Good question, manuman. This idea is not meant to compel our whole community into a groundswell of heightened intellectual activity.Truthfully, if it can stand as a simple reminder that quality is just as important around here as quantity, then the HRAOP will have served its purpose -- just as it did many years ago. Here's a good example: Davidmil has plainly stated his dislike for the concept. That's fine; obviously, he's entitled to his opinion. On the other hand, when I was a "newbie" here and recognized in small part through the HRAOP concept that quality posts were more appreciated than the ephemeral (seemingly everywhere) one-liners, it incentified me to put more thought -- at least every once in a while -- into my posts.

Now, having said that. We've highlighted David's dislike of the concept, and how I liked it. But both of us became valued contributors to this board over the years. Here's the point: Some people could give a hoot about having a little "attaboy" affixed to the bottom of one of their posts. Obviously, this concept is not for them, and I'm ok with that; those were not the persons we were trying to persuade anyway (... and again, some don't even need encouragement or to be persuaded to make quality posts, e.g., Davidmil. Even though he dislikes the concept, he still makes great posts.) The concept is for those who appreciate the "attaboys." Dale Carnegie wrote in his famous book How To Win Friends and Influence People that it's always easier to attract flies with honey than it is with gall. In other words, doing something nice for someone to encourage a behaviour is a timeless principle.

What does any of that have to do with your question, manuman? Here's what: For those who are not predisposed to having to exercise their brain beyond reading five or more words in one of your posts... Well, those just simply aren't the people we're trying to reach. And I have a feeling they weren't the type of people you were trying to reach with your post, either.

On to your second point.Obtaining a master's degree in the field of composition --and specifically rhetoric (think Socrates and Plato) -- necessitates valueing an opposing viewpoint. Just because their platform of ideas is different doesn't make their presentation any less worthy. I respect thought-process, not just a like mindset.