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General => General Technical Chat => Topic started by: BravoV on March 11, 2013, 08:21:21 pm

Title: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 11, 2013, 08:21:21 pm
Imo, I don't think majority of the new members are doing that, cause tons of crap posts are scattered almost everywhere at the forum in order to get to the 5 posts threshold as Dave contest's rule.

Though this is quite an effective way to increase members count, its just I'm really curious how many in percentage will stay once its ended.  ???
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: jancumps on March 11, 2013, 08:24:28 pm
Well, that's part of the game, isn't it? Maybe a few of them hang around for a while.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 11, 2013, 08:28:09 pm
I guess Dave must got something from the statistic at the last Agilent U1732B LCR Meter contest while ago.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: robindegen on March 11, 2013, 08:37:25 pm
I love watching the video's but I don't really want to spam 5 random posts just to enter the contest. Guess I'll just let this one pass me by. *sad face* :-BROKE
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: grumpydoc on March 11, 2013, 09:02:03 pm
I suppose it depends on the definition of "useful" - which, of course, is Dave's call.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: KJDS on March 11, 2013, 09:10:28 pm
There's a car related forum where I have over 7000 posts and I suspect I could fail to find five genuinely useful ones.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 11, 2013, 09:27:12 pm
...... I could fail to find five genuinely useful ones.
Cause sometimes the standard that defines the "genuine" that you made your self will drift out badly at before and after the event, especially you're bored & exhausted from reading sieving tons of posts.  ;D
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Frollard on March 11, 2013, 10:20:19 pm
I have been lurking for a long time, and finally decided to join because of the contest; this post is specifically to postcount++.  It's totally reasonable to have the limit - so long as the posts are useful!
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: GeoffS on March 11, 2013, 10:46:07 pm
Contest entry should be limited to users having a certain number of posts, useful or otherwise, and must have been a member for at least 3 months. 
These are the rules on one of the other forums I'm on and it seems to work well.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: c4757p on March 11, 2013, 10:50:47 pm
this post is specifically to postcount++.

So... not useful?

Quote
It's totally reasonable to have the limit - so long as the posts are useful!

So... huh?
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: grumpydoc on March 11, 2013, 11:29:23 pm
Quote
Contest entry should be limited to users having a certain number of posts, useful or otherwise, and must have been a member for at least 3 months. 

Sounds sensible.

Could possibly be distilled to "was a member when the contest started"?
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Radio Tech on March 11, 2013, 11:32:08 pm
Well I just joined this week end. And knew nothing of a contest lol.
I am here for the meat and taters so to speak.
I will be sticking around.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: bpn1028 on March 12, 2013, 12:52:44 am
As a newbie to electronics, I watch the blogs, read the posts, and participate if possible.  However, I don't have the expertise to offer advice on most of the subjects.  I learn a great deal from this blog and the folks who share their knowledge.  At some point I hope to have made 5 "usefull" posts.  Not just so I can qualify for the contest, but to give back to those who have and continue to help me learn.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: c4757p on March 12, 2013, 01:03:50 am
As a newbie to electronics, I watch the blogs, read the posts, and participate if possible.  However, I don't have the expertise to offer advice on most of the subjects.  I learn a great deal from this blog and the folks who share their knowledge.  At some point I hope to have made 5 "usefull" posts.  Not just so I can qualify for the contest, but to give back to those who have and continue to help me learn.

Well, I can't speak for Dave, but personally I would consider anything that builds the community "useful". Even newbie posts are useful if they aren't the obnoxious "here's my problem, now fix it!" shit we get from time to time.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 12, 2013, 02:30:32 am
The main reason it's forum based of course is because it's easy to extract the names and do a random draw using the program I have.
But I am also obviously trying to encourage people to join and participate in the forum, hence the recent plug at the end of every video.
And I want to give back to the forum community participants as a first preference as well.

As for the post count rule, SMF gives me the ability to lock out people from posting in that board until the have X posts, so I figure that would be more useful to weed out the majority of people who would think about joining just to enter.
Does it work, I don't know, have there been an increase in "crap" posts? I'm hoping not, but figure that better than just letting them join with one post?
If the winner turns out to have only the minimum 5 posts, then I may certainly look at the quality of the posts and see if they are worthy  >:D
Geoff's suggestion is a good one. Not sure if SMF can automatically do that?

And I notice that ExcavatorEE has entered, who thinks he should be banned from entering any multimeter contest?! ;D  :-DD

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: casinada on March 12, 2013, 03:58:09 am
Some people have a lot to contribute and other people a lot to learn, the rest are in between. For some people a forum is a social hangout for like people with similar interests. Sometimes it might be the only place to find the answer to a question Like when you go to the Yahoo Tektronix or HP groups, some of the people that participate were involved in the design and of some of the instruments.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 12, 2013, 09:26:30 am
And I notice that ExcavatorEE has entered, who thinks he should be banned from entering any multimeter contest?! ;D  :-DD

Dave.

Lol , but I had a strange feeling if its not me, better to be him, weird huh ? ??? Prolly deep under there I'm admiring his dedication.  ;D


Once contest is ended, I will update the Dave's rant thread  ;D with the forum's statistic chart as usual.

Some raw numbers, new topics and posts count roughly increased by 100% compared to March average.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/you-must-have-posted-at-least-5-'useful'-posts/?action=dlattach;attach=41123;image)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: jack32 on March 12, 2013, 09:43:56 am
I made one long original post some time ago. Then that project faded out of focus. Since than I am just reading in this forum...
Yesterday i took one to two hours to find some posts i could make a quick but not to useless comment to enter the contest...
So if Dave thinks i am not worthy then i am not...  8)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: maca_404 on March 12, 2013, 09:51:43 am
Maybe  Dave could somehow make it a requirement to answer a question to join the competition, Something relating to his videos that a dedicated fan would know like "What is my most quoted movie ?" or something.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: kripton2035 on March 12, 2013, 09:55:55 am
huh anybody can tell me where is that contest ? thanks.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 12, 2013, 09:57:25 am
huh anybody can tell me where is that contest ? thanks.
C'mon kripton, you're an old fart here in this forum, if you can't find, you don't deserve it ...  :-DD
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: ktulu on March 12, 2013, 10:01:09 am
Just follow the link in the video.   :-DMM
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Thor-Arne on March 12, 2013, 03:32:12 pm
Perhaps the post-count should be a lot higher than the 5 posts it is now, that would "force" contestants to stay active. The posts should obviously be useful.

As it is now there's errr... a few junk postings.  ;)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: andersm on March 12, 2013, 05:41:36 pm
The contest isn't even over and there's already sore losers?

...damn those people coming here, taking our multimeters, grumble grumble, back in the good old days grumble grumble...
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Thor-Arne on March 12, 2013, 05:51:43 pm
The contest isn't even over and there's already sore losers?

...damn those people coming here, taking our multimeters, grumble grumble, back in the good old days grumble grumble...

That's not the case at all.
I was thinking on how efficient it would be to get users that would actually stay and just not join for the contest.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Lambros on March 12, 2013, 05:56:21 pm
5th post.....and counting hopefully!!!!!!
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: M. András on March 12, 2013, 06:00:02 pm
wondering how much of the new usernames share the same ip :) btw a few month old registration would be better as above mentioned
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: ecat on March 12, 2013, 06:11:23 pm
wondering how much of the new usernames share the same ip :) btw a few month old registration would be better as above mentioned

This depends on what Dave is trying to achieve. At this moment there are 218 users and 526 guests, how do you convert guests into users? Remember, users = advertising $$s
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 12, 2013, 06:14:27 pm
wondering how much of the new usernames share the same ip :) btw a few month old registration would be better as above mentioned
Same IP address ? Why ? While there are tons of lists that updated "hourly" of free high anonymous proxy servers across 6 continents.  ;)

Especially for old members, with multiple new user names at different IPs each, and most important is that older member already know how and where the exact details from threads down to detail post level in order to make new posts that are look innocent.  ;D

Yeah, as GeoffS suggested, limitation on registration date is good one.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: LyTeo on March 12, 2013, 06:36:50 pm
Quote
Yeah, as GeoffS suggested, limitation on registration date is good one.

Except then there won`t be any new members. Even if majority of those new members will stay here just for the contest, there will be some that will still post afterwards. And others will know that there is a place like this so they can come here in future.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 12, 2013, 06:39:30 pm
Except then there won`t be any new members. Even if majority of those new members will stay here just for the contest, there will be some that will still post afterwards. And others will know that there is a place like this so they can come here in future.
Of course, btw, that is post #4, you have one left to go !  ;)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: CHexclaim on March 13, 2013, 11:26:04 am
I love watching the video's but I don't really want to spam 5 random posts just to enter the contest. Guess I'll just let this one pass me by. *sad face* :-BROKE

Good to hear someone so frank. You should enter the contest.

I watch all of Dave's videos and, of course, They are very useful.

I would like to participate in a more actively way, but I am not used to follow forums in a efficient way. Does somewone know of a thread with tips to take the most out of the forum? It is huge, good, of course.

To be frank myself I am making some extra posts to qualify for the contest, but I hope this also makesmebecome a regular visitor.

Charlie.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: skjafar on March 13, 2013, 11:33:34 am
But what about people who usually come to the forum and read stuff without ever needing to join? I have been watching his videos for more than 3 years or so, and still I don't fir the rules! To be honest I have just joined, the prize is nice. But will I be eligible for the prize, this is for Dave to decide.

And what's with the crazy difficult Captcha?!! I am having to listen to it every time.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: brainwash on March 13, 2013, 12:22:39 pm
I ran a big forum once in my startup days, it was around 10x-50x EEVblog forum after two years. Main drivers of new users and posts were:
- general talk topics
- ranting on those topics
- contests
- single sign-on required for multiple related sites

Without rants and contests (which did not bring so many users) the biggest quality and quantity drivers were the moderators. Eventually we decided it was best to pay them because they were anyway >8h per day and did a really good job.
It was a cascading effect: users generating posts that triggered Google search results that determined new users to register just to have their saying.
At one point we decided to pay professionals to give advice in some specific forum areas: doctors, mathematicians, lawyers, astrologists, whatever. It was like a drop in the ocean, people did not actually want to get good advice, they were mostly there for ranting or whatever you call this procrastination.

Statistically speaking, the number of users still determines the quantity of quality content, because it's mostly a constant percentage. It decays slightly, but not so much as one would think.
So yeah, I'm all for "new" users giving knowledge that would otherwise be lost or go someplace else.
And never underestimate the power of the community, there will be a critical mass that will trigger interesting OSHW projects.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 13, 2013, 12:42:26 pm
1st, I'm not the new members hater zealot, infact I sincerely welcome you all.  :-+

Its just seeing too many junk threads or posts are really annoying, just two examples out of many-many out there that only happened for last two days since the contest announcement, click -> HERE (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/radio-shack-elctronics-lab-spring-terminals/) or this one HERE (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/battery-tag-welder-from-china/msg201018/#msg201018), that poster is so fucking lazy that didn't even bother to type few words even its junk.  :palm:

Also fyi there are many kind & generous members here that are very-very helpful, and lots of new threads created by these SOBs just for post count, that I doubt they even bother to respond back for the answers or responds made by these helpful members on their own thread.  >:(
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Thor-Arne on March 13, 2013, 01:58:56 pm
I don't know what Dave wants to accomplish, and that is entirely his decision of course.

That said, new members are very welcome. Everyone has been a new member at some point.  :)
IMO topics/posts that's only there to boost post-counts is not beneficial to the forum at all.

In many areas I'm a noob to, and I might ask something that some find ridiculous.  ;)
But I try to be helpful when I can.

I just hope the flood of new users doesn't degrade the forum in any way.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: nixxon on March 13, 2013, 03:33:34 pm
I must have dreamt about this topic, because this morning, I could swear that I only had 3 useful posts registered in my profile info  :'(

Username: nixxon
Posts: 127 (0.181 per day)
Useful posts: 3       <----------------Copied from my nightmare
Gender: Male
Age:N/A
Location:Oslo

Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: CHexclaim on March 13, 2013, 04:22:07 pm

Once contest is ended, I will update the Dave's rant thread  ;D with the forum's statistic chart as usual.

Some raw numbers, new topics and posts count roughly increased by 100% compared to March average.
(https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/you-must-have-posted-at-least-5-'useful'-posts/?action=dlattach;attach=41123;image)

Pss, unbelievable stats, but expected. I will feel a bit guilty for the new stats of this contest, but I think it will at last make me participate more frequently. And I really need the meter too. Following this forum is a must for people involved in electronics.

Regards.. CH!
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: XynxNet on March 13, 2013, 04:55:57 pm
I think every new user is good. Even if somebody just writes 5 post to enter the contest, maybe he/she likes our forum and participates more in the future.
Who knows which user might help us with some interesting problem in the future...
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: MakerMike on March 13, 2013, 06:11:48 pm
I am an avid follower and as a new electronics hobbyist I read forums but have little I can contribute.   I feel I am punished :( because I too don't want to Spam good discussions by adding uninformed/uneducated input.

Now I am going to have to make sure it is worthy too. |O
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Nack486 on March 13, 2013, 07:38:35 pm
I admit that I registered in order to sign up for the contest but I found out that I like the forum and it is pretty active so I will definitely be sticking around, trying to help others (to the best of my limited knowledge) and learn new things.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: PeteInTexas on March 13, 2013, 08:16:04 pm
I wonder if Dave's 5 post rule run afoul of sweepstakes rules around the globe?  I know here in the US I always see "no purchase necessary to enter" for contest by various merchandise (soft drinks, candy, etc).  I wonder if something similar can apply here?  Ahhh, the world is complicated enough...!
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: shamanjoe on March 13, 2013, 08:17:27 pm
So far my 5 "useful" posts are all questions, since I'm rather new to both the forum and electronics. As long as it makes you think, and isn't some stupid post like, "Hey baby, nice caps," I think it should be deemed useful. But that's just me  ;)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Kaluriel on March 13, 2013, 08:38:38 pm
I can't decide whether or not to enter. I'd feel guilty since I haven't contributed as much as others if I won. I have been a member for a while, however before this week I've only posted twice. More of a subscriber to the videos than a poster, and I tend to search these forums before buying equipment to see opinions.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: IanM on March 13, 2013, 08:44:50 pm
I'm still pretty new to electronics. I've browsed the forums before, but I to signed up for the contest and will try to make a contribution. However, I feel like I don't have that much to add. Yet.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 14, 2013, 01:55:54 am
I ran a big forum once in my startup days, it was around 10x-50x EEVblog forum after two years. Main drivers of new users and posts were:
- general talk topics
- ranting on those topics
- contests
- single sign-on required for multiple related sites

Without rants and contests (which did not bring so many users) the biggest quality and quantity drivers were the moderators. Eventually we decided it was best to pay them because they were anyway >8h per day and did a really good job.
It was a cascading effect: users generating posts that triggered Google search results that determined new users to register just to have their saying.
At one point we decided to pay professionals to give advice in some specific forum areas: doctors, mathematicians, lawyers, astrologists, whatever. It was like a drop in the ocean, people did not actually want to get good advice, they were mostly there for ranting or whatever you call this procrastination.

Statistically speaking, the number of users still determines the quantity of quality content, because it's mostly a constant percentage. It decays slightly, but not so much as one would think.
So yeah, I'm all for "new" users giving knowledge that would otherwise be lost or go someplace else.
And never underestimate the power of the community, there will be a critical mass that will trigger interesting OSHW projects.
Hey brainwash, I gave a serious thought on your post here, really nice one, thanks.  :-+
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Bored@Work on March 14, 2013, 05:40:32 am
Hey brainwash, I gave a serious thought on your post here, really nice one, thanks.  :-+

Thumbs up. Me too. +1. Awsome, dude! Gime five. How inspiring. Love it. You go, man!
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: nardev on March 14, 2013, 05:45:11 am
It would be much better if you increased amount of required posts to 100 or so.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: GeoffS on March 14, 2013, 05:46:57 am
Paying moderators? I like your thinking ... ;D
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 14, 2013, 05:53:36 am
I think every new user is good. Even if somebody just writes 5 post to enter the contest, maybe he/she likes our forum and participates more in the future.

Well, that's always the hope with every new member. You get people dropping in and out all the time to get a single question answered or whatever. I'm "guilty" of that too. If I have a tricky video question for example, I'll join a video forum and ask, hang around for a bit for the answer (and thanks) and usually don't go back until I have another question. And that's ok, it add content to the forum.
As for people who just post rubbish, well, not much you can do about that, except moderate it out as needed. I'm hoping there aren't too many like that, and suspect there won't be.

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 14, 2013, 05:58:21 am
I wonder if Dave's 5 post rule run afoul of sweepstakes rules around the globe?

The bureaucrats can kiss my Australian arse!

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Bored@Work on March 14, 2013, 06:37:44 am
Thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Dragonfly on March 14, 2013, 07:13:06 am
I discovered eevblog last summer and since then I've been reading the forum, catching up on Dave's videos, and listening to the Amp Hour podcast.  I had intended to register for a while but the contest was the push I needed to finally do it.  I don't know if I'll be able to contribute 5 useful posts before the contest is over but I'll at least try to not add any completely useless posts (other than this one ;-)  ).
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: AppliedVoltage on March 14, 2013, 11:53:09 pm
If the goal was to get people on the forum, than you got me. I'm explicitly trying to not make those silly kind of posts that are simply for the sake of one's post count.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: robrenz on March 15, 2013, 12:09:04 am
I had a hunch this give away was coming. That is why I joined almost 2 years ago to make sure I had enough posts to qualify.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Kaluriel on March 15, 2013, 12:33:17 am
I wonder if Dave's 5 post rule run afoul of sweepstakes rules around the globe?

The bureaucrats can kiss my Australian arse!

Dave.

thats the only thing bureaucrats know how to do ;D
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: MacAttak on March 15, 2013, 12:48:08 am
By all accounts, I am more or less a noobie here. While I was really into electronics as a young teenager, I drifted far away from it for a long time and just rediscovered it last fall. I discovered the EEVblog videos on youtube and then these forums, which I have tried to keep up with as much as possible while still spending enough time at my growing workbench to get much-needed practice with technique (and while still putting in 60+ hours a week at work).

I never bothered registering because I felt like I didn't have much to contribute yet. And of course I finally found a thread I could contribute to a few days ago - but I hadn't watched the latest couple of youtube videos yet, so learned about the "contest" from this thread afterwards. And of course my first thought was "great, now everyone here will think I just signed up for swag  :-["

While it looks like a really cool piece of gear, and as a DMM goes would surely beat the pants off what I have now (crappy Radio Shack model), I am quite certain that others here would get FAR more use out of it than I would. With my current projects, I can't even think of a reason to need most of the features on this thing... so I won't be entering the contest. Now if Dave was giving away a DSO scope or small reflow oven or something like that, then heck yeah I would be entering for that!

So yeah, some of those new member numbers coincide with the contest launch - but not all! At least not this one. :)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: georgedone on March 15, 2013, 11:29:01 pm
It is sensible to require a number of posts before entering new members into sweepstakes, though 3 posts seem to me a sufficient requirement.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: PeteInTexas on March 16, 2013, 05:27:11 am
How about some sort of recursive qualification: must have started at least 1 thread that has at least 5 replies from at least 5 different members that themselves have also started at least 1 thread that has at least 5 replies from at least 5 different members that themselves have...
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: gnif on March 16, 2013, 08:37:28 am
I think Dave is trying to encourage participation in the forum, not just registration, he is giving so much to us all out of his own pocket and time, the least we could do is contribute towards the greater good. Those that don't get involved and just take take take, and then want free stuff in a contest so they can take more is a little unfair to those who are active here and contribute to the community.

Dave: If you are interested I could write some code to judge eligibility for contest entries based on post count, post quality, registration date, etc.. Could even make it draw the winner from the thread that people have posted too without having to use the printable parser thing you are currently using, just query the database directly.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 16, 2013, 08:51:45 am
Dave: If you are interested I could write some code to judge eligibility for contest entries based on post count, post quality, registration date, etc.. Could even make it draw the winner from the thread that people have posted too without having to use the printable parser thing you are currently using, just query the database directly.
That will be great, much better than Dave has to disqualify the winner after looking at their posted junks, better filter them off before entering the wobulator.

Just curious how is the algorithm judges the "post quality" ?  ::)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: paulsev on March 16, 2013, 10:39:41 am
Hey Someone called the "Alternatezone" is selling a Fluke CNX3000 on Ebay, wow! someone must have a few of these to be selling one and giving one away....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: GeoffS on March 16, 2013, 11:04:27 am

Dave: If you are interested I could write some code to judge eligibility for contest entries based on post count, post quality, registration date, etc.. Could even make it draw the winner from the thread that people have posted too without having to use the printable parser thing you are currently using, just query the database directly.

Another forum I'm on has a monthly prize draw that has stricter rules. Users have to have been members for at least 3 months and have made 5 posts. You have to register/enter the draw by posting in the thread 'I'm in' and nothing else! If you forget and include your regular signature or add any other word then you're disqualified. A process automatically updates the post of any disqualified entrant with the reason why.
The draw is made early in the day and the lucky winner has until 5:00PM to claim it otherwise a redraw is done. No notifying the winner via a post or PM or the winner is disqualified and the draw is rerun. All automatic.

This seems to work pretty well and gets few complaints.

As you say, a SQL query or two would handle all these functions.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Thor-Arne on March 16, 2013, 11:19:20 am
Hey Someone called the "Alternatezone" is selling a Fluke CNX3000 on Ebay, wow! someone must have a few of these to be selling one and giving one away....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2)
Hm, I don't think this is our "Alternatezone".

Guess someone wants a piece of Dave's fame and glory.  :P
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 16, 2013, 11:28:41 am
Hey Someone called the "Alternatezone" is selling a Fluke CNX3000 on Ebay, wow! someone must have a few of these to be selling one and giving one away....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2)
Hm, I don't think this is our "Alternatezone".

Guess someone wants a piece of Dave's fame and glory.  :P

It is, example of the 3478A sold recently by Dave -> http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271158344204 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271158344204)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Thor-Arne on March 16, 2013, 11:58:14 am
It is, example of the 3478A sold recently by Dave -> http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271158344204 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/271158344204)
I stand corrected. :p
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: moemoe on March 16, 2013, 12:03:38 pm
Hm, I don't think this is our "Alternatezone".

Just take a look at the other auctions:

- http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290860289044 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/290860289044) A Fluke 91 with corosion on the battery poles
- http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4004113159921497 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4004113159921497) The replacement HP 3457A OPT 700
- http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320947942396 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/320947942396) The programmer from #411

I think it's really clear and undeniable.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: grumpydoc on March 16, 2013, 12:07:48 pm
Quote
Just take a look at the other auctions:

- .... A Fluke 91 with corosion on the battery poles
- .... The replacement HP 3457A OPT 700
- .... The programmer from #411
I'm not clear what your point is, those are by completely different vendors.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 16, 2013, 12:18:15 pm
I'm not clear what your point is, those are by completely different vendors.
What moemoe want to tell us is those deals done by Dave and matched with his recent blog materials, and if you trace back to those seller's reputation entries, you will find Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: grumpydoc on March 16, 2013, 12:28:27 pm
OK, fair enough.

I was following the logic the wrong way - I didn't think there was any doubt that Dave bought stuff on fleabay for the teardowns, he starts many of them with "here's something I scored on ebay...." and I'm sure he's mentioned his ebay user id somewhere on the forum or in the blogs.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 16, 2013, 12:44:42 pm
.... I'm sure he's mentioned his ebay user id somewhere on the forum or in the blogs.
Yep, here -> https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-426-hp-3457a-multimeter-teardown/msg194124/#msg194124 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-426-hp-3457a-multimeter-teardown/msg194124/#msg194124)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Monkeh on March 16, 2013, 03:40:18 pm
Hey Someone called the "Alternatezone" is selling a Fluke CNX3000 on Ebay, wow! someone must have a few of these to be selling one and giving one away....

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-Fluke-CNX-3000-Wireless-Multimeter-Kit-with-v3000-AC-Volt-Module-/271171623122?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f231698d2)
Hm, I don't think this is our "Alternatezone".

Guess someone wants a piece of Dave's fame and glory.  :P

I think it is. Recent purchases on that account: An HP 3457A, a Fluke 91, some Amigas, a Macintosh SE, a Keithley picoammeter, a TL866CS programmer.. These items sound familiar? ;)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: M. András on March 16, 2013, 09:50:10 pm
then maybe he will send the money for it for the contest winner?  :-DD
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: jancumps on March 16, 2013, 10:00:48 pm
...
...The draw is made early in the day and the lucky winner has until 5:00PM to claim it otherwise a redraw is done. ...

Early in the day is an odd concept on a forum with users around the globe. It might be my night ;)
I like the simple rule. What's the reason for adding extra hurdles - increase the annoy the participant factor?
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: knarf.be on March 16, 2013, 11:50:35 pm
I always wanted to join a forum about electronics, but there was a big problem. I'm just 18 years old and I'm only able to practice my electronics hobby one or two evenings a week, so there isn't much time. As I'm not (yet) doing any electronics course, I'm getting all my info from forums and youtube ...
There is one electronics forum in Dutch, but as soon as you want more than 0 comments on a very complicated item, It will be tricky.
And since I'm currently working on a big project, some help may be usefull. And If I'm right, isn't this the place to ask your questions about electonics? This whole EEVblog community made me think diffrent.
P.S.: The meter would cost me around € 300-€400 custom duties to Belgium if the price on the label is above € +/- 300, under 300 is around € 60. So, this isn't a cheap prize.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: M. András on March 17, 2013, 11:02:52 am
jes thats an insane amount of duties, here it would be 27% vat on the price+on the shipping, and as i remember no tax on the meter itself
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: moemoe on March 17, 2013, 11:15:36 am
When I got it right, it would be only 17,5% here, as long as you don't get parcels regular, it is sent by a natural person, free of charge, only for your personal usage and not worth more than 700€.

Sounds quite fair.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Architect_1077 on March 17, 2013, 11:49:22 am
In Portugal, anything above 50€ (including shipping) is taxed at 23% + around 7% import duties + whatever else they feel like hitting you with...  |O
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 17, 2013, 12:17:45 pm
Hey Someone called the "Alternatezone" is selling a Fluke CNX3000 on Ebay, wow! someone must have a few of these to be selling one and giving one away....

I have a few...  ;D

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: jancumps on March 17, 2013, 12:28:46 pm
...
P.S.: The meter would cost me around € 300-€400 custom duties to Belgium if the price on the label is above € +/- 300, under 300 is around € 60. So, this isn't a cheap prize.

Hey Knarf, who is doing your tax calculations? We do pay for the price of the object + shipping and insurance values, but I don't get to this high amount.
The only thin that I know we have to pay a lot of tax on are Chinese bikes, as a reaction on the dumping prices.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: kizzap on March 17, 2013, 12:30:48 pm
heh, the more I read some of the posts around the forums, the less and less I am liking this competition. I was bored the other day and just went around having a look at some of the entrants post history. The number of lower post count entries (i.e. less then 10 but more then 5) who had average posts per day above 2 was crazy...I actually found one guy whose 5 posts were literally just a chain of emoticons in some other guys thread.

TBH, I couldn't care if I don't win, in fact I would honestly hope that the prize goes to someone who has been an active member around these parts for some time, rather then someone spamming the forums with padded messages which have arguable "content of worth" in it.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 17, 2013, 12:35:17 pm
heh, the more I read some of the posts around the forums, the less and less I am liking this competition. I was bored the other day and just went around having a look at some of the entrants post history. The number of lower post count entries (i.e. less then 10 but more then 5) who had average posts per day above 2 was crazy...I actually found one guy whose 5 posts were literally just a chain of emoticons in some other guys thread.

TBH, I couldn't care if I don't win, in fact I would honestly hope that the prize goes to someone who has been an active member around these parts for some time, rather then someone spamming the forums with padded messages which have arguable "content of worth" in it.

*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: kizzap on March 17, 2013, 12:39:16 pm
*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.

so the draw is being done live is it? does this mean we can expect a live show sometime in the near future?
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 17, 2013, 12:45:48 pm
*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.
No Dave, just let go this one, especially the "storm" is over, just check the statistic. Let alone 50, even 5 is enough to degrade this forum's quality significantly.  :palm:

Lesson learned, probably on next contest consider to use GeoffS suggestion, pretty good imo.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: GeoffS on March 17, 2013, 12:49:54 pm

If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D

Dave.

I've already removed the offending posts and Simon has banned the user.   :-+
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Monkeh on March 17, 2013, 02:43:48 pm
heh, the more I read some of the posts around the forums, the less and less I am liking this competition. I was bored the other day and just went around having a look at some of the entrants post history. The number of lower post count entries (i.e. less then 10 but more then 5) who had average posts per day above 2 was crazy...I actually found one guy whose 5 posts were literally just a chain of emoticons in some other guys thread.

TBH, I couldn't care if I don't win, in fact I would honestly hope that the prize goes to someone who has been an active member around these parts for some time, rather then someone spamming the forums with padded messages which have arguable "content of worth" in it.

*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.

How about two months active membership (no hard post limit)?

That way you'll encourage people to join the forum but won't get a pile of people who come on to spam for two minutes and enter.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: jancumps on March 17, 2013, 03:07:35 pm
(but isn't it nice to attract new users?)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: BravoV on March 17, 2013, 03:12:01 pm
(but isn't it nice to attract new users?)
Like the spamming moron that Simon booted ? No, and its a great riddance.  :-+

Nice one ? Of course.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: AlfBaz on March 17, 2013, 03:31:22 pm
I say let it be what it is...
Dave has done a great job of building this place up from nothing, bringing together like minded enthusiasts and making a couple of bucks for himself.
When this competition is over the opportunists will piss off and hopefully we'll have more people on here posting questions and/or answers

Some of the most basic posts have spawned fantastic tangents that have lead to study basic concepts in much greater detail, so if we have to put up with a handful of crappy posts, so be it, 400 bucks well spent I say

The contest thread, this one and a few other ones are starting to remind me of the seagull scene in Finding Nemo "Mine....Mine..." Its getting embarrassing

Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Ba1tuks on March 17, 2013, 03:34:29 pm
pointless rant removed. Please contact Dave if you have any technical problems
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Bored@Work on March 17, 2013, 03:40:38 pm
The most frustrating moment was when I realized that after "server upgrade" my acc was deleted. I have been in this forum from it's birht and hadn't written a single post since I created my account. I felt really betrayed... I always come there when I need some info or knowledge, which is easily found WITHOUT posting!


FIX THE BUG: WHEN YOU REQUEST ANOTHER VERIFICATION IMAGE, PAGE RELOADS ITSELF AND YOUR COMMENT IS GONE... THINGS LIKE THAT ANNOYS ME AS HELL! :-)

Leaching and shouting, why should anyone care what you idiot want?
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: Simon on March 17, 2013, 04:03:01 pm
If he has a technical problem he best contact Dave by PM yelling about it in the forum will solve nothing. I'll be deleting that one and we can see if we can start again - properly
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: SeanB on March 17, 2013, 04:08:00 pm
If he wants a new image simply do a copy and then request new image, then paste. Works on all platforms unless you have an iPhone, where there is no copy and paste..............

And if you are doing fora on a phone then you really need something bigger.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: MadModder on March 17, 2013, 08:17:47 pm
I copy and paste both text and pics on my iphone almost every day. Just hold your finger on the text or the pic until a menu or a blue selection appears. Select all, and then copy. Then press somewhere in the input field and paste. :)
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: EEVblog on March 17, 2013, 09:54:03 pm
*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.

so the draw is being done live is it? does this mean we can expect a live show sometime in the near future?

Yeah, I'll do it live mid next week.

Dave.
Title: Re: You MUST have posted at least 5 "useful" posts ...
Post by: mohf on March 17, 2013, 10:46:32 pm
heh, the more I read some of the posts around the forums, the less and less I am liking this competition. I was bored the other day and just went around having a look at some of the entrants post history. The number of lower post count entries (i.e. less then 10 but more then 5) who had average posts per day above 2 was crazy...I actually found one guy whose 5 posts were literally just a chain of emoticons in some other guys thread.

TBH, I couldn't care if I don't win, in fact I would honestly hope that the prize goes to someone who has been an active member around these parts for some time, rather then someone spamming the forums with padded messages which have arguable "content of worth" in it.

*sigh*
Maybe it should be upped to 50 or something, or will that just spur them to spam more?
If someone is just posting emoticons everywhere, report them and we'll ban their arse  ;D
But then again, if they win, I'll check, live!, and embarrass them by doing a redraw  >:D

Dave.

Many people here are complaining against the five postcount rule. But you know, I think that they are actually just complaining because they "can", and because they are thereby maximizing their winchance. ;)

I'm a member on your forum for a couple months with very little posts, but I am watching EEVblog videos since the day you posted the video about Microsoft's new Instaload AA battery technology (when you had about 150 video's) and since then watched about 70% of the video's you uploaded. Does that mean that I am disqualified for participating in the gamble?