Likes on Posts versus Likes on Members

[BigBeatNut]

I like (sorry) that I can add a like to a post. Much better than adding a whole new message to say '+1'.

Displaying accumulated likes against members ? I don't really see a positive and I can easily see the negatives. Popularity contests could easily follow ... we don't really want that do we ?

 

[Joe Louvar]

Hmm, I really dislike seeing you so unhappy.

Attention Paul - please take all my trophies and likes and give them to Febs. Thanks

 

[AcridSaint]

I also don't see a lot of value in the "like count", but I don't really care if it goes or stays. I just wish the post count were on the side along with the "likes" instead of having to click a username.

 

[Joe Louvar]

I also don't see a lot of value in the "like count", but I don't really care if it goes or stays. I just wish the post count were on the side along with the "likes" instead of having to click a username.

That's because there isn't any value in the likes and trophies - its just friendly fun and a way to encourage members to be active - that's why new members get a point for their first post.

 

[AcridSaint]

It's nice to let people know that they received a "like" via notification (like I did on this post) and gives them a reason to participate, I agree. I also like the idea of showing "likes" below a post, because it can help you see if other members found a post useful. But, showing how many likes they've had under their username doesn't really give me any valuable information.

I actually look at people's post counts and join dates, however, and use it as one of the criteria for evaluating the information they provide in a thread. That's what makes it valuable to me to see other people's post counts. I would be just as fine if I got all three below their name, but just the join date and "likes" is not very helpful to me.

 

[Joe Louvar]

It's nice to let people know that they received a "like" via notification (like I did on this post) and gives them a reason to participate, I agree. I also like the idea of showing "likes" below a post, because it can help you see if other members found a post useful. But, showing how many likes they've had under their username doesn't really give me any valuable information.

I actually look at people's post counts and join dates, however, and use it as one of the criteria for evaluating the information they provide in a thread. That's what makes it valuable to me to see other people's post counts. I would be just as fine if I got all three below their name, but just the join date and "likes" is not very helpful to me.

FWIW: Personally, I really don't mine clicking on the avatars for more info (it only takes a second), and as a helper I've found the "location" info the most helpful.

Have a great week,

Cheers

 

[AcridSaint]

I also like having the location, it can often put posts in context.

 

[BigBeatNut]

I only have to look at this page to start thinking "I wonder if I can boost my likes to get onto that page".

Then I remember I started this thread.

 

[Lobster11]

I also like having the location, it can often put posts in context.

+1, or "like," or whatever is appropriate now. A poster's location (esp. for OPs) very often does provide important context. Can we make this an official "suggestion"?

 

[AcridSaint]

Do you mean to require a location for new members? I'm also onboard with that, have joined several forums that require "something" in the location field.

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

+1. Yep, I think that's what the thread has turned into too - however, why do you care one way or another and no offense intended, but for the lack of a better word - are you just being a busybody?

NOTE: There isn't any posted TP rules against it.

I remember that on the old TB software, there was a policy in place to discourage "post count chasing" whereby posts in OT didn't tally WRT the post count. The behavior that triggered this happened way before you joined, but basically was clogging up OT with posts made just for the sake of boosting the post count. I see the same potential for likes, and just visited the other forum I mentioned earlier last night to discover that it was in effect dead in the water. I'm not on a deadly serious rampage on the issue or anything, but think that the mods and admins should at least consider excluding OT from post/likes totals so that other members could get some more relevant information about a user's history with the site by looking at these numbers. As a bassist who comes to this site primarily to talk to musicians about music and music related issues, it seems like this might be a good policy to help newbies orient themselves. Just my .02c

 

[Joe Louvar]

I only have to look at this page to start thinking "I wonder if I can boost my likes to get onto that page".

Then I remember I started this thread.

I remember that on the old TB software, there was a policy in place to discourage "post count chasing" whereby posts in OT didn't tally WRT the post count. The behavior that triggered this happened way before you joined, but basically was clogging up OT with posts made just for the sake of boosting the post count. I see the same potential for likes, and just visited the other forum I mentioned earlier last night to discover that it was in effect dead in the water. I'm not on a deadly serious rampage on the issue or anything, but think that the mods and admins should at least consider excluding OT from post/likes totals so that other members could get some more relevant information about a user's history with the site by looking at these numbers. As a bassist who comes to this site primarily to talk to musicians about music and music related issues, it seems like this might be a good policy to help newbies orient themselves. Just my .02c

I'd leave it as is because I like the "Alert" it sends us and etc, but TB admin knows what's best - just turn the whole Like/Trophy thingy off and be done with it. Anyway, on the same note, I'm really liking the new TB BBS software , expressly the "Alerts" and the better "Search" and unlimited photo uploads is awesome too. So thank you

EDIT: Maybe turning off the Like/Trophy thingy on the OT, Classified, Joke/Humor, and Miscellaneous forums is a good idea?

 

[Chris Fitzgerald]

 

[petrus61]

I still can't understand what the fuss is. After some very, very minimal thought, I've decided it's better to just do away with "likes" altogether. That way, nobody would ever be misguided into thinking that its best to "crank their tuners until they hear a popping noise" or that they should "take it to GC for a neck tweak". Plus there's the added benefit of nobody's feelings being hurt.


We're all adults, right?

 

[Testing123]

The 'Likes' feature of this software was implemented for two reasons:

1. To save space in the system database--no more need to enter a new message just to "+1 " as a reply.
2. To encourage forum participation.

Both of these have their good and bad points.
For instance, in a thread with 5 pages of content, a message on page 2 might well go unnoticed even though its content resonates with a large number of people that have "Liked" the post. Whereas a quoted message with a +1 added will bring the relevant idea(s) to the fore where more people are likely to see it/them.

You've already discussed some of the negative points to the social aspect of the "Like" feature.

 

[Joe Louvar]

I like happiness. Cheers bro

PS: either way, you have my support.

 

[Lobster11]

Do you mean to require a location for new members? I'm also onboard with that, have joined several forums that require "something" in the location field.

No, I was just supporting the idea that a poster's location should appear (as it used to) along with their avatar, join date, etc. next to each post. Personally I would much rather see location than "likes received," but whether "likes received" should stay or go is a separate question.

Your idea of requiring that members enter something for location sounds like a good one, too. I don't know why anyone would be reluctant to provide such information -- at least a country or state name -- but I suppose if someone really didn't want to reveal that information they could enter "The Moon" or "Everywhere" or "undisclosed" or something.

 

[Joe Louvar]

No, I was just supporting the idea that a poster's location should appear (as it used to) along with their avatar, join date, etc. next to each post. Personally I would much rather see location than "likes received," but whether "likes received" should stay or go is a separate question.

Your idea of requiring that members enter something for location sounds like a good one, too. I don't know why anyone would be reluctant to provide such information -- at least a country or state name -- but I suppose if someone really didn't want to reveal that information they could enter "The Moon" or "Everywhere" or "undisclosed" or something.

Personally, I wish everyone had to used their real name too, that way everyone would be accountable for what they post - but...

 

[AcridSaint]

No, I was just supporting the idea that a poster's location should appear (as it used to) along with their avatar, join date, etc. next to each post. Personally I would much rather see location than "likes received," but whether "likes received" should stay or go is a separate question.

Your idea of requiring that members enter something for location sounds like a good one, too. I don't know why anyone would be reluctant to provide such information -- at least a country or state name -- but I suppose if someone really didn't want to reveal that information they could enter "The Moon" or "Everywhere" or "undisclosed" or something.

Might be the retro look that I'm using, but mine shows the location right under "Likes Received".

By the way, I tried to "quote" last time, but the + quote button doesn't do what I thought it would.

 

[Testing123]

I tried to "quote" last time, but the + quote button doesn't do what I thought it would.

The "Reply" button will quote that specific, individual message by placing it within quote tags in the quick reply message box at the bottom of each message thread screen.

The "+Quote" button is for quoting multiple messages. Each time you click it, it will place that message's text in memory. When you are ready to enter a reply, go to the quick reply message box and you'll see the "Insert Quotes..." button at the bottom left. Click that button and an overlay will appear:

This box will contain all of the messages you quoted. You can drag messages up or down to rearrange the quoting order and you can click the "Remove" text to remove any message.
When you're ready, click "Quote These Messages" and they will be entered into the quick reply message box for you to begin adding your own text.
The "Cancel" button will abort the procedure.

Hope that helps...

 

[Lobster11]

Might be the retro look that I'm using, but mine shows the location right under "Likes Received".

Aha, you're right. I forgot that I had turned off the "Retro" skin a few days ago when it wasn't working properly for a short time. Now that I've turned it back on (thanks for the reminder) I see the location info as you described. I don't know why it isn't displayed in the "TalkBass 2014" skin, but I think it should be.