View Full Version : Quiz for Expert Member seal
MediaHound
07-11-2008, 12:40 PM
I am setting up a quiz for people to take to become an expert member.
I need your help!
Please send me a PM with some questions and answers you think would be good to have in the quiz.
The questions will be used in a quiz the people who want an expert member seal will be required to take. This will help to ensure the viability of the expert member system.
I'm still deciding if existing expert members will be required to take the quiz, perhaps we can reset everyone and require everyone, if they want, to take the quiz if they wish to obtain the seal, in all fairness to everyone who is new or hadn't requested the seal or been nominated for one yet.
Thoughts on that aspect of it? Should existing experts be reset once the quiz goes into place?
Regardless, send those questions and answers in so I can add it to the quiz script I'm building.
:2722:
Thank you!
Randy4ut
07-11-2008, 01:31 PM
To ensure new members are given the correct and best help with our love of bananas, I think this is a GREAT idea. I also feel that everyone should take the test and not be "grandfathered" into this system. I know I for one am NO expert and wouldn't want someone that is new to our hobby to think what I say in the "gospel". I vote to start over and only award the "expert" seal to those that pass the test and are truly experts on bananas...
Rmplmnz
07-11-2008, 01:38 PM
To ensure new members are given the correct and best help with our love of bananas, I think this is a GREAT idea. I also feel that everyone should take the test and not be "grandfathered" into this system. I know I for one am NO expert and wouldn't want someone that is new to our hobby to think what I say in the "gospel". I vote to start over and only award the "expert" seal to those that pass the test and are truly experts on bananas...
I am ok taking the test and agree with Randy's thoughts.
stumpy4700
07-11-2008, 01:52 PM
I agree on both...the test is great idea, and retest
lorax
07-11-2008, 02:04 PM
Hear hear! I'd say that the reset and test is an excellent idea!
dablo93
07-11-2008, 02:59 PM
good idea!
I send some suggestions, did you read it?
momoese
07-11-2008, 06:00 PM
Sounds good to me. I have never thought of myself as an expert. Of course anyone can find the answers to just about anything on the internet so it doesn't really validate anything unless it's taken under someones watchful eye, just like in school.
Randy4ut
07-11-2008, 08:12 PM
The only way I can see to administer the test is to set a time limit for it. If someone has to look up answers, it would take too long. Maybe when the test is set, Jarred and a few others could take the test and average times and then set a time limit. Just an idea...
Rmplmnz
07-11-2008, 09:48 PM
The only way I can see to administer the test is to set a time limit for it. If someone has to look up answers, it would take too long. Maybe when the test is set, Jarred and a few others could take the test and average times and then set a time limit. Just an idea...
The test should be on the "Honor System"....establish what is permissible as assistance.
Bananaman88
07-11-2008, 10:23 PM
I think the test is a good idea and am down with taking it as well. Any thoughts on giving the title a new name though? To me "expert" means one that knows all there is to know about the subject in question. Can any of us truly say that? How about "Banana Guru" or "Banana Specialist"...something that would indicate that person is highly knowledgeable about bananas but not necessarily an expert.
Just my thoughts. If you think I'm thinking it out too much you're free to disregard. I won't be offended. Thanks!
mskitty38583
07-11-2008, 10:29 PM
one can never think things through to much....its when people dont think things through thats what gets them in trouble! i think( ha ha) its a great idea!
momoese
07-12-2008, 12:51 AM
To me "expert" means one that knows all there is to know about the subject in question.
I think the board does have a handful of bona fide experts, and they do deserve the badge.
Maybe we need two badges. One for the experts, and one for people who can pass the test.
inkcube
07-12-2008, 01:43 AM
i disagree with the idea of an expert test. i understood the seal to indicate that the member has demonstrated knowledge of musa culture/science and has used this knowledge to contribute to the board. if you allow members to test for the seal then the seal will become meaningless - everyone will have a seal.
dablo93
07-12-2008, 04:27 AM
a test is a good idea but a test on internet maybe not,
people can cheat, they can use internet for the question, and then they have all the answers correct ..
Randy4ut
07-12-2008, 06:57 AM
i disagree with the idea of an expert test. i understood the seal to indicate that the member has demonstrated knowledge of musa culture/science and has used this knowledge to contribute to the board. if you allow members to test for the seal then the seal will become meaningless - everyone will have a seal.
I know, I for one, would not have a badge. I love bananas, but I will be the first one to tell you that I have a heck of alot more to learn about them before I would even consider attempting to wear that badge. I can only tell someone what my experience has been with a particular banana in my climate. As far as people cheating by using the internet, Daen, that is why I suggested a time limit...
CookieCows
07-12-2008, 08:32 AM
I respect and rely heavily on all levels of experienced people on this forum. Some have the badge and some don't but we all know who we can rely on for correct answers and have the security of knowing that if anyone goofs up there are reeealy experienced members to jump in and correct it.
My humble opinion is that one of the jobs of the moderators would be to keep an eye open for expert badge nominees to bring up at meetings.(I mean meetings between moderators and Jarred) I think an outline of what would be considered expert would be better than a test. Years of experience growing bananas I think is important as it takes time with this plant to live through all the stages, experience growing different types of bananas, active in the forum, in depth knowlege of general horticulture. Anyone can send a PM off to the moderator of their area suggesting a nominee at any time. And of course Jarred is open door at any time too but teamwork lightens the load.
My two cents is worth every penny :ha: :2722:
Deb
tlturbo
07-12-2008, 08:56 AM
I guess I have to ask "Is it really necessary?"
After you have been on here a while, you get to know the knowledgable people. I think it is just another gimmick that clutters up the board. My opinion is it should go the way of the Hall of Fame designation (with Banana Bucks next).
If it HAS to stay, I say let Jarred decide who gets it - after all - it's his board.
I can already tell by looking at those that have it that many shouldn't - including me.
But like someone said, my 2 cents worth is worth about a penny.
Terry
austinl01
07-12-2008, 09:16 AM
I think a test is a good idea. There must be a limit to the number of times a person can take the test in say one year. Setting a time limit would cut down on someone looking up all the answers on the internet. Also, the test could have the questions randomized so each test is a little different. Colleges offer online courses now, and these classes count for college credit. Why would the expert seal be any different?
mskitty38583
07-12-2008, 09:41 AM
id like to take it just to see how much ive learned. there are somethings that work for some and things that dont work for others. i think that the expert plaque is a good idea...it lets us newbies know who has been doing this for a while and how they grow their nanas in their part of the world with success. they would be one of the first people i ask advise from. i dont think it should be given at the drop of the hat, but i do think that if youve earned it( through knowledge and hands on experience) its a good thing. its like the difference between a master gardner and a child planting a seed in a milk carton container. then ther are those of us who are on the "inbetween list" i have gardned for many many years with great success, but when it comes to tropicals im like "all at sea when it comes to things nautical". i will tell yall that i have totally enjoyed being a member here with a few exceptions, and i have learned a great deal...but there are lots of many things that i still dont know. do i want to have an expert plaque...... sure...maybe when i graduate with my degree in botony( lol).
damaclese
07-12-2008, 10:03 AM
i think and to the point this is supposed to be fun i for one don't want to feel my "hobby" is a form of test or that we have to prove something and the idea of the badge sets people up! lose and free and fun thats what the form should be i think this fundamentally would change they way i view it i find the idea of restrictions throw testing some what elitist and we all know who the goto people are any way that comes across in just a few weeks of participation historically we can look at other groups that over time have adopted rules that attempt to define its members ie my orchid society what ends up happening in my opinion is that it alienates new members and suppresses participation and generally makes the more timid people embarrassed to ask questions or have opinions I'm sure that ever one here is of the highest character but in the end when you raise some people up over others a form of social snobbery eventually ensues
tlturbo
07-12-2008, 11:55 AM
Very well said.
microfarmer
07-12-2008, 12:15 PM
I have learned quite a bit about bananas since my first plant and finding Bananas.org. I want to thank you all! I also would like to say that the Expert badge by my name looks really good. I'll admit I was fairly literate in the growing plants department, but bananas sent me back to shool...so to speak. I never had tried to grow plants that didn't like the cold and died.
A lot of stuff has been brought up regarding testing. For someone to get recognized and ahead in this world there is test after test as you aquire knowledge and skill. There is a test required for the Master Gardener program and you can't be a doctor without your share as you go thru school. The military does it that way, the colleges do it that way, the martial arts schools do it that way, so why shouldn't we do it that way? This would give all our members something to show for their knowledge, and also something to strive for if less than expert.
Now... I can tell some of the members who have the most experience with bananas, but alot of them have had years of formal training either hands on at a nursery/plantation, or through some type of school/apprenticeship program. Those individuals are a valuable resource and should get the credit they deserve! On the other hand, just because you've spent years doing something doesn't mean it qualifies you as an expert. It's what you get out of the work and what you pass along to others. Example: You can work in a tire shop for years, yet know nothing about how tires are made or what the best tire would be for certain applications. At the same time, someone on a Formula 1 pit crew may have had extensive training on tires and which to use for what track conditions or course, but will not know which tires are best for their family's car for the highway. This is where the test fits in. It tells the world how well you were paying attention, but it needs to be somewhat universal.
I am up for any test you might have, but the test must consider all participants goals. I don't particularly have any big desire to learn everything there is to know about the species bananas, as I enjoy the edibles more and the challenges of growing them in a marginal habitat and mixed with other plants/plantings. I do have a stronger knowledge of what it takes to bring a banana thru a tough winter without total loss. Have I perfected my procedures to the point of no loss? No. But my average is getting better, and I keep trying new things. I will be naturally less likely to be able to answer questions about species bananas. Don't get me wrong...I have some species bananas, and enjoy them too, it just doesn't matter to me like it matters to someone like Gabe. InkCube on the other hand has alot of plantation experience and how to get the most production.
Back to the 'going thru school' references, I feel we would need a series of tests, say 5-7 of them, starting out very simply with the first test with something like 'name the parts of a banana plant' and if you get a certain percentage correct you get a badge like 'Banana Apprentice' or 'Banana Friend', and then get to go on to the next test which would be a bit harder (like what are the top 5 diseases to affect bananas or some such) and ending with the 'Expert' level 7 tests later. You would need to pass the first test before you could take the second test. I also like the time limit and random questions to foil web surfing the answers. The toughest part is tailoring each test so that cold or warm climate, edible or species, no matter where in the world you are, you can achieve each level. Another possibility is an expert test for each area of banana growing (species, cold growing, production, diseases)
Whan it comes to the expert badges, it should go to someone who is an expert at bananas, not just posting about bananas without substance. Good luck with this Jarred! Don't forget your no.2 pencils!
:lurk:
MediaHound
07-12-2008, 12:21 PM
Thanks for all the feedback here on the thread and via PM that several members have sent to me. The whole system is under review now and all comments at this point are greatly appreciated.
STEELVIPER
07-12-2008, 03:50 PM
What ever Jarred wants to do is fine by me. Its his site. He can run it as he wishes. If people would take the time to "read" post and not just look at pictures then they would all lean something. Also reading all the "old" post sure would help gain knowledge also. I think people on here have to go a few seasons with some success and some failures to be labeled an "expert" I think for this site simply answering some questions other members post and sharing you knowledge from what you have learned can lead you on the path to expert. There are no "Dumb" questions,and i do not care how many times that question was asked. ASK AGAIN!!! lol Im ok with the expert badge. Im a bananas.com expert. But!! on this site. And only on this site. try going to Dave's Garden and telling people that.:ha: All in all nothing can replace experience. And that is what makes an expert. And an "expert" shares his experiences on this site.:nanadrink:
island cassie
07-12-2008, 08:52 PM
This is one of the best plant/banana sites on the web and I would not criticise it in any way!! I was surprised to be awarded Expert Member status which I did not feel I deserved as I am a newcomer to nanas, so I am quite happy with the idea of some sort of assessment before people are awarded Expert Member status. I defer to people who have technical experience in the field. I grow for fun and experience.
Whatever makes the site work is good - as there is so much valuable information there.
Chill and be happy
Cassie
Bananaman88
07-12-2008, 11:03 PM
Jarred, buddy, I don't envy you right now having to take all of this in and process it all. Very good comments by all, in my opinion. I do think this site is many things to many people. Maybe more for fun than learning to some, to others maybe more about learning. I think we all can't help but learn something in the time we spend here. I am OK with or without the "Expert" badge system. I come here to learn and share knowledge and experiences. I feel that I get advice and learn as much, if not more, than I give it or help others at times. I truly enjoy the sense of community (easier than trying to spell commaraderie) here and that makes it enough for me. Good luck with whatever you decide!
xavierdlc61887
07-12-2008, 11:46 PM
i think u should have like recommendations, like u need 10 recommendations to be an expert.... that way it wont be cheating.....its legit if people vote u in being a expert then thats good but a test......it doesn't mean anything....monkeys can pass tests :P.....even more if they are multiple choice....that brings me to something else if its a typed test someone has to go over them and decide.....anyway i think a set (Ex. 10 recommendations) would be a sufficient number to call oneself a expert....because 10 people are vouching that one is a expert :P ahahaha ok well disregard this if its to dumb :D
jpfloors
07-13-2008, 12:23 AM
I was a little hesitant to post on this one. I just recently received the badge. Do I deserve it? I don't know. Someone obviously felt I did. I agree with both sides of the fence, but personally am more on the negative side of this fence. There is the issue of cheating, whether it's timed or not. I know for myself, if I had to, I could pass a timed internet test with "cheating". I know for some, test timing would also take longer than say MediaHound or Gabe, but they might (even without cheating) take longer to answer those questions. Plus it would HIGHLY be unfair to give the test to the person(s) writing up the test and average out their scores because they'll fly through the test already knowing what the questions are and their answers and not have to even put any mental thought into it.
Personally though i don't feel being able to go and find the answer while taking a test such as this would in fact be cheating, but rather learning. So therefore a test really wouldn't validate anything more than your ability to learn. Isn't that what the site is all about? Learning from one another. Be happy, grow and eat bananas! Having just said that, I believe we could do away with the "expert" badges! Don't make any one feel any more or less inferior. Also I don't feel that there could be any specific good test for being considered a "banana expert." To truely become an expert, you'd of had to have made your life dedicated to bananas! Go to school to learn only about herbaceous plants, continue that studying into the musa family and dedicate your life to it. I don't know anyone here that has done that at all, but maybe there is one or two out there. I know one or two that might be close to having a musa dedicated life, but by far I personally only believe not even halfway there! Even Jarred has a life beyond bananas.org! You can be very knowledgable about how to care for the plants, but in many cases that knowledge also can only apply to your own experiences, conditions, say what zone your in, your soil, the seasons you have, your methods of mending your soil, organic/non-organic... and that list could continue on and on and go into sub catagories such as TCing, seeds and other forms of propagation.
However I do feel a test in fun would be nice. It would let people validate what they know, and let them learn what they haven't and might be fun and helpful to new members as well to let them learn basic care. Just put the test in the main catagory and sticky it on the top!
Now for my feelings summed up, as if I hadn't said them yet. LOL I think we should all just enjoy the site, and not get so hung up on a badge or title. It's not like it's going to further our lives if we do or don't have it. We know what our own knowledge is, but at the same time, knowledge is learning, and learning becomes knowledge. Would I take the test? Only if it were a test for fun. I don't need a badge to show who I am. Again, grow and eat bananas, be happy!
xavierdlc61887
07-13-2008, 12:29 AM
thank u JP....if there was a triple thank you button i would give it to u because yes it does seem like this whole badge thing is becoming a big deal :P when it should just be grow,eat and share your knowledge :D
its true this site has turned into who knows more than who...well i feel that way but please dont gang up on me :P if u do oh well whatever :P um yeah jp u got a good point :D
all these new features are way too much i was happy with the old site where everyone came here and asked questions and learned and was happy....now a days it seems these badges are taking over and have nothing to do with bananas :P
tlturbo
07-13-2008, 07:57 AM
I think JP summed it up pretty good but I have to add something.
IF a person is THAT hung up on having an EXPERT designation on a banana board on the internet, and especially those that would try and get the designation in a shady manner, I REALLY think you need to get a REAL LIFE. It's a hobby for goodness sake. ANYONE that spends time on here knows who to ask if they have a serious question. Any kind of rating system does nothing but cause competition and for what??? A stupid designation. WHOOO WHOOO - look at me - I got an EXPERT BADGE. SO WHAT!!!!
Lets PLEASE GET BACK to BANANAS. Quit messing with the board, adding all this crazy stuff just because it can be done, etc. I for one don't live on here and I don't come on here nearly as much as I used to. This is the type of stuff that is driving the older members that came here just to talk bananas away.
Again just my worthless $.02 opinion.
damaclese
07-13-2008, 08:28 AM
I think JP summed it up pretty good but I have to add something.
IF a person is THAT hung up on having an EXPERT designation on a banana board on the internet, and especially those that would try and get the designation in a shady manner, I REALLY think you need to get a REAL LIFE. It's a hobby for goodness sake. ANYONE that spends time on here knows who to ask if they have a serious question. Any kind of rating system does nothing but cause competition and for what??? A stupid designation. WHOOO WHOOO - look at me - I got an EXPERT BADGE. SO WHAT!!!!
Lets PLEASE GET BACK to BANANAS. Quit messing with the board, adding all this crazy stuff just because it can be done, etc. I for one don't live on here and I don't come on here nearly as much as I used to. This is the type of stuff that is driving the older members that came here just to talk bananas away.
Again just my worthless $.02 opinion.
Here! Here! and all give you $.04 for that Opinion lol!
MediaHound
07-13-2008, 10:20 AM
Still soaking it all in. I'm leaning in the direction that we just might get rid of it.
if there was a triple thank you button i would give it to u
I felt that way with some comments as well.
Taylor
07-13-2008, 10:26 AM
Oh shucks! Right after I got it, too! LOL
Just playing.
island cassie
07-13-2008, 11:09 AM
It is all about the bananas after all!!! :ha:
Cassie
buzzwinder
07-13-2008, 11:50 AM
:bananas_bVery well said JP. Bravo
saltydad
07-13-2008, 12:54 PM
Perhaps the successful test taker could be labeled as a "Certified Banana ______". We could even have exams of differing complexity so we could see how we have progressed in our own knowledge, as Mskitty has observed. The results would lead to differing levels of attainment.
Edit- I missed microfarmer's post where he brought up the idea of tests of ascending difficulty. Sorry to plagiarize.
natedogg1026
07-13-2008, 03:11 PM
I'm not sure we need it. Sorry to charm in late. I gotta agree with JP. He pretty much hit the nail on the head. I don't think it's a fair measurement and just makes for competition. I really don't know if there is a fair way we can measure it in cyberspace or at all. I know it was for fun and took time to create Jarred but I think it has been taken too seriously. It's causing a problem. Do away with it. Just my opinion.
microfarmer
07-13-2008, 03:35 PM
Maybe I need classes.
Banana classes? How 'bout B.OU :ha:
(Bananas.org University):goteam:
CookieCows
07-13-2008, 04:02 PM
Banana classes? How 'bout B.OU :ha:
(Bananas.org University):goteam:
Yeah! I spent most of the winter here at BOU and now the sun's out and I get hands on!!!! :woohoonaner:
Still in school ... always will be! :goteam:
microfarmer
07-13-2008, 04:39 PM
Yeah! I spent most of the winter here at BOU and now the sun's out and I get hands on!!!! :woohoonaner:
Still in school ... always will be! :goteam:
I hear you! It'll be some time before I graduate! :goteam::goteam::goteam::goteam::goteam:
stumpy4700
07-14-2008, 03:22 AM
If you sit back and read alot of the posts and spend time reading the old posts, It doesn't take time to figure out who the "experts" are and when to take their advice. I view them as the most experienced,either by trial and error or most educated in the field of "bananology". That said, even new members have good ideas and experiences. I think that each person can decide for themselves who the experts are and use their own brain(not a badge) to know who to listen to. Thats just me:lurk: But Jared either way this is a great site, and I owe you one for all the knowledge that I have gained through your site and the wonderful people who post here....THANKS
sandy0225
07-16-2008, 03:24 PM
I think it'd be fun to take a test just to see if I could pass it.
I didn't ask to be an "expert member" and I really don't care if I'm one or not.
Have ya noticed though? there are people who can pass tests and people who have a green thumb, and sometimes the two don't overlap, and sometimes they do. And I went to master gardener classes with a few people who passed all the tests and they can't grow weeds even! LOL....
I'd lean towards getting rid of the whole "expert" thing and just having members. But if you passed a test you could have a little logo or something.
Nancy
07-16-2008, 04:24 PM
However I do feel a test in fun would be nice. It would let people validate what they know, and let them learn what they haven't and might be fun and helpful to new members as well to let them learn basic care.
I don't care one way or the other about whether this site has designated experts or how such a designation is earned. I certainly know that I'm no expert, and it didn't take long browsing through the archives for me to realize that there are some really serious and knowledgeable banana growers here! I agree with JP, though, that a self-test (or perhaps a "question of the day" for which an answer was posted the next day) would be fun and informative. Whatever you decide to do, I enjoy the site and I appreciate the advice/information I've gotten.
Nancy
Randy4ut
07-16-2008, 05:06 PM
Just curious as to what happened to Lag's quizzes??? I thought that was a great idea and very fun and informative as well. Where are you, Pete??? Come on buddy, and get another quiz together...
Lagniappe
07-16-2008, 07:23 PM
LOL ! I was just working on that at the airport monday night .
In regards to the badge , I could totally do without it . I'm no expert and will always have questions . On the other hand ,those who CAN answer my questions may often have questions of thier own to ask :P
NANAMAN
07-21-2008, 01:09 AM
I joined Bananas.org because I have a passion for growing desert bananas, and this site gave me an outlet to share that passion. This is a great resource for all things banana related, and will continue to be, if it somehow includes everyone. By definition , an expert member badge seeks to separate , not include. I think the badge should go away! JMHO. When I started growing bananas, the Internet didn't exist, and getting information, or plants for that matter,was not an easy task. Most of what I know about growing them has developed from trial and error, and studying books. No badge will enhance my experience with bananas, this forum,or the other members here. This hobby is more enjoyable for me, when I can share my success with other people who appreciate all that goes into it.
PAJ53
07-21-2008, 07:43 PM
I have visited Banana plantations in Jamacia and there is a big differance between commercial production and a zone 7b North Texas hobbyist. It is impossible to become a true expert with bannans in my zone as it gets as cold as 15 degrees most years and some years it drops as low as zero. The weather can be 80 degrees in January some years and the plants break dormacy and then freeze and die in march or they endure days and days of 100 plus temps with high winds 50 to 70 mph-- maybe different kinds of experts -- tropical climate, temperate climate, and subartic climate experts
natedogg1026
08-03-2008, 10:21 PM
So did we come to a decision?
mskitty38583
08-05-2008, 10:14 PM
So did we come to a decision?
i guess not.:bed:
natedogg1026
08-05-2008, 10:38 PM
?
MediaHound
08-06-2008, 09:29 PM
All gone now! No more expert member seal, for now at least.
microfarmer
08-11-2008, 03:32 PM
I like the quiz idea, but not everyday, as I sometimes can only get to the site every few days to a week. Maybe a weekly quiz, and something in the margin where the badge was, stating the # of quizzes taken, compared to the # of quizzes passed. Maybe 5 banana bucks for each passed quiz? Just a thought....feel free to expand on it...
Also maybe an archive of quizzes that you could take at any time so those that are not here that often, can participate, without feeling left out?
:lurk:
Also, it occurs to me that there was not one among us that had the seal, that protested it's being taken away....That says a lot!!
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