MediaHound

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.



Thank you!

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Apologies in advance if I am slow to reply to your PM. I suggest posting in the forums for support if you need something urgent.

Randy4ut

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...

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Rmplmnz

I am ok taking the test and agree with Randy's thoughts.

stumpy4700

I agree on both...the test is great idea, and retest

lorax

Hear hear! I'd say that the reset and test is an excellent idea!

dablo93

good idea!
I send some suggestions, did you read it?

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momoese

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

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...

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Rmplmnz

The test should be on the "Honor System"....establish what is permissible as assistance.

Bananaman88

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

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!

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momoese

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

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

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 ..

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Randy4ut

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...

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CookieCows

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

Deb

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tlturbo

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

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?

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mskitty38583

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).

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damaclese

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

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