Journal Entries
Gaming voting systems
Posted Apr 10, 2003
I'm interested in the topic of gaming voting systems. Using votes to pick and rate content is a no-brainer in terms of a basic idea, but it's very open to gaming.
(I keep having to re-find these links, so I'm putting in a short journal entry on the subject, so that I can easily re-find them wherever I am!)
I'm really interesting in the relationship between communities and reputation/voting systems. The DNA platform doesn't include voting, yet people have still attempted to 'game' the system in various ways - the desire to subvert something, or use it to a purpose other than that to which is was primarily intended, seems to be an intrinsic part of human nature!
Discussions and papers on the gaming of voting systems;
http://designforcommunity.com/display.cgi/20020531108 - The gaming of Slashdot
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-976435.html?tag=fd_top - Gaming of Amazon - linking evangelist with male sex guide. 
"In a incident that highlights the pitfalls of online recommendation systems, Amazon.com on Friday removed a link to a sex manual that appeared next to a listing for a spiritual guide by well-known Christian televangelist Pat Robertson."
I think there is potential in using a voting system within communities to bring good material to the top of the pile, but using people and human interaction to pick it has real value. It avoids people being able to game the system and it makes the system more accessible and open to a wider range of the public - not all internet users will relate to an upfront Slashdot style voting system. There's also the risk that content of a particular style will rise to the top - there may be social pressure to vote for content covering a particular topic or written in a particular style.
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Latest reply: Apr 10, 2003
Messageboards
Posted Mar 11, 2003
To introduce new users to messageboards, the Hereford and Worcester team have got together to create this real video /audio presentation which step-by-step 'demystifies' getting involved.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/herefordandworcester/realmedia/smil/message_board.ram
If anyone asks about how to log onto a messageboard, point them to this file!
Well done to all involved!
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Latest reply: Mar 11, 2003
Tara Palmer-Tompkinson
Posted Feb 15, 2003
I can't believe it. Tara Palmer-Tompkinson has got her own personal space U219157 over on Book of the Future and no-one has actually posted to her space. Come on guys, there *must* be questions you'd like to ask Tara! 
Go get her! 
Discuss this Journal entry [7]
Latest reply: Feb 15, 2003
Cyprus
Posted Feb 15, 2003
I'm off to Cyprus for a couple of weeks. I won't be online at all, so if you have any problems please go ask the relevant site Producer.
In the meantime I'll leave you with some pretty pics of where I am...
http://www.cyprustourism.org/
Think of me, sitting on a balcony somewhere with my 'handsome impoverished writer' boyfriend and a nice chilled glass of wine. Bliss! 
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Latest reply: Feb 15, 2003
Party Party!
Posted Jan 25, 2003
So it's that time of year again - The Official h2g2 Winter Party! Woo Hoo!
I'm really looking forward to meeting up with lots of old friends as well as meeting lots of new people! 
It's very weird seeing the parties grow in size. I remember the *very* first party we had, only sixteen of us came along and we organised it ourselves. We sat there are talked about the possible future of h2g2, would it carry on and grow? Would the parties increase to over 100 people or even take place all around the world? Would anyone actually be daft enough to give me a job at TDV? It all happened, it all came true and I'm truly delighted that it did. 
Life is wonderful when it's full of surprises...
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Latest reply: Jan 25, 2003
Peta
Researcher U24
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