Question

Two suggestions for openstudy.
1. Give more medal/points to people who help with "First Question". This encourages people to answer new users and as a result these new users want to stay (so it's a win win). I know someone who said she used openstudy and nobody helped her, and has subsequently lost interest in the website. Also you could give more medals for subjects that less people tend to help with (such as statistics).
2. It would be nice to know what country is the person you are helping, maybe openstudy can put a flag in your profile based on the IP of the user (or internet service provider). I am not saying this to be nosy, but to be easier to make cultural exchange.

Answer 1

Well, people shouldn't be working just for medals, that tends to get more people to giving direct answers which is against the code of conduct...

Answer 2

^^^

Answer 3

I agree with 1. I disagree with 2.

Answer 4

Suggestion 1: Well I think that's an okay idea. Newbies should be a top priority, so that they will come back because most of them are leaving after they posted their question (when no one helped them) . 101 has point though, it may encourage the users to give direct answers, however, we already have a REPORT button, so I don't think it will be a problem. If this is implemented, then I think other users (esp. mods) will be more strict in observing posts made by newbies to make sure that no one's giving direct answers.

And from what I know, medals and titles in OS are the reason why SOME people are coming back and help with homework. Without them, there will only be few helpers here, I think.

No comment for suggestion 2.

Answer 5

I really like suggeestion 1. But also do note that many new users forget to medal their helper.