Forum Rank - What's it all about?

[MK_Slinky]

I've just received a private message from Community Admin informing me that I have reached a new rank in the Sony Forums.., whoopee lets have a party!

Of course these messages are always quite vague and never say exactly what rank you've achieved. My experience is that Community Admin never reply to my requests for clarification on this matter and so I'm left guessing. Perhaps someone can enlighten me?

Okay so I have noticed my stars have now increased to 5 but is that it? What no Knighthood or free mouse mat???!!!

I hope to god I can get beyond 5 star, the 80's band of the same name were pants!!

[Anonymous]

The exact criteria of 'leveling-up' is a secret - I think its to prevent people from only doing "what is required" in order to level up.  As your rank level increases, you get greater privileges.

PS: Congrats for the Level up

[MK_Slinky]

Hmm, not even a cuddly toy then?!

Some of those stars look the same to me, maybe I put my contact lenses in upside down this morning!

[Anonymous]

ROFL - How do I answer that? 

[photosonic]

Hi !

I've asked for an explanation on this matter from others earlier and i've never got an explanation .

This is the  best clarification so far. i understand the reason for secrecy but on the other hand it's

almost like the freemasonry not beeing open about the criterias. And on the community site i've seen explorers , members , contributors and even a singel enthusiast.But leader , hero , champion and  legend i've never seen. It is of course natural that the higher ranked are few.

Is your rank as expert  outside the rank system like the administrators ?

[Anonymous]

Hi photosonic

I have seen your name and photos quite a bit in the gallery area. 

I understand where you are coming from in regards to not being open about the criteria of "ranking up".  However, if you think logically about this : If the criteria was "open" you would always get a sub-group of people, who will only do the minimum required in order to rank up - as a status symbol, game or for whatever reason.  Sony want this to be an all-round open community forum, and will "reward" this in regards to "ranking-up".  Ill give you some examples (all made up).

Eg,

Member requires : 100 posts, 5 Kudos, and 5 Solutions

Contributor requires : 500 posts (20 new threads, 480 repies), 10 kudos, 20 solutions, and a partridge in a pear tree.

For a member to "rank-up" to contributor, do we want someone who is serious and honest, or would we get someone who creates 500 posts of pure rubbish, and then creates a separate username to give oneself kudos and solve a few "fake problems" 

Do you see where I am going on this?

In regards to the levels of ranks, bear in mind that this particular forum and ranking system has been going for less than 1 year, so archiving "Legend" may not just be there yet.  I have seen a Leader in the German forums : HERE.  And im sure ive seen another 1 or 2 somewhere.

There are two categories (ranks) who are not employed by Sony (Fans of Sony, Yes).  These are "Experts" and the relatively new category of "Specialist".  These two "ranks" are outside of the normal ranking system.  Many (all?) of the Experts do not categorise themselves as "Experts", however need to be called something.  Speaking for myself, I dont class myself as an Expert, but have picked up knowledge along the way.  I want to share this knowledge (and gain more knowledge) with the view of helping/assisting/resolving issues. I also love a good chat too !! Experts also have some minor moderator access, with the view of keeping the forums tidy.

I hope that clarifies things a little, oh and I must say, not even experts know the criteria of the ranking/leveling up system

Cheers.

[photosonic]

Hi  Quinnicus !

Thanks for a clarifying reply.

I don't know if it's the right place but you mentioned the German forum  and there are often German members

visiting our forum and submit pictures here. Which countries belongs to our forum ? and can we visit other

Sony forums and  submiit our pictures there as welll?

photosonic

[Anonymous]

Hey there

The English forums are primarily designed for the UK - however there are exceptions:

• The Irish dont have their own forums
• Neither do the Nordic countries

This forum can also be for the catch-all if there are no other option or for anyone who wishes.  But sometimes if there is an issue raised, someone else in your home countries forum might be better equipt with better knowledge of the local area/products etc.

There is no one stopping you from visiting and posting in other countries forums - language barriers..... However I think you have to create a separate account in each country.

EU Countries (hopefully I got this right)

• German      : http://community.sony.de/t5/de/ct-p/de
• French        : http://community.sony.fr/t5/fr/ct-p/fr
• English       : http://community.sony.co.uk/t5/en/ct-p/en
• Spanish      : http://community.sony.es/t5/es/ct-p/es
• Italian          : http://community.sony.it/t5/it/ct-p/it
• Dutch          : http://community.sony.nl/t5/nl/ct-p/nl
• Polish          : http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl
• Portuguese : http://community.sony.pt/t5/pt/ct-p/pt
• Russian      : http://community.sony.ru/t5/ru/ct-p/ru

Cheers

http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl

http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl

http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl

http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl

http://community.sony.pl/t5/pl/ct-p/pl

http://community.sony.pt/t5/pt/ct-p/pt

http://community.sony.pt/t5/pt/ct-p/pt

[photosonic]

Hi Quinncus !

Thanks a lot  , you have been most helpful regarding all of my questions.

Here are also a close up from my garden shot with the RX1

photosonic

[Anonymous]

Your welcome.

Great close-up by the way.    I have an el-cheapo camera, which could never take such a photo - Although I know nothing about camera's - well next to nothing