Shouldn't this be in reputation?
I think that this definition "spam boards " is bit harsh. I try to avoid some boards such as altcoin discussion by posting altcoin discussion topics in beginners and help for example, but I can't do that always. Even in spammy boards we can sometimes find good posts (like altcoin discussion and economics)
Certainly there are more quality boards such as those mentioned (technical support etc)
This thread is about improving merit distribution and not so much about individual reputations, so I believe Meta is the place for it but if mods want to move it that's fine.
Not sure which definition you're talking about. Users can request any filters they think would help them find good content. Sure there is some good content everywhere but when resources (time or sMerits) are limited you gotta choose where to spend them.
Speaking of which, I'm still trying to come up with criteria without relying on existing merits (improving on example #4 in the OP), i.e. finding the elusive never-merited good posters. Here is what I'm thinking:
- User who made at least 50 posts in the last 6 months (just to eliminate some throw-away accounts)
- Excluding posts on Bounties and Press boards (any other completely useless boards?)
- Excluding posts shorter than 100 characters (not sure about this one)
- Has to have quoted someone at least 10 times (to show engagement in discussions and not just drive-by spamming)
- Never received merits
Any other ideas?