I feel a bit guilty, as I am a source, and IU haven't been very active recently. I had my 80th birthday in June, and now that I have hit middle age, I have been reassessing quite a few things in my life. I still believe that Bitcoin is the only virtual money/asset that has a hard value, but very few people seem to accept that. Maybe I should be more active, and promote that view here in Bitcoin Talk. I'd also like to see more discussions about the broader economic issues in the world.
I'm now committed to a nomadic lifestyle, and I want to start mining Bitcoin in a van with solar power. I haven't checked to see if this topic has been addressed here, but it must be one for the future.
Many apologies for my absence over the last few months.
Topic: Does the forum need more merit sources? (Read 387 times)
I think we need more merit sources to replace those who are inactive or those who are still active on the forum but have decided not to continue with their merit source tasks. But even more than that, we need an increase in new forum users who would be willing to start from scratch and slowly build their profiles and forum reputation. While we can solve the merit source problem, how do we solve a lack of interest in Bitcointalk?
I don't know whether nowadays any user can get a single call (via DM) from theymos and become a merit source. It happened in early days (weeks) after the merit system kick-off. I guess this line is off already!
I never applied to become a merit source and yet here I am. I am pretty sure that several other people never applied for the role the last time theymos brought in some new sources. 
There were cases like that year ago when theymos introduced merit sources, members becoming merit sources without even applying so I guess it is still possible.
It should be around that time but I did not have time to check it. I just remembered that is like a user who does not have too many earned merit, not impressive and I did not know about that user before Coin-1 wrote that it is likely a new merit source.You can check post after this one to find a likely most recently added new merit source(s).
I don't know exactly what the situation is with other local boards, but on the Croatian local board we had a situation for a long time where we had a lot of quality posts but few merit sources.
I also noticed, this happened on my local Indonesian board. Indonesian local board has several merit source (3 users or more) but the merit statistics are not much when compared to some other local board which have a number of active users that is not much different from the Indonesian local board. Some of the reasons I know of is the quality of posts that may not meet the standards expected by merit sources or other users, this affects the number of merits distributed there each month.This situation seems to have been discussed often enough that @AakZaki and @skarais who are two of our local users submitted their applications so far. If there is an additional merit source on local boards, then I believe we can see a lot of users getting motivated to make quality posts especially for low ranking users.
Merit Source Aplication - AakZaki
skarais - Merit Source Aplication
And that merit sources, in that kind of threads, when someone is missing for example 30 merits to rank up, if they see that he is a decent poster they give them to him right away.
I was thinking of (hypothetical) users who need say 400 more Merit to rank up.That hypothetical scenario looks almost as an oxymoron to me.
Someone who needs 400 merits to rank up would already have the Hero level, so he would have been noticed by the merit sources. The only exception to this would be if he had obtained his first 500 merits airdropped, which I don't know if anyonef got so many merits airdropped.
Short of 400, the only example I can think of of someone being a constructive poster and not getting enough merit is writing alone on a local board where there is no merit source.
But otherwise I don't think more merit sources are needed and I even think some of the current ones have too high an allocation of smerits, because they never give a merit alone. I have seen a minimum of 4 merits per post merited in many merit sources.
In the end if there are more merit sources, and if many give a minimum of 4 merits per post to finish their monthly merit allocation, what you end up with is merit inflation, which is precisely what Bitcoin avoids, inflation.
Giving merits has a component of subjectivity, but the minimum to be given should be one. The fact that there are several merit sources that never give a merit per post indicates inflation.
The forum could always do with more reliable merit sources for better distribution of merit, even if it means each merit source get's slightly less each month because there are more sources.
All the best for your application, hopefully you'll get approved soon enough
Personally I think this is a complete oversimplification and only considers the 1 variable of X merit sources and not X amount of merit that is distributed.
If users were ranking up too quickly, I'd still be in favour or more merit sources for broader distribution of merit, just with less merit being distributed...
All the best for your application, hopefully you'll get approved soon enough
The question whether or not we need more Merit sources basically comes down to: "Do we think users rank up fast enough?"
Personally I think this is a complete oversimplification and only considers the 1 variable of X merit sources and not X amount of merit that is distributed.
If users were ranking up too quickly, I'd still be in favour or more merit sources for broader distribution of merit, just with less merit being distributed...
I would say YES especially when I look at the distribution merit local board. Need to add some merit source in local board or maybe some other board especially if local board or other board is quite active with lots of posts every month. Even if theymos doesn't want to add merit source, then I expect existing merit source to get more allocations every month.
Merit shared per local board during July 2022
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I don't know exactly what the situation is with other local boards, but on the Croatian local board we had a situation for a long time where we had a lot of quality posts but few merit sources.
In the meantime, the situation has changed and we have got new merit sources, but the number of active members has decreased.
I believe that theymos knows the merit statistics very well and will add new merit sources at the right time.
I think it is especially important that each local board on this forum has enough merit sources, due to language restrictions.
This is true from one perspective and can be wholy acceptable if the only reason for merit is for rank up. For instance you are the most merited in the forum and yet you receive more merits, that is because every post you drop is quality. It therefore means that at the abundance of merit sources, merits would tend to flow to a certain group of people (the quality posters).
I don't need more Merit from more Merit sources, but I'm pretty sure it will happen if there are more. So my assumption is the "ratio" of Merit distribution to users stays the same, that's why I looked at the end of users who still need to rank up.But isn't that the main purpose of merit, to stop shitposters from ever reaching higher ranks? So if decent and above members have no issues of ranking up, there is enough merit going around.
Exactly. Unfortunately, I don't have data on this (and it's kinda subjective).And that merit sources, in that kind of threads, when someone is missing for example 30 merits to rank up, if they see that he is a decent poster they give them to him right away.
I was thinking of (hypothetical) users who need say 400 more Merit to rank up. The question whether or not we need more Merit sources basically comes down to: "Do we think users rank up fast enough?",
I think so.
or better: "Are there users left out from ranking up even though they shouldn't be?".
If there are, they will be few and because they post too much on boards where they are not usually given as much merit as the gambling board.
But come on, people who make a decent contribution to the forum and do not rank up seem to me that there will be few. Even more if we take into account that there are specific threads like yours:
Report unmerited good posts to Merit Source
And that merit sources, in that kind of threads, when someone is missing for example 30 merits to rank up, if they see that he is a decent poster they give them to him right away.
This is true from one perspective and can be wholy acceptable if the only reason for merit is for rank up.
But isn't that the main purpose of merit, to stop shitposters from ever reaching higher ranks? So if decent and above members have no issues of ranking up, there is enough merit going around. Having said that, I do think that certain parts of forum are still undermerited and could use couple of more merit sources. 
The question whether or not we need more Merit sources basically comes down to: "Do we think users rank up fast enough?", or better: "Are there users left out from ranking up even though they shouldn't be?".
I think this is much more important than the total Merit distribution.
This is true from one perspective and can be wholy acceptable if the only reason for merit is for rank up. For instance you are the most merited in the forum and yet you receive more merits, that is because every post you drop is quality. It therefore means that at the abundance of merit sources, merits would tend to flow to a certain group of people (the quality posters). That is why my emphasis is on how willing is the sender of merits to hand it out, because if all merit sources maximise their spending, obviously there would be increased rank up.
If I were theymos, I wouldn't make the merit status permanent or semi permanent, I would be rotating it for unserious merit sources, while those that spend all available smerits and even ask for more would remain and even have larger allocations.
That has happened, at some point all Merit sources got a new amount based on their Merit distribution: if they sent a lot, they got a lot more. If they were inactive, they got less or were removed.The question whether or not we need more Merit sources basically comes down to: "Do we think users rank up fast enough?", or better: "Are there users left out from ranking up even though they shouldn't be?".
I think this is much more important than the total Merit distribution.
So, does the forum need more merit sources? Shall I reopen my application or it's not needed at the moment.
There is nothing bad to reopen your merit source application, if you voluntarily want to render the help to be a merit source, you can always let theymos know that. Few people, including me applied for merit source, mine was September last year, that was almost a year ago, I applied not long after theymos made some people merit source, ever since that time, theymos did not make anyone of us a merit source. That means merit source is not needed for now.
If you check the merit distributed monthly, it is more than before new merits source were added while inactive ones were removed, I do not think merit source is needed for now, but it would be good if theymos also make those that voluntarily applied for merit source to be merit sources. If they are worthy of it, the more merit source we have, the better would be merit distribution.
We don't have a local board (only a thread) and it hurts there's no merit source and most of the times, quality post don't get enough merit.
Do you have any other merit source application beside the ? Considering the fact that he wrote less than 10 posts this year I don't think that theymos will make him a merit source any time soon. Imho you would have far better chances than him.I don't know whether nowadays any user can get a single call (via DM) from theymos and become a merit source. It happened in early days (weeks) after the merit system kick-off. I guess this line is off already!
I wonder when was the last time any member become a merit source
More than 1 year ago. Not public officially but you can find it.The last time with many new merit sources but it is not the last time a new merit source added as I know. You can check post after this one to find a likely most recently added new merit source(s).
You can follow up more merit source application there
I would say YES especially when I look at the distribution merit local board. Need to add some merit source in local board or maybe some other board especially if local board or other board is quite active with lots of posts every month. Even if theymos doesn't want to add merit source, then I expect existing merit source to get more allocations every month.
Merit shared per local board during July 2022
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-snip-
Depends on which board you are actively distributing merits. If you are active in global board, I don't think it's needed anymore (at least theymos would consider if needed more) but if it's for any local board which doesn’t have enough merit sources, I think you should go for it. We don't have a local board (only a thread) and it hurts there's no merit source and most of the times, quality post don't get enough merit.
Same here. We have a local thread Other languages/locations (Moderator: Cyrus) > Pakistan where there are good quality discussions but do not have any local merit source.
Also Irfan_pak10's Merit source RE-application also remains unaddressed.
I wonder when was the last time any member become a merit source (if this information is publically available )
More merit sources=more eyeballs on posts, so it's a pretty simple equation.
Nowadays, it seems users have to apply for merit sources and bump their applications many times to be approved.I don't know whether nowadays any user can get a single call (via DM) from theymos and become a merit source. It happened in early days (weeks) after the merit system kick-off. I guess this line is off already!
I don't think there's an issue with having too many merit sources (ever).
As long as established members want to be merit sources, they should be allowed to become them if their quality post detection is up to scratch imo. Merit sources on probation or additional airdrops for those who've used the majority of their smerit might be another way to go though too.
Ps. Bumping the merit source application isn't going to hurt.
As long as established members want to be merit sources, they should be allowed to become them if their quality post detection is up to scratch imo. Merit sources on probation or additional airdrops for those who've used the majority of their smerit might be another way to go though too.
Ps. Bumping the merit source application isn't going to hurt
. 
I think we need more merit sources
This says
That, an average of 308 Merits sent per merit source every 30 days, which is about 10 per day if all of them were active, but we all know not all of them are active.
I am pretty sure the list has over a dozen inactive merit sources by now
This says
There are 110 merit sources with a total merit generation of up to 33989 sMerit per 30 days
That, an average of 308 Merits sent per merit source every 30 days, which is about 10 per day if all of them were active, but we all know not all of them are active.
I am pretty sure the list has over a dozen inactive merit sources by now
Does the forum need more merit sources?
I would love to be more active here
I would love to be more active here
I have conflicting answer to your question.
We do not need more merit sources if only the current merit sources would distribute merits effectively. I know they aren't paid for it but I am sure majority of the merit sources whose allocations are high doesn't exhaust their smerits within 30days. Some aren't regular and some doesn't care much about their status as merit source.
If all merit sources would be like the ones that create threads to issue merits, the ones that follow up the created threads, the ones that spray merits across every month and the one that offer post reviews via pm, there won't be need for more merit sources.
If I were theymos, I wouldn't make the merit status permanent or semi permanent, I would be rotating it for unserious merit sources, while those that spend all available smerits and even ask for more would remain and even have larger allocations.
So, does the forum need more merit sources? Shall I reopen my application or it's not needed at the moment.
In the poll, I chose the answer - "yes". It seems to me that it would not be superfluous to add at least one more merit source as a replacement for Ratimov (since he temporarily relieved himself of these duties), which will be fair. There was one less, which means that this vacancy can be filled. Discussion of such changes is best done together with the entire community and I would like as many forum members as possible to vote and express their opinion. The manifestation of their active position will allow to influence the decision-making by the administration of the forum, which, I hope, will take into account the wishes of those who voted.
I would love to be more active here
If you want more activity (I doubt that's what you meant) and create a topic with a poll about the need to increase merit sources, then maybe you should try your hand as merit source? Of course, if you are ready to devote time and effort to this for a long time and don't abandon it in a couple of months under some pretext. Would you like to take on the duties of a merit source? 
The fact that we see people complaining of merit and we still get users referring posts that needs to be merited on LoyceV's thread for unmerited posts menas yes. Some merit sources are inactive, a few are more focused on there locale while others do there best to be all about on the forum. With the great number of users on the posts, it wouldn't hurt to have a few more merit source.
And if I may suggest, should the available merit sources be viewed to be so much and a balancing is required,
As opposed to the usual reduction in allocation, "A monthly review of merit sources just as its done in the weekly DT reviews could be done".
Possibly considering there inactivity for a period coupled with the amounts of awarded smerits and the merits that where actually sent out.
Perhaps after this, applications could be considered.
@TheBeardedBaby, should your reopening of application mean bumping it, ofcourse you should if you feel its been long enough.
And if I may suggest, should the available merit sources be viewed to be so much and a balancing is required,
As opposed to the usual reduction in allocation, "A monthly review of merit sources just as its done in the weekly DT reviews could be done".
Possibly considering there inactivity for a period coupled with the amounts of awarded smerits and the merits that where actually sent out.
Perhaps after this, applications could be considered.
@TheBeardedBaby, should your reopening of application mean bumping it, ofcourse you should if you feel its been long enough.
Yes, and I've been saying that for a long time now. OP, I'd do what LoyceV said and keep bumping your application now and then, because unless Theymos has plans to let the merit system just die off quietly he's got to replace any merit sources that become inactive (which they're eventually going to do given enough time).
Just from my post history review offer and the recent thread I started about it, I can tell you that there are plenty of decent posts going unmerited and plenty of members who really should be ranking up but who aren't because they aren't earning enough merits. More merit sources=more eyeballs on posts, so it's a pretty simple equation.
And Theymos, I need more sMerits!!
Just from my post history review offer and the recent thread I started about it, I can tell you that there are plenty of decent posts going unmerited and plenty of members who really should be ranking up but who aren't because they aren't earning enough merits. More merit sources=more eyeballs on posts, so it's a pretty simple equation.
And Theymos, I need more sMerits!!
Shall I reopen my application or it's not needed at the moment.
Just keep bumping it until it gets approved 
Well if Theymos hasn't selected MS's in a while, prolly he doesn't think the forum is lacking in the aspect of merit distribution, there have been quite a lot of user's who have applied in the past years, and they have all been made to wait in the pipeline, but Thyemos isn't doing anything about their applications just yet. Having said that, imo, i think merit distribution is going on pretty well, the forum isn't lacking in that respect, i mean, when last did we get to see a thread in meta were a user complains about that, it has been pretty long, we used to see that frequently in the past. Well, i don't think there can be any such thing as too much MS's, so we might do with a few more, they'd still be ranking up constructive and quality posters, so it is a win-win for us all.
I would love to be more active here
You can do that without being a MS. legendary
Activity: 2156
Merit: 2100
Marketing Campaign Manager |Telegram ID- @LT_Mouse
Depends on which board you are actively distributing merits. If you are active in global board, I don't think it's needed anymore (at least theymos would consider if needed more) but if it's for any local board which doesn’t have enough merit sources, I think you should go for it. We don't have a local board (only a thread) and it hurts there's no merit source and most of the times, quality post don't get enough merit.
What criteria do you feel a merit source needs to have?
So, does the forum need more merit sources? Shall I reopen my application or it's not needed at the moment.
I would love to be more active here
I would love to be more active here
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