In February, I asked whether 3 socs should be needed for an article on JapanSoc to be promoted from the “Upcoming” page to the “Top Stories” page. At that time, articles were averaging 2.9 votes each and users voted in favor of the 3-soc requirement.
As JapanSoc continues to grow, the average number of socs per article has risen to 4.6. So, the question is, should 4 socs be needed to hit the front page?
The case for a 4 soc promotion requirement
- Four votes would make sure higher quality articles make the front page.
- With fewer articles getting promoted, existing front page articles can get more exposure.
- Currently, almost everything gets on the front page, which defeats the purpose of “Top” stories.
The case against a 4 soc promotion requirement
- Breaking news stories might not be so new by the time they hit the front page.
- Submissions might disappear down the Upcoming page before enough people see them.
- Special interest topics might not get the exposure they deserve, e.g. ESL or anime.
- Users might be discouraged from submitting articles if it is harder to make the front page.
I should point out that a submission must get enough socs within 7 days to be promoted to the font page.
Time to vote… Update: Voting has now closed. 4 socs it is!
[poll id=”8″]
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