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• Launchpad Entry: https://blueprints.launchpad.net/launchpad-answers/+spec/shared-recognition

• Created: Date() by JimHutchinson

• Packages affected:

Summary

Develop a system whereby users can mark more than one answer as having helped to solve their problem.

Release Note

This will help guide users of the answer tracker in specifying which answer(s) helped them to solve their problem. This should decrease the number of questions in which no one received any credit. In addition, future users will have a better indication of what solution was useful and give them an idea where to start with their own problem if it is similar.

Rationale

Currently, users often do not know that they should mark a problem solved by clicking the button contained in each proposed answer. Sometimes more than one answer was useful and it is currently not possible to mark them all. As a result, members who take the time to help are often not recognized for their efforts - either because the user was only able to mark one answer or because they did not mark any.

Use Cases

• Sally gave a detailed answer to John's question but forget to mention that they needed to use "sudo" before a command. John tries the answer but when it doesn't work he returns to ask for more help. Joe notices that they just need to use "sudo" and posts the information. John returns and marks the problem solved by clicking Joe's answer. While this last bit of information technically solved the problem, it was Sally's detailed response that provided the important information. As a result, the person who took the most time to solve the problem will receive zero credit.
• Sally offers an answer that solves John's question. John posts a comment saying thanks and clicks the problem solved button. Sally receives no credit for helping and depending on the thread future users may not know which answer actually worked.

Assumptions

• That it is important to ensure recognition is given to members taking the time to respond to questions.
• That not all users understand the importance of giving recognition or the method by which recognition is given in Launchpad.
• That a modified UI will help to address the problem.

Design

Implementation

Rather than using a "this solved my problem" button located within each proposed answer, have a "This Worked" or "This Solution Helped" box that can be checked and allow checking multiple boxes. The "Problem Solved" button will not submit if no boxes are checked. When a user clicks the "Problem Solved" button, they should be presented with a dialog that says something to the effect of "Please check all answers that helped you to solve the problem before clicking "Problem Solved". It should not allow submission of a comment with the "Problem Solved" button unless at least one answer is checked. If at least one answer is checked, they should be presented with a "yes/no" confirmation dialog asking if they checked "all" answers that helped with their problem. Clicking "No" Would allow them to return and check of any others. Clicking "Yes" submits the comment and marks it solved.

Perhaps these dialogs can contain brief text about the importance of recognizing those that helped as well as helping future users know what solution worked.

UI Changes

• Change "This Solve My Problem" button to a check box and allow checking multiple boxes.
• Change function of the "Problem Solved" button to only work when at least one box is checked. A reminder dialog pops up if no box is checked. A confirmation dialog is used if only one box is checked.

Comments

I like the suggestion that we change the answer messages to use checkboxes, and award multiple contributors karma when appropriate. I think we need to allow owners to solve the problem themselves, so they may check their own message. The dialog seems is too intrusive; I do not think it will teach owners how to use Answers. Maybe is misunderstand. The form should not submit a solution if a message is not selected. A well presented message in the page would suffice. I think The 'solved' messages from owners are generous and supportive, they genuinely do not understand their responsibility. Just getting owners to scan the form, and choose one checkbox is enough for them to understand that they have an obligation to affirm which answers are best.

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