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.

I don't think I have ever done a "like".  If there has been a good model posted or

comment made, I may add a post, but often feel as though other comments are unnecessary given what has gone before.  I don't pay attention to "community ranking"??; that is set by the quality of models and comments seen in the posts.

I probably comment too much and add no content, but that is not because I was even

aware of some status symbol, about which I could not care less.  I am with Chris above.  Uh, Facebook has always sounded like something I'd avoid like the plague.

I may create a windstorm of "likes" with this comment but here goes anyway...

 

I was under a completely different impression about the LIKE option.  I thought it was nice to use because it added a particular topic to your list of things you had replied to. Likes are highlighted with a heart in your list which makes it VERY easy to find topics you want to refer back to.  Sort of like earmarking something for future reference.  On that basis, I will continue to click the little heart when I read something I want to keep track of and be able to get back to.

 

Just my 2 cents worth...

 

BTW Marty, I LIKE you and I LIKE your post here; so yes, I saved it with a heart  

 

Best,

Dave

Thanks Dave.

 I really didn't know what you're describing here. I would have thought that a "like" click of a topic or post, would only be a comment that it was a good thought. I should hope that if anything, it credits the poster of that, not the reader?

 There are some guys here, that when they speak, I just listen.

Marty, you are at the top of the list!

I can only say thanks for all your help and posts over the years. I base my understanding of control boards and systems, on what you post and say. Although you don't post as much as some others here, it means more to me when you say something, than most others combined.

 Again thanks for sharing your years of talent!

Here is a helpful hint.  There are 23 reply's to this post and I just liked everyone.

Methinks some of you protest too much

Well said Elliot...These are the reasons I use the click LIKE!

 

Jeff Davis

Carl; very well put.

I know I'm guilty of using the like button a lot. While I also comment from time to time I like to aknowledge a good post or photo. When I get likes on a post of mine, I know that I appreciate them as well. I'm ok with taking the points away for the likes but don't take the likes away.

While were on this subject how about people who respond thanking posters individually with a separate post for each thank you instead of just 1!!

 

It would appear that if the webmaster were to arrange with the server operator to not have likes count as posts, everyone would be happy except those for whom being #1 or thereabouts is their life, and then a "like" would be meaningful.

 

 

---He who dies with the most posts, is dead.--Anon

Wholeheartedly agree!

 

I have no idea what my own 'community ranking' on this forum is, but I can assure anyone that it has absolutely nothing to do with my own self-esteem.  Rankings have their place...like in the military, where they provide for structure and discipline.  They can be useful in sports, also...helping to determine contestant pairings that will have similar competitive abilities.

 

But in an information/help forum regarding this hobby???

 

Besides, "Rank" has more than one meaning, one of which is more descriptive of the deteriorated discourse of some of these threads.

 

Rankings are simply a form of metrics....applying numbers to performance.  Frankly, if a metric....especially one that's prominently posted...is not understood for its value, it's worthless.  (Just MHO, mind you)  Unfortunately, metrics have become not only ubiquitous and commonplace in today's world, for better or for worse they drive EVERYTHING!.....Egos/self-esteem, performance assessment, salaries/wages, promotions, rules/laws, media programming, opinions, war propaganda, health decisions, talking points, etc., etc., etc., blah, blah, blah.   Metrics are part of the voracious diet of our numbers-crunching world.  And, sadly, without knowing how metrics are achieved, they often are of little-to-none, dubious at best, value.....again, IMHO.

 

Community Ranking=Puffery?

 

KD

 

My thought is that it can be a useful tool. I am particularly fond of postwar dealer displays, history, and the like, and when someone posts something related to those things, I want to show my appreciation. As to others just hoping to get their numbers higher, if that's the case, it bothers me not. I've got plenty going on in life outside this site, and I can't let something so inconsequential bother me. If that's how they get their jollies, so be it- I'll do my own thing to get mine.

I disagree with the whole "Like" concept, especially if it increases the posters ranking/count. Too bad there isn't a "Dislike" feature if there has to be a "Like" feature.

 

Also, there are certain members/posters that continually "run their count up" but posting one or two word responses to many, many, many posts throughout the day, without contributing anything to the subject.

OK...I'll chime in here now even though my opinion "likely" will not count.  As far as I am concerned, I would do away with the point system completely. Posts and likes would not receive any points at all.  If a member wants to like another member's post they could like it or post a response to it or...whatever but they would not receive points for doing so.  After all, if you REALLY "like" a thread or comment, then why do you need to be awarded for letting that person know? Unfortunately, that is not human nature it seems.......

 

Many forums like this one have a point system and/or designated achievement levels.  Marketing studies tell us the reason for doing so is because there are a significant number of members that receive gratification when they are awarded points and "titles" as this establishes in their mind as having a position within the community.  Believe it or not the analysts tell forum owners / administrators that this is an important component in traffic count and that points, designations, and other forms of awards encourage members to post more often.  There has been plenty of research on this topic and the conclusion indicates that rankings within a forum community are important in the minds of a large number of its members and thus encourages the membership to be more active since a side goal is to achieve a higher ranking and establishing a certain level of importance.

 

When you think about it, this is no different than how folks establish themselves within any community.  Folks get actively involved in their community for a variety of reasons.  Some because they genuinely want to make a difference, others because they have their own agenda.  You can look at the OGR Forum as a small city made up of a melting pot of many different kinds of citizens all having their own needs and desires.  Some come here to learn, some to share, and some for other reasons that they only know....

 

Alan  

 

(emphasis and trimming mine)

 

That sums it up very well!

 

As to the use of the Like, I was guilty in the "Lionel mangled their website" thread, but not because I was trying to boost my number.  While I'm sure Lionel spent quite a bit of money on the upgrade and it's not going back from being "Tablet-ized", I figured added support for the problem descriptions was better than posting a bunch of times with "me too" (though I did post I think one reply to the topic).

 

I learned a little in this thread, it never occurred to me that people might be using it like a bookmark for favored topics as Dave Garman described.

 

If we are asking about pie in the sky functionality of the feature, I'd love for an easy way to see who did the liking for a given post (I don't think it's possible, but I may just not know how to do it). 

 

Going to individual profiles to see what people like is easy enough, but I want to see if someone posts something I suspect is probably smart, how many other smart people agree with it when there are "Likes".  On the flip side, if I think something is suspect, I might want to learn and say, "well if these 5 other people I believe know their stuff agree, maybe the poster is right".

 

-Dave

I know on other forums I frequent, post count is taken the same way as points here, with high post counts providing almost a respect for certain members. 

We must be in the Dog Days of summer. 

.don't count "Likes" in the Ranking calculation.

 

Larry

I have to say that my topic likes, and my individual likes, were simply to let people know I think they are doing a fantastic job! For me, it's been great the times someone liked my comment or post and that is all there is to it. Terry

I have been a member since December 2010.  What do I get for my points?  Is there a catalog or something I missed?  It's seems some people have too much time on their hands and have to whine about everything.  Maybe the Forum should publish a list of every member and show their ranking.  Last I checked I was listed as 202.  Still have no idea what that gets me.