IWC: Skill level

I would like to see a ranking system for users skill levels. Occasionally, someone will suggest a fix for a problem that is dangerous or a waste of time. Having some sort of ranking system would allow the user asking advice to know if it is a good solution, or one that will almost certainly end with an explosion. Also, sometimes the user asking a question may omit a very simple test. An experienced technician may assume that everyone would do that test first, and move on to the next step.

I would like a very simple system, perhaps 5 stars under the existing stars?
Different levels could be "I turn the key and go", "I change my own oil", "I can replace random parts", "I'll test it, if I know how", "ASE certified Auto Tech"; or just numbers


DO NOT REPLY TO THIS POST WITH YOUR SUGGESTIONS ON HOW THE PROPOSED CHANGE CAN BE MADE BETTER. START YOUR OWN IWC THREAD IF YOU HAVE AN IDEA ON HOW TO FURTHER IMPROVE AF AFTER THIS CHANGE PASSES OR FAILS.

This is not an improvement suggestion or a bash on your idea (which I think is a good concept), it is a question. Who would determine your ranking? And how do you know those people know what they are talking about before they judge others skill level?

There is already a system in place whereby moderators select those that have displayed a reliable and thorough knowledge of their chose vehicles - we make them advisors - a step below a mod but somebody we respect for their knowledge.

Does the Moderator decide at will to make someone an Advisor, or does one have to request it?

Does the Moderator decide at will to make someone an Advisor, or does one have to request it?
One of the site's administrators usually makes the final decision. Twospirits generally looks over this forum and decides on matters so it's usually up to him. If and when he renders a decision, you may see the answer next to your thread title. (Just scroll down some of the threads in this forum and you'll see what I mean.)

Does the Moderator decide at will to make someone an Advisor, or does one have to request it?

It's a decision made by the moderators and admin.

Essentially, one moderator will nominate, then others will second and the admin makes the final call.

If you request to be one, you probably never will be.

It's a decision made by the moderators and admin.

Essentially, one moderator will nominate, then others will second and the admin makes the final call.

If you request to be one, you probably never will be.
Good catch and explanation on that Ray. I misread J-Ri's post and thought he was talking about his original post concerning the use of a "skill level rating system". My explanation to that was that it was up to the site's administrators to decide whether or not to implement an idea brought forth by a member. And their decision is usually posted next to the original thread, ( i.e. Denied, Resolved, Done, etc.)

I concur with what the moderators have said but would like to add the following.

With a forum as large as AF is, we assign moderators on a need to have basis. While the larger sections are constantly being supervised, not every forum/section has a mod. The ones that do, the moderator(s) usually know who are the ones that are suitable for modship. When there are sufficent enough moderators for a section then the member in question would be given the status of an Advisor for either that particular model or section that they give advise on. These Advisors are usually next in line (if the need arrises or a slot is open) to become moderators. For those sections that have less traffic or that a moderator is not supervising, we rely on word of mouth by the other members and or another member informing a mod via PM of a member they would like to nominate for Advisor. The moderator then checks out the members posting history and if the mod decides that the member is indeed knowledgable then the moderator will nominate the member for the status of Advisor (or modship). Once agreed upon, the nomination (whether for Advisor or for Modship) goes to Administration (Igor or myself) and we make it so.

Becoming an Advisor is usually (but not always) a step closer to Modship and becoming an Advisor is not just giving accurate technical advice but also being able to communicate with your fellow members and staff without flamming them, being level headed and above all being an example to others. etc, etc.

Hopefully this answers your question (and its a good one btw). Therefore, I'll make this a sticky so it won't fall down the list for tohers to understand the process.

TS out