tests to detect PANCREATIC CANCER? There aren't any! In Memoriam: #77 NYPD-SCA/Seattle Mike/Joe S./Vinny D./RTC!

Welcome to the CLub

MrKenFL wrote:

Hit the 5 year mark as a member of this fine group !
5 years 2 days !
Think I have missed posting perhaps a total of 5 weeks in that time usually when we were on cruises.

Been a fun ride !!!!!!

wink

smile

--
"You can't get there from here"

MrKenFL

Congratulations, Ken! Not only have you been a member for 5 years but you have also contributed, in my humble opinion, the single best POI file on the site. Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award for your longevity.

Golden Outhouse

spullis wrote:

...Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award...

Maybe we should make a special Golden Outhouse badge for MrKenFL smile

I like it!!

bwarden wrote:
spullis wrote:

...Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award...

Maybe we should make a special Golden Outhouse badge for MrKenFL smile

smile

Nice.

bwarden wrote:
spullis wrote:

...Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award...

Maybe we should make a special Golden Outhouse badge for MrKenFL smile

Maybe a golden "rack that has road maps and brochures for tourist attractions" would be more appropriate. I don't know what to call the rack, but you can find them in most rest stops. my description might be too complicated to implement though.

Sounds Great

GlobeTurtle wrote:
bwarden wrote:
spullis wrote:

...Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award...

Maybe we should make a special Golden Outhouse badge for MrKenFL smile

smile

I certainly would stand (or sit) out in my awards bar.

arrow cool idea

--
MrKenFL- "Money can't buy you happiness .. But it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery." NUVI 260, Nuvi 1490LMT & Nuvi 2595LMT all with 2014.4 maps !

Yea

MrKenFL wrote:
GlobeTurtle wrote:
bwarden wrote:
spullis wrote:

...Of course, I refer to the Combined Rest Areas file. You should absolutely get some sort of award...

Maybe we should make a special Golden Outhouse badge for MrKenFL smile

smile

I certainly would stand (or sit) out in my awards bar.

arrow cool idea

Excellent, I like it!

--
nightrider --Nuvi's 660 & 680--

A new top 10 poi files

A new top 10 poi files award, given to the owners and maintainers of those super files!

Rest areas
Red light cameras
Mcdonald's?
Low clearances
...
...
...
...

--
Nuvi 3790LMT, Nuvi 760 Lifetime map, Lifetime NavTraffic, Garmin E-Trex Legend Just because "Everyone" drives badly does not mean you have to.

5 Years is coming up for me too

4 years, 25 weeks

Badge for 5 year plus Members

Sounds like a good idea, we deserve to be in that
rank, plus we have been loyal throughout.

I think awards should be

I think awards should be given for accomplishment, not longevity & I have been here for over 5 years.

The folks who put together our collective POI's, which we all use, are the real heroes as far as I'm concerned.

Fred

I am working on it

I am working on being here for 5 years.
But, sometimes I just don't the days to go by too fast.
Not getting older just picking up speed.

--
Garmin Nuvi 765T, Garmin Drive 60LM

mid 90s

jmkthird wrote:
kmo wrote:
HerbSch wrote:

I didn't know what a gps was 5 years ago. lol.

Me neither. LOL smile A Good one.

as it is now, but much cheaper!

I have been using a handheld GPS since sometime in the mid 90s and have been using a car GPS since 2001.

--
Anytime you have a 50-50 chance of getting something right, there's a 90% probability you'll get it wrong.

Great site

It has been 4 years 51 weeks for me. Sure is a long time and I have appreciated all the postings throughout the years. I recommend the site to anyone with a gps.

I am now.....

6 years and 1 day, so I'm in !!!!!

--
RKF (Brookeville, MD) Garmin Nuvi 660, 360 & Street Pilot

5 years

i have 4 years 40 weeks

--
nuvi 2757LM-65LM-65LM
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