Phasing out SVU discussion

We want to phase out SVU for obvious reasons: Namely that people have been using fake phone numbers to obtain it, and it doesn't effectively verify their identity.

Rather than do the tiered levels of SVU like we were intending, we think it might be better to let users ascertain the trustworthiness of other users to their own satisfaction. (However we may do a real identity + business verification service for high level donors in the future, as a separate thing.)

I want to reach out to all our SVU users and ask you what you think is valid compensation for the loss of your SVU status/rank?

We were thinking a $25 donor rank, possibly a special legacy rank just for those people who had SVU.

We are also considering allowing all users to add a mobile number to their profile (which will be kept private) for the purpose of account recovery in the event of losing access.

We haven't decided anything for certain yet. This is at the discussion phase and now is the time to list your concerns below. Thank you.

 

[Tyler]

I would be cool with some sort of legacy fun rank.

first

 

[Saluki]

@Sythe Could you explain a bit more from your understanding of how people are using fake numbers to verify their identity? Because you have to receive a SMS message or a phone call to receive a number to verify it, so how are people getting around that, exactly?

 

@Sythe Could you explain a bit more from your understanding of how people are using fake numbers to verify their identity? Because you have to receive a SMS message or a phone call to receive a number to verify it, so how are people getting around that, exactly?

Many countries sell $5 sims at the corner store that you can buy without ID.

 

@Sythe Could you explain a bit more from your understanding of how people are using fake numbers to verify their identity? Because you have to receive a SMS message or a phone call to receive a number to verify it, so how are people getting around that, exactly?

By going outside, buying a $2 simcard, registering it under a fake name and activating it in your phone.

The main attraction to donating to the site (at least $25) was SVU, if we could keep that attraction going by adding in some kind of fun rank after you donate $25 it might keep people donating to the site (this is if we don't see a long term plan for SVU involving donations.)
If we could compensate users who currently have SVU with a different fun rank and make (5?) fun ranks to choose from once you get $25 donor, it might keep the incentive going to donate that bit extra to the site.

 

[Saluki]

Many countries sell $5 sims at the corner store that you can buy without ID.

I see; So it may work well with the United States and a few other countries, but not so well with others. I say that my suggestion would be to try and come up with some other way for Sythe to verify a user without outright removing the entire system. I feel like it's a good thing to have the safety net for all users to have the ability to contact their scammer if they're verified by the site.

 

I see; So it may work well with the United States and a few other countries, but not so well with others. I say that my suggestion would be to try and come up with some other way for Sythe to verify a user without outright removing the entire system. I feel like it's a good thing to have the safety net for all users to have the ability to contact their scammer if they're verified by the site.

Because users can dupe an automated system, no matter how sophisticated, we think it'd be better to remove explicit trust indicators from regular users altogether. That way users can verify to their own satisfaction the identity of their trading partner.

 

[Saluki]

Because users can dupe an automated system, no matter how sophisticated, we think it'd be better to remove explicit trust indicators from regular users altogether. That way users can verify to their own satisfaction the identity of their trading partner.

So overall leave it to the discretion of the buyer/seller to trade with the other, and if they get royally screwed, it goes through the same scam process as every other transaction. I think I'm on the same track as you now.

 

I personally like how hard it is to obtain a fun rank and don't believe a fun rank should be in any way shape or form a reward for holding SVU before it was removed. I'd say adding $25 to people's ranks sounds the best way around it.

 

[Saluki]

I personally like how hard it is to obtain a fun rank and don't believe a fun rank should be in any way shape or form a reward for holding SVU before it was removed. I'd say adding $25 to people's ranks sounds the best way around it.

I agree. I think to maintain the integrity of what SVU was supposed to mean should be equally attributed to what the compensation is, just to still verify to the rest of the community that those who were in the SVU group hold some investment in the community. So an addition to the donation rank could probably work well.

 

I believe a strong solution would be:

1. Removing SVU
2. Giving previous SVU holders a bonus $25 to their rank
3. Allow users to update their phone number through the UC in order to recover their accounts easier
4. Give reputable members (chosen at staff discretion) the opportunity to obtain SVU through more thorough methods (perhaps and address check via mail?) It might cost a bit, but I'm sure I'm not the only one willing to put up some money to receive the new SVU rank. Perhaps the people who previously had SVU and acquire the more thorough version could get a "legacy" version of SVU or some sort? Just a thought.

 

I'd definitely support a minirank for SVU users. It was only $5 after all

 

I believe a strong solution would be:

1. Removing SVU
2. Giving previous SVU holders a bonus $25 to their rank
3. Allow users to update their phone number through the UC in order to recover their accounts easier
4. Give reputable members (chosen at staff discretion) the opportunity to obtain SVU through more thorough methods (perhaps and address check via mail?) It might cost a bit, but I'm sure I'm not the only one willing to put up some money to receive the new SVU rank. Perhaps the people who previously had SVU and acquire the more thorough version could get a "legacy" version of SVU or some sort? Just a thought.

I think this would be the best way to handle this situation. I'd be willing to do ID/mail verification to receive a verification rank that actually matters.

Edit: I think the new rank should be available only to $100 donors rather than a few reputable members since it's lacking perks (the only difference between $50 and $100 donor is

• Enhanced User Title

Which barely matters.

 

Mobile verified minirank (or rank). Could also add an automated mobile account recovery system that sends texts to the registered number possibly?

Or if you want to get away with it altogether, give them all a prizebox each and call it a day

 

I think this would be the best way to handle this situation. I'd be willing to do ID/mail verification to receive a verification rank that actually matters.

Edit: I think the new rank should be available only to $100 donors rather than a few reputable members since it's lacking perks (the only difference between $50 and $100 donor is

• Enhanced User Title

Which barely matters.

I believe there are too many $100 donors for the rank to be considered there. Many gaps are lacking perks, including $300 -> $500.

 

Instead of a special legacy rank for those who have had SVU I'd like to see access to legacy donor ranks granted. It's something I've suggested previously and heaps of people much prefer the old donor ranks, they're also fairly rare now too.

 

[Tyler]

Instead of a special legacy rank for those who have had SVU I'd like to see access to legacy donor ranks granted. It's something I've suggested previously and heaps of people much prefer the old donor ranks, they're also fairly rare now too.

And what about us $300+ donors who much prefer our custom ranks?
Nothing?

 

IMo Sythe verified user should be phased out long time ago, it's just way to obtain completely fake trust. Legacy ranks should be cool

 

[Admires]

Just add 25$ to everyone's donation credit who had SVU and call it a day.

 

special legacy rank <3