We have a new feature which I'm sure many of you have already noticed on your "MY HOME" pages.
Since we released the new "SUGGEST" for feature button, we've been getting a really good response from members helping us to find and report suggested content for the ActiveRain Feature Board. You'll notice today that we've placed a new metric "CALLED SHOTS" counter in the status area of each members "my home" page. This little tracker tool will tally a total of how many posts you suggest that actually get featured. 
Calling a shot simply means you've selected a post by another member that you feel should be featured.
To do this, you would have to have clicked on the "SUGGEST" button in the upper right corner of their blog post. If you suggest a members Blog post to be featured, and it is selected, then you will have "Called The Shot" and get the kudos. When a member accumulates enough "Called Shots" they'll earn a new badge.
In order to prevent gaming, members may only suggest a maximum of 5 posts per day, so be careful calling your shots, don't waste them, we may have some additional surprises and rewards for those members "calling the most shots" around here.
Thank you for helping us keep the network growing and for keeping the community fun! Your support in suggesting features has been awesome, and is making a huge difference for our moderators and for the variety and quality of content that our visitors and traffic are being exposed to while visiting ActiveRain.
Excellent idea....it will get members to review posts for FEATURE potential AND therefore make their blogging more FEATURE WORTHY!
Brad - This is a very cool new feature and I definitely think it's going to motivate those to make "suggestions" for features that are not already doing so.
Brad, another example of Active Rain's quest for continuous improvement! WOW..."What Outstanding Work!"
Ah, I just noticed this on my home page and then came to your post. Very cool idea, and I was surprised that I already have 2!
Very neat tool! You're always keeping our ActiveRain community moving forward.
Good job setting a limit on the amount of "suggests" for featured blogs. Sadly, if there is a loophole, someone will jump through it.
Brad, how about a feature that shows us how many times our posts were suggested for Feature. That would be more beneficial to me. It would help me to see what of my stuff people are really liking and what stuff is just ok.
I know I don't read the dashboard as much as I would like too. My reading list tends to be my favorites or dare I say the featured on the daily newsletter. I do good to get a few comments in here and there. I bet this new system will help bring new writers to the top. thanks for what you do to help this community move forward. cw
Always something new! Thanks Brad and Active Rain
:*( I AM NOT WORTHY! It's not on my Home page. Maybe I need to score 1 in order to have it show up
And I agree with Jeremy's idea
Brad, It's great to be a member of an online community where the members call the shots.
Hi Brad. I saw that on my page this morning. What a great idea.
-Paul
Interesting way to keep AR a "game" instead of it getting stagnant with just "work" related things... I don't have a spot for calling the shots either, but maybe because I haven't hit suggest on anything yet.
I like Jeremy's idea. I'd like to see which of my posts were suggested, even if they weren't featured.
Another Great Example of how intuitive the AR Backend is! The more you continue to involve the users and give them a voice the more we will sing your praises!
Great Job!
I just saw the purple star and had to do a search to find out what it represented; good idea!
Brad - very cool new feature. I like that AR is continuiing to evolve and along with the member participation!
I've called 8. I did not notice this until I saw your post.
That is a cool feature.
Purple star???
Brad - I haven't seen the stat or the purple star yet (oh wait, Maureen above me has one), but I like the idea. I often suggest posts and then forget to check back to see if they were featured, so this wil serve as a great reminder to me. I do miss the old school style of suggesting, where you were expected to give comments justifying your reasons, but I can imagine that was a heavy drain on your resources trying to look at all those emails and reading through my often lengthy comments on why I thought a post was worthy.
One thing I did notice - the title/alt tags for the purple star say "Badge Called Shot" - shouldn't that be "Called Shot Badge" (or to make it more in line with the other badges, it should eliminate the word "badge" entirely). Yes, I'm crazy about the details.
Man, I need to get this badge because purple is my favorite color! Maureen's (#20) looks FABULOUS!
I love this, not only will it get us some new different featured members, but it really does like the points system promotes participation.
Great idea Brad!!! and I agree with Todd, it promotes participation! pippa
Oh, thanks for the explanation, Brad! I was wondering what that little purple star meant..and I was about to ask...wow...
P.S. How soon will that feature be available on our homepages? I just checked and I haven't seen it yet...
How cool...I'm calling the shot on this one....never mind....you're already featured!
Being a numbers girl I was just wondering if there is any way you could track this! LOL! I thought I was a weirdo but I guess I wasn't so much, hahah!
Hope all is well with you Brad!
Hi Brad. I have been suggesting features for some time now so this is awesome!
This really is good because people will not just be reading the featured post, it will get us looking for the posts that need to be featured.
William it is on your My Points. Bottom stat.
I lied home page... not adding a third comment here... I stand by my "Bottom stat"
Brad & the Team
Once again.....quality is upon us in the form of ongoing customer service and product improvement. You have captured the essence of successful business venturing. You can blog and post anywhere.....but there is still only one ACTIVERAIN.........
Most grateful,
Another great feature on Active Rain to make this community more interactive. I like it!
What a great addition. I like it. I have read some great posts and then later seen them featured, but I had never suggested anything before. Well, now I will. I, too, like Jeremy's idea. It would be good for feedback purposes. Thanks for always being so forward thinking and keeping this place fresh, fun, and so educational.
Brad, ok, I have to admit, you got me on the "in order to prevent gaming" statement. I am sitting here shaking and scratching my head, and noooo I don't have fleas.
But great idea!
Brad - Oooooo a new badge for us.. woo hoo... no really a cool idea and glad you guys/girls instituted it. Very cool hmmm I called one but I don't see the badge yet? Oh I guess I gotta call a few more ....
Hi Brad!
How fun! You know agents love to assert their authority :).
Anna
Terrific feature, Brad. One more way to make AR truly a user-based community. Can't wait to get a purple star.
Hi Brad,
Great idea !!!!!!!!!!
This seems like a good egalitarian approach that will help make this a more of a meritocracy.
I was just wondering about this... i saw the purple star under Sardi's icon...
OMG. PUrple is my favorite color. I will start scanning for feature worthy posts!!! GREAT IDEA!
Nice feature.
What a cool new idea! I had spotted it on my page and was wondering - and here is your post explaining!! Always a step ahead of me aren't you? LOL
Brad - What a great idea to encourage people to suggest featured posts and to reward them with new icons.
I got noothing here., i'm telling you nothing, nothing. its not showing up.
Brad -- I love this new feature and think it's a brilliant way to get more folks to think about featuring worthy posts. I'm on my way to getting another badge :-)
This is just another great ActiveRain Feature. You guys are always thinking, aren't you? However, I am with Randy, I don't see it on MY home page. It is probably there and I just don't see it.
Brad, This IS a great thing...I love it as it encourages even more mentoring and collaboration. Not to mention I love purple! I do agree that I would like to know who/when my posts are suggested. Even is they are not featured it would help me to build on the momentum. Thanks for another great tool!!
Hey Brad, where's my purple button???????????? LOL!
Awesome! You guys keep figuring out ways to keep us all involved and playing nice. This is a great addition to the networking aspect.
This is an interesting new feature but I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I like how the system is working over all...
So Brad, can you quick give me a chance to 'Suggest' all of your posts like this before they are featured?? LOL I'm a shoe in then!
Maureen - I looked. It isn't there on the My Points screen yet. Maybe before the end of the day...
Hi Brad! Is this still being worked on? I haven't seen a new shiny purple badge nor the "attended RainCamp" triangle yet? I attended Raincamp LA.
Is this only for new? I've shot called quite a few that made feature and outside of that I had the honor of choosing 2nd chance blog for features in which I chose the features for an entire week. Tough week!
How exciting!
A little motivation for people to actually read the posts by other members. I love it!
Hey Brad, cool idea to be able to suggest feature posts.
Cool....I'm glad you have the limit on it...that'll curb the appetites of many lol
Very clever. With so much rich content from the members this will be easy to do.
Howdy and afternoon to you Brad
The AR new feature Called Shots is not on my home page at this time, with is about 3:40 P.M. EST. Which actually its not really a big deal. I can actually tell you the number of blog posts, that I clicked on the flag, when it was being used, and the suggest button that has been Featured of members by AR, out of all the blog posts by AR members that I have done that for . A big fat 0
I also know that of the many of my blog posts that have been suggested by other members only one was featured by AR. I'm sure that I know why.
You know something, thats really AR's lost. For they were some really good blog posts that could have help the AR community even more outstanding.
Have a good one
Dale
Brad- you guys love gadgets more than I do. I love this one, and like Jeremy (#9) how about a way to see how many people "suggested" your post. I recently had one of my posts featured and I know it was because of the "Suggest" button.
Thanks for continuing to improve ActiveRain.
Brad - Love this idea. Should I already have this on the "MY HOME" page? I was just thinking yesterday that I would love it if AR offered the buttons that would allow me to share content elsewhere (like Tweet Meme).
Brad, I think this is a great idea. We might read something that would really benefit other members and this gives you a chance to feature it.
Hi Brad. Great idea. How many called shots in order to get the purple star?!
Gloria
Wow so far I'm clueless with a big ZERO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bazinga!!! There it is on my home page!!
Brad: I'm a "stataholic" so I really like this new feature! Plus, I've always wondered what happened after making a suggestion. It could be very helpful to know who is liking your posts ... and which ones too. Thanks for offering this new and beneficial tool ...
Gene
Brad - I was wondering! I love additional surprises and rewards! Can't wait! Thanks!
Hi Brad, An excellent feature and one that I think everyone will enjoy checking now and then. Many times several people would recommend the same post and it will fun to see how that plays out as who actually is responsible for the recommendation.
This is a great feature & a great idea. Participate or shut up!
Brad, a great way to pick "Features".
Brad, Love the new feature! I do read so many great posts and never think to flag them for a feature...now I will :) Can't wait to meet you in Orlando!!
What a great idea. I would never have seen this if Roy hadn't reblogged it!!
Brad, I love this idea! I called one yesterday so I have "1". This is going to be interesting because the posts I really like I bookmark for my Sunday summary. I feel like we're in a competition!
Brad,
Thanks for keeping us posted on Calling the Shots. Interesting. Love that it is such an interactive COMMUNITY:-)
All the best, Michelle
that is so cool!! Thank you for this
.
I just saw that I had a Called Shot not sure what it was and now i am stoked!!!
Does it count if you recommend your own post? Not that I want to recommend my own, well at least not yet.
Great idea for the community involvment.
Good information... I will use my shots wisely.
Maureen, I finally got it. Hmmm....you have to have made a certain number of suggested features that have been featured...I wonder what the baseline for that is?
Ok it is on my homepage now. I have 1, but no purple badge yet. No problem, will have patience and continue to suggest.
how neat!
Love the creative juices that continue to flow in AR headquarters. One more great way to keep members engaged and interacting (not to mention plugging the "why isn't my post featured" whining).
Very cool feature Brad. The new feature board looks good too. Great to see new faces on it. Well done.
Sounds like a cool new idea. I guess I'm a bit behind on everything here, I've got to catch up!
That is a fun new feature. i just noticed it right before I read the post.
I just noticed the called shots stat on my home page and thought.... what's that? As usual, it took less than a minute to find that you had already answered my question with your post.
I hope I get to meet you at RainCamp Boston to thank you in person for being such a great Community Manager! :D
Brad - great idea, how long do you go back for the "calling the shots"?
Ok, it's appearing on my site now, but I also just noticed people have Raincamp badges, but I don't see one under my name... I was definitely there... I even got the memo to wear Red that day! Where's my badge??
Awesome new feature!!
Like the idea ... we shall see how it catches on!
Okay! This is pretty cool but it also reminds me of a song (big surprise huh?) by local Austin Band Timbuk 3...Big Shot in the Dark!
Thanks for continuing to create new and useful ways to find great posts!
I just love Active Rain and how you guys and gals take an Active part in all of our individual business'. Now I am off to check my home page...
Nice feature... I hadn't noticed it yet. Thank you for sharing this post.
Great way to keep the AR community involved ... and when you put a number to it, that only riles up the 'Type A's' even more!
I got my badge and feel like I am in girl scouts again! Purple's my fav color!
Brad...
This is an awesome feature, and I'll try to suggest my quota every day!
Another great tool
Very cool Brad! Active Rain just keeps coming up with more fun stuff.
This may be a stupid question but I don't always see the suggest button. Is it on every post before it's featured?
That's awesome! I'm number 100 here! :-)
Brad, It was only recently I learned about the suggest button from someone who commented on my post! This is cool. Active Rain is amazing …thanks for continuing to grow with the community.
Brad,
I know I'm hijacking your post, but it's for a good purpose. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Debra! (It's still the 29th here in Tucson.)
Mike in Tucson
Thanks Mike, I'll let her know, we just got back home right now, and I see I have quite a few comments to respond to here.
Thanks for remembering her Birthday, that will mean a lot to her I know. You Rock!! :-)
You called it! lol~
I really like the ability to suggest posts for features though still not sure of the difference from flagging previously.
Also, would love to be able to see who "like"s our posts.
Brad - I have really enjoyed this new suggest posts feature. This sounds like another great feature and looking forward to using it.
t
I just noticed the called shot option this morning. Did a search on the topic and found this. Very cool idea! I am so excited about the prospect of a purple star. Very cool!
Thanks for the explanation. Just did a search when I saw the cute little purple star...oh I like calling the shots!
Margaret
Wow, may as well have a little more fun since I am here so often. I read this this AM on your other blog. I have to see if I have that purple star yet...tee hee.
Yep I do...
Brad, I guess I should have searched for an article before posting mine this morn... but what a great little tool. Thanks for keeping things alive around here!!!
Another fun AR accessory to strive for! I love playing the game.
Sounds like a great idea.....I am sure only you guys could keep up with this one! ;)
Glad you had this under the FAQ's, I was about to send in a contact request asking how this works.
Nice feature. I do agree that it would be nice for the person to know that someone has suggested their blog be a feature. If when you click the button it sent a notification to the poster. Thanks for once again being ahead of the curve.
This is a great idea and to get members more active and to recognize those who write great posts. Hopefully people won't abuse this and will actually concentrate on worthy posts.
Great way to get more participation from the members. Thanks.
Brad...an interesting interactive choice to pass on to "we the Members" I hope it produces some spirited camaraderie.
Brad,
A good one. Now the featured articles will be more diverse and you guys can take breaks every once in a while.
I just noticed that little buy today. Thanks for the clarification. I wasnt sure if it was the number of times you nominated someone or the number of times you nominated and it actually happened. This clears it up. Thanks again!
Brad,
My profile link does not work. SO I naturally did a search to find out what a called shot was....
I thought for sure I was going to be able to send a shot to a member of active rain....
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Blog-N-Roll Brad...
I've been so busy writing for the free iPad, I didn't even notice. But, you had me at "Shot". This is the closest I'm gonna get to that ammo isn't it? :)
TLW...ROAR!
Just give me...
The damn purple star. I deserve it for services rendered :)
That star is, well, pretty. It would look nice with the whip :)
TLW...ROAR!
Blog-N-Roll...
If you don't hand over the purple star, I'm gonna make my own, and marry it to my profile pic :)
P.S. Are you coming to Florida? Or what? And Debra? And quit being so elusive. You're not a purple star :)
TLW...ROAR!
I saw that the other day... And I hovered my curser and saw that... its cool!
Maureen - your badges are starting to look like the lucky charms in my kids cereal. lol~
William - it should appear on your "My Home" page now.
Bob - you'll need to suggest some posts and have them get featured before your badge will appear.
(I'm not sure what the magic # is)
Deborah - your purple badge will appear once you suggest enough posts and they actually get featured. :-)
Michael - haha~ My posts are not eligible... at least I don't think. Hmmm lol~
Andi - I fixed your RainCamp badge, the "Called It" badge is a separate badge that I'm sure you'll earn in time.
PS - this is only for new and going forward posts, not retro-active.
Jason - we did add the Facebook "Like" maybe the "TweetMe" will be next?!? :-O
Doug - I'm not sure what the magic number is to earn the badge, the programmers and tech folks at AR only give me enough to be armed and dangerous around here. Just keep suggesting the best content you can find around the network and I'm certain you'll earn one sooner than later.
Julie - you can't suggest your own posts for feature, and you're only allowed to suggest 5 other members posts so be selective.
Judy - you are so sweet, I look forward to meeting you at RainCamp in Boston. Make sure you come find me ok?
Petra - it started the day of this post, it doesn't go back but you can select or suggest posts from the past or any post on AR.
Donna - I'll get yo your RainCamp badge as soon as I'm done here. It was great seeing yo there. :-)
Geri - yes, the suggest button is on every post until or unless it gets featured.
(there's no such thing as stupid questions here ever)
TLW - Better get to suggestin if you wanna go purple!! lol~
Thanks everyone for all the great comments, I wish I had the time to comment back to each one of you, there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all the things I wish I could do around here, I know that most of you understand but I just wanted to say that. Thanks.
Another great idea from the AR crew... Keeping everyone involved and motivated at the same time!
I received my first called shot. Feels good. Maybe it would be possible to list the posts that we recommended whichac were accepted in the Home history or maybe in the points page. Great feature. It was great to have my first called shot.
I hope one day I get to be a called shots master. I'm definitely reblogging.
Hey Brad, not enough hours of the day? hard to believe:)) Anyway great new toy or shall we call it Feature on AR:) Have a great Fourth of July
Brad, another excellent idea and like the 5 post per day limits.
Brad, This is a fantastic new feature. I love interactive involvement and you and the AR staff have made AR more exciting. I never have suggested a post but I definitely will now I love that purple button. I want one:) ENJOY A SAFE 4TH OF JULY
BTW, Happy Birthday, Debra, we share the same birthday June 29th
Thanks for all these great comments, (and happy belated 4th) I'm glad you are enjoying and using this new feature, it's helping us tremendously.
Kathleen - thanks for the Birthday wish to my beautiful wife, she thanks you too! :-)
Got a called shot and think it is a new fun tool! Thanks Brad!
Helps give the local villagers a stick to beat the drum on what is good in the jungle, needing to be shared, spotlights, not missed for all to feed, benefit from.
Cool new idea!