Don't get me wrong, it's brilliant, really brilliant, to see people so eager to help others, but I'm wondering why there is a sudden rise. I'm responding to eHelps less frequently nowadays than I have been beforehand, as are many of the previous members who used to be the most active in eHelp.

So what is this recent surge in activity swelling from? We've always been eager to help others, and many of the frequent responders have been SLs for a long time, so surely it's not solely for that reason alone.
Would you say it's because of the ratings, or the charts? Maybe competitiveness? Or is it because eHelp has more traffic than before, and that more and more SLs are responding? What drives you to spend so much time in the eHelp as opposed to in the support forums? 90% of those topping the charts are never setting foot in TDEI - I scour every post in their every day - so it's clearly a supportiveness that is only there in the eHelp's presence.

What is your personal motivation? Please do elaborate. An obsession with ratings isn't necessarily a bad thing.

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"God kissed her on the cheek and there she was."

I don't know if the points are WHY more people are active though, maybe it was just coincidence. We've also gotten some VERY helpful SL's (sophie became an SL around this time as well as many others who have been replying a ton, so maybe we were just lucky in gaining some great people).

Post edited at 11:24 am on Aug. 25, 2006 by JennyColada

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So when you're happy (Hurray!), or sad (Aw!),
Or frightened (Eeek!), or mad (Rats!)
An interjection starts a sentence right.

I do think the recent activity has been because of the ratings and such (and no, I'm not trying to offend anyone or suggest that everyone replies for points and ratings or whatever...). I've never really liked the idea of ratings and reward points.. but I guess if it motivates people to help, then that must be good.

Edit: I was just thinking. I also think there are a lot more support leaders around now. When I first joined, it didn't seem like there were so many (but maybe that's because we can see from people's post who is a support leader, I dunno).

Post edited at 1:04 pm on Aug. 25, 2006 by amiee

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shelves in the closet? happy thought indeed!

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Most Americans are back at school by now though, right?

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I start septembre 5. I would rather it not affect my eHelp time, but I'm afraid it will as my schedule will be basically:

School, 9-3

Work, 4-9

Homework, 9-11

Dinner, 11-11.30

Bed.

I'll be the one making eHelps...

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Your kisses are as kicked as a m16.

I don't like the points system. I worry about people replying so much mainly because they want points or are having a competition with someone, and to me, that's not what eHelp is about. I'm thrilled that people are replying so much more, now, but I really hope that most of the replies are because the person wants to help, and can offer good advice and support; that's the reason (or it should be the reason) people are Support Leader's in the first place.

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When I play doctor, I play to win.

I remember on a previous account I was a support leader and I absolutely detested the Serious Forum. I don't know why, it just didn't feel as comfortable as the eHelp system does now.
I'm not very fond of ratings or receiving points for eHelp replies, but I understand the reasons for them being there. It's a big boost for support leaders to know that they are considered to be the most supportive person on LiveWire, and it's encouraging those without as much feedback to really give their best shot in their eHelp replies. I'm not really bothered by feedback, hence why I don't appear in the most supportive members. I just enjoy knowing that I've helped. If I pick up some feedback on the way, good for me.

There also seems to be a lot more people looking for support at the moment. I have no idea as to why that might be, but not a minute goes by without another flashing icon alerting me about a new eHelp request that needs an answer.

In answer to your question - all of the above.

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The Pastafarian.
I want some apple 3.141...

Oh well.

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"The reports of my death were greatly exaggerated."
-Mark Twain

No. I don't know. But an hour after I read this topic, I had a sudden urge to reply to some eHelps. Like most people, I usually only reply to the ones I feel I have something to contribute to. Maybe I just saw some I could offer some advice in. I'm not sure. Maybe it's just a rise. Maybe your have magical eHelp-powers.

I don't answer that much, but more often than I used to.

Either way, I kinda like answering them. (Except after I send it an remember I forgot spell-check! D'oh!)


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If you want to arrange it
This world you can change it
By helping a neighbor
Or even a stranger

It's not about the points.  I'm guilty of replying to ehelp far more than in support forums because of laziness.  Ehelp blinks and tells me to reply, in the forums I have to look harder for topics that I can contribute to.  Which says something about the job members are doing.  I make a point to enter TDEI at least once a day that I'm on, but most topics have great replies and I have nothing good to add.

That's why I support the idea I had to have SLs recommend topics to other SLs.  Something would tell us which topics need better replies instead of having to find them.

I feel guilty about being so lazy. :/

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kid, I wrote back,
all lovers betray.

I read every eHelp that flashes up. If i feel i wouldnt be helpful to the person i wont answer because it would be a waste. But if i feel i have soemthing to say and offer, i ill put my input. I still post on the forums as well to try and give advice. I dont mind if i dont get a rating or anything. I do though find myself maybe skipping one or two because a lot of people have got there before me. I dont know what it could be but i do agree with you Katyduck.

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"I wish I never yelled at him yesterday cause everything's changed"

My principle motivation was that when I was diagnosed with my cancer, I had no-one to talk to. And if you ever know what that feeling is like, to feel totally and utterly alone as no-one will understand how you're feeling, then I always think there might be a couple of people here thinking that way - and if I can help them, and take that lost feeling away, that's good.

Yeah, it's true to say I am motivated by the ratings, because in the main, it's an indication that I am doing ok and the advice is good. I think many people, if they're being honest, would agree that it did motivate them too.

I know some don't like the rating system, but I promise with every ounce of life in me, if you scrap the rating system, replies would drop at least 75% if not more. It's human nature.

This was my reasoning behind my post to elaborate on the rating system slightly. Everyone likes a good competition, and even the e-mail you get from the moderators if you come 1st, 2nd and 3rd calls it a '..Competitive Competition each week' , or something along those lines, so I am not imagining it :)

I truly think it's amazing that we want to help our peers, and that for little reward, people dedicate much of their spare time wanting to be there for someone they don't know and will never meet.

You will always get one of two who nearly spoil it, but that's what we're here for. To set a standard and to make sure we don't drop from that standard.

It may be that I hang my keyboard up soon for a little while. I have had many negative comments from some, even 1 or 2 mods at times, maybe it's time to take a break from it for a while.

I will let someone know at the weekend if that's what I decide to do.

But there is such a wonderful group of people here, and you all work together in the main to give a service that you can't get anywhere else.

You all should feel so proud.

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I will pick myself up, Dust myself off
And leave all this sadness behind
I'll be fine, I won't be blue...