I was thinking about an IQ test, something like at Google. Maybe a coding problem, and then a special Hacking intelligence, Macgyver type test.

I can write a long blog post explaining why I think this is a bad idea, but in all honestly the simple truth is that I'm afraid I would fail such a test and that would be embarrassing. So I make up some mumbo-jumbo about why the test doesn't correlate to good HN citizenship or some-such.

Your saying that made me realize that was my reason for disliking the idea, as well.

the better reason than being afraid of such a test is that in the long term everybody has their moments when they contribute a stellar bit of insight, even those who woule fail such a test. By testing for a certain 'level' you're throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

Surely the best test is whether you can be insightful enough to really add value to the site through good links and comments? And that's what karma is designed to measure.

I have been a lurker for somewhere over 6 months, originally referred by a PG essay, I think.

I would hate to see too much forced change/active management to filter the user base, as I have learned an astounding amount from the links, the comments, and my observed behavior (compulsion/obsession?) with the site.

This is my first post, and so far, I have not had any content links to offer. I, for one, would be disappointed if I did not make the metric to continue to read/learn.

(Edited for correct grammar - sorry.)

What turns a lurker into a contributor? The fear of not being able to lurk. Oh well, back to lurking.

4 points minimum is a start.

It'd be too easy to put rules into this board that would penalize or reward people based on their karmic performance.

How about making the user wave a chicken over their post before clicking submit?

It'd be hard to verify that. It's a good one though -- one day.

I'd agree with some sort of account signup requirements. Maybe invites from current members etc... but doing the Erlang homepage is just weak sauce. I would think that even the "1337 hackers" on this site don't need 5,000 more erlang links they could find using google or delicious. Sites like this are only interesting when they are broad enough to introduce us to new things, not barrage us with details about someones fav language.