I know we have talked a lot about the medal system and its strengths and weaknesses. I have two ideas that I think would help strengthen the system overall, if we do decide to stay with it more or less in its current form. First, there should be separate medals for askers and answerers. Currently, we must choose whether to reward the asker or answerer, and this is not a good situation. Secondly, if an asker attempts to close a question without awarding a best answer medal, the site should pop something up asking them to do so.

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anonymous · Answer

Nice points here @nbouscal - I particularly like the 'pop-up' idea. The issue being that people *should* be rewarded for their participation, which becomes significantly less likely when a question is closed. 

Thanks for the ideas - keep 'em coming!

kinggeorge · Answer

I like the pop-up idea a lot too. It's very frustrating when you answer a question, help the asker through the process, spend 15 minutes or more with them, and then they just close the question and ask another one.

blues · Answer

I agree, especially with the pop up idea. Along similar lines, @FoolForMath and I recently discussed the need to bring back the "Good Question" button.

lgbasallote · Answer

i have an awesomesauce proposition abt the smartscore...but im still baking it :DDD hope someone hears it though :C

anonymous · Answer

Great ideas, Nbouscal. My little comments:
I don't think the site should force an asker to award medals, but a friendly message reminding them to award them if they feel like someone has been helpful would be good.

The system in its current form really gives this site a feeling of being mostly about getting "answers" or solutions for your questions. However the medal system is retooled, it should emphasize promoting a learning environment. Having askers be evaluated on their participation is essential to this because askers should FEEL like they have a responsibility in the learning process rather than thinking that it's all on the teachers to give them answers.

lgbasallote · Answer

i think we have a pop up for best answer already...we just need to make it more conspicuous

lgbasallote · Answer

maybe a pop up as big as the close question thingy