This is an idea to combat some of the spam and negative behaviours that plague the Steemit platform and suffocate other users. It is a fairly simple behavioural nudge that would likely affect the actions and decisions of many new users.
There are two related ideas here:
- Entry screen
- Before Posting
1. Entry screen 'Contract'
At first login, there is a simple checklist of basic negative behaviours to avoid with a short description available. This would be a very simple way to make sure that some basic points are covered without the need to read the FAQ (which would be linked) that so many apparently do not bother to read. This could easily be translated into many languages in a drop-down selector which could then preset for idea two(2). It would work as a simple social contract.
This lets basic new users know there can be consequences at Steemit for my behaviours and force them to accept. After this, there is essentially no excuse to say 'I didn't know' so I don't deserve flags. It serves as a very brief but potentially powerful reminder/warning and may make many check just what is expected of them as members of the community.
With a few conversations, similar contracts could be implemented at major signup gateways. These could be tailored to the specifics of the gateway platform of course.
2. Before Posting contract
Next, for users between (arbitrary) startup and 50, there is an unavoidable confirmation of a few points before each post made. This is a reminder and a receipt of acknowledgement. Again, this could be easily language localised in settings or from the language chosen in the Entry Screen contract (1).
This will make new users continually aware of their behaviours and will explicitly identify some of the core tenets of the Steemit philosophy. Of course, some adjustments to what appears here may be advisable but the contracts should be kept unavoidable and very specific.
I think that a few relatively simple (I do not understand the technical requirements) UI tweaks can vastly reduce a range of known negative behaviours and their impacts on the community.
I would be interested to get some feedback on this idea or possible variations.
Thanks for your time.
Taraz
[ for Utopian.io ]
Posted on Utopian.io - Rewarding Open Source Contributors