Your post has been rejected.

[Former Member]

Please guys read this message below. I lost 150 points today because of this stupidity. This moderator is saying, you cannot post links or someone's answers. If a question is asked, providing a person to the right answered link, whats you all think, is that wrong or if someone else's answer is given, you use there answers to solve the persons question. Is that wrong. I think this is unfair. This way most of the posters are using links. Everyone should be banned to post.

Sorry your SAP Community Network Forum Post has been rejectedTuesday, August 31, 2010 3:23 AM

From: "SAP Forums" <notification.sapnetworkmail.com>Add sender to ContactsTo: "Afshad Irani" <afshadi.yahoo.com>Hello,

You have received this email because the message you posted below has been rejected by our moderators.

You may want to check out the terms and conditions for using our forums: https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/HOME/RulesofEngagement You also find a link to them in the first thread of every forum.

Hope you understand and continue to participate in our community.

All the best the CN Community Team.

sdn.sap.com

Subject: Re: movement type

&lt;&lt;Copied from . Copy and pasting other people's work is not permitted. If you do it again, your account is likely to be deleted. Further, you have had several postings rejected already for just posting links. Please stop doing that as well. Points removed&gt;&gt;<br />

<br />

Edited by: Matt on Aug 31, 2010 9:22 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

I request other moderators to refrain this moderator for such actions, or this rule should apply to all posters. Otherwise I am sorry to say, I will stop supporting SDN anymore. There should be level playing field for everyone here.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 2:23 PM

[ThomasZloch · Accepted solution]

> I request other moderators to refrain this moderator for such actions

No.

>or this rule should apply to all posters.

>There should be level playing field for everyone here.

Yes.

>Otherwise I am sorry to say, I will stop supporting SDN anymore.

Do not copy/paste, do not post just links to other threads as the sole reply, follow the Rules of Engagement, please keep contributing properly.

Thomas

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

I have similar feelings sometimes for the completely opposite reason.

It is this childish ponits system which leads people into the belief that the forums are filled with rivals and they need to cheat the system to remain competitive.

Sorry, but that is stupid and a big pain for moderators who do their tasks responsibly.

Chin up and read the rules please.

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> I have similar feelings sometimes for the completely opposite reason.
> 
> It is this childish ponits system which leads people into the belief that the forums are filled with rivals and they need to cheat the system to remain competitive.
> 
> Sorry, but that is stupid and a big pain for moderators who do their tasks responsibly.
> 
> Chin up and read the rules please.
> 
> Cheers,
> Julius

Julius,

Whats wrong in posting link or using someone else's answers to give answers. I dont see anything wrong there.

I remember when I had question, I was really greatfull if any link came my way or any answer came to my posts.

Our main goal here should be to help others by answering their questions. Usually the questions get answered through links provided, so whats wrong there.

Why reinvent the wheel, when its already invented. Lets work on improvement not reinventing things again. Writing answers from scratch takes lots of time. If we find the answers we just post the links, if we dont find the answer, then you can see from my posts, I write the answers to them by doing all the research.

So my fault here is to not waste time on already answered questions by giving links?

Do you want me to show other posters links as well. Did they lose points here. No, I was only discrimenated here by losing

150 points.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 4:47 PM

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 5:04 PM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Check these links. They all have just links provided to check. Why werent there points cut, why was I the only victim:

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 5:02 PM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Afshad,

Because it is called "noise" in netiquette and floods the forum with easily searchable answers - that is the trick, please should not be spoodfed and learn to search for solution and work things out with some effort from their side - and then post what they have gotten stuck on for a discussion about it's merits.

Other terms are "linkfarming" and "plagarism".

> using someone else's answers to give answers..

Quite often "guess work" is involved here as well because the answers do not need to understand the question either, but simply find the matching link.

These are explained in more detail in [The Rules of Engagement|https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/HOME/RulesofEngagement] and apply to everyone (also moderators!).

Yes, if you spot other linkfarmers and copy&pasters then don't compete with them. Use the Abuse Reports button.

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> Hi Afshad,
> 
> Because it is called "noise" in netiquette and floods the forum with easily searchable answers - that is the trick, please should not be spoodfed and learn to search for solution and work things out with some effort from their side - and then post what they have gotten stuck on for a discussion about it's merits.
> 
> Other terms are "linkfarming" and "plagarism".
> 
> > using someone else's answers to give answers..
> Quite often "guess work" is involved here as well because the answers do not need to understand the question either, but simply find the matching link.
> 
> These are explained in more detail in [The Rules of Engagement|https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/HOME/RulesofEngagement] and apply to everyone (also moderators!).
> 
> Yes, if you spot other linkfarmers and copy&pasters then don't compete with them. Use the Abuse Reports button.
> 
> Cheers,
> Julius

Julius,

I really like your answer, and thats what I really want and when I started on this forum thought everyone would follow. But its not getting followed by others as well. I just request, that this so called RULES should apply to everyone, why was I singled out here. At least there should be a warning before deducting so many points of mine. Sometimes it takes 5 days to get 150 points. What happened to my so much work.

Why was I singled out here. Lets make this forum fair for everyone.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Lets take a closer look at this one:

The poster has more than 700 posts but only ever scored 2 ponits. Asking basic question with no effort on his side. Pleople are racing against each other to search for random links to post as (hopefully) related answers because they are competing against each other for ponits to see who can search the fastest for someone who does no search at all.

Don't you think that is silly? Wouldn't you class that as "unnecessary noise"?

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

> I really like your answer, and thats what I really want and when I started on this forum thought everyone would follow. But its not getting followed by others as well. I just request, that this so called RULES should apply to everyone, why was I singled out here. At least there should be a warning before deducting so many points of mine. Sometimes it takes 5 days to get 150 points. What happened to my so much work.

100% agree with you.

Unfortunately because of the ponits system and the addiction to them which some people fall bait too, only strict moderation seems to be an effective way to keep forum content quality up to a level which one could describe as professional behaviour.

It is a real pity actually.

> Why was I singled out here. Lets make this forum fair for everyone.

I am sure that no one picked on you. More likely, no one has complained yet or enough about the others for their attention to have been captured.

Deducting 150 ponits seems to work though...

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Lets come to conclusion here. We should be allowed to get answers from the forum. Lets not just post links, let us just get the answers from the forum. Just links should not be allowed and this should go for every poster.

If there are any posts with just links, they should be rejected, but answers from those links should not be stopped.

Lets not reinvent the wheel.

This way the answers will be closer to the questions. What do you think?

I am sure that no one picked on you. More likely, no one has complained yet or 
enough about the others for their attention to have been captured. 
Deducting 150 ponits seems to work though...

I had lots of points deducted earlier as well, but I didnot complain as I was wrong there. Most of the earlier rejections were because my links were not upto the question standard, but then I stopped doing that and started giving quality links only, so those 150 points were hard earned points and quality answers were given there.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 5:36 PM

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 5:38 PM

Edited by: Julius Bussche on Aug 31, 2010 6:55 PM

Code tag changed to quote tag to repair formatting

[matt · Accepted solution]

Posting just links had been discussed quite a few times - the fact that is it overall harmful to the forums is, I think, basically agreed among all moderators. I really cannot be bothered to reiterate those arguments. Looking at posts you've made that have been rejected, I can see that many of them were lists of links - aka "link farms". Now, when you saw those rejections, didn't you think for a moment that there was a reason behind it? Yet you continued to post the same kind of responses. Why was tjhat?

The kick off behind my investigation of you - and the reason for the point deduction - was that I just happened to read one of your posts, and noticed that you had copied the work of someone else, and passed it off as your own. This is absolutely forbidden, and in fact merits immediate deletion of account. Why? Because 1) it may be an illegal breach of copyright, opening SAP itself up to legal action 2) it is cheating - it wasn't your work. So on that basis, you got off lightly.

You were not being singled out - you just got caught - but in an environment where there are tens of thousands of posts per day, we can only catch a handful of breaches of the rules. The best way to combat this is for the members themselves to use the abuse button to report posts that are in breach.

Please remember that the purpose of this forum is two fold. Yes, to help people out. But also to provide a searchable resource. Link farms and multiple copies of the same information defeat that second purpose.

matt

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

This is happening all the time my friend. I can give you 100's of posts daily, which are copied from other answers or only links are provided.

This means that moderators are not doing their job properly that they cannot see all those links. Do you want proof. I have given proof above with few links if you have seen them.

[matt · Accepted solution]

"Moderators not doing their job" - hah, you should try it sometime. If you don't behave yourself, we may make you a moderator...

I know there are many links posters. There are too many posts for the moderators to read everything. We rely on the abuse reports. There is a level playing field. Anyone who breaks the rules risks getting caught. If you get caught, action is taken. Best way not to get caught is to NOT break the rules. Simple. Nothing unfair about that.

And just to make it totally clear. You lost your points because you committed plagiarism. Not because of link farming. hth

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> "Moderators not doing their job" - hah, you should try it sometime. If you don't behave yourself, we may make you a moderator...  
> 
> I know there are many links posters. There are too many posts for the moderators to read everything. We rely on the abuse reports. There is a level playing field. Anyone who breaks the rules risks getting caught. If you get caught, action is taken. Best way not to get caught is to NOT break the rules. Simple. Nothing unfair about that.
> 
> And just to make it totally clear. You lost your points because you committed plagiarism. Not because of link farming. hth

Seems like I have to take up on your offer of becoming a moderator as I can daily see lots of RULES being broken, so that I can give everyone a level playing field.

Lets hope from now onwards, same action will be taken on all posters and we should be given level playing field, otherwise we have to come back with our old tactic of collectiing points. You know what

And please stop threatening every time that your id will be deleted. We all know nothing comes free in this world. We are doing all the members here a favour as well as SAP and your moderators a favour by answering. You know you cannot delete the most active members id

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 9:47 PM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

How about this for a solution:

Members use the abuse report button if others break the forum rules. The posts are rejected and the beloved ponits are removed.

If they ignore this warning, then their user ID's are deleted and they start over with zero ponits.

That applies to everyone.

This worked well in several other forums and members dont have to be super fast or automate answers to "compete".

They just need to be smart and have some experience and engain a discussion about the solution, themselves.

Good plan?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> How about this for a solution:
> 
> Members use the abuse report button if others break the forum rules. The posts are rejected and the beloved ponits are removed.
> 
> If they ignore this warning, then their user ID's are deleted and they start over with zero ponits.
> 
> That applies to everyone.
> 
> This worked well in several other forums and members dont have to be super fast or automate answers to "compete".
> 
> They just need to be smart and have some experience and engain a discussion about the solution, themselves.
> 
> Good plan?

I like the idea. But moderators have to make sure action should be taken on the abuse messages. I dont think the seniors will break the rules again and again. It can be juniors as they dont have much to lose. Seniors have lot to lose, as in my case, I have 5 months of hard work involved in my 5700 points.

This should go for links only. If messages are posted of those links and they are good answers, they should not be deleted, as again Ill say why reinvent the wheel. Lets work on something, which is not available on the forum and not waste time again if answers are available on this forum.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Yes, that is the way it pans out in the end.

I totally agree: it is always good to catch these things early, but when "top contributors" (measured in ponits) belittle moderators efforts then they get deleted as well.

It is not a joke and I dont recommend trying it

Glad we sorted this out!

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

PS: dont use code tags for quotes please.

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Moderators should also consider efforts of the contributors and give warning first before deleting 150 points at one time. Delete few points as was done earlier and give warning not to do same mistake again. Not just delete so many points, and then start threatening.

This is totally not professional. Thanks for everyone's input and hopefully all moderators will follow the same discussed here.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 10:19 PM

[matt · Accepted solution]

> I like the idea. But moderators have to make sure action should be taken on the abuse messages.

Action is always taken on abuse reports.

>

> This should go for links only. If messages are posted of those links and they are good answers, they should not be deleted, as again Ill say why reinvent the wheel. Lets work on something, which is not available on the forum and not waste time again if answers are available on this forum.

Wrong. If you pass someone elses hard work off as your own, at best it is cheating and it is dishonest. At worst it is copyright theft, and illegal. This point is clear in the Rules of Engagement that you agreed to when you became a member. Theft is definitely unprofessional.

>And please stop threatening every time that your id will be deleted. We all know nothing comes free in this world. We are

>doing all the members here a favour as well as SAP and your moderators a favour by answering. You know you cannot

>delete the most active members id

People with far more points than you, and indeed Top Contributors in their subject, have in the past, and recently, had their accounts deleted. Do not fool yourself that your account can't be deleted if you break the rules. That somehow you are indespensible. You're not. So, these are not "threats", they are warnings. If you continue to break the rules your account will be deleted.

As I pointed out early - copying someone else's work can result in your account being deleted without warning. Instead of carping on, you should be grateful that you've only lost a few points and been censured. Frankly, it's considerably less work to take the stricter approach.

[matt · Accepted solution]

So what should we do when someone has had a warning, complains about it, and then [continues |]to copy and paste [other people's|; work?

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Matt,

But also to provide a searchable resource.

I wish the internal search feature worked as well as Google, which is all I use any more.

These forums would, benefit greatly from an internal, full text, Google-like search engine. Put it on my Christmas list....

For what it's worth, I generally prefer a laid-back approach to forum moderation. As long as there is reasonable order, and no advertisements and no intellectual theft, less rules are better. IMHO.

Best Regards,

DB49

[matt · Accepted solution]

I prefer a more relaxed approach to forum moderation as well, but unfortunately, when things were more relaxed, the signal to noise ratio diminished considerably.

As far as searching goes, I've started using a new technology area in SAP. When I need to work out to do something, the first place I go to is sdn - but via google. Just typing in my query site:sdn.sap.com . I usually find what I need quite quickly.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

What's interesting is that the plagarised information is from 2009, posted by a SAP employee and moderator, and he originally said, back in January 2009...

> If your prices is not larger than 999.999.999,99 then please open a ticket in SAP, as this would be a bug and you would need a correction, that at the moment does not exist.

Now Afshad copy&pastes the same entire text into urban legend status...

This is one of the major pests of mindless copy& pasting --> but I did do a thorough check on OSS beforehand!

A more interesting discussion would be about hyper-inflation at this ponit, but for me it is over.

> otherwise we have to come back with our old tactic of collectiing points. You know what

Click...

> You know you cannot delete the most active members id

You have found what you were looking for!

Goodbye,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Matt,

That is the same technique I use. Now, wouldn't it be nice if that same quality of search were natively available within SDN?

Rgds,

DB49

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Actually I use the SDN search and 9/10 with help from OSS and TRDIR / DDIC I find an informative thread.

But for something very special and refined you cannot beat google so I do not spend more than 10 minutes on the SDN search.

Having said that, there is a lot of crap out there in the internet as well ...

An advantage off SDN if it is actively moderated and quality content (also from SAP) is that you will typically not find the same on other sites.

That is why the rules exist.

Cheers,

Julius

[csaba_szommer · Accepted solution]

Dear All,

As for moderation:

A)

It already happaned that my post was deleted.

- no one could explain why --> How is it possible that based on an abuse report a post is deleted and few minutes later no one can explain why...

- deleted post was not restored (I got the answer it is not possible)

So, in my opinion if posts are rejected it should be documented why exactly and it should be possible to cancel the deletion. It should be also considered that before the rejection of the post moderator could contact the poster and ask for explanation if necessary.

B)

I can't see any problem if someone pastes a link in their messages referring to a solution (SDN message, SAP online help, etc). The problem is about the misuse / improper use of it.

I'm saying this because if instead of pasting links in their messages devoted forum members start using the abuse button to report that someone else pasted a link in their messages...I'm not sure we will be glad at the end...

Moderator should be able to distinguish when someone uses it properly and when someone it misuses it (continuously)

So, in my opinion no such rule should exist that messages with pasted links are to be rejected - it makes no sense (it should be decided always by investigating what happened / what's happening).

If I refer to the solution described in an OSS note or on SAP online help am I also against the rules and my message deserves to be deleted / rejected? The person who opened the thread could have searched for them as well...

C)

If someone gets answer with messages full of pasted SDN links, does not it indicate that they could have searched before posting the question? I can see sometimes on SD forum that such dummy questions are made sticky. On MM forum I cannot see such thing or very rarely...

Why there is no moderator on MM forum?

D)

I also agree with DB49 that search functionality of SDN is very poor.

E)

There are other problems than pasted links.

E.g. If someone answers a question then there's a chance that after some time, few hours, days someone replies with the same solution hoping to get some points...(I'm not speaking about if someone posts the message a little bit later, maybe they were writing the message and did not realize that the others already answered) Surprisingly I saw such thing from SAP employes as well.

Just my opinion...

Edited by: Csaba Szommer on Aug 31, 2010 9:36 PM

[matt · Accepted solution]

A) Rejected posts are recoverable. Deleted posts aren't. Deletion is pretty rare. I only do it when that bug comes up which duplicates postings, or when a really old thread is replied to, that contains no useful information.

B) Links are certainly permitted. It's posts that contain just a link (with or without the words "this might help"), or links.

C) Some forums have more active moderators than others. All forums do have nominated moderators.

D) I can't imagine anyone disagreeing

E) The desire to have as many points as possible, as opposed to the desire to contribute to the community, does cause problems. Partly I think caused by the old maxim "Show me how I'll be measured, and I'll change my behaviour accordingly".

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Hi Csaba,

I checked the logs. 2 of your posts have been rejected to date. The problem was the OP in both cases (taking bait).

A) The automatic mail is generic. Yes, in actively moderated forums the moderator would normally contact the poster via the "send mail" feature we have access to.

B) If they only post links of copy&paste then people complain. That is the case here, again. Referencing links to support a discussion if certainly okay. But repeated linkfarms are brainless...

C) Exacly. The MM forums seem to be a haven for linkfarms. I am not aware of any active moderation in there and there are many Abuse Reports from members. SD is still the same to some extent. Perhaps it is a product feature...

D) Impossible to disagree.

E) Yes, that is ponits hunting, as opposed to ponits gaming. The Abuse Reports comments are usually of the ilk "Me too poster" to restating the (sometimes bleedingly) obvious.

Moderators and SAP employees are not immune to the forum rules.

Of course people make mistakes, I have as well, but intentional pesting and gaming and expecting moderators to be "Mr. Nice Guy" ad infinititum is not scalable either when the person blatantly disregards the rules again because top contributors cannot be deleted.

Sorry.. but the efforts of moderators also need to be respected.

The main pest here is the ponits system and interpretation of rivalry speed-answering as opposed to sporting community discussions.

Cheers,

Julius

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Julius,

Perhaps it is a product feature... 

You gave me my laugh for the day! Tks!

Regards,

DB49

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

What was really frustrating there, that when my posts were earlier rejected, I knew which posts were rejected and that way I could rectify my problem, but this time just few posts were rejected and suddenly 150 points gone. Few rejected posts cannot lose that many points, thats what sparked this issue.

I recall when a post is made, sometimes to search the right answer it takes me around 15-20 minutes, and now I consider my searching SDN skills above average, so how come a new comer, can make such a tough search, in my 15-20 minutes search I use so many combinations of wild cards to get the correct answers and usually I have remembered those wild cards as well.

How can you expect a new comer to remember those and get the correct answers they are looking for.

So actually by getting them correct answers, we are helping them solve their issues. I totally agree, if proper moderation is available here, those basic questions should be immediately locked, so that no one can answer them back and when the questions are open to answers, then answers will definitely follow.

I'm saying this because if instead of pasting links in their messages devoted forum
members start using the abuse button to report that someone else pasted a link in their messages

Well said there, now instead of answers the questions, we will on look out for reporting abuse, so what will happen to the questioner

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 9:47 AM

Code tags replaced with Quote tags by: kishan P on Sep 1, 2010 10:29 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Continued

So, in my opinion no such rule should exist that messages with pasted links are 
to be rejected - it makes no sense (it should be decided always by investigating 
what happened / what's happening).
If I refer to the solution described in an OSS note or on SAP online help am I also 
against the rules and my message deserves to be deleted / rejected? The person who 
opened the thread could have searched for them as well...

If they want to act bosses then, at least they should allow correct answers to be posted of those threads.

There are other problems than pasted links.
E.g. If someone answers a question then there's a chance that after some time, few hours, 
days someone replies with the same solution hoping to get some points...(I'm not speaking 
about if someone posts the message a little bit later, maybe they were writing the message 
and did not realize that the others already answered) Surprisingly I saw such thing from SAP employes as well.

Trust me, I have seen this a lot happening, but no moderators are interesting in cutting points of the most helpfull person, they cannot see the same answers getting repeated again and again in the same thread. Shouldn't repeated answers be blocked as well in the same thread?

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 9:49 AM

Code tags replaced with Quote tags by: kishan P on Sep 1, 2010 10:30 AM

[former_member184657 · Accepted solution]

Twice in this thread Julius has suggested you against using tags. And yet you continue to ignore it, just like you have done these past couple of years! It just indicates your reluctance to conform to the norms.

pk

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Take a look at this "top contribution" from yesterday ...

Repeat offender, interview question, meaningless subject title and mindless linkfarm.

Afshad has obviously never read the forum rules despite at least 150 reminders to do so, and even despite this flamewar still copy&paste's other peoples contributions.

I give up...

[MaheshChandra · Accepted solution]

if you are not following the Rules given by the forum moderator's, you have no right to ask, you didn't follow the rules in major of your previous posts. there is no exception in rules for active contributors, so try to follow the rules.

Moderators did their job but still they didn't delete some of your threads that doesn't follow basic rules.

one example here [Batch|] is there any question and answer there? (only points) and one more thread[ movement type |]

Check your side before asking against a moderator.

regards

Mahesh

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Sir, this code tag is for whole message, should not be for part messages, this tagging now I am using is for part messages, which I am replying against, not the whole messages, now put a ban on this as well.

Whats next then, today when I was contributing for the usual questions, how to do this, whats the cycle for this process, I was really stressed that if I answer, another moderator will delete the answer, so I prefer quiting this forum and concentrate on better work.

If thats what you guys want. Why this post was moved to Coffee Corner, we are talking on issues of MM forum, it should stay there so that others can write there opinion as well.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 10:47 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Sir this post was done before this all incident happened. Talk about after this post posts, not before, before you will find plenty of mine and others.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 10:44 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Do some contribution first, before jumping into conclusions. This movement type thread was the root cause of this issue. My 3-4 posts were deleted from here. Get your facts straight before defending someone.

[matt · Accepted solution]

The reason this was moved from the MM forum is that the issues related to SCN as a whole - not just MM.

Now, the situation.

1. You copied someone else's answer.

2. Rather than have your account deleted, I deducted a few points and issued a warning

3. In the process of investigation I found many link farms.

4. I requested you desist from that as well

5. You complained about the action taken

6. You repeated the offence, after having been warned

The reason you got a warning rather than being summarily deleted, was because we didn't want you to leave, we wanted you to change your behaviour. You've shown a marked lack of intent to do that. In fact, you've even bragged that you can't be deleted. What happens next is entirely in your hands. As it stands the conclusion to this sad affair seems fairly obvious.

[MaheshChandra · Accepted solution]

dear sir, see moderator post posted my before to mine. there also one link and Note: forum rules not changed Recently (april 31st)

i read from the starting post in this thread,i think its sufficient to post a reply. I checked your account and previous replies so i have an idea about your posts. so i gave my opinion that here the moderator may not be wrong.

i think your good posts are deleted and violated posts are still there, this is your main problem. Right

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Sorry Matt,

I consider it waste of time, answering the already answered questions on this forum. If questions are posted on the forum and you tell me you dont answer to those questions, someone else will. So here better moderation is required by just locking those questions, so that no answers can be posted to those questions.

If simple questions are there, I dont feel comfortable spending 30 minutes answering them, when I know in 5 minutes search I can get them the answer from the forum. Yes, if by search the answers cannot be produced, then its worth spending time and getting them the quality answer.

Where is the learning process answering the already answered questions from scratch. Learning process is in looking for not answered questions and by this search your learn.

Remember, my main goal here contributing is to learn something from it. By writing simple answers from scratch, this kills the purpose.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 11:12 AM

[former_member184657 · Accepted solution]

 Learning process is in looking for not answered questions and by this search your learn.
Remember, my main goal here contributing is to learn something from it. By writing simple answers from scratch, this kills the purpose

That's exactly the problem. You consider this to be your forum, whereas in reality it is ours (you, me and everybody else who's registered). Hence from an Adminstrator point of view we need to make it suitable for all users - not just you. If you continue posting links, imagine the plight of those who search the forums for help. They keep hopping from one link to another without reaching a suitable answer as has already been mentioned by Ravi.

The forums and all its users need not take a hit, just because you want to accumulate some irrelevant points. Which is why there are Rules to keep the noise down. If you dont abide by it, you get the boot. Its as simple as it gets.

Also, by providing links you are not helping the OP gain any knowledge. By doing a search for him/her, you are making them more lazy than they already are.

pk

Edited by: kishan P on Sep 1, 2010 11:53 AM

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Mr. Kishan,

Please read the complete thread, before posting your opinion. In my previous posts we already agreed on not providing the links, so why raise this issue again. Links will not be provided. If they are provided, those posts would be reported and it should be deleted. Simple....

My point here is, to just give them answers from the existing posts, if they already exist. If not, then one of us will write those answers. But if the answers do exist, its waste of time, writing them again from scratch.

This is my point, lets be constructive and not waste time recreating already existing material. This was already settled earlier with Julius, but I guess MATT has some issues on this agreement as well.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Look at these threads now:

Our members are scared writing to these questions, because if they do, there posts can be deleted.

So lets not play HITLER, my way or highway and give in something and take something.

I am only requesting, that if answers do exist, we should be allowed to just post the extremely relevant answer to the question.

Is that a lot to ask.

As mentioned above, those answers are pure experience based, and I dont think it can be found on the forum, but if they do exist, those answers should be allowed to be posted.

Again, I am not asking for posting links, just certain answers which are extremly relevant to the question.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 11:42 AM

[matt · Accepted solution]

You're still not seeming to understand that when you copy someone else's work, you are committing copyright theft.

>This is my point, lets be constructive and not waste time recreating already existing material

Quite right. So - no reposting of other people's work, and only link to it when you add value.

I'd be fascinated to hear your explanation why, after being warned not to copy and paste, and obviously having received that warning, you went and did it again.

[former_member184657 · Accepted solution]

I gather that you still haven't read the [Rules of Engagement |https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/HOME/RulesofEngagement ] of this forum, since I see you answering [Interview questions|] even after our little agreement. Sad, you dug your own grave despite so many suggestions and warnings!

pk

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

Quite right. So - no reposting of other people's work, and only link to it when you add value.

Your message is confusing. First you say no links. Now you are saying "only link to it when you add value" can you be more clear.

Can we post those messages as quotes and write our messages accordingly?

[matt · Accepted solution]

Do not make replies comprising of only one or more links.

Clear now?

I'd be fascinated to hear your explanation why, after being warned not to copy and paste, and obviously having received that warning, you went and did it again.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> Do not make replies comprising of only one or more links.
> 
> Clear now?
> 
> I'd be fascinated to hear your explanation why, after being warned not to copy and paste, and obviously having received that warning, you went and did it again.

Sir, we already discussed in this thread with Julius, that copy pasting was allowed, thats why I made that post. Now its more clearer what is required of us, so in nutshell, we can give answers with the most relevant link with answer, not just link.

[matt · Accepted solution]

You have seriously misunderstood what Julius said. Copy and paste of others people's work has always been against the rules for this forum, and will continue to be. Your request to be allowed to do it is denied.

[Former Member · Accepted solution]

>

> >

> > Do not make replies comprising of only one or more links.
> > 
> > Clear now?
> > 
> > I'd be fascinated to hear your explanation why, after being warned not to copy and paste, and obviously having received that warning, you went and did it again.

>

> Sir, we already discussed in this thread with Julius, that copy pasting was allowed, thats why I made that post. Now its more clearer what is required of us, so in nutshell, we can give answers with the most relevant link with answer, not just link.

Can you confirm that I read this message correctly or not.

[Former Member]

Awww....... i understand.......

Not many people know that google is used to search for content over the internet. (Big eye roll.......)

Reminds me of a joke I heard some time back.

Support guy : Shall I send u a guide on your gmail

User : (goes silent for 5 minutes)...... Hold on a minute (lot of discussion is heard in the background)

User : Umm...... I don't have gmail but I have email.

[Former Member]

After reading this thread, i have one thing to say.........

I really appreciate the patience of our moderators. This guy reaaalllly pushed the limits of arrogance, and still you put up with him. Kudos to all of you.

I agree that moderators work is not that easy. Sometimes however mistakes do happen. (They are only human). But I think that this can be resolved amicably in the way Csaba did (Well done). There was absolutely no need for 'Guest' to resort to name calling and insulting others. Just a simple matter of accepting ones mistake and making sure that he wouldnt do it againwould have been fine.

Anyway, a small suggestion from my side. I think we could add one more point to the Rules of Engagement. Not many people know that it is wrong to encourage posters who ask 'Basic Questions'.

one more suggestion (not to be taken seriously- at least not too seriously)......... since people who are violating rules on SDN have their accounts disabled wouldn't it make more sense to "Ghost-ify" them instead of "Guestifying" them

Cheers,

Mz

[Former Member]

>

> one more suggestion (not to be taken seriously- at least not too seriously)......... since people who are violating rules on SDN have their accounts disabled wouldn't it make more sense to "Ghost-ify" them instead of "Guestifying" them 

You mean "with extreme prejudice?"

That can be arranged, My son had a summer job working for the Mafia.

Rob

[Former Member]

Hmm...... i expect that he would "make me an offer that i can't refuse"... ( Lol )

Mz

[Former Member]

To no-one in particular:

Note to self #3: Buy a nice gift for my longsuffering wife, who single handedly taught our two lovely daughters the rare skills of resolving their arguments amongst themselves with grace and dignity.

Best Regards,

DB49

[Jelena_Perfiljeva]

>

This is happening all the time my friend. I can give you 100's of posts daily, which are copied from other answers or only links are provided.

Just stumbled upon this thread - OMG, so much drama! As far as OP/Guest goes - good riddance. If someone assumes that if "everyone is doing it" it makes stealing and cheating OK (and even have some balls arguing about it), it's not a good sign.

And SDN is not a Help Desk and we're not here to answer basic questions. My own post was rejected once (poor judgement on my side - should've reported the thread instead of replying), but I had no problem with this. The rule is the rule, even if thousands are breaking it.

A big 'thank you' goes once again to the moderators for keeping SDN clean and staying on guard.

[Former Member]

Thanks for this amusing thread.

Afshad Irani,

all you and I and everyone else in this forum is supposed to do is to provide professional and original thoughts, hints, help to one another. Everything else should be found on this platform by a responsible questioner herself using the manifold search facilities.

This whole system, imho, simply is no practicing playground for a future support carreer. If this behaviour would be allowed, this would open the door to a situation where people who never ever saw a SAP system themselves could become Top Contributors (and I bet there have been and are such people actually around), which, at least imho, would be a complete absurdity.

If you stick to the simple originality rule, then no one will ever argue over one or another link or a short citation in your post supporting your original contribution.

If your post contains no original contribution at all, the responsible OP should have found all that information himself prior to asking. Some people only ask the same questions over and over again, just because people like you answer them over and over again. The result is just noise.

my 2 cents and cheers,

anton

[ThomasZloch]

The root problem is the lack of consistent moderation in the MM forums, something which is being addressed among SCN moderators and administration as we speak. In ABAP Development forums, for example, most of the participants in the threads I have investigated in this matter would not have come as far as they did in MM with their types of questions and answers.

Thomas

[Former Member]

This is however only the second case involving [Godwin's Law|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%E2%80%99s_law] (see Afshad's comment further up comparing moderator's to Hitler...).

The first case met it's maker immediately and the user ID was deleted without any further discussions or warnings.

I suspect SAP will take the same course here and I am going to follow DB49's good advice.

Goodbye,

Julius

[Former Member]

You are playing cat&mouse now: mincing words, twisting misunderstandings, buying time to break a few more rules, practicing your rhetoric on us...

[matt]

I think you're right Julius. It's a shame. A simple apology and a committment to adhere to the rules would have prevented any unpleasantness.

[Former Member]

To no-one in particular:

Note to self #1: Delete all received emails associated with this thread that are not about SAP software. As in, "All of them".

Note to self #2: Thank the almighty for the many blessings I have received, especially the "Stop Watching thread" command.

Regards,

DB49

[Former Member]

I guess Ill follow the same. At least when I dont post, no one can threaten me that you have received all the points by cheating. The last 5 months, I have spend around 12 hours daily on this forum and here I am accussed that all the points I gathered were through cheating.

Thank you again for such lovely comments and it will take time to STOP Watching the thread, but I'll get over it.

Now you are free to implement your rules on others. You will not get bothered from my posts any more.

AND if you want donation of my points, feel free to take them all.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 1:19 PM

[Former Member]

A sad(?) ending....

[Former Member]

Yeah a real sad ending. Pity that the OP dint have the basic sense to apologize and adhere to the rules to save his account and his so called hard work he put behind to earn those 5700+ points.

Vikranth

[Former Member]

Why do you want to play as search engine for someone else?

If you can search the forum and provide the links to the OP within few minutes.Why cant they do it for themselves? Why do they need someone to search and post it? Are they so lazy or so naive, who doesnt even know how to search in internet?

[Former Member]

After looking posts in this thread I totally agree with moderators who removed Afshad Irani account. Afshad created offence as well especially comparing moderators with Hitler and did not show professionalism. He didn't even bother to read, understand and follow the rules of engagement though continuously asked.

This was Afshad's method to earn points so fast just to be top contributor and in just five months he earned 5000+ points (as he claimed)

Thanks to moderators to keep the community clean.

[federico_blarasin]

The last 5 months, I have spend around 12 hours daily on this forum and here I am accussed that all the points I gathered were through cheating.Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 1:19 PM

This thread is epic win!

Now I understand why is so difficult to keep this forum tidy, a special thanks to the moderators trying to do this.

In my opinion SDN is very useful USING THE SEARCH function. Very often I find useful answers, that lead me to the solution I need.

Indeed keeping an eye at the forum the signal/noise ratio is not very good: it feels like there are a lot of freshers asking basic questions and other freshers answering those questions. Often with the wrong answer... On the other side interesting questions often go to page 2 or 3 without any answer, until some real professional catch them.

Maybe some people feel that a lot of ponits can be useful in a job interview ('Sir, hire me, look at my profile in the SDN...').

Just my opinion.

[matt]

Thanks for the vote of confidence!

[Former Member]

>

> Thanks for the vote of confidence!

Matt,

I am sure all sensible forum members understand the actions taken by the forum moderators

It is strange that this discussion went on so long, i think you guys have given it a real long haul.

I think Jelena mentioned in her post that this "Guest" has the balls to copy and then fight for it, in fact i think it is the other way ....this guy has NO-BALLS and is not worried or ashamed of himself getting kicked in between....as simple as it

I am not being harsh here but anyone who cannot stand up on his own, disrespects others hard work and effort (plagiarism) and has a discourteous way of dealing with other forum members and moderators and whose life revloves only around the 5000 or 50000 points he earned and feels let down and sulks in life whenever he looks at himself in the mirror - HAS NO RIGHT TO BE ON THE FORUM

I would say "Good Riddance of Bad Rubbish"

.....in an other post in the coffee corner there is a nice quote, that is quite apt here

" Do not argue with a fool, he will get you down to his level and then beat you with experience "

• @ GUEST: Brother, i do not have enough points to argue with you - but take me on if you prefer to. the moderators are too kind and nice with words- i am not. I am your kind - a proper misbehaving brat, .......

[Former Member]

I feel this thread should be sticked on every forum, So that others will learn a lesson from this.

[Former Member]

Hi,

Today another top contributor (2310 points ) without user name in Forms Home Page. Is this a similiar Case ?

Regards

Vinod

[Former Member]

One more Titan fell from Top three contributors?

Another User name not found was seen today on the Forum main page in Top three contributors list..

This time it was from ERF finacial.. "M" power has strike again and a new guest was born..

That's good our previous guest will have some company now..

-Pushkar

[former_member184657]

A slightly more heinous crime - blatant point-gaming.

Creating about 3-4 user ids a day and giving points to the parent account @200 points per day.

pk

[Former Member]

Creating 3-4 ids a day-- Amazing

Getting @200 Points per day.. Excellent

Becoming Top three contributors--On Top of the world

Becoming Guest by Moderators-- Priceless

Hats of to All Moderators and those who use the Yellow button..

-Pushkar

[matt]

That one was just astonishing. So much work for no return... Imagine if you put that amount of effort into doing your job!

[Former Member]

May be few more are there..

Very interesting threads and 2 OP's are making my day..:)

The one who is asking interview question is being offencive after reffering to forum rules and other one is just copypasting copyrighted material and being offencive and have a good justification for helping OP by doing this..

Enjoy and have a nice weekend. It come early this time.

-Pushkar

[ThomasZloch]

Thanks for your efforts, Pushkar, I have added two abuse reports asking MM moderators (are there any active ones?) to assist you there.

Thomas

[MaheshChandra]

pushkar,

you have a good number of fans in ERP forum, don,t reveal your contact details, otherwise your mail in box has some interesting messages. " all days are yours"

@topic,

is there any reason behind "why top contributors are violating rules? are they unaware of rules or Strict moderation comes recently to check history or because of some people who press Yellow buttons.

[Former Member]

Matt,

If he has a proper job, then he wont have time to create 3-4 id's a day, ask questions and reply that with parent id, again re-log in with new id and award points. May be he wants to showcase the points earned in his CV to get a job.

[matt]

Maybe we should say then "If he put all that energy he spent gaming the system into finding a job..."

>is there any reason behind "why top contributors are violating rules? are they unaware of rules or Strict moderation comes recently to check history or because of some people who press Yellow buttons.

Some companies have targets for their employees. And I guess some people may think if they're a top contributor, that they'll find it easier to get a job.

[Former Member]

Pl read this replies given by guest member

[Former Member]

HI Moderators,

I feel 'Guests' should be prohited to answer any question.

Why do they want to hide their identity ?!?

Its like, if they want to abuse someone or make fun, they login as 'Guests' and doing it

purposefuly.

I feel 'Guests' should be allowed only to view the datas.

thanks,

Padma.

[Former Member]

I new that eventually some one would ask this question

Guests used to be real users with real userids. They violated forum rules enough times until the moderators felt they had no option other than to delete the userid. The userids are gone, but their comments/threads/posts remain under the generic userid "Guest".

Rob

[Former Member]

Thanks for making the rest of my day a happy one

[ChrisPaine]

Someone ( sorry it's a long thread and my memory isn't brilliant) posted that this thread should be made a sticky on multiple forums where others could learn from it.

I'd like to suggest that perhaps someone involved could perhaps make a blog out of the points raised here and/or perhaps link this thread (or a preferably a summary of it) to the Rule of Engagement wiki. This is really a very good example of the good work done by our moderators and the reasons that the rules are there.

Congratulations moderators - your work is not appreciated enough for the abuse you suffer.

And just to hopefully improve the search-ability of this thread I'd like to include these random words:

top contributor Username not available

Thanks Mods - you do us proud!

[Lakshmipathi]

top contributor Username not available

Yes even the points should not reflect in the list. It should be removed.

thannks

G. Lakshmipathi

[matt]

>

> I'd like to suggest that perhaps someone involved could perhaps make a blog out of the points raised here and/or perhaps link this thread (or a preferably a summary of it) to the Rule of Engagement wiki. This is really a very good example of the good work done by our moderators and the reasons that the rules are there.

A blog. hmm. Maybe an opera would be better.

[Former Member]

Few suggestions for the blog Title:

1. Have a Character - Dont be One

2. Identitiy Management - Learn to manager Your's

3. Frame without a Photo

4. The Forums are for U: Avoid being the "GUEST"

any takers to write the blog? I really liked the idea from Chris

[Former Member]

or else we can name it as How to become a Guest?

[Former Member]

Hi Moderators,

I just want to know few things

1. Is it allowed to post the links from SAP Help or should we simply ask the user to look in SAP Help portal? So that the OP will spend some effort in browsing through SAP Help.

2. Is it allowed to copy the entire content (like the whole paragraph or page not just a line) from the SAP Help page or IMG Document and post as a reply?

Please make me clear on this.

[Former Member]

The intent of these rules is to avoid users asking lazy answers and to avoid responders ecouraging lazy questions by answering them.

So if a question can be answered by either a link to or quoting from SAP help (or any other easily findable source), then the OP should have done this him or herself.

Rob

[Former Member]

So if a question can be answered by either a link to or quoting from SAP help (or any other easily findable source), then the OP should have done this him or herself.

Exactly.. even I felt the same, But I want to make sure from Moderators, because I have seen some contributors giving direct links to Help section, or posting the content of IMG document like that. Henceforth, I would suggest the fellow contributors not to do so.

[ThomasZloch]

I have provided links to parts of SAP documentation before, but accompanied with a few extra comments of mine, not just dropping the link ("check this"). It is a grey area in my opinion, some stuff is really hard to find without detailed knowledge or good keywords. In the end moderators have to judge the single case, and try to be consistent while doing so

Copy/pasting entire passages should not be done most of the time, and never be done without referencing the source.

Thomas

[federico_blarasin]

There are so many threads in SDN with a massive copy & paste from SAP help (usually 3 or 4 pages of stuff without any formatting). It's quite annoying when you search for something specifical, 'cause in these threads there are plenty of keywords and it's very likely they will appear in your search. And obviously there won't be anything useful for you

[matt]

If you find some like that, click on the abuse item, and a moderator will edit/delete/reject the post.

matt

[Former Member]

Having been a moderator somewhere else in the past, i know what a pain in the behind it can be to moderate a forum. Personally, after page 1 of the thread i would have put on my golden kick boots and removed that person from SDN.

Kudos to all you moderators here at SDN for being so patient (sometimes too patient though, althought this thread gave me a good laugh).

[Former Member]

Hi ahmed

But Afshan was indeed a great help for new poeple who r joining the forum...........

regad

nabil

[former_member184657]

Well, you can take pride in the fact that you were one of the reasons, why Afshad met his sad fate by asking questions like this:

The downside however is that you have now been on our radar for sometime now. And if you dont mend your ways, you can join your friend in Guestland.

All this cross-posting dont help your cause either:

pk

[matt]

I guess they'll get modded soon... You see, Nabil, the thing is that these forums don't exist so that people can get free training. Most basic questions will have been answered many times, or are easily answered by doing a bit of research. If you still can't find the answer, after putting in a bit of effort, then feel free to ask.

If you get answers that are just links, or copy paste from SAP Help or other places, not only are those post breaking the rules, but also, you could have found those just as easily.

I mean - why did you post asking for interview questions, when this is not permitted? Do you feel the rules don't apply to you? Note, the reason that Afsah was guestified, was not actually because he posted links, or even copy pasted other's answers. It was because he carried on breaking the rules after warnings, and got abusive in this very thread.

Agreement with moderation instructions isn't, in fact, mandatory. Following moderator instructions, generally, is mandatory, if you wish to stay part of the forums. Though we're very happy to discuss the issues, and are open to changing the policies.

Edited by: Matt on Sep 16, 2010 10:41 AM

[Former Member]

Nabil,

1.

Hi ahmed

Why is it addressed to me?

2.

great help for new poeple 

May be lazy people would be an appropriate word.

[Former Member]

these forums don't exist so that people can get free training. Most basic questions will have been answered many times, or are easily answered by doing a bit of research.

- Very very true.

[Former Member]

This was a funny read, thanks for the entertainment.

Have you ever heard of the phrase

"Don't cry over spilt milk"

You seriously need to get over it as there are more important things in life.

150 points doesn't make you a better person or a better consultant.

[Former Member]

Andrew,

I am already over it. The point I am making here is this incident doesnot happen again. Trust me lots of hard work is involved

in 150 points. Many posters make that much in a month.

Take your example, you are still on 134

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 12:47 PM

[matt]

At least Andrew's have been earned honestly.

At the moment, you are facing losing more than just 150 points. Seriously.

[Former Member]

>

> Andrew,
> 
> I am already over it. The point I am making here is this incident doesnot happen again. Trust me lots of hard work is involved
> in 150 points. Many posters make that much in a month.
> 
> Take your example, you are still on 134 
> 
> Edited by: Afshad Irani on Sep 1, 2010 12:47 PM

Guest taunted once on someone who had 134 points. Now guest himself has zero points.

What a pity!

[Former Member]

Guest taunted once on someone who had 134 points. Now guest himself has zero points.

I do not agree, GUEST is the user that has the most points! We just don't see his point count!

[jurjen_heeck]

>

We just don't see his point count!

True, but then, shouldn't he be named GUESS instead?

[Former Member]

If you think that injustice has happened to you, you can always challenge the actions of moderators by reporting it to....(sorry, I forgot the mail ID...you need to search the forum. I am sure it is there in coffee corner or Suggestions and comments forum).

[Former Member]

Link farming should be strictly controlled. It is not reinventing the wheel. It is making the wheel (invented by some one else) out of shape. If I search for something and if that thread asks me to visit few other links and those links also refers few more links...then how long should I keep on clicking the links to get the answer. Links can be provided only as a reference, after answering the query.

Please remember that the OP raising the thread also is an educated person. Ignoring the minority who always tries to break rules and are lazy to put efforts, imagine that he has gone through the available material and could not understand the concept or the solution for a problem from related threads. Though it has been explained in other old threads, it is the way of explaining things that matters. If you really are aware of the concept/solution, then explain it in your own words. If you don't have time, please keep away from answering or if you have little time, suggest them to make a search.

Regarding the point system, I strongly believe that, the total points or the points-posts ratio cannot be always related to the subject skills or intelligence of the person. Did the people around you who have better knowledge than you, have more SDN points? Partially I disagree about recognition from SDN points. The recognition will come through contribution and helping others. They will remember you longer. Do you know who are the present top contributors in forums other than you visit regularly? Do you know who were the top contributors in the past in your forums of interest? Can you list out the people who have earned more than 20000 life time points in SCN? I suggest not to give too much of importance to points.

Regarding the efforts of moderaotors, the forums were in very bad share before the entry of moderators community. Every thread will have links, personal mail ids asking for material etc., The forums are better now becasue of the efforts of moderators only. Never quote the examples of minority people who don't care about the rules. Remember that, they also don't care about guestification. They will agian register with another id. They don't look for long and decent life. Please ignore those kind of people and help the moderators to control such people, by reporting the abuse.

Regards,

Ravi

[Former Member]

Afshad,

To me, accumulation of Points is not the purpose of these forums. We are supposed to be here to help newbies, and to spread information. If one focuses on the satisfaction of the people who will use an informative post in their business, then points become irrelevant.

I agree that it is ridiculous to reject a posting, solely for the reason of posting a link to another post, but those are the rules. Copy and paste, without attribution, however, is intellectual fraud. It is a tool of the unenlightened.

I firmly believe that the awarding of points distorts the purpose of these forums. However, I recognize that there are a significant number of posters who will not participate without this incentive. Sort of a necessary evil, I guess.

Best Regards,

DB49

[Former Member]

To me, accumulation of Points is not the purpose of these forums.  We are supposed 
to be here to help newbies, and to spread information.  If one focuses on the satisfaction 
of the people who will use an informative post in their business, then points become irrelevant.

My main goal here is to help myself by helping others. When I help others, I learn more that way. In my 2.5 years SAP experience, I gained a lot of knowledge since I started contributing 5 months ago. So Ill say, best way to learn is by helping others. I have seen and solved so many scenario's here which you will not anticipate in real life.

I agree that it is ridiculous to reject a posting, solely for the reason of posting 
a link to another post, but those are the rules.  Copy and paste, without attribution, 
however, is intellectual fraud.  It is a tool of the unenlightened.

My point here is lets not reinvent the wheel, lets not waste time writing the same answers when they are already written by others and lets make this fair for all posters. Lets not just delete one person's points, and leave other posters.

I firmly believe that the awarding of points distorts the purpose of these forums.  
However, I recognize that there are a significant number of posters who will not participate 
without this incentive.  Sort of a necessary evil, I guess.

I totally disagree with you on this point. Points creates competition and its healthy for questionaires as they receive prompt answers, remember we are competing for points. I have seen some questions been answered in 5 minutes, and I was just one minute late and lost the point to other poster. So, points creates competition and posts get answers quicker.

Edited by: Afshad Irani on Aug 31, 2010 5:14 PM

[Former Member]

Afshad,

 totally disagree with you on this point.

I respect your point of view. However, I cannot agree.

remember we are competing for points.

No, you are competing for points. I am not.

Best Regards,

DB49