Wow, this is getting more and more complicated. And to think I started out just trying to add a few features to the forum. :)

The idea of an optional online test to establish knowledge level is interesting. But aside from the possibility of people answering the exam with a book in their laptop (or 8052.com or the 8052 Bible in another browser window!), I think a bigger concern is that someone besides the logged-in member could take the test for the logged-in member. Or they could share answers with others unless the pool of questions is so large that that isn't possible. And given the email I get about interpretations of karma scores, etc. I just know someone is going to take the test, interpret a question differently and come up with an alternative answer, and then complain to me that their answer was right when they get 98% instead of 100% on the test.

I'm open to more feedback on whether more people think an optional exam would be useful; but my first impression is that this may be one of those ideas that are good in theory but awfully hard to implement in practice.

Regards,
Craig Steiner
8052.com Webmaster