Appraisal Forum

[Rob]

I have been thinking this for a while, but only recently has it got so bad in this area of NamePros that I thought it was worth a mention.

Is it just me, or are the more experienced members no longer posting in this area? I notice now appraisal threads full of 'new' members opinions about their value.

Sure, we all have to start out, and I probably made some silly appraisals when I was new, and still would now! But I see threads getting full up with inexperienced members appraisals, often seemingly plucking figures out of thin air.

I have just come from the forum myself after ranting at somebody (nothing personal if you are reading this!) for making a silly appraisal.

I just thought it is so much more helpful if people have a basic knowledge of the particular market, such as 2 letter .us or 3 letter .com for instance, depending on the domain in question, before posting.

Its like me trying to appraise the value of a car - I wouldnt have a clue, so wouldnt even try to contribute.

Does it put you off from seeking an appraisal because they are no longer so accurate here, or am I being unfair?

Just wondered on all of your opinions, including new members telling me to shut up! :p

(Wasnt sure if this was more appropriate for the Break Room or NamePross-specific forum)

 

[Qwert]

Well I have basic knoledge.....

 

[Badger]

you are right Rob but with NP's being such an open forum, everyone from Elequa (whos now a member I notice) down to a 12year old without portfolio has the same standing.

You just have to ignore those with pathetic comments. Unfortunately, these people can de-rail the point of your initial thread.

stay cool and warm....... :wave:

 

[Qwert]

If you're refering to my comment to the TM issue thing it was a joke.

 

[Rob]

NamePros being so open is what makes us great - a wealth of knowledge open for us to learn from each other, from as you say, a kid with no domains all the way to the domain Kings. But it does come at a price - such as mentioned above.

It would be nice to find a middle ground - NamePros should always be accessible for everbody, no matter what their standing is within the domain industry, but also have some control over areas that might be more beneficial to have the contributions of our great old-timers.

 

[Qwert]

NamePros being so open is what makes us great - a wealth of knowledge open for us to learn from each other, from as you say, a kid with no domains all the way to the domain Kings. But it does come at a price - such as mentioned above.

It would be nice to find a middle ground - NamePros should always be accessible for everbody, no matter what their standing is within the domain industry, but also have some control over areas that might be more beneficial to have the contributions of our great old-timers.

You said that you were still learning in a post I just read. Maybe there is an expert apprasial thread but RJ only lets experts see it...

 

[RJ]

I would like to hear suggestions on how to improve the appraisals area. Like you said, everyone from the inexperienced to the seasoned professional has the opporunity to offer their opinions on names. I am interested in ways to encourage appraisals from more experienced domainers and/or highlight the "better" appraisals.

--------

Speaking of which, we created a position of Official Appraiser whose duty is to offer up appraisals in 50% of the new appraisal threads. This position earns a NP$ salary with the staff. Lotsofissues was the first such appraiser and did a great job contributing to the quality of appraisals in the forum. We have up to three of these positions available every month to members that can offer quality appraisals.

 

[Qwert]

highlight the "better" appraisals.

Why not do that? Have those offical domain appraisers get their apprasials highlighted.

 

[Jennifer]

I agree Rob...

I've been trying to come up with a way to say basically the same thing. I saw an appraisal here today that almost knocked me off my chair. I am thoroughly disgusted with the childish babble that is being passed off as domain appraisal/valuation. It is clear there are several people offering up opinions on things that they don't yet understand. I think one of the first things that should be done is to stop offering NP$'s in the appraisal forum. That is a service for the people... by the people, so there's no need for reward. It should most likely be moved down to the marketplace area as well.

It's sad for the people who actually spend time giving thoughful, honest input to those seeking help... but it's been a long time since many of them poked a head in anyhow.

Discontinuing NP$ and moving the forum will probably not be a total fix, as that would be impossible in an open arena. Professionalism needs to be stressed at all turns... no excuses. Childish, unwarrented posts need to be deleted immediately, andthe poster warned. If it happens again, no second chances.

Serious minded people that are here for business reasons don't want to scan through the kindergarten mumbo jumbo to find something worth reading IMHO.

Come on folks... let's get back to BUSINESS! :tu:

2 cent solutions
Jennifer

 

[jstep]

What if we had a seperate forum for the more dedicated members (either valuable, or 1000 posts + or something along those lines)

Where you could only post 1 domain every 2 weeks, in this we would only get the peoples feedback from well known, trusted members who know what they are talking about

I would like to hear suggestions on how to improve the appraisals area. Like you said, everyone from the inexperienced to the seasoned professional has the opporunity to offer their opinions on names. I am interested in ways to encourage appraisals from more experienced domainers and/or highlight the "better" appraisals.

--------

Speaking of which, we created a position of Official Appraiser whose duty is to offer up appraisals in 50% of the new appraisal threads. This position earns a NP$ salary with the staff. Lotsofissues was the first such appraiser and did a great job contributing to the quality of appraisals in the forum. We have up to three of these positions available every month to members that can offer quality appraisals.

 

[Rob]

Thanks for your input Jennifer. I know you are a highly respected member here and your contribution is much appreciated.

I did used to go through the appraisal forum myself sometimes when I had a domain and I was looking for something similar to give me a rough guide on its value. I dont do that anymore because there are a high amount of appraisals that seem incredibly high, or almost reg fee. Its hard to get an accurate figure in mind. I generally rely on the Domains for Sale forum to give me an idea of pricing now, instead of offering my name up for an appraisal.

All other comments, agreeing or disagreeing are much appreciated.

 

[Rob]

What if we had a seperate forum for the more dedicated members (either valuable, or 1000 posts + or something along those lines)

Where you could only post 1 domain every 2 weeks, in this we would only get the peoples feedback from well known, trusted members who know what they are talking about

Thats a good idea, however it has been the case before where members have spammed and built up huge amounts of posts, and NP$, within a very short amount of time. Simply posting alot does not indicate what value your contributions are. But I think this direction is certainly interesting. Of course there is the other end of the scale though, an extremely experienced domainer may just join but not be able to contribute because they do not post alot, even though their valuation would be of great interest!

 

[jstep]

maybe members of 3 months or more? and an application process for others?

Id be happy to moderate this forum (for free) and to judge the applicants and decide who gets in, dont think it would require a very difficult script either?

Itd be like the board behind the board

 

[Qwert]

Well this one is kinda disagreeing.

You could just ask for your domain appraised by expert apprasials only. I always stay out, and others like me too, just stay out of those ones. I think most people will not give their input because basicially what they are looking for are the apprasial of just 1 person who really knows what they are talking about.

 

[RJ]

Removing NP$ earning from the appraisal forum is an option. You may remember we did that back in May after a rash of appraisal spamming. It was effective in reducing the useless posts in that area, but there was not an increase in good appraisals. I would like to continue to reward users who post thoughtful appraisals while removing any incentive for users who only post for the sake of posting.

We never done this before, but if we see members that are constantly spamming the appraisal forum or not adding any value with the "appraisals" they make, it is possible to remove posting privledges in the appraisal forum from that user's account.

 

[Qwert]

You could remove it and then you and mods could look around and give money to the good apprasials.

 

[Badger]

There is a simple solution to this, and one which i always follow myself regardless, and thats to post your appraisal and then back this up with an explanation as to why you think so...

Spammers dont like to write anything but '+/- reg fee only - sorry'. Making it a courtesy to explain your reasoning would deter all the newbies and spammers from posting. I mean, how foolish could you look, " reg fee only - errrr, dont know why"

 

[yandig]

As someone pretty new to namepros, I wouldn't mind seeing some kind of restriction on who can do appraisals. The problem is that right now, I don't see that there are enough people who have been around that long posting on the appraisal threads.
Maybe have a special forum where it costs a few NPs to start new threads, but only "experts" can do appraisals.

 

[NineASpades]

Maybe have a special forum where it costs a few NPs to start new threads, but only "experts" can do appraisals.

I know I am new here, but I like this idea. Why not have it say $10NP (dont know the values of NP so thats just an example) to start a thread in a "Expert appraisal" thread. "Experts" will then appraise them and at the end of the month the NP is divided among hte experts?

 

[Qwert]

I think this is a rule, but possibly if enforced higher V V V

There is a simple solution to this, and one which i always follow myself regardless, and thats to post your appraisal and then back this up with an explanation as to why you think so...

Spammers dont like to write anything but '+/- reg fee only - sorry'. Making it a courtesy to explain your reasoning would deter all the newbies and spammers from posting. I mean, how foolish could you look, " reg fee only - errrr, dont know why"

^ ^ ^ But then still it may be a little hard for the mods to manage all that.