How important is a forum member title?

[Peterexpatkiwi]

By forum titles I mean those that appear underneath our avatars : Newcomer, Active member, Veteran etc .

Some of course have their titles thrust upon them by the nature of their role: Moderator and Administrator.

Others are smart enough to choose them for themselves: Pilgrim, Camino Tortuga etc.

For the rest of us however it appears that we start as 'new' members, graduate to 'active' and eventually become 'veterans'.

And these artificial labels have nothing to do with how much camino experience we actually have or even how long we have been members, but rather how active we are on the forum.

I for example have been on the forum for less than two years, and yet because of the prolific nature of my posts I am a 'veteran'. Others who have been on here for 10 years or more but seldom posted, or who have already walked multiple caminos but only recently joined the forum, are still labelled 'newcomers' or at best 'active' members.

Worse still it is possible to become a 'veteran' without ever having walked the Camino.

Why am I even raising this, and is this is important?

Because when I first started reading the forum I was prone to give more weight to answers from 'veterans' as opposed to 'newcomers', especially when their opinions conflicted. Whilst some will be smart enough not to do this, I suspect that many will.

Perhaps (with the exception of official titles) the labeling system should be eliminated and we should all just become a 'member' ?

Or am I just making much out of nothing.

 

[CWBuff]

That is a common practice on many public forums and as noted it goes by the number of posts one makes on said forums.
So with 1 post you are a newcomer to THE FORUM and with 1K - a veteran of the same.
How can a webmaster determine how many Caminos you walked? Some folks don't provide that info at all or simply state: too many to mention...

 

[CarolamS]

How interesting, I wondered how the veteran title was applied. I might view it a little more cautiously in future...assuming I've noticed it in the first place

To be honest the content of the post is what's important and if you read a lot of posts you get used to who you always read, who you usually read and who you usually avoid Otherwise my content reading is time/topic dependent. I can't read everything, I'm much too slow a reader.

 

[SabsP]

How interesting, I wondered how the veteran title was applied. I might view it a little more cautiously in future...assuming I've noticed it in the first place

To be honest the content of the post is what's important and if you read a lot of posts you get used to who you always read, who you usually read and who you usually avoid Otherwise my content reading is time/topic dependent. I can't read everything, I'm much too slow a reader.

Exactly! Some of my favourite forummembers do not post that often but when they do it is always informative, interesting, written with mildness and to the point. I never notice what status they have.

 

[CWBuff]

Some of my favourite forummembers do not post that often....

....sigh...... so much for my status....

 

[Kirkie]

I discovered I have an antipathy to the word veteran. Absolutely irrational. I will not be labelled that under any circumstance. I do not see it has any relevance on this forum. You, whoever you are, can disagree with me. I will not reply.
I need to check if I can ignore myself.

 

[David]

Had never really thought about it, though have always disliked being described as a 'veteran' (not having served).
I do check the 'past or future camino' below the photos sometimes .. to see if they are experienced pilgrims, when they post something informative.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

That is a common practice on many public forums and as noted it goes by the number of posts one makes on said forums.
So with 1 post you are a newcomer to THE FORUM and with 1K - a veteran of the same.
How can a webmaster determine how many Caminos you walked? Some folks don't provide that info at all or simply state: too many to mention...

Not being a member of any other forums I wasn't aware of that.

The only other forum I occasionally read - (which I have yet to become a member of) appears to utilise the same platform as the Camino forum. For example I was just looking at this thread:

Thread 'iphone versus satellite communicators' https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?threads/iphone-versus-satellite-communicators.13860/

Not one of the forum members is listed as a veteran, rather the titles reflect the type of walking they do - for example Thru hiker, Day walker, Ultralighter and Summit camper. Without signing up I have no idea as to whether or not these are chosen from a list or self-assigned.

 

[Tincatinker]

Not being a member of any other forums I wasn't aware of that.

The only other forum I occasionally read - (which I have yet to become a member of) appears to utilise the same platform as the Camino forum. For example I was just looking at this thread:

Thread 'iphone versus satellite communicators' https://www.trek-lite.com/index.php?threads/iphone-versus-satellite-communicators.13860/

Not one of the forum members is listed as a veteran, rather the titles reflect the type of walking they do - for example Thru hiker, Day walker, Ultralighter and Summit camper. Without signing up I have no idea as to whether or not these are chosen from a list or self-assigned.

Possibly they have self-edited their “title”. As I seem to have succeeded in doing

 

[Molly Cassidy]

The admin on the forum can change the labels to anything they want - at least that was the case on a forum I created. I can set both the titles and the number of posts required to reach each tier.

It sounds like the other forum you mention allows users to choose their own title.

 

[Bradypus]

It sounds like the other forum you mention allows users to choose their own title.

This forum also allows that. If someone is dissatisfied with their title then they are free to change it.

 

[Molly Cassidy]

This forum also allows that. If someone is dissatisfied with their title then they are free to change it.

Yes, I've actually already done that.

 

[Dani7]

Perhaps (with the exception of official titles) the labeling system should be eliminated and we should all just become a 'member' ?

to answer your question: « is it important »…to add my 2 cents worth…not to me.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

This forum also allows that. If someone is dissatisfied with their title then they are free to change it.

Click your avatar up on the top of the page and then Account Details.

 

[trecile]

I wonder if the forum software permits new members to choose from a list of title options when they sign up. Definitely a question for @ivar.

 

[Kirkie]

It is actually easy to choose your own descriptor.

 

[CarolamS]

It is actually easy to choose your own descriptor.

I couldn't do it on my phone but it was very easy on my laptop.

 

[Turga]

Seems we are once again moving into ”cucumber-time” – directly translated from a phrase we use where I come from to denote a period, where there is really no interesting news to occupy the public media. But that's fine, it is very relaxing

 

[dougfitz]

Perhaps (with the exception of official titles) the labeling system should be eliminated and we should all just become a 'member' ?

I personally don't think that you have made a case for such a change. But seeing that you have found it confusing, it might be useful to expand the explanation already contained in this thread to explain that if you don't use the Custom title entry in your profile, a title will be allocated automatically, and what the various titles mean (in number of posts if that is the sole criteria).

ps I know that most people jump straight into a forum like this, and don't always read the About pages. That shouldn't stop us having useful information in there or the FAQ area that members can be referred to when such matters arise. I must admit to not going there frequently myself, but having just done so, it appears to me that the moderators have maintained some discipline in not allowing the FAQ entries to get out of hand.

 

[SabsP]

Seems we are once again moving into ”cucumber-time” – directly translated from a phrase we use where I come from to denote a period, where there is really no interesting news to occupy the public media. But that's fine, it is very relaxing

Komkommer here! And to prove it I just searched the different translations. Nice!

Komkommertijd - Wikipedia

nl.wikipedia.org

Spanish : serpiente de verano. Can be handy on the Camino.

Serpiente de verano - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

es.wikipedia.org

 

[francesbe]

Ha, I was noting (with annoyance) yesterday that I am still a "new member." I mean, I'm not claiming veteran status, but I don't feel like a rookie. (EDIT: I changed it! Now I am just a member.)

 

[CTLawGal]

By forum titles I mean those that appear underneath our avatars : Newcomer, Active member, Veteran etc .

Some of course have their titles thrust upon them by the nature of their role: Moderator and Administrator.

Others are smart enough to choose them for themselves: Pilgrim, Camino Tortuga etc.

For the rest of us however it appears that we start as 'new' members, graduate to 'active' and eventually become 'veterans'.

And these artificial labels have nothing to do with how much camino experience we actually have or even how long we have been members, but rather how active we are on the forum.

I for example have been on the forum for less than two years, and yet because of the prolific nature of my posts I am a 'veteran'. Others who have been on here for 10 years or more but seldom posted, or who have already walked multiple caminos but only recently joined the forum, are still labelled 'newcomers' or at best 'active' members.

Worse still it is possible to become a 'veteran' without ever having walked the Camino.

Why am I even raising this, and is this is important?

Because when I first started reading the forum I was prone to give more weight to answers from 'veterans' as opposed to 'newcomers', especially when their opinions conflicted. Whilst some will be smart enough not to do this, I suspect that many will.

Perhaps (with the exception of official titles) the labeling system should be eliminated and we should all just become a 'member' ?

Or am I just making much out of nothing.

Have to admit I didn't really notice the titles and since this is the only forum I participate in, I didn't realize they reflected the number of messages. I'm now paying more attention and wondering what I could change mine to, ha! Anyway, although we joined nearly the same time, you've posted nearly 10x as much as I have, and here I thought I was fairly active - I'll have to really up my game if I'm ever going to get to "veteran". hahaha!

 

[dougfitz]

Ha, I was noting (with annoyance) yesterday that I am still a "new member." I mean, I'm not claiming veteran status, but I don't feel like a rookie. (EDIT: I changed it! Now I am just a member.)

I can understand your frustration. Right now I am engaged in a conversation with another member who has reached Active member status. They have never walked or ridden any of the Camino de Santiago routes, but pontificate on various matters nonetheless. I know that I don't normally pay much attention to this, but look at what members have done where they post that in their profile if I don't know them well enough to have a feel for whether their contributions are worth reading or not. Some people quickly establish a reputation for having points of view that will be interesting to discuss.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I wonder if the forum software permits new members to choose from a list of title options when they sign up. Definitely a question for @ivar.

Actually I almost PM'd him (and yourself) on this but felt that it wasn't that important, I was however curious enough to see what others thought.
As @Turga say's, it's cucumber time

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I’ve opted to eschew traditional titles and just explain how I’m experiencing the Camino. It provides more info than the default options.

 

[davejsy]

Well quite a valid point you make @Peterexpatkiwi that some people may give more credence to a post from someone showing as a veteran member, but I'm not sure of the solution.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Well quite a valid point you make @Peterexpatkiwi that some people may give more credence to a post from someone showing as a veteran member, but I'm not sure of the solution.

And to make things worse a terrible post from a Newcomer can be seen as coming from a Veteran Member in a few years time after the member has walked many caminos and is very experienced.

 

[Flog]

Or am I just making much out of nothing.

Yes, perhaps.. If you don't like what you have, just change it.

This forum also allows that. If someone is dissatisfied with their title then they are free to change it.

Exactly

But.. you can't get rid of 'Donating Member' .. I found it distasteful and hierarchical and asked for it to be removed from my status when I briefly donated some time ago. It apparently couldn't be removed until my subscription ran out...

..and so it did, it ran out quick.

 

[CWBuff]

Had never really thought about it, though have always disliked being described as a 'veteran' (not having served).

When I came to US I was somewhat surprised at the usage, basically meaning a person who served (period).
In my mind to be called a "veteran" you had to be in the combat.
not saying that I am right (or wrong) just my perception at the time.

 

[CWBuff]

Ha, I was noting (with annoyance) yesterday that I am still a "new member." I mean, I'm not claiming veteran status, but I don't feel like a rookie. (EDIT: I changed it! Now I am just a member.)

You're too modest. I would've gone for "SUPER MEMBER"!
No it has nothing to do with Rose DeWitt's Titanic reference

I’ve opted to eschew traditional titles and just explain a bit about how I’m experiencing the Camino. It provides more info than the default options.

Hmmmm... now I wonder which Bits and Pieces I walked with yesterday

 

[Chenahusky]

I love the Camino and this forum, hence Happy Pilgrim.

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

I joined the forum back in 2016, but in a fit of frustration last year (over a contentious thread that went off the rails about how busy the camino was, or wasn't) I had Ivar delete my account. Hence my "not a new member" tag.

Like the camino I guess I can't quit this place, but I have taken long breaks.

 

[David]

This forum also allows that. If someone is dissatisfied with their title then they are free to change it.

I didn't know that!! Thanks. Have now altered mine - Hurrah (etc)

 

[CWBuff]

OH LAWD! We created new monsters.......

 

[Flog]

OH LAWD! We created new monsters.......

Yep

 

[steve392]

Or am I just making much out of nothing.

Yes. I honestly think this is a case of overthinking something that really doesn't matter.

 

[Barbara]

Yes. I honestly think this is a case of overthinking something that really doesn't matter.

There's a lot of it about. Segue into discussion on brand of walking poles, price of coffee, colour of crocs.....etc.

 

[Robo]

Most Forum software has 'levels' that members reach.
These are as far as I know, always based on how many posts they make.
The idea being, that it encourages members to post more, so as not be be titled a Newbie or whatever.

The different levels, often also include different forum privileges.
Again an incentive to post more.
These are just standard features of most Forum software.

Do the levels/titles mean anything in reality?
Not really. You can change it. I just did.

I ran a Forum for a few years.
(business related)
It was a nightmare!

Well done @ivar and the Mods!

 

[Lindsay53]

I am thinking of 'Supreme Overlord' or something similar....Too much?

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I think it's worth noting that quite a lot of questions do not require having walked a camino to answer. They are questions about how to catch a bus, buy a phone sim or send a parcel.

 

[Camineiro]

Seems we are once again moving into ”cucumber-time” – directly translated from a phrase we use where I come from to denote a period, where there is really no interesting news to occupy the public media. But that's fine, it is very relaxing

In Germany we call it - similar to Denmark - "Sauregurken Zeit" which, translated word by word means "sour cucumber time".
Used as an expression in english language it will mostly match with dead season, silly season or slack season.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I am thinking of 'Supreme Overlord' or something similar....Too much?

Surely that should be reserved for Ivar ….

 

[dougfitz]

I think it's worth noting that quite a lot of questions do not require having walked a camino to answer. They are questions about how to catch a bus, buy a phone sim or send a parcel.

So true. I tend to ignore these, as I don't think I have any special qualifications to provide a response other than perhaps to share my own experience where doing these things is a little different from what happens in my home country. That and what seems like vast numbers of people who need help planning travel from their home town to where they plan to start their camino and then home again. I sometimes think we are at risk of doing respectable, hard-working travel agents out of a job. I sometimes wonder if we need to have a special emoji that sits on our avatar as soon as we ask these, but I remind myself that (a) we were all new once, and feeling ourselves around this wonderful world of religious pilgrimage with a little trepidation, and (b) the forum is fundamentally egalitarian, and we each contribute with equal standing, albeit some of us have the benefits of having walked or ridden at least once and often many times and possibly on many different pilgrimage routes.

To that extent, I am more interested in someone's experience - where they have walked, and when - rather than a title generated by the number of posts they have made.

 

[caminka]

By forum titles I mean those that appear underneath our avatars : Newcomer, Active member, Veteran etc .

Some of course have their titles thrust upon them by the nature of their role: Moderator and Administrator.

Others are smart enough to choose them for themselves: Pilgrim, Camino Tortuga etc.

For the rest of us however it appears that we start as 'new' members, graduate to 'active' and eventually become 'veterans'.

And these artificial labels have nothing to do with how much camino experience we actually have or even how long we have been members, but rather how active we are on the forum.

I for example have been on the forum for less than two years, and yet because of the prolific nature of my posts I am a 'veteran'. Others who have been on here for 10 years or more but seldom posted, or who have already walked multiple caminos but only recently joined the forum, are still labelled 'newcomers' or at best 'active' members.

Worse still it is possible to become a 'veteran' without ever having walked the Camino.

Why am I even raising this, and is this is important?

Because when I first started reading the forum I was prone to give more weight to answers from 'veterans' as opposed to 'newcomers', especially when their opinions conflicted. Whilst some will be smart enough not to do this, I suspect that many will.

Perhaps (with the exception of official titles) the labeling system should be eliminated and we should all just become a 'member' ?

Or am I just making much out of nothing.

huh. I thought me being a member of the forum for 10+ years is what 'awarded' me a 'veteran' status earlier this year (I think). but I apparently reached the quota of posts to do so. I was a bit bumped learning that and since I also learned that I can change the title (which, I confess, never bothered to check before) I changed it to more accurately reflect my situation. totally innocent. I promise.