Thread:Peteparker/@comment-1713281-20130530143447/@comment-122657-20130530153217

Well, when we originally set out to track how complete any given page was, we looked at the categorization as task-oriented. So that if a user only wanted to search for pages that needed an image, and go through that list adding images where possible, we had categories for that.

Another option for badge-contribution-tracking would be to add the opposite types of categories, say Category:History added or Category:Main Image added, etc. That way, you could key off of additions to the category for the badges.

The only downsides to that plan would be 1, that you'd have to add the autocategorization to all the templates; 2, you'd have to set up those categories and their structure, similar to how the History Needed category is set up; and 3, It's a system that's not set up to catch 'great' edits, only adding anything to the fields. If you were to add None.jpg to the Image section site-wide, you'd get a lot of credit for adding those, but the image still wouldn't be complete. Same if you added 'History unknown.' to the History section.

But to be clear, your issue is that while the badges recognize removing the 'Needed' categories, they don't reward good edits, just edits in general, right?

If that's your issue, I think the badge system in general is not nearly as mature as it would need to be to really work for us, so I don't pay much attention to it at all. Since we can't control who gets a badge the way they want, we might as well give them away as if they're free candy. Better to over give badges than under give, is my opinion.

Did that answer your question?