Once upon a time on a site far far away (i.e. the older version of this one) I more than once suggested that all members be required to occasionally review a work with less than the 3 reviews which was semi-implied by joining the site. Of course that was met with vigorous opposition which mainly focused on the fact that no one wanted to be "forced" to read something they didn't want to read/review. I politely pointed out that we are already "forced" to read works from the list which is presented on site; you can't read something not published on site to get review points which we all need to publish our own works. And any "mandatory" list containing all works with less than 3 reviews would merely be an sub set from the list we are already "required" to choose from. Choosing ones which you like or are reciprocating from that list is just a side effect so to speak and regardless of our reason for choosing, we still are "mandated" to choose something from the overall list provided.
To me, it would be no big deal to be "mandated" to choose from a separate list on occasion to retain the privilege of publishing our work on site. But, alas, such a notion went over about as well - and probably still would - as a fart in a closed room. As we already receive bonus points (not very substantial) for reviewing works with less than 3 reviews, it doesn't seem likely that merely adding another thread to "showcase" them is going to make much difference. What might work, however would be to greatly enhance the number of points for the first three reviews. Say, you received triple the regular points for the first review, double for the second, and 1.5 for the third review. That might be enough to entice those in need of quick points to sift through the list for those with less than 3 reviews. But who knows? It would certainly imho create a better climate for those works than a simple thread asking for volunteers. Probably most who would volunteer are already doing so to at least some degree. The added points would certainly be a blessing for newbies who needed to build credits quickly to post their work.
Just throwing it out there again for what it's worth. Just for the record, for me and probably lots of others, the added points would make no difference in my reviewing habits, but it just might draw attention from lots of folks who need those extra points and would serve to give the neglected authors more of a fair shake in getting a minimum of reviews. It might be likened to affirmative action and probably be just as controversial, but sometimes it is needed and does work. Take care. Vern
