In our community, the CodeForces blog has always been a platform where insights, experiences, and knowledge converge. However, over time we’ve noticed a growing concern: not every post adds value. Some contributions, often from inexperienced users, end up being unnecessary or even cringe-worthy. Moreover, instances of users creating multiple accounts to flood the blog have only compounded the issue, diluting the quality our community deserves.

Why a Minimum Contribution Requirement?

Quality should always be at the heart of our community. By introducing a minimum contribution requirement before a user is allowed to post on the blog, we can ensure that: - Experienced Voices Lead: Those who have invested time and effort into the community are more likely to share insights that benefit everyone. - Reduced Noise: Limiting the number of posts from accounts with minimal contributions will help filter out content that might not meet the community’s standards. - Enhanced Credibility: With contributions coming from users who have demonstrated commitment, the blog will naturally become a repository of thoughtful, valuable content.

To make this system more accessible and encourage community engagement, users will also be able to earn contribution points by actively commenting on others' blog posts. This not only enriches the discussions but also provides a pathway for new members to build up their profiles and eventually share their own detailed posts.

A Personal Apology

I want to take a moment to address my own shortcomings. In my previous post, I contributed to the clutter rather than elevating our shared space. I recognize that my actions were not in line with the quality that we all expect here at CodeForces, and for that, I sincerely apologize.

Acknowledging this mistake is the first step towards improvement. I am committed to learning from this experience and will strive to contribute content that truly resonates with the values of our community. It’s a personal pledge to do better and to help set a higher standard for our future interactions.

Moving Forward Together

Let’s use this moment as an opportunity to reset our expectations: - For New Contributors: Engage actively with the community. Earn contribution points not just by posting, but also by commenting on others’ blogs. This involvement will help build your reputation and prepare you to share your own detailed insights. - For Seasoned Members: Lead by example. Mentor new members, share your experiences, and help maintain the quality we all cherish. - For the Community as a Whole: Let’s collectively work towards a blog that stands as a testament to the depth and expertise within CodeForces. Constructive criticism, thoughtful debates, and well-informed insights should be the norm.

By instituting these changes, we not only protect the integrity of our blog but also ensure that it remains a valuable resource for everyone involved. Through active participation—be it commenting or posting—we can build a community where every contribution truly counts.

A special mention to MikeMirzayanov for reviewing this topic and helping us maintain the high standards our community deserves.

Thank you for your understanding, your support, and for being a part of this journey towards a better, more engaging CodeForces community. Together, we can elevate the quality of our shared space and inspire excellence in every post.