Ban signatures. Problem solved.
Sounds funny but really serious idea. Now that I think of it, most of the members here are aiming to rank up just to join signature campaigns where they can earn more pennies. They keep on posting just to reach the minimum posts for their campaign.
theymos has already said that if Merit doesn't cure the shitposting problem this is the next step. I don't think there's much point coming up with alternatives other than that.
Ban signatures. Problem solved.
^^ the man has it right^^^
Even though I wear a Sig now I didn't for years, no odds to me if they go and I am sure it would better the community, Although I can understand Theymos's reluctance as selling a forum with Xmillion users is more value than 100K users..
I'm in the same position, I've only had a paid signature for about 6 months. I think theymos's reluctance is also about the people providing content being able to monetise it. It is a unique place (AFAIK) that the contributors can sell advertising space rather than the site owner. But that generosity has been exploited badly.