Jan 12: Automated Member Levels & Badges - Feedback Requested!
If you are regular 7 Cups user, you may have noticed some updates to automated member levels & badges! We'd love to hear what you all think about them.
You can learn more on this member growth page!
This has been so motivating for me. I watch my levels and badges and hearts and coins grow and grow, and at the same time I get to help people. So while im helping people its reminding me how well im doing and that helps me with my depression.
Maybe it's just me, but I feel it violates my privacy. I sometimes feel embarrassed about the amount of support I have sought. What drew me to feel safe on thits site was the anonymity. But that, bit by bit, in small ways, feels like it is being eroded. It feels like the more points/ badges/ etc you earn, the more messed up you are!😣 don't mean to sound negative - that's just how it feels to me. I will refrain from using this resource with this new features.
Thank you for this honest reflection. This helps me realize that we need to be more clear. The steps, badges, support, points are all steps of growth - signs of things you have overcome. How could we clarify this so that it was more clear that this is about positives and not negatives?
Thank you for reading and considering this point of view. Very much appreciated
What if these steps, badges etc. were private to the member only? And not viewable to anyone else? This could 1) preserve and respect the members privacy 2) still be used as a motivational tool in private reflection for those who find it helpful and 3)allow the member to decide for themselves how and if badges and levels are meaningful to them and their journey.
Thanks to all who work so diligently on making this a safe and helpful community.
I'm going to talk more with the team about this over the next few days. At a minimum, I think it makes sense for us to focus on growth points and remove the number of supportive conversations. I'll update you once we sort it out. Thanks again for the feedback :)
Thank you so much for listening and considering! And reading other peoples comments has helped me to understand how it is beneficial for many others.
Another thought occurred to me after last posting. What if, similar to Facebook, the member could choose which portions of their profile are visible to the public? That way those who find the new features and motivational and encouraging can choose to Display them publicly. Those who would rather keep them private would have that option as well.
Thanks again for listening. Best wishes to all
Acutally you have a really good point. I understand the benefit the listeners would receive by this but I never thought of the member side of things.
@aconcernedlistener , That is such a great point. I never would have thought of that. Thank you for being proactive and bringing that to our attention.
I am sorry you feel that way. I dont come to 7 cups just when I am in need, pain, or depressed. I also share my happiness, and possibly just need to chat, or share a moment with others in the community, and I earn badges for that as well. I hope that you can seek 7 cups during happier times as well, try it, it works
I feel like they're pretty cool. It's nice to not only keep a record of successful interactions (it's a tiny self-esteem booster) but it shows me that I'm trying to listen and help and that I'm doing the healthy thing and talking to someone, even if it's online because there's no one in my life right new that I feel comfortable sharing with.
They are really motivational and push me to get the most out of this website!
I hate life..
I can say that it is indeed very motivating on my part as a new listener. Whenever I see a new notice, it makes me aware that I am doing the right thing.
I am so glad to hear that, @pm229.
Badges are great, and keep you striving to move forward, do better, and earn more badges. Thank you
As a listener, I love the badges and member levels. It definitely works as motivation beyond helping people. I also see them as recognition of my pride in the vision of 7 Cups of Tea. I am so fully dedicated to this site and providing anything that I have to offer, and I believe that shows through what I have accomplished in a relatively short time.
Hello I am John only new to 7 c o tea have been helped often by many friends. Just wanted to say thank you to you all
I don't really think they are important for me, but reading others opinions it seems for some they provide a sense of achievement so that's good. It's always nice to have an option !
It's been nice having someone to talk to That's willing to talk just about me for a change.