... now, about those "Badges"

[iam1butterfly]

Okay... so, what do you all think about those badges (stars) that have been assigned next to our user name(s)?

[margypops]

nope I dont like them, I dont think we need to compete my ego is doing okay

[swampcritter]

Look no further, friends, Medhelp social is a badge free zone.

[April2]

I don't like it at all! I think it's distracting to see all those yellow stars next to people's names. I just want to see their names! Besides, what will happen if people join a whole bunch of forums or make a whole bunch of posts on different forums? Will they then have 20 plus stars by their names? When will it end?
I can't believe people would actually compete to try to get more stars but I suppose there's that thought.
I just don't think they're necessary in my humble opinion. It just adds more distraction than anything else.  Again, just my opinion, but you asked, lol, and I'm being honest, I don't like them!

[zodiacqueen]

Well, I like them.  It's nice to get a "thank you" from MH,   Unfortunately, many posters are very rude and can't be bothered to say those 2 simple words, when you've gone above and beyond to help them.

[jenkaye21]

I can see where it might be helpful to someone who posts a question for the first time, to have an idea of who is responding to them.  To me, they don't really mean anything.   I know who the "regulars" are, and I know whose opinions I value. = )

[April2]

You know, I didn't look at it like that. I can see that MH was trying to do something nice for us. I do appreciate that but it does still feel a bit "busy" and distracting to me.

[Cherie762]

Perhaps the stars are not needed but pulling up the top answers to top of forum lets us know what we are doing right!!!

[twehner5]

What stars?  I've never even seen them....and for once on MH, I'm not making a joke!

[Jade59]

Twehner5...you don't see the stars and I can't see where it says to vote.  Been trying all day.  Someone even told me how and I just don't see it.  Even went on DH's laptop thinking it was my system, but I simply do not see this option! :(

You won't see the stars here on the social forum.  They don't show up on certain forums for some reason.  Go on your Weight Loss and Dieting forum, then you'll see them :)

[ILADVOCATE]

I always appreciate new features but it feels like I am receiving a grade lol. Perhaps there could be an explanation as to what this feature is exactly and how it works. Thanks.

[29sillygirl]

It pleased me to see that my usually well thought out responses to others were appreciated.  It seems that the anxiety and agoraphobia forums are the only I have seen with the stars by my name, tho' I post other places.

I usually put a lot of effort into various posts, and love feeling I may have helped diminish someone's anxiety; let them know there is hope: they are not alone.  On the other hand, we can get carried away with a thread that may help no one. I sure don't want to get too serious!  Maybe that is why stars are only on serious health forums.  

We will see how it unfolds.  One thought is that we will be even more diligent by responding frequently to people in pain of one sort or another.  The other is less pleasant to contemplate: we are being monitored or graded...LOL.  Guess my only real concern is that we continue to post heartfelt, honest responses. Knowing we are being graded might inhibit some.

[29sillygirl]

Oops.  Just saw that my 'well thought out post' was not addressed to person who asked initial question. LOL.

[margypops]

It wont affect my forums I chose to do,many members think its okay and thats fine thats what our freedoms are about, our choice ...  

[SophieShine]

I'm with you zodiacqueen, I like them! Give credit where credit is due...

[SophieShine]

Maybe my ego need some pepping up!!!

[margypops]

You said it

[Lonelymom]

I can't see any stars either! I even went to my weight loss and dieting forum and no stars there either!

Am I blind???

[margypops]

I dont think they have them on all the forums as I noticed this also, check out the behavior forums , actually I am going stay open on whether I think its not a good  idea see what happens ...

[swampcritter]

The stars are a part of a new feature, they have only existed for the last few days. Only some support forums have them, not journals, not user groups. Look on the right hand side and in these forums you will see a "top answerers" box.

The rankings were assigned automatically, no human was involved.

There is no way, right now, to see on your profile what your expertise is and how many badges you have, but if you mouse over yourself you'll see it.

Medhelp usually releases features in phases, so its safe to say that the feature will changed and refined over the coming months.

[Lonelymom]

Thanks! I finally saw the stars you are talking about! I will wait and see how it goes before I vote!

[twehner5]

ME, TOO !  Oh, YAY....I can cancel that appointment with the optometrist......and I tried to vote for some people on here......but that swamp-thing is correct...  Oh, well.

[PrettyKitty1]

I still don’t like the stars. Me no likey…………….for now.

[SophieShine]

Yes I did Margypops..........

[mammo]

The stars only tell who is the busiest, not the most knowlegeable or even caring.  People who have been here forever will have more stars, I see no rhyme or reason to it.  I deleted all my forums and re-joined just so my name didn't appear next to the stars.  It will mis-lead people into thinking that the ones with the most stars are the better ones to address their question to, and we all know this is necessarily the case.