Calling out all "Top Contributors"?

The same thing has happened to me. A while back, there was a "top contributor" who gained that "status" primarily by poaching from other people's answers, and from care sheets. He changed his profile info when he was called out. Maybe this is the same guy. I think people do it because they think yahoo points and levels and TC designations somehow makes them a better person.

As far as his being chosen best answer, I feel that generally is more indicative of the level of knowledge (or lack thereof) on the part of the asker. People that ask questions here tend not to be able to recognize a correct answer when they see one. Incorrect answers are frequently chosen as "best". You don't need much knowledge to be a top contributor.

As for your question "Am I really in the constant company of stupidity on that kind of level?" I'm sure you already know that the answer is yes.

I "was " a TC until i got fed up with some of the answers others give. And we all know that TC just means you answer a lot of questions, DOESN'T mean they where the right answer's, just means that you answered. I myself do not care about the points. That is not why in answer the questions i choose to. I have been keeping reptiles a very long time, longer than some of you have been alive, so at times i am willing to share some of my knowledge. And to answer some of these questions just gets my goat. I always try to urge people to do the research BEFORE you purchase an animal. Because, ( i'm sorry but its the truth) it really makes you look like an idiot, when you come on here and ask what should i feed my ball python?? I mean come on, why would you not ask the people you bought it from?? I know everyone starts somewhere, but if you would have done "any" research at all,( the internet is pretty easy to do a search on, that's how you found this forum) then you would know at least the basics before buying the animal. PLEASE, just apply a "little " common sense before buying. You wouldn't buy a video game without knowing something about it, so why would you buy an animal without knowing at least a little something about it??? I sell reptiles for a living, But i always try to educate the person before i sell them an animal. I would much rather them turn down the sale because they are not sure if they can care for the animal properly than make a quick buck. Happy customers return to purchase again and again if they feel they have been treated well, and have received quality animals.

To get back on track yes thats messed up, but at least they were passing on sound advice, instead of just writing, "i dont know much about them but you should do this" If you dont know or are unsure DO NOT answer the question. This is not a game, the person with the most points does not win, and passing on bad advice or Un-educated advice is not helping anyone. Or if you have never owned that type of animal but have read about in a book, the books are not always 100% acurate that's why people write more and updated books all the time, because while Yes they are educated on the subject, BUT it is still "their" opinions and observations that they have written about, which do not hold true 100% of the time. sorry to rant, and sorry for the plagiarizing fools that just want the points.

What a crappy thing to do. It sucks that that was the ending to your bad day.

Top Contributor badges are of some value insofar as they indicate that the person has been on here long enough to earn points and answer questions. I do think that some people place too high a value on them and the TC badge is somehow a sign of great personal achievement to them. I wonder if one were to look back through the advice offered by the TC who plagiarized you how many other incidences of bad behavior (plagiarizing) would be found.

Take a deep breath and realize that yes, yes indeed you really are in the company of stupidity on that level. ;~)

I had a TC badge once upon a time then got into it with some twit regarding monitor care and had several of my answers rated "thumbs down" and several were reported within a short span for being insulting to monitor owners. Who, me? Insult or be short with other people regarding reptiles?? LOL

A TC Badge has exactly as much meaning behind it as the reader places on it. There are a handful of people on Y!A with TC status who's opinions and thoughts I value (you, Varanid, madsnakeman, azure child....) and a hell of a lot more that I wonder how they ever earned it....

Next time you need a smile head over to the monitor forums on kingsnake and check out the newbies trying to out-argue long time, knowledgeable monitor folk. ;~)

wow, my impression of tc under reptiles channel is always so positive, believing that these people are the ones filled with great experience and incredible knowledge in the kind of reptiles which they own, therefore clarifying doubts people who are in need of help with their pets honestly, according to what they know and not stealing someone's answer. This is also the reason why im keen to become one, through my hard work and effort to answer most of the questions with my very own truthful knowledge over the past few weeks to what i am today, tc. But looks like i'm totally wrong towards admiring tc who would actually do this.

Well, all i did is to imagine myself in your shoes and yeah, i would be real MAD. The person should have at least stated that he is quoting though. Nevertheless, i really hope that such a thing will not happen again since i believe in answers that are sincere which come from the bottom of our heart in wanting to help others in need. And yes, everything would be perfect! isnt it?

having recently lost my badge for taking time out i know what you mean, i have had people copy my answers and it is annoying, t/c is easily got and many new people have one it does not mean they are any good it think you should be proud someone is copying your answers you do give good ones that are obviously researched first, this is the point honey don't give up you know your stuff and if one person listens to you then you know that is one less reptile suffering at the hands of people who just get them on a whim, it end to answer questions on tortoises so loosing the badge is not a shock as there has not been much about due to hibernation, i don't think you should give up, answers need people like you who are in it for the reptiles well being not a badge or to show off, there are some idiots on here who don't take into account the individual species and a lot that plagiarize, but you know your stuff and need to keep at it, you are entitled to rant, but keep your chin up honey you do a good job and i always enjoy your answers, best of luck

Same has happened to me, too (have just lost my TC status for not replying often enough, but as I rarely answer anything that's not tortoise related, that's hardly surprising, LOL!).

And I also know who Dion is referring to (I pointed out a cut-n-paste of one of Dion's answers, to him, when I recognised it) and this isn't the same guy, unless he has two accounts, as the original plagiariser is still on my blocked list with the same name he's been using since he decided to stop telling people he was a reptile vet and changed ID...

I just tend to spot answers that don't "ring true" as someone's own writing style and then cut-n-paste a distinctive phrase into Google. Then I refer the person who asked the question to a link to the original stolen caresheet content, or previous Y!A reply...

When I first started on here a few months ago I answered so many questions that I was a "Top Contributor". I don't think it has anything to do with correct answers or how many times you have been chosen as a best answer. I think it was just the number of questions that you answer in a short amount of time. I happen to agree with a lot of what YOU have to say when it comes to your answers. Some people just shouldn't speak when they have nothing intelligent to say.

I saw the same question two nights in a row and answered it by copying the answer I had given onto the second one. To do that with what someone else wrote is very lame.

At the same time, is it really surprising that a self appointed "expert" would do that? Lots of people on forums are trying to share their knowledge and help others. Then there are plenty who are just trying to impress other people -- or themselves -- by giving lots of answers without caring if they are original or correct.

Wow, some people's kids, huh?

The same exact words as yours two weeks ago.

Just remember that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and don't let it get to you. There are a lot of weirdos online, and you never know where they will crop up.

I just don't understand why someone would want to take credit for something they didn't write. They should at least post a link to the source if they're going to quote you.

Long nails can be harbingers for bacteria, especially if they are artificial, but these people are good for scratching and beginning those little foil wrapped containers which are so hard to get into.