In the Tesla Club

For the reasons mentioned above I too don't seem to watch too carefully.

The suggestion about holding back high-value road tests to people above a certain tier sounds like a good one.

For the reasons mentioned above I too don't seem to watch too carefully.

The suggestion about holding back high-value road tests to people above a certain tier sounds like a good one.

Curious on why it would be advantageous to Element14 to limit any road tests or similar to an "Elite" level instead of the current process of allowing all to enter and then the Element14 staff appropriately deciding based on criteria.

I assume that one of the elements considered would be current standing of a member when the road tests are being judged so a level 8 member applying will automatically have a higher rating for a road test compared to a level 2.  If an idea offered by a level 2 member is so incredible that Element 14 decides it warrants the opportunity above a level 8 member, why should that idea never be allowed it's chance to even be voiced?

I love reading all of the great ideas submitted by all levels and member participation is key to keeping new blood coming in.  From what I have seen from the higher level members I would think the only reason they might not get a road test would be because they felt they were too busy, some seriously knowledgeable people here have put in the time and it is great.  I really like how repeatedly I have seen high level members offer to assist anyone when they are in the various stages of processing ideas.

As a newer member I really enjoy the badges Element 14 comes up with.  The points happen as they happen, because quite honestly, how can I realistically try to "compete" against members that have years on me within this site?  ;-)  Seriously though, I really like the badges and when you have tied in neat things like the Chinese New Year I think it has greatly increased conversation and idea sharing!

If I'm not mistaken the suggestion was only for 'high value' Road Tests and certainly doesn't apply to all.

You are right, but if you have a look at some of the Design Challenges the dropout rate amongst newer members (or just joined for that challenge/test) was high.

For road Tests the results aren't a lot better, and in some cases unless the person has access to some complimentary equipment, it is difficult to do a decent test.

In your case you are relatively new in the time scale, but have obviously gained points due to contributions to the community.

Your content and the badges earned show that you would easily slot into any 'limited entry' class.

how can I realistically try to "compete" against members that have years on me within this site?

Not sure that years on the site has a lot to do with it.

We've had some reasonably experienced members also fail to deliver for varying reasons, so it's not just a new member issue, but the stats would show the truth.

I had the opportunity to talk with Christian last year and he spoke about some of the challenges and the entries.

There were some really good entries from novices but experience showed that they would not be able to achieve what they propose, so sometimes the asperation is greater than the capability.

The ability to present the information also plays a large part in the decision ... a couple of lines "I did it" with a blurry picture is not going to inspire many.

It is also much easier if you have a track record, so rather than he is level x, I think past content is a deciding factor.

Mark

You've absolutely nailed the reasons behind the badges there, John, and I'm glad they're having the impact as intended.

The conversation regarding level-based RoadTests is much as Mark suggests -- the thought isn't so much that we'd be reserving things for the elite, so much as encouraging existing members to become more involved. Again, as Mark points out, that'd definitely include yourself.

My feeling is that people often join the Community to take part in RoadTests and Design Challenges, and that's something we want to encourage a LOT more of. It's kinda their purpose. At the same time, a brand new member might not yet feel that same connection and dedication to the Community, making it much easier to drop out. If someone makes the effort to attain, say, level 3 (easy, but takes a bit of exploration around the Community) to take part in a RoadTest or Design Challenge, I think it could put them in a much more affirmative frame of mind when it comes to applying or completing a project.

Certainly most would still be open to anyone -- this is just an idea that's being kicked around as a way to encourage deeper participation on the Community alongside new registrations.

kellyhensen had a thought about maybe splitting applications within a single RoadTest -- for example, five applications open to any level, and five reserved for Level 3 (or whatever) or higher, which I think adds an interesting angle to this idea.

Thanks for the insight!  I hope no one takes my posts as insulting or annoying.  Getting more information always helps in understanding.

I look at the current process of criteria based decisions for Element 14 as seeming to be able to take into account experience and track record and if the people who manage the money decide that that the risk is worth it, then it is.  If it was a public opinion based voting process I could understand limits being placed but I would think that the information that the staff have available to them would fully allow them to judge an Enrollment appropriately to include potential for a new person not following through or not having the equipment/experience.  Hence the criteria specified in the T&Cs.

I am not trying to be obtuse, I just don't see a benefit to Element14 to restrict enrollment applications when they have the ultimate knowledge and power to judge as the company/site feels is best for the company/site.  I also realistically don't see how a Level 9 member with a great idea and proven track record would not be chosen over an unknown member with an equal potential idea.  You do bring up a good point though that even being a high level member does not equate to any guarantee of return.  Stuff happens in life so I am sure that things can get crazy.  :-)

I really love how this all works and the opportunities Element14 provides are incredible to me.  I have never seen/heard of a company doing things like this.

I was making a joking reference in regards to competing and was kind of thinking of the points comparison.  For instance you have been a member since 2012 and currently have 118,991 points.  Holy CRAP!  I have 6,390 points.  Your sneezes have more points then I have in the less then 1/2 a year I have been a member.  :-)  I really don't think of it as competing, and I am hoping to continue to learn and be able to contribute more.

What could be intriguing would be some type of follow up Mentor program for newbies to have assistance and understanding in how to more appropriately blog/share information.  It can be quite taunting to try to work with new products and you spend so much time focusing on the new item you forget to properly document what is happening.  Maybe even some type of reference document that can link over to some great Enrollment applications and what makes them so great as well as the resulting blogs showing what those people did and how they documented it.  But that kind of strays from the original topic.  :-)

If it makes sense to Element14 then it makes sense.  Just because I don't grasp how the current criteria wouldn't already rate a higher member sufficiently to be able to elevate the key pool of applicants to a point where unknowns are not in the running, doesn't mean it doesn't make sense to others.  :-)

I look at kind of like when I am on a board for hiring new employees.  We accept many, many applicants.  From that we have criteria that we assign point values to applicants and from those top point rated applicants we then move to interviews.  We have had some people who may not have a Masters degree or similar but have had some specific experience and certifications that made them more interesting and as such earned extra points for review.  By default a degree earns you a set # of points depending on the level of degree, I would think that Levels would be similar for when people are deciding who makes the cut.

I have seen several really incredible road tests that I sooooo wanted to jump on, but I realistically knew I didn't have the knowledge/experience yet to provide a valid return to Element 14 so I didn't apply.  I just keep trying to learn from the site and improve my own capabilities.

I just wanted to ask for clarification of my own wonderings and to voice what I think might be a perspective of new blood.  This is what has been helping me wander more about the site and feel more comfortable to actually contribute.  The badges can be silly but I like them, I honestly don't get some of the points and how they are awarded, but the entire process makes it fun and interesting!

The missions generate interest and community involvement. This is good for element 14. The older people help by answering blogs to mostly newer folks here. That helps element 14 indirectly also. The levels indicate a certain seniority (or senior moments too). The growth and vibrancy of the community is related to our sponsors involvement like NXP or TI along with element 14. New technology is sometimes tested giving valuable feedback for maybe the marketing or R&D folks. Good for the sponsors. So this is a closed system in a way. But new members give life and growth. Without new members the chance of more seniors goes down too.

Clem

Don't pick on me ... look at clem57 

He started late in 2014

and he has also reached the lofty heights of Hertz with 100,456 points

One other consideration in the decision making process (for Road Tests) is the sponsor, and they can make decisions for other reasons.

It's great that you understand your own limitations, and take the time to increase your knowledge.

I get lots of info from the challenges and the best thing I've seen in recent years is the inter challenger co-operation and assistance.

I think you'll find the mentoring thing is under way. I know it was discussed but the exact nature of how it should work without becoming a one on one and offline was a WIP.

Mark