Eliminate Ranking System

I have been on and off this site for the past 4 years. The only thing I have ever had an issue with is that, to my knowledge, 'Fluffy' ranked members have no idea they are ranked that way. It is my hope that this is because I have never earned such a title and therefore have never received any notification in that regard. I have no idea if people are allowed to ask if they are marked 'Fluffy' in the event they are not aware of their ranking. My mind would be settled just knowing that if I were ever to be ranked 'Fluffy', I would have some sort of notification so I may adjust the behavior that earned the title.

Also, I would like to thank Brysing for giving a more in-depth explanation of how ranking is determined. I do not mind any form of ranking system as long as I understand what the benchmarks are and have access to what my standing is.

Lastly, it has been said before but it bears repeating, this website is for fun. It is not a paid service that can be referenced on a resume, it is to have fun and share thoughts. The ranking system is simply a tool that can be used or left in the drawer if not useful at the time. As long as I am allowed to help others when I can, that is all that matters to me.

I say get rid of it. It has been used against me unfairly. I never made any impossible claims or told people their religion is illegitimate, yet it seems some of the senior members here have abused their power yet again. The system can be fixed, but realistically speaking it won't be. I think they need to be reminded that they are not above everyone else and that this type of cowardly back biting behavior needs to stop. I applaud Whiro for speaking out against the bullies on this site.

Look, I agree, it is used unfairly and can be considered a bad system, but even though no one is arguing, its still a good sign things are gonna get out of hand at this rate. Look, it is petrarcas site, and the bottom line is, you should respect that. If he decides to listen or not is in his choice, he is the one who even made a place for people with a strong belief in magic to share thoughts and ideas and not be judged. My point, if you feel oppressed by anyone of a higher rank take it to petrarcha, and if he intends to sort it out, he will if he chooses to, and if not and you get gagged, it isn't that hard to make another account. As well, on the ranking system, although I do agree it alone should not grant instant power over another, it's main purpose is still there, to simply show how much experience people have, so you should more direct tour argument over to what the ranks allow rather than ranks themselves.

I think it should either be removed completely or every user should be allowed to rate someone.

Let me say a few additional things about the ranking system:

Allowing all/any members to vote would completely debunk the idea of the system- which was originally made with the purpose ofacknowledging the very experienced so that the general membership, and specially those new to the site, have an idea of who really knows anything. Allowing any member to vote would, by and large, turn this into nothing more than a popularity contest. I would say that there are a far greater amount of members here that are less experienced than experienced, and therefore you skew the entire ranking system.

Note that ranks were not originally meant to be given to every single member on the site . Again, the original idea for them was to be given to the very knowledgeable simply to point newcomers in a right direction and let them know who might be a credible source to seek out if they are starting to learn. There's no need for everyone to obsess about their rank in the end. There's no real end benefit to trying to achieve one of the higher rankings. It's a moot point. As others have said: it's a line on your profile. If you disagree with your current ranking, you can always take action to try to improve it. Instead of vocally complaining about it, or asking to be ranked, perhaps try adding contributions of value in the forums, adding articles/spells and making conversation/discussion in the public chatter.

Brysing mentioned that ranks come from profiles. I would say that ranks come from a multitude of things: profiles (as we do read those), actions and words said in forum/chatter, content of what is uploaded in spells/articles, and behavior (yes, maturity and how you present yourself do factor into it). The fluffy rank is reserved for those who, of course, show either a very flawed fantastical understanding (or lack of understanding) of magic and/or an unwillingness to learn. It is also often given to trolls, and others whose behaviors earns them such a rank. It used to be visible, and is no longer, so as to not discourage members from sticking around and learning- and moreso for the knowledgeable members to know who may need guidance, and who is stuck in their ways.

In the end, this same issue has been argued over and over ever since the ranking system was first created. It is likely not going to change and arguing about it, I believe, is not going to resolve anything. Petrarca owns this site and implemented this system, and therefore the choice ultimately lays with him. The ranking system is not the most important feature of the site, and you shouldn't be spending all of your time dwelling on it. There is so much more to SoM than a colorful bar next to your name. Take time to immerse yourself in the community, get to know members, engage in intellectual conversation. Learn to foster patience and to moderate behavior. The rest will come.

I think this ranking system is wrong it does discriminates people who have little knowledge I think it should be removes

How does one know their rank?I see many profiles with no rank.

If it isn't ranked, the answer should be evident. The don't have one! (Or they're fluffs, but this should be obvious)

Now if only this much debate ,enthusiasm ,and articulation waput into helping and debating magic instead of a meaningless ranking system that nobody pays much mind to half of this debate wouldn't be in existence and alotta of practitioners my be furthering themselves down a path of enlightenment and knowledge and who knows you might even see more ranks start showing up . just my opinion as usual and I mean no personal offense to anyone!
Merry meet!
Merry part!

I'm a New member and I have been trated very well
With respect in the chats and on the boards as well as PM
I was able to join a great Coven,I got in about 10min after applying The councle voted me in...This board seems like all boards
If people see that you are real and Honest and respectful you will be treated as such...This ranking system I still don't know how it works a but not everyone will ever agree on them..All boards have these issues.