Likes

Marty,

 

The algorithm that determines one's community rank here remains a mystery to me.  I guess it's one of those "nice to have" features here on the forum, but generally speaking I think it's a meaningless number.  I sometimes use the rank to see if a member has been around for awhile -- especially for an unfamiliar seller on the for-sale forum.  But the forum also indicates a member's "join date", which serves a similar purpose.

 

I guess this whole "like" thing is a carry over from Facebook, of which I am no big fan.  Yes, Facebook serves a purpose in this modern world of social media.  But software that tries to mimic Facebook garners no special points with me.  OTOH, I think it's perfectly legitimate for members to indicate their agreement with a forum post, as long as it's something they sincerely agree with.

 

Just rambling here I guess... but there will always be folks who try to figure out "the system" for there own benefit.  Yet I've never understand the benefit of a community ranking per se.  Does anybody really care? 

 

Generally speaking, the cream of the crop in any community/organization always rises to the top.  And folks quickly pick up who the dedicated and valuable community members are -- just by what they post. 

 

For the record, I don't need a community rank "number" determined by some mysterious software algorithm to tell me who's up there near the top.  And by the way, glad to see you're right up there in the community ranking!    Thanks for all you do to contribute so much to this hobby.  

 

David

I don't worry about my community ranking.

 

I thought the idea behind the "likes" was indicating that you agree or appreciate the post without clogging things up with a "nice post" comment.

I appreciate when somebody "likes" one of my comments.

Marty & David, can't you understand that the only life some people have is the "thrill" of having a lot of posts?  Let them get their thrill; it may be all they will have.

 

But I agree that likes shouldn't count as posts

 

 

[Marty, I'm being sarcastic.]

 

Added:  Marty, I tried to post a "like" for your post but couldn't find a spot to click on.

I'd prefer to see rankings and points not displayed at all for anyone.  Let these guys use facebook or whatever for their jollies.

As long as there is status, there will be status seekers, but I don't think they pose any threat to the forum. Yes Marty, it's a little annoying.

 

I see Jack's post is gone, probably just as well on this, as he singled out a member by name. I have been the recipient of some of that "over the top love" in the past so I can't really complain. There have been others who have fallen into that category.

 

I think the like button is a really useful tool when it isn't abused.

 

I use it for two specific purposes: one because I genuinely like the post, I agree with it, or think it's funny, or it says what I would want to say without actually saying it.

 

The second reason is more interesting though, and that is to signal the poster that I read the post and that I replied. That way they can go back to the topic through their alert, see what I said, and perhaps continue the conversation.

 

I've noticed that there's a new technique out there where the topic starter will put a like on all the responses. I don't see this as status seeking, but rather that they've read the post and a little thanks for the reply.

I agree with this statement, when I post a picture I appreciate seeing the likes. Nice way of saying hey nice job without having to add to the discussion.  Can you imagine the length of What did you do on your layout today or the Weekend Photo Fun if every like turned into a post. 

 

I do agree with Marty that some do it just to boost their ranking.  The ideal situation would be if "likes" didn't factor into this and you could just like something because you truly appreciate the comment or the picture.  

I agree with Elliot and Bryan statement! I think some you guys have a bad attitude!  

Guys/Gals, I have liked many of the great posts you folks put up.   I have learned a great deal from the posters.  Some of what comes up on the forum can not be taught in any school.  I am retired and have the time to learn.  Most of us all feel if a person does nothing but like to see his numbers change, something is going on.  I send many members an email on things they have posted and I am sure a positive comment through an email means more than someone wacking a post to help his numbers.  I have a lower number and feel like I may have done my best to contribute to the forum and give help if I have knowledge on a subject.  I do not care about a number.  I threw this post out wondering if I was the only member that thought that way.

 

Bob, I agree with you about facebook.  Not my cup of tea.

There is a "Like this Topic" link to the right of the original post in any thread.  Right side, just below the banner ad section.

In my opinion the "likes"are a pat on the back or nice job. As far as liking everything to get a lower community ranking whatever floats you boat. A low community ranking does not increase the wisdom of a topic in a  member's post. 

I think Marty you are one of the best Forum members and answer question trying to help that person get there train fixed or helping them in trouble shooting.

I also understand sometimes we all get disgusted because the member you are trying to help doesn't even listen to what you suggest. the bottom line is you usually find out later the your suggestion would have helped them fix there problem much quicker.

The occasional wise crack from some people don't help the forum.

Keep up the good work Marty and good luck with your new B6 steamer!

Alan

 

 

I have leaned allot from many people on this forum from guys like you, GGG, Guns, Alex and others anytime I had a problem. It is these people that I give likes to for their helpful posts. 

 

This is a great forum and no matter what somebody posts it is worthy for him/her to post. Let's not discourage people from posting their thoughts, as long as it not out of bound subject listed by the moderators.  

 

In the scheme of things "likes" mean nothing, my rankings may be high because I have been here since the beginning but to me it means nothing. 

 

I agree with Alan's statement about Marty.  He has spent many hours analyzing a problem we discussed off-forum, and I know he has helped many others.

I just learned something new today by reading Marty's thread...I had no idea that "Likes" were factored into the Community Ranking!!  So now I must ask...WHY? 

 

I don't care a lick about members' Community Rankings, but I do like the ability to "like" something.  IMO, Marty's suggestion is a good one...don't count "Likes" in the Ranking calculation.

I was going to "like" this thread but then I did not want that to be taken the wrong way.........buahahaha! Seriously there are trolls everywhere and if this keeps the replies that are topic relevant then it is fine to me. 

It would be nice if there were a way to "like" a post with no intention of having it enhance your Forum standing/rank.  Sort of like in football when you win the toss but elect to "defer."  You "like" but reject the points!  Or "take no credit!"  

I only "like" things I actually like and try to contribute something in my comments. lots of times it only some smart remark intended to bring a smile but I do post often when it's relavent. I don't actually care about my number on the forum cuz I'm number 4 in real life.

I couldn't possibly care about my rank number or what ever you call it. If all some people have to worry about is what rank number they have on a toy train forum I think that's pretty SAD in itself. I feel more bad for them than anything else. I have learned many things on this forum and have made many friends.  I try to contribute and help out any forum member i can and not worry about some false status It may give me. 

I only "like" the topics and statements I "like". I do refrain on some I would like to "like" simply because I don't participate in that forum often enough to make a "like". I do however often feel the "like" is useful in a case where a post is a good response in my opinion and don't want to follow through and post a written reply. "Like" serves a purpose. I don't care if it's used to count towards my status or "rank".

I "like" this thread by the way.