Something for high level users?

When you're a free registrant, you get extra privileges at levels 3, 6, and 10, but it stops there. There's nothing extra or rewarding for reaching a high level like 50 or 60 except for bragging rights. I was thinking that maybe some things could be implemented to give long time users a "thank you for your long time support".

For example, at level 50 you would be able to change your username once. Most of us probably know the current policy of username changes, but instead of being forced to stick with the username you picked when you were 13, you will be given the option to update it to something more modern or current (like if you're no longer as fond of dogs as were back then?)

Another example is that there could be badges that could go into your profile for when you reach the next high level milestone (50, 60, and 70 just to round off). For each milestone you reach, the badge will say something about the level you reached like "This user has reached level 50, the level of dedication".

And a final example, and this may be a stretch, but at an extreme high level like 65 or something you would be given a free month of Gamespot plus or total access (or longer, we'll take it :P). Since it's not every day someone reaches that level, it shouldn't break the bank.

These are just some things I thought of for veteran users. What do you think of them? If anyone else has any other ideas do post them here.

I like all your ideas dog64 and I support all of them, although for free TA or Plus access I'd say Level 70 for that since it'd be taking money away. Maybe something like:

Level 50: Option to change or alter your username.

Level 60: Dedication Badge

Level 70: Free Trial of GameSpot Total Access for X amount of time.double_decker

Well, it its at level 70, it may never be used :P It takes about two years to get from level 63 to level 65, so I thought that would be a good place to put it. Although, it could be a free month at level 65 and to reward someone for finally getting through all the levels (which hasn't even happened yet) they'd get a free year.

Well, it its at level 70, it may never be used :P It takes about two years to get from level 63 to level 65, so I thought that would be a good place to put it. Although, it could be a free month at level 65 and to reward someone for finally getting through all the levels (which hasn't even happened yet) they'd get a free year.

dog64

[QUOTE="dog64"]

Well, it its at level 70, it may never be used :P It takes about two years to get from level 63 to level 65, so I thought that would be a good place to put it. Although, it could be a free month at level 65 and to reward someone for finally getting through all the levels (which hasn't even happened yet) they'd get a free year.

double_decker

Comparing our post count, we should have the opposite levels :lol:

Comparing our post count, we should have the opposite levels :lol:

dog64

It would be kind of nice to get a little reward for being around here for so long. An emblem, at the very least, would be pretty cool.

I like this idea and support this.

A slightly different way is to compliment people for the amount of years they've been a user. There are users here that have an account since 2002.

Another idea I'd like to see is a reward for a x-amount of time you've been active without any moderations. Like a virtual pat on the back for being a good boy/girl.:P

I'm all for something like this...But not the name change at all. If you've been around long enough to reach a high level like that, why would you want to suddenly change your name? That would just be confusing for everybody...Not to mention any of the typical problems associated with name changes...spazzx625

I'm all for something like this...But not the name change at all. If you've been around long enough to reach a high level like that, why would you want to suddenly change your name? That would just be confusing for everybody...Not to mention any of the typical problems associated with name changes...spazzx625

I think it should at least be an option. Like there are a few users who still have "_basic" in their names, so they could have that removed if they wish. I guess it can be true that people may get confused if you change your name (if you're well known), but people should still be able to recognize you from your avatar, signature, and posting style.

As for the other problems it might case, I think the administrators just play it on the safe side by not allowing username changes. But since they do allow username changes for personal information or technical problems, that shows that it still can be done. Some people do really regret their username choices, and here they'll be given a chance to change it. Of course, if you don't want it changed, then you don't have to change it. But at least the option is there.

As for the other problems it might case, I think the administrators just play it on the safe side by not allowing username changes. But since they do allow username changes for personal information or technical problems, that shows that it still can be done. Some people do really regret their username choices, and here they'll be given a chance to change it. Of course, if you don't want it changed, then you don't have to change it. But at least the option is there.

dog64

I'm up for the username changes as well because when I joined I didn't realize it was case sensitive and I'd like my username to be Double_Decker instead of double_decker but I think one of the reasons they don't allow them is because it could potentially cause linking errors? I'm not 100% sure, but wouldn't it mess up the links in your posting history if you changed your username? Maybe one of the Techs for the GS Staff could give us a more technical reason why they don't allow username changes except for the fact that it'd probably cause a lot of extra work for them to have to be constantly changing usernames upon request. :? I've always wondered why it wasn't allowed here. Because it certainly would be a nice option to have if it was possible without causing a lot of errors in the coding. If it didn't cause any errors maybe that's something they could add as a benefit for paid subscribers if they didn't want to do it for a Level Reward.double_decker

When I first joined, username changes were allowed, but they later stopped doing that because it could cause problems in the system. They didn't specify what kind of problems though.

When I first joined, username changes were allowed, but they later stopped doing that because it could cause problems in the system. They didn't specify what kind of problems though.

dog64

I like this idea and support this.

A slightly different way is to compliment people for the amount of years they've been a user. There are users here that have an account since 2002.

Another idea I'd like to see is a reward for a x-amount of time you've been active without any moderations. Like a virtual pat on the back for being a good boy/girl.:P

When I first joined, username changes were allowed, but they later stopped doing that because it could cause problems in the system. They didn't specify what kind of problems though.

I'm all for something like this...But not the name change at all. If you've been around long enough to reach a high level like that, why would you want to suddenly change your name? That would just be confusing for everybody...Not to mention any of the typical problems associated with name changes...spazzx625

How about high level users don't experienced any glitches? :DJustPlainLucas

How about high level users don't experienced any glitches? :DJustPlainLucas

Any word available word from the staff on their thoughs on this? Do you think it's a good idea? Or lame?

I was just looking through the forums to try and find somewhere new to post (Since I usually stick to Off-Topic and here) and saw Ask GameSpot. I think it'd be neat if this were a high-level user feature, maybe Level 40+ where users can then post on there.

Any word available word from the staff on their thoughs on this? Do you think it's a good idea? Or lame?

dog64

[QUOTE="dog64"]

Any word available word from the staff on their thoughs on this? Do you think it's a good idea? Or lame?

2ndWonder

I disagree. Actually there should not be even levels. Actually even post counts should be hidden. This would actually mean that people would post if they have something to say instead of just "gaining" levels ... like in several other forums. All poster should have equal standing no matter how many posts you have done, or how long you been in forum ...Lostedge

[QUOTE="2ndWonder"][QUOTE="dog64"]

Any word available word from the staff on their thoughs on this? Do you think it's a good idea? Or lame?

spazzx625

I'm already assuming that a staff member has already read this and are waiting for this thread to die :P

How about high level users don't experienced any glitches? :DJustPlainLucas

Then how about subscribers get that from the start? I bet that would get people to subscribe!

I agree with this, although I can see how the name changing could be a problem.

However, everything else sounds awesome, an emblem would be great!

I would like to see emblems for each 10th level, e.g., Levels 20, 30, 40, and so on up to 70.

Each emblem would have its own distinctive artwork, and be auto-added as several others already are.

You have three different emblems for the size of your Friends List, and they are auto-added.

I think that the free trial should come around level 30 - 40. (I want to know how useful it would be before I spent the money.)

A emblem at least, I have a while to go before I even start considering level 50. Going back a bit through the topic, That levels shouldnt exist, I have never been to a forum where tey are just putting in rubbish to get a good count.