Acknowledging Other People's Posts

[Abi]

I am just curios if anyone else would like to see a way that we can show our feelings for other people's posts in certain topics. I read a lot of them and often wished there was an option to show support or at least let the poster know that they have had some emotional effect on me. Due to their statement or feelings, I wish I could show them that I took the time to see what they are saying and show them that meant something to me. I wonder if many other people would like that too?

[Petra Jane]

I don't think that an opton to dislike a post would be very nice as many of our members are quite fragile as it is and clicking dislike on a post could be rather negative.

 

If you like a post, then okay, but if yu don't like it, don't click any Like Button.

[Jackie C.]

27 minutes ago, Petra Jane said:

I don't think that an opton to dislike a post would be very nice as many of our members are quite fragile as it is and clicking dislike on a post could be rather negative.

 

Hadn't thought of that. Very good point. I suppose that's why you're the boss.

 

Hugs!

[Abi]

31 minutes ago, Petra Jane said:

I don't think that an opton to dislike a post would be very nice as many of our members are quite fragile as it is and clicking dislike on a post could be rather negative.

 

If you like a post, then okay, but if yu don't like it, don't click any Like Button.

That is a very good point and not at all what I am hoping for here. Just encouragement and support. Thanks.

[Susan R]

31 minutes ago, Petra Jane said:

I don't think that an opton to dislike a post would be very nice as many of our members are quite fragile as it is and clicking dislike on a post could be rather negative.

I have to agree with Petra Jane. Showing dislike for a post is going to cause too much negativity here. That’s NOT what we’re about.  It’s just too vague.  If someone doesn’t like or disagrees with a post, a respectable comment is a much better way to express that.

 

Susan R?

[Abi]

The nice thing about this is that there is an opportunity for the people who help make sure everyone feels represented and appreciated properly. I was hesitant to even make a poll. I am not very good at that but I get ideas and share. If it turns out to be bad for other's needs, then I certainly do not want that. My original thought was only as support or at least to show someone there post was seen and felt by others. I meant absolutely no offense in my wording. 

[Tori M]

If I like a post, I upvote it.  If I don't, I do nothing.  No downvote necessary.

[Carolyn Marie]

Along with quoting all or part of a post and then making a comment, one has the option of replying and using the emoticons to express like or approval or some other feeling.  Examples are ,  ,  ,  .   But as Petra Jane noted, we would be hesitant to approve a negative reaction, especially one of anger and similar.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Erikka]

I would do an up vote and probably not use a down vote, but I have no idea how to do it.

 

[DeeDee]

I read many posts but do not always have something to add if someone else has already responded, which is usually the case due to time differences. So I do sometimes think a like/hug/care/wave could possibly help show support without simply typing I agree with what so and so said... I think constructive support is always good, but maybe its just because I ? ?❤️?? using emojis/emoticons a bit too much anyway and always have. ?‍♀️?

[VickySGV]

I have read this topic and some things about it are fine. My opinions have been expressed by others in their own ways, which is dialogue and not opinion.  I have been here quite a while and have found the quick answer folks (who would push a button) are quick to leave and claim they have gotten nothing from the site. You get what you put in.  

 

I do not answer every post here, although my personal count of posts is nearly 16,000.  I have learned that if I have nothing to say, I say nothing and let others help the person which is what they are here for and they do not have to wade through my volumes of nonsense to realize it is nonsense when they may be hurting.  I know that quick memes and electronic art are the custom of the day, but we want communication, not a badminton match here. 

[The Viv Element]

I would totally go for something similar to facebook reacts, (thumbs up, heart, emoji holding heart, surprised), They're all supportive and can relate to most posts for instance; Thumbs up for good ideas, heart for spreading love, emoji holding heart to show support for someone in times of self-doubt or surprised for posts about interesting facts). I think facebook reacts are okay considering it shows you what the majority thinks & when you know the majority favors your thoughts/decisions it feels great. There's nothing negative about it from my view, I see it as a confidence building method. This forum is actually very super friendly compared to other websites, I'd see goods things coming out of it because of the people that exist on here. ❤️ 

[Tori M]

5 hours ago, Suzanne1 said:

Well, having a means to acknowledge other folks' posst (i.e. like/dislike, thumbs-up/-down, etc) is certainly a means of shaping forum opinion, and encouraging  "group-think".  I strongly suspect that having the ability to pass judgement on a member's posts would be a means of suppressing/repressing divergent thought.  I think such repression/suppression would lead to an orthodoxy in forum thought/expression, and would likely dissuade some (many?) folks from participating in Transgender Pulse forums.  Suffice to write, I think this notion would be a bad idea.

 

Overall, I don't see the need.  It very well could be a bad idea and that risk outweighs any potential benefit that I see.

[KayC]

10 hours ago, Petra Jane said:

don't think that an opton to dislike a post would be very nice

I agree.  Even our "favorite" (Hah!) social network doesn't do this.

 

BUT I am also with @VickySGV  My only concern is if Likes/emoji faces discourage people from either posting or replying to posts.  I get so much value out of everyone's posts and replies, IF they are less likely write (and use a click instead) I think it would eventually devalue the Forum.

So .. I guess?  Put me On-The-Fence ?

[tracy_j]

Personaly I am not keen on like / dislike. I think that if a post has merit it will be answered as such. The current available emoticons can be used to say it all, and these are much more gentle in their flavour. The danger has been that with many people on places like Facebook that they have been depressed with the number of likes they get or not. I think the reason they don't have a dislike button on Facebook is that it could be used for harrassment and drive people into deep depression.

There are people here who write very good posts and responses. There are those who are less articulate. We should not forget though that everyone has their part they play and are just as important. A word or two to subconciously start a process can mean far more than an essay to preach to the converted.

 

Tracy

[Abi]

I want everyone to know that I have read every statement made here. I truly did not mean to suggest something which would cause anyone to feel bad about themselves or their way of expressing their thought. The original idea expressed was a like button. It was suggested that I start a poll. I did so, even though I personally have no good experiences with polling. I wish at this point that I had trusted my instinct and just let well enough alone. I never wanted this to be a negative thought. I'm really sorry. 

[DeeDee]

Abi - there is nothing wrong with starting a discussion, that is exactly what forums are for. No need to be sorry. 

[KayC]

It's OK, Abi.  I thought it was a very good question, and a great discussion starter.  Thank you for posting❣️

 

[MaryEllen]

Abi, it's ok.     We want people to express their thoughts here.  You did nothing wrong.

 

MaryEllen

[Petra Jane]

@Abi,

I'm sorry, I've been unable to get the reply box to appear for me using my usual browser of Firefox for the last few hours, I'm having to use the dreadful Edge to finally type my reply to you.

 

As has already been said, there is no problem with raising a question and it's been a good one as it has raised plenty of measured comments, that's all we ask for. Measured comments, no nastiness, just friendly conversations which is what we try to promote here.

 

I've listened to all the comments made and my decision is that we will not be going down the route of Likes/Dislikes. It's not suitable for the purposes of this forum, but thank you for taking the time and having the interest to raise the question.

PJ

[Charlize]

??

i'm glad we have such conversations here.  If we can't talk about little things like this or differ perhaps on political issues how can we help others with some of the most difficult issues in their lives.  Sites like facebook are worth a glance, they are fun but here i can read and post as others open up and get honest.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Abi]

@Petra Jane Thanks for considering the idea at least. It was just a suggestion. I agree with you. It would not work as well as I originally conceived in my mind. I saw the comment accusing this idea of being about passing judgement and it made me very sad. It is hardly the place my suggestion was began from. I judge one person in this world. Me. I accept and encourage all people to be as they are...?

[Just Lee]

11 hours ago, Tori M said:

 

Overall, I don't see the need.  It very well could be a bad idea and that risk outweighs any potential benefit that I see.

Yes, this! 

I read the posts but don't always feel the need to respond. While some are very social and want to express an overt opinion either way, that's not my style. If I agree, relate or find something interesting about it, I'll comment. Like right now. Maybe it's because I'm Gen-X? idk, maybe it's more of a millennial or gen z mindset for "dislike" buttons instead of reading and responding? Just a theory. If I'm not interested in a post or disagree strongly, I'll post like right now, or I won't post anything at all. I strongly disagree with blatantly posting a dislike on anything in this forum. One of the main things I enjoy about the forum is the positivity and lack of savage competition. If someone starts getting a ton of likes, it shows favoritism and promotes jealousy, further encouraging competitive discord instead of the highly prized unity on here. Just my 2 cents worth

[Susan R]

36 minutes ago, Abi said:

I saw the comment accusing this idea of being about passing judgement and it made me very sad. It is hardly the place my suggestion was began from.

@Abi

I, for one, enjoy enthusiasm, suggestions and new ideas. It’s what makes this place interesting. It’s people like you that make conversing and sharing pleasant and I want to encourage you to continue sharing your ideas and your journey here. I look forward to reading your views on other’s journeys too. Please try not to let one person’s comment  ruin your experience here with us. Some people can rub us the wrong way but I’m sure that’s not their intention. Words that seem to accuse us of saying or writing something we didn’t mean can hurt deeply. The majority here are positive helpful individuals who want what’s best for you and everyone here.

 

My Best,

Susan R?

[Abi]

@Susan R Don't worry. I will be fine. I just wish I had worded everything differently. I should not have added the part "potentially dislike" to my question. It gave the original intent a whole different vibe. The only reason I added that was as an option. Like I said, I haven't had great luck with these things. I am more concerned for the feelings just asking this question has stirred in some people. I value every opinion expressed here, including the judgement one. They expressed how this idea affected them. I feel bad that I caused that for them or anyone else that felt this was wrong for the forum. I am not hurt in any way by the decision not to do this.