[Trust]

I've been thinking about Omniscient's thread lately regarding activity encouragement. https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=6278378

I've also noticed a lot of members who applied for the mentor position start to post more actively and in a more community-oriented manner. https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=6278692

Last night, whilst half-asleep, I thought of the idea of a community ambassador/leader position.

I think the biggest thing that's encouraged activity on the forum over the years is giving users a sense of purpose, a sense of status, and something to work towards in the future. Hell, I've made it known that one of my biggest reasons for being active back in the day was just so that one day I may have the chance of earning the sushi award.

There are only three mentor positions and, let's face it, a large majority of the userbase have no business moderating. Still, I think we have a lot of knowledgeable users in certain areas.

The community ambassador position would come with a userbar or something else special that's denoted on their profile or posts. They would be listed in an extra page much like section moderators. They would be recognized as knowledgeable/particularly skilled in a certain area and would generally be active to assist other users in that aspect. They may even have moderation capabilities of a specific section that pertains to their skillset.

An example would be the user Tsundere for the anime section. This user has posted an in-depth guide to Japanese and continues to fill that section of the forum with helpful and relevant information regarding anime.

Or someone like Bastille before they were staff for the white hat hacking section.

Just a rough idea and open to input on how it could be implemented or if its even worthwhile, but I think it would go a long way in encouraging activity by giving users a sense of status and responsibility while also being able to shepherd and guide new users interested in these topics.

Thoughts?

[InspectorGadget]

All I can see is some people growing a huge ego from controlling their little corner of the forum, I personally don't think giving out more power to more people is the answer to anything.

[Trust]

All I can see is some people growing a huge ego from controlling their little corner of the forum, I personally don't think giving out more power to more people is the answer to anything.

It wouldn't be a controlling thing (the moderation thing was just a small thought) and I think that entirely depends on the person whether or not it would boost their ego.

It's not about power, it's about responsibility. I know plenty of knowledgeable people that are recognized for their expertise that don't turn into egomaniacs.

[Jamika]

I've been thinking about Omniscient's thread lately regarding activity encouragement. https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=6278378

I've also noticed a lot of members who applied for the mentor position start to post more actively and in a more community-oriented manner. https://hackforums.net/showthread.php?tid=6278692

Last night, whilst half-asleep, I thought of the idea of a community ambassador/leader position.

I think the biggest thing that's encouraged activity on the forum over the years is giving users a sense of purpose, a sense of status, and something to work towards in the future. Hell, I've made it known that one of my biggest reasons for being active back in the day was just so that one day I may have the chance of earning the sushi award.

There are only three mentor positions and, let's face it, a large majority of the userbase have no business moderating. Still, I think we have a lot of knowledgeable users in certain areas.

The community ambassador position would come with a userbar or something else special that's denoted on their profile or posts. They would be listed in an extra page much like section moderators. They would be recognized as knowledgeable/particularly skilled in a certain area and would generally be active to assist other users in that aspect. They may even have moderation capabilities of a specific section that pertains to their skillset.

An example would be the user Tsundere for the anime section. This user has posted an in-depth guide to Japanese and continues to fill that section of the forum with helpful and relevant information regarding anime.

Or someone like Bastille before they were staff for the white hat hacking section.

Just a rough idea and open to input on how it could be implemented or if its even worthwhile, but I think it would go a long way in encouraging activity by giving users a sense of status and responsibility while also being able to shepherd and guide new users interested in these topics.

Thoughts?

We can simply call them expert when they make xxx posts and threads in certain section

[Proof]

Seems like the original intent of Mentors when they first came out.

The right person would check off all the boxes you've mentioned.

[Mаtt]

Pretty sure we used to have something along those lines with Moderators. I'm not sure why it was changed, but we had something like this many moons ago.

I like the idea, but I just wonder how it'll apply since not every section is very active. Also, I feel like the argument will be made that the current Staff manage all the sections quite well.

[Prawnster]

Imo it's a nice idea BUT it's kinda what mentors for - It's like a more niched mentor :D

[Omniscient]

I could start the new group as "Ambassadors", but I feel like Mentor is more appropriate and short is good.