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Most Nerd-Its | Nerd Trends | Last Ten

What is OmniNerd?

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Note: The data in this article is no longer valid. It is presented as a historical document only.

In an attempt to provide our readers with a better content selection and encourage the posting of useful comments, we at OmniNerd have decided to implement a comment scoring system. The system is similar to those you may have used on other sites with more sophisticated commenting systems. The general idea is that all comments are posted with a default score. Most of the time, the comment will retain its default score. However, if a comment significantly adds to the discussion, a higher score can be assigned to let other readers know that the comment is definitely worth reading. Also, if someone decides to spam the site or post vulgar comments, the default score can be lowered. Readers will still be able to view comments with lowered scores, but they will have to click on the comment to view it. In the end, the reader will be able to set a score threshold and only appropriate comments will display. Below, I will outline how this system works.

Rather than waiting for all the code to be written, we have decided to implement pieces of the overall scheme as they are coded. The phases of implementation (from 1 to 3) will be denoted by a number inside brackets throughout the remaining content. A phase number in [square brackets] denotes implementation is complete for this feature. A number in {curly brackets} denotes that the implementation is still in the works.

Scoring a Comment ¹

Comments will always have a whole number score between the numbers of 0 and 5. The scores will be recorded using the following information:

• The comment’s numeric score ¹
• The user name of the moderator changing the score ¹
• The reason for the score change ¹

All of this data will be kept in the XML document storing the comment.

Explanation of Numeric Scoring ¹

Each number score will have a general reason associated with its value. The particular reason for the score will be annotated in the reason field. The scoring system will work as follows with reasons listed as sub-bullets:

• A score of 0 will be assigned to posts with a majority of the content being inappropriate or irrelevant to the topic. These posts will not be available for viewing ¹. Only members who are logged in {2} and choose to view the content {2} will be able to view comments scored 0.
• #Spamming – Content that clearly has nothing to do with the topic
• #Excessive Foul/Offensive Language – Content with foul or offensive language that overpowers the remaining content.
• A score of 1 will be assigned to posts with bland content that is only loosely related to the topic or content that is mildly inappropriate. These posts will list only as the title of the post and will require the reader to click on them to expand their content. {1}
• #Personal Conversations – Content that is better suited for an email conversation
• #Use of foul/offensive language – Content with words that are foul or offensive, but that don’t completely detract from the overall content of the comment
• #Hard to Read – Poor use of the English language; writing in all capital letters; quoting the entire comment that you are replying to rather than specific portions.
• #Anonymous Post {2} – A comment by a user that has not logged in.
• A score of 2 will be assigned to posts with neutral content. This will be the default post-level of logged in users. {2} (Note: Until a log in system is implemented, this will be the default post-level for all users. ¹)
• #Default Score – The score was assigned automatically.
• #Anonymous Upgrade – The content of an anonymous comment was upgraded. This is the highest level at which an anonymous user can post. {2}
• A score of 3 will be assigned to posts that make some sort of logical or rational statement that either starts or builds a conversation.
• #Good Thought – The comment contains good thoughts on the topic at hand that are generally true and are likely to spark conversation.
• #Additional Information – The comment brings to light holes left in the article by the author. These points are backed up with a single non-academic source, or are considered to be generally credible.
• #Funny – The comment has humor value that is relevant to the topic.
• A score of 4 will be assigned to posts by moderators{1} or posts that reference outside sources that are generally credible but not necessarily academic in nature. Comments that make general claims but that are exceptionally well-written may receive this score as well.
• #Moderator – This is the default post level for moderators.{1}
• #General Sources – The comment makes a claim that is backed by a generally credible sources (more than one) or a single academic source.
• #Well-written – A post that contains good thoughts and that is exceptionally well-written.
• #Nerdness – A post that is not necessarily backed by sources but brings to light something related to the topic that only a true nerd would know.
• A score of 5 will be assigned to posts that make a sound claim and provide academic sources to back it up. This is the highest score a comment can receive. It will be highlighted in some fashion on the page to ensure that it stands out amongst other posts.
• #Academic – The comment makes a claim that is backed by academic sources (more than one), is generally well-written, and academic in nature.
• #Nerdtastic – A comment that brings to light a fact or set of facts so obscure that only the most perfect of nerds would ever hope to know them. Backed by at least one academic source.

Initial Scoring ¹

A comment will be automatically scored when the user submits it. A default score of 2 will be assigned to all posts.¹ Once a log in system is implemented, anonymous (i.e. not logged in) users will receive a default score of 1, while logged in users will receive a default score of 2.{2}

Increasing Default Scores {3}

Users that are logged in will maintain a point balance. If a moderator upgrades a comment a user has made, points will be added to the user’s balance. Once the user obtains a certain number of points, the user’s default post level will be raised. The maximum default post level will be 4.

Likewise, if a user’s comment is downgraded then points will be subtracted from the user’s point balance. Once the user loses a certain number of points, the user’s default post level will be lowered. If a user earns a default score of 0, the user’s account will be banned from posting.