Likes

Dave Garmin's post is interesting.  I wasn't aware that there is a list of things I had responded to and I could "bookmark" them with a heart.  I'll have to try to find it.

In that vein, in the lower right hand corner off each post is a "permalink" icon.  What does that do?

I have not looked at my profile page since I updated it two plus years ago adding I’m retired.  This topic got me interested in knowing just what my community rank is.  I don’t do a lot of posts because I stick to topics I know about and that I think will add substance to the forum (I try to stay away from subjective comments).  So I thought my ranking would be low but it turned out higher than I thought because I guess of all the “likes” I have done.

Out of curiosity, I checked the ranking of most of the people posting on this topic and saw some who had a very high ranking with very few “likes”, and some with a high ranking with nearly all “likes”.  I understand the metrics issue for the forum sponsors, but "likes" seem to be too easy to do to be counted as participation.  So here is one of my few subjective comments:  If you are going to have a ranking system based on participation, than it should be based on posts only.  And hopefully those post will have useful and helpful comments, or be fun like the various photo topics (I do a lot of “likes” there). 

Something else that might be good:  change the algorithm so that if someone does a great post and gets a lot of “likes” for it, the poster gets the credit.  Quality should count as much as quantity.

I like the "likes" and unlike the dislikers...I don't worry about my "community rating."  If people want to like something that should be their choice.  If they get brownie points for it...good for them...who cares.  Just enjoy the model train forum for what it is.  Matt

Personally, I'd be quite happy to see them do away with the community ranking ratings.  It doesn't take long to see who's contributing and who's not, why the need to score? 

I totally agree with this suggestion.

For anyone keeping track grj is number 1, HW is ranked 7th.

everyone who responds to a thread contributes to the forum. 

Sometimes their response upsets the people who think they are in charge

Agreed.  Remember for a short time when everyone had engineer or fireman next to there name etc.  Then some got all in a huff because they weren't a conductor or what ever!  Childish nonsense!  Just have a member since whatever year and do away with the rest of it. 

So, the solution is simple: "Like" every single post on all of the forums. 

This way you increase your own stature and deplete everyone else's...

Rusty

OT, but since it's short I'll answer.

The permalink gives you a http address that links directly to a post within the thread as opposed to the thread starting (or subsequent) pages.

-Dave

Alan!...great comments!....I like them very much.  But, I ain't gonna push the 'Like' button lest I fall into the metrics quagmire.

Talk about fertile fodder for psycho-babble!.....

So I have a question for the OGR staff.....

Based on the commentary of this thread, what value do YOU believe the calculated/posted Community Ranking number brings to the forum...the community....NOT the individuals who make up the community.

And, what I'm looking for is what YOU perceive the value of the CR number to be...NOT what the salespersons/research 'experts'/metrics advocates say you should regard to be the value.  And that, especially, in the light of this thread and its comments.

To some extent yes. But our #1 and others didn't "get there" by liking others content.

It was from contribution, and other liking their posts as well.

I like the "like". For social "nods", and critique use both.

I don't see a dislike as being productive as much as being provocative.

It's abuse could be "devastating", vs just silly.

 The overall ranking is a curious bit of nonsense to me.

I've been watching it out of curiosity as to how it worked.

 My attention was drawn to it by a talented (but somewhat angry) new-comer that wanted to know what the key to getting likes here was.

 I was truly surprised as my own ranking was in the top 100.

There are a lot of folk that deserve to be ranked over me for sure.

  "He" was well liked on FB, and didn't understand why the feedback here, wasn't at that level. I don't think he rose in rank fast enough for his taste, and eventually left us ???.

So, in close, its both a draw, and a negative I think we can do without  

I suspect they are stuck with it.  (The researchers / salespeople / metric takers do these evaluations for forums in general, not this one.)

Even before the migration to this forum software, there was at least once when a "reset" caused post counts to vanish (some people were horrified, others didn't care).  At the time, the OGR staff seemed to say "good riddance" to the counts.  Then there was the whole Engineer/Conductor/Brakeman thing a while back that got canned (which was probably a good thing).

This is probably one of those "unless you want to write your own forum software you are stuck with it to some level" deals.

I joined in Sept. 2000 and and are amazed how many people who joined around the same time are still posting now. 

Goes to show what a great forum this is. Can't believe it has been 15 years. 

Well, sometimes I view this as a completion, it was surprising that from Friday evening to Saturday Morning my rank went from high 590s to 515-521 the next morning. I don't look as my rank as something to be proud of, I believe that your rank shows how much you contribute to the forum, and passing on the Knowledge you learned to others in the hobby.

That's Marty's original topic/gripe.  Clicking "Like" 1000 times (not referring to you, Tim) doesn't contribute much of anything, especially when it's done in a blanket sort of way like the person who is "Liking" every single post in this thread.  I'm pretty sure at this point he's doing it to make a point (and has tons of free time on his hands).

Though some have illustrated good rationale, using it as a sort of personal favorites so they don't rely on the browser, which is perfectly reasonable IMO.

There's absolutely nothing that can be done about it though. It works the way it works.  It's the equivalent of people on eBay getting upset that people "watch" their auctions and don't bid.

OK

Let me get hammered here probably.

I always look at the ranking when:

I'm on the for sale forum buying something.

I'm taking the information into consideration for  project I'm working on.

AND, I ALWAYS SUBTRACT THE RED HEARTS.

I do really like the ability to LIKE a members post. Just me.

Larry

Marty,

I imagine that you had no idea of just how many forum members share your sentiments. I appreciate your doing so, Thank you!

Over the years I had no desire to join or even participate in the forum. After all how many collectors of prewar Std Gauge are there? In the short while I've been here I have enjoyed the kinship of the forum. When I read the post of a member offering good advice, I click on the Like button. There are those like yourself who offer operational tips and first class repair knowledge.

To everyone who has offered their assistance these past years I have clicked on the Like button. It is what it is and if it offends you take a chill pill. 

 I was walking thru Ridge Road Station and looking for any help on my MTH products. They said they had looked into them, but at that time didn't carry them. They told me about something called the OGR and said maybe they knew about the G scale stuff too. At that time I didn't know Ray Manley (MTH G gauge guru) yet and didn't know where else to turn.

 So I came here lurking around to find help. I saw posts about "magic Light" bulbs and knew that might be some help. I read all the posts about signal I could grasp from guys here like Marty F. There wasn't any book yet for help (Barry's), so I kept a list of stuff that seemed to be like "rules" for good signal strength. Posters kept coming back with more and better ideas and understanding of what I too was seeing.

 There were some significant advancements over time, like the original bulb idea, Susan's filters, the new "L" TIU version, and much better lists of known bugs in the software. It took someone like Barry to actually make a printed copy that you could bank on the info inside.

 All this info and help was readily available here for free from guys willing to spend their time to help you. Even my Lionel TMCC engines had issues that I was unsure of, that got spelled out here and the cures.

 I think the thing that bothers me the most, is the passing of some great people and how limited our time here can be. Some others, just lost their patience or interest after struggles, and left. Some of them demanded more credit for their participation.

 I can only speak out again to thank all the people who make this a great forum. I thank the moderators for their time and expertise in keeping certain personalities inline, and making this site so enjoyable.

Hi Marty & Members

     You Tube and Facebook, both have “Like Buttons” They are each worth over five billion dollars each. The “Like Button” on You Tube, Facebook and the OGR Forum, is a method used to sell advertising.

     Take away the Like Button and the Activity Points, there is a risk to advertising dollars.

     Remember this fact - 62% of people on the web are now on a smart phone or iPhone, for me checking the “Like” is faster then typing a comment, this is a complex process on a Smart Phone.

     I would encourge the OGR Management not to change the rules.

Great comments guys.  I often wondered what view on the situation others had.  It is what it is.  If someone who has been helpful to other members has a low number, it is what it is.  If someone has been no help to anyone at all with a lower number, it is what it is.   When a member is reaching out for assistance, they know after time who to ask.  I have a lower number and would have no problem if the number is removed.  

The OGR forum is the best in the hobby and is run by good people who know what they are doing.  Most of the forum members are very helpful to each other.  Walking the halls at York is fun when we meet members/friends and it is always great to say hello to new members and put a face to a name.  I have always opened my home to all OGR forum members.  Many have visited.

Says the one who's ranked Number 1  

I didn't even know there was rankings until I saw this thread and started looking at my ranking and others.  yeah, they should be done away with.  To many egos already.  LOL

Not everyone is a super scale railroader. Some just like trains, o gauge and 027. Some of us are on a tight budget and can't afford $2,000 engines but we like seeing post that show photo's or videos of them and they get a lot of likes, Some members are members for the for sale trade only.

Putting ranking numbers next to a member is silly. I never go out of my way to see a members "ranking" I could care less. I treat everyone the same. Some members may feel like they have to get their number down so other members think that they contribute. 

Everyone (I hope)is here for TRAINS and train related items.

This is a great place to learn and meet people weather its o gauge or 027, wind up or HO,

keep the forum but do away with the rankings. The only members who care may be members who need a low rating for their ego.   

I like trains

I think that for every "point" you get for liking something, the person with the "liked" post gets 2 or 3, so don't like too many from the same person or they'll pass you!

I'm Ok with things as they are. I'm very thankful that OGR apparently doesn't sell or pass on our email addresses to marketers or spammers. I consider that a point of integrity for OGR.

Now excuse me so I can check my ranking and fantasize as to how truly magnificent I am.

Ron H

I did not know how like tie into community points, nor do I care. Like some others, I tend to use it if I like a subject or response, especially if I have nothing to add.

Steve

Well said Steve, if I like a topic or the person reply I will like it. Other than that we have a lot of  good information and people on this forum to help us out in time of need.

The OGR forum is the best in the hobby and is run by good people who know what they are doing.  Most of the forum members are very helpful to each other.  Walking the halls at York is fun when we meet members/friends and it is always great to say hello to new members and put a face to a name.  I have always opened my home to all OGR forum members.  Many have visited.

Correct on the email addresses, and I'm glad you noticed.

As far as the "LIKES" and Community Rankings are concerned, if I could shut the rankings off, I would. I don't think they serve any positive, useful purpose. I have no idea what my Community Ranking is and don't care.

I only like topics that, well I like. I also use it to bookmark a topic, so I can go back to it later for reference in lieu of searching a 100 posts on the forum. 

Is there anyway to better bookmark topics?

Also, I could also care less about my "number". I am here to learn, get resources and ideas, and contribute.

Chris

Hmmm...how can I use this info to get the coveted 2037th or 2332cnd positions

As other posters have said they do, I tend to "like" a reply when it truly stands out to me and/or it exactly and completely addresses my points, leaving nothing new to add.  I usually don't care to leave a simple reply such as "agreed" or "+1".

If other posters "like" everything and that's what they enjoy doing here - doesn't bother me. 

2 pages of much ado about nothing.

Yet, you added to it.

Sure did.  See how silly that is.

Yet, you added to it.

Perhaps... but most marketing professionals also know they need to never take this "research" too seriously.  For the many years I worked in Corporate America, I took all this stuff with a grain of salt each and everyday.  It was a part of marketing we all knew existed, but I never gave it much credence.  Most of it was BS and only applied to a small minority of people.

David

David, how can you so deride the value of market research?  It is quite valuable!  For example, market research said the Edsel would be a success, and in fact Ford did sell some.

That concludes this thread for me!  Thanks, Rich!

KD