[blacktaj]

Now Boss has implemented new 35 point for power system. I guess his aim is mainly to curb the power of clones to mass zap members and mass up their own clones. I can understand his views. The zapping of members who posts genuine FRs is very disturbing. Most samsters now avoid writing FRs because of fear of being zapped. And they try to get points the "easy way" instead by posting pics. Only more senior members who have some standing dare to post FRs now.

The problem seems confined to FL Dome 1 & 2. The other threads no problems. It is likely that the problem originates from the OKTs and their supporters and their clones zapping FRs of their rival OKT's girls.

I support Boss's efforts to clamp down on these clones. However, the effect may not be as he intended. It hurts the newbie cause noe he has to get more points to get power. Nett Nett he has to get 35-15 = 20 pts instead of the previous 25-10 = 15 pts. On the other hand, clones and their networks can easily up their points to 35 because of the sheer number of clones they have, many of them with power of 2-3 or even 4! And these "members" will simply be spurred on to make even more clones before Boss sets an even higher limit. I know how they work.. haha.. I was a clone maker myself (only for upping worthy samsters, seldom zapp)

Now that I have outlined the problem, what is the solution? Frankly, I'm not sure. This is where you all come in to provide some ideas. I think Boss will listen to us. He has to balance the interests of Samsters, Seniors, Newbies and OKTs while trying to limit the power of the clones.

Some ideas:

1. Ban zapping. Is zapping really necessary? If the post is not useful, just move on. Of offensive, let Boss know. Once zapping is banned, all the clones power is all gone. The dark side is banished. And they can only up people. wouldn't that ironic?

2. Limit zapping power: now zapping power is half of up power. Maybe can be reduced to quarter if technically possible? How bout a post needs to be zapped 10 times then will minus 1 pt? in this case, if enough bros feel the post is bad or offensive, we can still zapp and the effect is there but the clones will have to zapp and zapp like mad just to get any effect.

3. Adjust valid times: Last time Boss also tried to limit effects of clones by limiting ups and zapps with the 48 hrs window. It worked for a while. Maybe window for zapp can be reduced to 24 hrs and window for UP can be unlimited?

4. Pay for power: Maybe Boss can consider member have to pay for UP and Zapp power. Say first 1 or 2 years is free for members. This free period will allow new people to join and will let them enjoy for free. Thereafter, members could pay 10-20 bucks per year for membership if they feel it is worthwhile to remain active. If don't pay, their accounts will be held in reserve but not deleted. So those on overseas jobs or those retired can re-activate with the fee. I think most of us don't mind to pay the small sum and Boss don't have to depend so much on advertisers and sponsors. BUT. Can you imagine the clone maker with 20 or 30 or even 100 accounts? Ha. Don't think they will pay $20 bucks x 100 clones.

Members who post more than 50 posts a year may be exempted from paying. Pretty easy to post 50 a year for most of us. Even if its no meaning posts. But for clones, it is very very troublesome.

As I said, Boss is trying his best, but I feel his latest effort may be playing into clones hands. Genuine newbies will feel quite frustrated cause to reach 35 pts is not easy at all for newbies but easy for clones. As a member who has benefited from this site for so many years, I feel I need to help out with ideas where I can. Hope you all can add on to this as well and perhaps Boss can find a way to make this site more better.