User experience/knowledge level in posts...

[b2bwild]

I don't think a 'Thank You' system is anything we really need here.

Even I think, because its really not going to help that much. its not good idea to give power of rating directly in user's hands.

While getting rank by mods/admins is better..
I read about the "trusted penguine" thing, but i never saw one.

[Dapper Dan]

I think the number of posts is also very telling. It isn't so much an indication of a member's ability to help as it is their desire and willingness to help and how long they've been doing it. This is why devils casper, ozar and techieMoe (to name but three) have so many. They have dedicated themselves to helping others here for a long time now. As techieMoe intimated a while back... I'd rather have someone with average knowledge who is willing to help over a "know-it-all" who grudgingly helps any day.

[jayd512]

While getting rank by mods/admins is better..

I see where you're coming from here, but I can't say I agree 100%. I'm not as active as I would like to be right now, but when I try to toss in some advise I really just want to know that I'm giving a little something back to those that tried to help me. That's really the only rating or score that matters.

[dijetlo]

I never thought I'd say this, but sometimes when I'm trying to help someone, I really miss this conversation...
"Reboot the machine."
" But the printer doesn't work."
" Then reboot the printer while you're at it."
Oh...those were simpler times.
If I may ask, what's the protocol? If you think you can be helpful should you post a response to the question? Should you be sure? Is there some minimum level of research a responder should perform before he opens his mouth and tells someone "just hit it with a hammer...but not too hard."

[bigtomrodney]

a response to the question? Should you be sure? Is there some minimum level of research a responder should perform before he opens his mouth and tells someone "just hit it with a hammer...but not too hard."

I like to think that while we are here in a technical forum, it's also a community forum. Throw in your two cents if you think you can help. Hell, they are already at a loss if they're posting so you might have enough to get them to where they need to be.