Quote from: tbct_mt2 on April 07, 2018, 02:38:40 AM

Yeah, you should have right attitude about merit system and new rank requirements. It will help you to feel more comfortable when dealing with harder ranking requirements after the launch of merit system. You can not do anything (including learning new knowledge, helping others, sharing your experiences, etc.) if you keep such negative thoughts about merit system.
That's my general recommendations for you.

Quote from: soulcancer on April 06, 2018, 06:12:28 PM

I was just told over and over that I wouldn't be getting merit because of my attitude...nothing at all to do with the validity of my ideas (which proved my point)...

There are lots of massive merit farmers, merit abusers have been found and punished with permanently bans from forum moderators. That's final destination for abusers. If they abuse the system, some day they will be punished for sure.

Quote from: soulcancer on April 06, 2018, 06:12:28 PM

the bottom line is that we now have a system than can easily be abused and is SANCTIONED by the powers that be...

No one can stop you (at least with current rules of the forum) to keep creating shitty-threads, topics about merit-related issues. However, you should remember that you will get nothing by doing this. It is simply take your time for non-sense.

Quote from: soulcancer on April 06, 2018, 06:12:28 PM

what is to stop me from opening a new account...going to the merit-related threads...and posting kiss-ass comments about the merit system??...

I understand your feelings, how hard it is. I almost rank up to Senior Member level, but due to amazing effect of merit system, I have been stucked at Full Member rank. Nevertheless, I strongly support merit system, which will help to build up the forum as better place for clean discussions, wipe out most of shitty-threads (mainly come from spammers, farmers, etc.)
The period of time required for a Newbie to become Senior member is around 250 days with old ranking system (250 acitivities equal to 250 days). That means newcomers will have more than 8 months to collect 250 merit points to meet requirements of new ranking system. 8 or 9 months are long enough for such a difficult task. I don't say it is easy, but it is possible.

Good luck, fella.

Quote from: soulcancer on April 06, 2018, 06:12:28 PM

I will be a full member by the end of summer...easy...and what makes you think that the sock puppets have not already figured that out??

do you honestly believe that nobody can learn or help others without a healthy respect for the merit system??...really?..seriously...an adult actually posted that idea...wow, you people make it so easy...this thread should be closed just to keep any 8 yr olds from stopping by and embarrassing most of you...