I have yet to see a post by someone who adamantly feels that they should not come back and have no place in the forum.
-- Oh, look! Here is one now...

I will stand for the opposition and voice a strong opinion against titles based solely on the number of posts. No matter how cute the titles chosen, having them numerically based sets up a hierarchy, e.g, "I have a higher number, so I'm a more Grander Exalted Defending type-person than you."

To which I holler: Nonsense, and no you're not. Frequency doesn't always equate to knowledge or helpfulness, and other threads have noted the abundance of "nice picture," "I agree," and similar post padding that doesn't really add much to the discussion.

Steve said it best in the FAQ: "Post Ranks and Special Titles have now become more about separating us instead of bringing us together." and I call on Steve to stand his ground here.

Now to be clear, I am NOT against titles, be they cute, honorary, bestowed, hereditary or purchased at Wal-mart. My sole objection is to basing them upon the number of posts, which is an indicator of nothing at all Scottish or kiltish.

As one compromise for those who must, I would propose that many title advocates create their own and add it to their sig at the bottom of their posts...there are already many clever ones and we could all get a smile from some more.

Additionally, I would particularly favor internal titles, bestowed ON members BY members for services rendered or information provided. (I believe the Dandelion works that way, non?) There are many here whose knowledge and experience I respect highly and would be pleased to advance them as Titled Rabble.

* * *
However, old ways die hard for some and to those that feel they must have a title by their name, I say: Let's keep it relevant to topics and Scottishness and require some (gasp!) personal involvement to advance.

For instance, and these are only examples...a point system. Use the previously cited 4 titles: Kilted Samarai, Kilted Warrior, Kilted Noble, Grand Defender of the Kilt and set the points breaks where you will.
Such a system would be surveyed on joining and updatable by the user on the honor plan. You could increase your points and gain a higher title through your own actions that advance the cause of the kilt, not the cause of the keyboard.

-- Own a kilt? 7 pts Note: Simple...you're a kilt owner, or not. NO points for more than one; that would introduce economic factors as to who could afford what.

-- Worn a kilt this calendar year? 5 pts

-- Ever worn a kilt? 2 pt

-- Provider of authoritative, researched and reliable kilt, tartan, heritage or history information, such as published books, papers, histories etc, OR holding a related position in academe or conservancy? (There are several established authorities on this forum) 5 pts

-- Established and experienced kiltmaker or outfit supplier (sporrans, etc.)? 5 pts

-- Born in Scotland or currently resident there? OR Direct lineal descent within 4 generations (you-parents-grands-great grands) only? 3 pts

-- Ever visited Scotland? 2 pts. for each visit. (English/ Welsh/ Irish members asked to only score for holidays or extended stays, not just popping in for a day or two...)

-- Actively involved in preserving celtic/Scots heritage outside your own home? (You somehow bring or support the heritage to others through playing the music, storytelling, jewellry, visual art, etc. Doesn't have to be on a perfomance level, just sharing it with others. Also membership in a clan society or other group, or even just attending a games event.
Almost anything outside your own house would count.) 1 pt



So, how would you score on this plan?

And more importantly, who would you prefer as the Grand Defender of the Kilt: a kilt owner and perhaps maker who has traveled to the homeland and is a renowned authority on tartans... or somebody with 4000 posts on a web-forum.
If they happen to be the same person, lucky us...but in many cases we know it won't come out that way.

Steve: Stand fast! Many here support your position. Vote NO titles to be based on number of posts.

Peace
JT