With all of the discussions re: topics lately, shouldn't Askville be cleaning up the existing list?

There are so many mis-spellings and redundancies. It shouldn't be that hard to clean them up. Also, what about the idea that when we add topics to questions, we only be allowed to add topics that exist within the lists?

That would eliminate the opportunity to add some of the more juvenile topics we have been seeing lately. I realize the existing list may not be fully comprehensive, so we could have the opportunity to suggest topics to Askville for them to add to the existing list if and where they would be appropriate. Thoughts?

Asked by Mamasunotheremuch 55 months ago Similar questions: discussions topics Askville cleaning existing list Amazon > Askville.

Similar questions: discussions topics Askville cleaning existing list.

Yes You’re preaching to the choir, here, Mamasu! LOL! This is something that sorely needs to be taken care of, and the only people that can take care of it is Askville itself.

We, as members with no special powers to edit or delete or anything like that, have our hands tied, but are forced to deal with the confusion and frustration every day; and as we all know this has lead to much discord here in what was once upon a time a quiet and peaceful little town! It now appears that Askville has started editing some of the most recent controversial topic postings. I’m not sure how much more they are doing, but the recent ones posted by Good Ole New-be have been edited, thank goodness.

But so much more needs to be done on this subject. The chart of topics is ok, but way too awkward. For a new person, I’m sure it can be confusing.

You get topics added that you don’t want, and then have to delete them out, and can’t find the ones you might want. We need a clearer topic area for human interest/psychological-type topics at the top, as we get alot of those and you have to dig through science or something to find something remotely related to what you are asking. Or, make up your own categories and that’s when it gets REALLY interesting!

I have no problem with limiting the topics that the original asker posts to three. I think that should cover it most of the time. I mean, do we need Askville AND Askville Community AND Askville Beta?

Don’t you find yourself adding them all just because they are there and we have 6 slots to fill? Aren't they all pretty much covered by the topic "Askville"? I would suggest having three topics available for the asker, and three for the public.

I’m not sure why they require you to have more than one; sometimes one covers it all; but then the points would be less, also. I would LOVE to see some changes in the topic system! Please Askville, help us get along here by figuring out a better way!

The topics seem one of the most controversial and heated debate-provoking areas here! We need help! (ooops!

I just looked at your topics, Mamasu--I actually didn't realized that you used the topics I mentioned in my rant till now! No offense! LOL!) *Poppet*'s Recommendations Help Us Save Us Take Us Away Amazon List Price: $6.98 Used from: $30.14 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 2 reviews) .

You've hit a nerve here! I’ve been SCREAMING for some kind of topic merge,topic elimination and some way to be properly credited for added topics,ones left out,but should obviously be included. The Askville blog is littered with discussion about topics etc,but still,no fix in site.

I have asked numerous questions,trying to get feedback and,to alert Askville that there is indeed a desire to implement something. askville.amazon.com/askville/OpenQuestio... askville.amazon.com/askville/OpenQuestio... askville.amazon.com/askville/OpenQuestio... askville.amazon.com/askville/OpenQuestio... askville.amazon.com/askville/OpenQuestio... Now,not every one of those questions directly addresses the topics issue,but it always comes up somewhere. I’ve answered this same question,in one form or another,15-20 times.

That’s not to say that you’re being redundant. I’m saying that this seems to be an ever-present issue,in Askville. I believe that something should be implemented in order for higher loevels,or community votes,to amend some of the ridiculous topics selection.

We can’t teach people common sense,which is what 90% of topic selection is. The other 10%,that many people don’t realize,is that people with absolutely NO knowledge of a subject,are leveling up in it,because someone lacked the intellect to topic it correctly. I could post at least 50 examples of me,posting in discussions,trying to fix some of the topic problems.

More often,I’m merely attacked for doing so,after refusing to answer,but pointing out all of the reaso9ns for proper topicking. Recently,my discussion feedback has been a little more positive and,some Askville veterans have been complimenting me,on the way I handled the situation. Still,many people don’t care and I can’t be everywhere.

Askville needs to implement something and stop the "hands off" approach,that’s outlined in different months here. Please scan the various blog posts,by month,in that link. Topics come up often.

I would be more active in trying to adress such problems,but quite frankly,I grow weary of being attacked,especially by those who would call themself my friend. I am the leader in about ten to twelve topics,that are all the same as at least one other topic,just spelled differently or misspelled. Adding topics doesn't effect anyone's experience points,coin bonuses (big deal-but it is for some) etc.Another problem is,most people never even look at added tiopics,or don't understand that those added topics,are useless unless implemented at the time the question is posted.

Sources: Can you feel my frustration? .

OK, but one small quibble This a good idea that I am in basic agreement with but it could have the unintended consequence of making people put fewer topics on each question if they cannot easily find them on an approved list. As for mispellings, silly topic choices, etc. Askville should be dealing with that. Some elements of witty whimsy will be lost, however as another unintended consequence.

1 JoeCsekoBrainBuilder, regarding your answer "You've hit a nerve here! ": Thank you for taking the time to answer and to include the posts. I do feel your frustration.It just seems like a no brainer to me that the topic lists should be cleaned up.

Maybe it's just that part of me that cringes at inefficiency. Obviously we can't do it, and I can't believe it would be that difficult to do. Beyond the obvious incorrect spelling topics and the redundancies, there are some topics that are so specific they seem like a waste.

I don't have the technical knowledge to know how this could be accomplished, but it can't be that hard. I do understand the issues surrounding appropriate topics and leveling up and I believe that Askvillers should have the opportunity to suggest topics to help guide others. I just think the suggestions should only be allowed to include legitimate topics from the list that already exists.

I know Askville is working on this, and I know there isn't much we can do, I guess I just posted the question as a way to add another voice to the choir.

JoeCsekoBrainBuilder, regarding your answer "You've hit a nerve here! ": Thank you for taking the time to answer and to include the posts. I do feel your frustration.It just seems like a no brainer to me that the topic lists should be cleaned up.

Maybe it's just that part of me that cringes at inefficiency. Obviously we can't do it, and I can't believe it would be that difficult to do. Beyond the obvious incorrect spelling topics and the redundancies, there are some topics that are so specific they seem like a waste.

I don't have the technical knowledge to know how this could be accomplished, but it can't be that hard. I do understand the issues surrounding appropriate topics and leveling up and I believe that Askvillers should have the opportunity to suggest topics to help guide others. I just think the suggestions should only be allowed to include legitimate topics from the list that already exists.

I know Askville is working on this, and I know there isn't much we can do, I guess I just posted the question as a way to add another voice to the choir.

2 Don't have time for a thought out response, alas, but I do agree. Haven't seen Joe's response yet, as a result, but tend to agree that this hits a nerve with me, too, especially of late. While it's well and good that Askville asks us to moderate each other, so to speak, when there's an issue creating as much discord as the topic issue, it's time for Askville to step in.

I read a discussion post this morning by boxing, sorta indicating he felt bad for not being more effective in helping blunt some of the recent ugliness. While I admire his desire to do right by us all, it should never come to this. He shouldn't have to feel one twinge of guilt when, in reality, Askville is the only one with any real power to make things right.

Don't have time for a thought out response, alas, but I do agree. Haven't seen Joe's response yet, as a result, but tend to agree that this hits a nerve with me, too, especially of late. While it's well and good that Askville asks us to moderate each other, so to speak, when there's an issue creating as much discord as the topic issue, it's time for Askville to step in.

I read a discussion post this morning by boxing, sorta indicating he felt bad for not being more effective in helping blunt some of the recent ugliness. While I admire his desire to do right by us all, it should never come to this. He shouldn't have to feel one twinge of guilt when, in reality, Askville is the only one with any real power to make things right.

" "Your Askville Wish List" "I think we need FEWER topics on Askville! Do you agree? " "What do you think of my plan for cleaning up topics on Askville?

Is it feasible? How would you do it differently? " "A question about Askville topics:" "Is there any way the askville people can combine some topics?

" "What topics should Askville add to our taxonomy?" "What topics on Askville,make you want to jump right in? " "How many Askville topics are you rated in?

I think we need FEWER topics on Askville! Do you agree?

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.