Thanks Jack.

I assumed that something like what I suggested already existed somewhere, but the point is that it does no good if no one can find it.

I also think that everyone who is used to this forum grossly underestimates the difficulty it presents to new people. MVN is so unlike anything else that even experienced forum users are accustomed to that it really does require a learning curve. And the fact of the matter is that most people just aren't going to bother - not given the payout one is likely to see from just one or two rigs crunching.

Not that I'm criticizing Ripple Labs for how they're handling things. RL has been a blessing for WCG. The problems I see are on the WCG end and I seem to be one of only a handful of people who seem to be bothered by that.

But that's fine for me personally. I'm used to being in the minority. But I would urge anyone reading this to step back and try to realize that RL has given us a huge gift that we are squandering.

Well done vlado101 for your positive support (no matter how many projects are currently running), and also for joining "the machine"

vlado101... congrats on the way you think. That is what this is all about: helping. It doesn't matter if you crunch one WU a day or a 100, your still helping.

CJSL

Gotta keep crunching, there's a world to save !!!

Or it might be caused by continual worldwide crisis, don't you think?

Lot of people exhausted their reserves, lost their jobs, increased their expenses (e.g. by health insurances).

Kids are chasing Bitcoins and similar treasures and don't care about charity.

WCG fault? Sure, who else. If you don't believe, ask some of current (long-time) WCG members.

sid2: That's a good point. I was never really convinced that badges would be an important motivating factor, but given the success it's seen, I'm very happy to admit I completely missed the mark on that one.

However the lesson to be learned from that I think is not 'hey, you were wrong about that so you could be wrong about everything.' Rather I think the takeaway there is that even small changes can make a huge difference in motivation and morale. The only way you find out is to try.

But the WCG attitude isn't 'let's give it a shot and see how it works' but rather 'prove somehow that it will work before we even attempt it.'

Branjo: I completely agree that a lot of people are still hurting and that we don't do nearly enough for people in need, not to mention people who are ready willing and able to work but can't find employment except at a subpoverty minimum wage.

I don't know if things are so bad overall that people fortunate enough to have their own computer would mind running BOINC in the background while it's on - but I don't know. Since I run servers 24/7 to crunch I and probably you probably have a different attitude toward this sort of thing. I just hope that if that is a factor, the economy continues to improve and lift everyone up a little in the process.