Re: Merit - Why every member should have started with a clean slate
I think the intention of Merit system is good. But unfortunately I do feel that the idea to award a merit count equal to the minimum required for the respective rank to all members was probably not the right decision.
Why? Because, according to me, Merit count on any profile should reflect the quality of the posts made by that person, but actually it is NOT, here its also a function of account longevity.
Meaning of Merit as per legitimate sources;
"the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward."
I understand there are plenty of senior members (especially active in this Meta) who deserve every single merit they have but there could have been another method to award Merits retrospectively.
Why? Because, according to me, Merit count on any profile should reflect the quality of the posts made by that person, but actually it is NOT, here its also a function of account longevity.
Meaning of Merit as per legitimate sources;
"the quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward."
I understand there are plenty of senior members (especially active in this Meta) who deserve every single merit they have but there could have been another method to award Merits retrospectively.
It might not be a perfect system, but it will work in combating spam. Over time, the number of accounts with merits which were air-dropped will decrease and there will be a steady state. You might feel that old timers have an advantage, but that is true in all walks of life.
The appearance of Merit makes it difficult for many people to upgrade their grades!
That is the idea.
