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M$1.00
UPDATE: Mahalo auto-tipping questions with M$1 will continue through the end of the month! (with important conditions... read on!).
99% of the members I've spoke to have told me that their primary motivation at Mahalo Answers is NOT the tipping. Most folks report that they help people for the pure satisfaction that comes from doing so.
Additional reasons given for participating in the community including the community itself and the ability to show off one's knowledge.
All that being said, people are enjoying making a little extra scratch (aka cheddar, aka tips!).
Since starting the program where M$1 puts a tip on almost every question we've seen a light increase in the number of answers (~10%) and a large increase in the number of questions (~20%).
It's too soon to know what's going on in the system, but since everyone is doing such a wonderful jobs giving high-quality answers we've decided to run the program until the end of this month. At the point we'll either remove our tipping, keep the auto-tipping or do a variable tipping model.
Important conditions:
1. We reserve the right to remove a tip from any question we tip at any time if we feel there is gaming, it's too easy or we already have that question answers. We do this already, but not too often (2-3% of the time I think). We try to avoid doing this when folks have already answered obviously.
2. If anyone does any type of gaming we reserve the right to turn off their account. We've only had to do this one or two times in the history of the site (it's nice to be under the radar), but we realize that some folks might be tempted to ask themselves questions and answer them. We highly recommend not doing this as @mike will easily catch you. :-)
Mahalo-on everyone!!!!
Give great answers and be good to each other!!!
Questions:
1. Why do you participate in Mahalo Answers (in order, i.e. fun, community, spare change, show off my skillz).
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
Additional reasons given for participating in the community including the community itself and the ability to show off one's knowledge.
All that being said, people are enjoying making a little extra scratch (aka cheddar, aka tips!).
Since starting the program where M$1 puts a tip on almost every question we've seen a light increase in the number of answers (~10%) and a large increase in the number of questions (~20%).
It's too soon to know what's going on in the system, but since everyone is doing such a wonderful jobs giving high-quality answers we've decided to run the program until the end of this month. At the point we'll either remove our tipping, keep the auto-tipping or do a variable tipping model.
Important conditions:
1. We reserve the right to remove a tip from any question we tip at any time if we feel there is gaming, it's too easy or we already have that question answers. We do this already, but not too often (2-3% of the time I think). We try to avoid doing this when folks have already answered obviously.
2. If anyone does any type of gaming we reserve the right to turn off their account. We've only had to do this one or two times in the history of the site (it's nice to be under the radar), but we realize that some folks might be tempted to ask themselves questions and answer them. We highly recommend not doing this as @mike will easily catch you. :-)
Mahalo-on everyone!!!!
Give great answers and be good to each other!!!
Questions:
1. Why do you participate in Mahalo Answers (in order, i.e. fun, community, spare change, show off my skillz).
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
answers (16)
I love this site. I really do. I'll continue answering questions to the best of my ability for a few reasons:
#1 I like to see my rank for the Best Answers category go up (I'm currently at 75! Woot!)
#2 I'm learning stuff. Lots of stuff. When I do reasearch for an answer, It's enriching.
#3 I love being "surrounded" by so many bright, energetic, helpful people.
The tips are nice, but not the end-all of my participation :)
#1 I like to see my rank for the Best Answers category go up (I'm currently at 75! Woot!)
#2 I'm learning stuff. Lots of stuff. When I do reasearch for an answer, It's enriching.
#3 I love being "surrounded" by so many bright, energetic, helpful people.
The tips are nice, but not the end-all of my participation :)
Focusing on quality answers and unanswered questions will certainly help that best answer rating! Long, original answers with photos, citation and videos seem to get selected as best answer a lot (at least I think so!).
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kids geek!
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That's very interesting. I'm interested in if you find out why the questions went up 20%. Could anything else have accounted for this? Increased knowledge of the service?
I would say that people are asking more questions because...
...they can ask questions on twitter
...more people are coming to this site to be able to ask a question that may not have been answered somewhere else (like Yahoo Answers, Live QnA etc)
...more popularity
...increasing status of profile
...greater interest in Mahalo and asking questions to help the service
cjd
...they can ask questions on twitter
...more people are coming to this site to be able to ask a question that may not have been answered somewhere else (like Yahoo Answers, Live QnA etc)
...more popularity
...increasing status of profile
...greater interest in Mahalo and asking questions to help the service
cjd
everything is trending up.... so, the basic trend is:
more questions = more answers
more answers = better user experience
better user experience = people ask more questions
people ask more questions = people answer more questions
people answer more questions = even more people ask even more questions....
... i think you get the idea. :-)
We are doing 300+ questions a day right now. We want to get that to 500 questions a day in the next week or so. That means many more unanswered questions I think, but that's ok since folks will pick and choose the ones where they can help.
more questions = more answers
more answers = better user experience
better user experience = people ask more questions
people ask more questions = people answer more questions
people answer more questions = even more people ask even more questions....
... i think you get the idea. :-)
We are doing 300+ questions a day right now. We want to get that to 500 questions a day in the next week or so. That means many more unanswered questions I think, but that's ok since folks will pick and choose the ones where they can help.
Hi Jason,
I love Mahalo so much...and I am definitely part of the 99% that like Mahalo NOT because of tipping but because of another reason.
Personally, I am learning so much through the questions given - whether I know the answer or I have to research to help the member find an answer!
I have definitely seen a rise in the amount of questions and answers being given. Often some of the answers are tough to beat and I often have to scour the web hard to provide information that the member is essentially looking for! The amount of questions has also increased in my opinion, which makes it easier to find questions that are applicable to my knowledge and interest.
The tips, I must admit, have been a way of encouraging people to answer - I must agree as well. Being able to get a $1 tip is extremely exciting - and I remember being tipped by @spoon as probably the most happiest time on Mahalo since I signed up and when I achieved my green belt. Its not because of the money but the idea that you have been rewarded for your work - something that should appeal to all Mahalo members.
If it doesn't continue after March, I won't be disappointed as I still will continue to serve answers for Mahalo as it is highly enjoyable and great for expanding my knowledge!
I'm also glad that Mahalo is taking gaming seriously, especially if people are to make multiple accounts to increase their tips. Mahalo is a friendly community which should be appreciated by all members and the rules of Mahalo should be followed.
Thanks for being such an interesting and addictive site!
I love Mahalo so much...and I am definitely part of the 99% that like Mahalo NOT because of tipping but because of another reason.
Personally, I am learning so much through the questions given - whether I know the answer or I have to research to help the member find an answer!
I have definitely seen a rise in the amount of questions and answers being given. Often some of the answers are tough to beat and I often have to scour the web hard to provide information that the member is essentially looking for! The amount of questions has also increased in my opinion, which makes it easier to find questions that are applicable to my knowledge and interest.
The tips, I must admit, have been a way of encouraging people to answer - I must agree as well. Being able to get a $1 tip is extremely exciting - and I remember being tipped by @spoon as probably the most happiest time on Mahalo since I signed up and when I achieved my green belt. Its not because of the money but the idea that you have been rewarded for your work - something that should appeal to all Mahalo members.
If it doesn't continue after March, I won't be disappointed as I still will continue to serve answers for Mahalo as it is highly enjoyable and great for expanding my knowledge!
I'm also glad that Mahalo is taking gaming seriously, especially if people are to make multiple accounts to increase their tips. Mahalo is a friendly community which should be appreciated by all members and the rules of Mahalo should be followed.
Thanks for being such an interesting and addictive site!
I'm certainly glad to see that I was able to create such a happy moment for you!
thanks so much for helping build the community!
1. For the community, and to increase the amount I write.
2. See below.
3. Autotipping is fine, and I can't think of anything to improve. More cash is always good although, as you pointed out, it's not my primary motivator.
2. See below.
3. Autotipping is fine, and I can't think of anything to improve. More cash is always good although, as you pointed out, it's not my primary motivator.
another vote for the community! :-)
1. Why do you participate in Mahalo Answers
FUN
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
Have more contests! :-)
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
FUN
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
Have more contests! :-)
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
1. I participate because it is fun, I have learned a lot about subjects I had no clue about before thanks to the backgrounds of other community members, and to share some of my "skillz" from my computer experience.
2.
http://i43.tinypic.com/24dnazr.png
3. Autotipping is going alright. There are questions that I have been chosen "Best Answer" for that I wish I could hit a button: "Donate back to Mahalo." I answer because someone might not know how to use the Internet to their advantage, but I also feel weird answering them as other members probably think you are getting easy M$1's. I'm answering to help, not to get the M$1.
Would an interface like GetSatisfaction.com help to eliminate already asked questions? When you start to type in a support question at the above site, other questions like it will pop up so you can check there for an answer first. I know this is impossible with Twitter, but could be helpful here.
2.
3. Autotipping is going alright. There are questions that I have been chosen "Best Answer" for that I wish I could hit a button: "Donate back to Mahalo." I answer because someone might not know how to use the Internet to their advantage, but I also feel weird answering them as other members probably think you are getting easy M$1's. I'm answering to help, not to get the M$1.
Would an interface like GetSatisfaction.com help to eliminate already asked questions? When you start to type in a support question at the above site, other questions like it will pop up so you can check there for an answer first. I know this is impossible with Twitter, but could be helpful here.
We will have a way to spend Mahalo Dollars and/or give them back.... frankly, I wish we could let people buy shares of Mahalo for Mahalo Dollars!!! :-)
1. I like answering questions and have belonged to many Q&A sites over the years.
2. Photo below.
3.With autotipping being $1.00 what do you think about questions offering tips starting at $2.00 until $1.00 autotipping is over?
2. Photo below.
3.With autotipping being $1.00 what do you think about questions offering tips starting at $2.00 until $1.00 autotipping is over?
M$2 would cause us to lose a lot of money I think. :)
Strange after I made the comment about questions offering tips starting at $2.00 I'm seeing a fair number of them now for $2.00. w00t!
Thanks for extending the $1 tips, Jason!
1. I like answering for the fun of it, and the sense of community is a huge plus. One day, I might cash a bit of moolah out, but as of now, I'm not planning on it.
3. I think the autotipping system works well, and I can't really think of any suggestions towards it.
2:
http://ladycarmenquixote.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/lilbabysquirt.gif
1. I like answering for the fun of it, and the sense of community is a huge plus. One day, I might cash a bit of moolah out, but as of now, I'm not planning on it.
3. I think the autotipping system works well, and I can't really think of any suggestions towards it.
2:
You're doing an amazing job! we've got some great "matts" in the system it seems!
1. Yes. :-) It's fun; I like helping people; I like to show off my skillz....bowhunting skills, computer hacking skills, numchuck skills...
Also, my husband got laid off right as Mahalo Answers was getting started, and for various reasons I've had to put what I normally do on the back burner, so MA is actually helping pay the bills around here.
2. Happy Mahalo-style kids:
http://www.happykidsmaui.com/illa/img12.jpg
3. I think it's going well; I'm betting, though, that having to fish out all those questions via Twitter that are merely things like "Thanks!" or that entirely disastrous series of questions within the last week were someone thought Mahalo was spamming her takes up a lot of time, and probably makes your daily accounting look a little strange as well. I think tweaking the Twitter function in light of autotipping would save your staff a lot of trouble.
Also, my husband got laid off right as Mahalo Answers was getting started, and for various reasons I've had to put what I normally do on the back burner, so MA is actually helping pay the bills around here.
2. Happy Mahalo-style kids:
3. I think it's going well; I'm betting, though, that having to fish out all those questions via Twitter that are merely things like "Thanks!" or that entirely disastrous series of questions within the last week were someone thought Mahalo was spamming her takes up a lot of time, and probably makes your daily accounting look a little strange as well. I think tweaking the Twitter function in light of autotipping would save your staff a lot of trouble.
1- I'm here for three reasons
- I needed to think about something else besides my work
- I love to learn new things
- I found a very encouraging and wellcoming community
2-
http://www.trolleytours.com/boston/images/kids-happy-boston.jpg
3- I think autotipping is encouraging too. But there could be autotipping seasons. Or maybe to promote a topic. Like Movies Week or Food & Cooking week.
I'm not against short answers. I think if they're right, concise and well researched, they can be better than a page of redundancies.
Some people like to take their time to read and some just need one fact, a push, a solution.
- I needed to think about something else besides my work
- I love to learn new things
- I found a very encouraging and wellcoming community
2-
3- I think autotipping is encouraging too. But there could be autotipping seasons. Or maybe to promote a topic. Like Movies Week or Food & Cooking week.
I'm not against short answers. I think if they're right, concise and well researched, they can be better than a page of redundancies.
Some people like to take their time to read and some just need one fact, a push, a solution.
good to know that you have extended the period of $1/- tip by end of this month . Getting incentives for good answer is really encouraging.
1. Why do you participate in Mahalo Answers (in order, i.e. fun, community, spare change, show off my skillz).
I like the challenge, the fun spirit, and I someday hope to earn my black belt someday. I like reading about questions, answering questions, and thinking about topics that everyone has on their mind. I also like helping some people out with my skill of using search engines to find answers quickly.
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
Here's one for Britney Spears fans! Break the Ice!
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
I know this might seem far fetched, but it would be cool if Mahalo had cool sponsors and didn't always tip, but give out coupons on products, like
movie tickets or something else! Some kind of prize would be interesting to get and reward people with something for voting on the best answer! Anything to surprise us!
I like the challenge, the fun spirit, and I someday hope to earn my black belt someday. I like reading about questions, answering questions, and thinking about topics that everyone has on their mind. I also like helping some people out with my skill of using search engines to find answers quickly.
2. Post happy kids photos below to celebrate!
Here's one for Britney Spears fans! Break the Ice!
3. What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
I know this might seem far fetched, but it would be cool if Mahalo had cool sponsors and didn't always tip, but give out coupons on products, like
movie tickets or something else! Some kind of prize would be interesting to get and reward people with something for voting on the best answer! Anything to surprise us!
I may be the slowest to wear my green belt but I'm enjoying Mahalo Answers since I've joined!!! Brilliant!
25c-$1 auto tipping sounds reasonable especially if you just joined and think you need to give more tips for your question to someone who answered the best.
It also helps for those who really do a bit research for their answers although I want to find questions for fun or to help others that may caught my interest!
Pardon me if I don't have photos to show off because I had no kids yet.
Aloha from Oz! G'day!
25c-$1 auto tipping sounds reasonable especially if you just joined and think you need to give more tips for your question to someone who answered the best.
It also helps for those who really do a bit research for their answers although I want to find questions for fun or to help others that may caught my interest!
Pardon me if I don't have photos to show off because I had no kids yet.
Aloha from Oz! G'day!
Why do you participate in Mahalo Answers (in order, i.e. fun, community, spare change, show off my skillz.
a. I'm working for the number one spot for questions. Currently at position 5.
What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
The autotipping should increase according to rank and rating.
a. I'm working for the number one spot for questions. Currently at position 5.
What do you think of the autotipping program and how Mahalo is handling it? Can we do anything better?
The autotipping should increase according to rank and rating.
source(s):
I think the payouts should be richer the higher your rank.
I think the payouts should be richer the higher your rank.
i do it to help people
1. I participate for the fun and also to gain a lot of knowledge from others. M.A. is a great resource with that "human" touch.
2. those are happy kids!
3. The auto tipping is an bold way to say, hey we got the goods, it shows confidence on Mahalo's part to trust us to provide content worthy of a price.
I say so far so good, I see where this is all headed is a great place. It makes sense really, to build a website designed to provide a human sifting of search results provided by the bots, to use something like Mahalo Answers as stepping stone to achieve this. Think about it, to hire a huge amount of "expert" staff to develop content of all the millions of search results would be a daunting task as well as cost beyond it's return. However building an answers site that pays out cash for content and has a high standard of quality, this will attract people to join, provide the good content and earn some cash for doing so is a great way and an frugal way of achieving the end result. So I say, you are doing what you are doing as good as you can and I believe anything better will be a natural evolution of the growth of the site.
2. those are happy kids!
3. The auto tipping is an bold way to say, hey we got the goods, it shows confidence on Mahalo's part to trust us to provide content worthy of a price.
I say so far so good, I see where this is all headed is a great place. It makes sense really, to build a website designed to provide a human sifting of search results provided by the bots, to use something like Mahalo Answers as stepping stone to achieve this. Think about it, to hire a huge amount of "expert" staff to develop content of all the millions of search results would be a daunting task as well as cost beyond it's return. However building an answers site that pays out cash for content and has a high standard of quality, this will attract people to join, provide the good content and earn some cash for doing so is a great way and an frugal way of achieving the end result. So I say, you are doing what you are doing as good as you can and I believe anything better will be a natural evolution of the growth of the site.
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