Should posts have a Like/Dislike button?

[Flamingo]

I am on several web forums that have a like/dislike/thanks options for posts. I find it a very useful feature, as not only is it a quick way of thanking a poster for a useful or entertaining post, it also allows for a general opinion to be formed of posts, and prevents members who might have the time or energy to "shout loudest" from dominating discussions.

It also allows site members to give a general indication of the usefulness or otherwise of certain posters, who although prolific, may be a waste of good broadband, even if they are not in active moderation (at present). This can be useful for new members browsing threads where you inaccurate information may be posted, for example, in the disputes forum

I think it is past time such a feature was added to this site.

 

[DownSouth]

To be done right and promote this forum as a place of higher level discussion than you can expect on the likes of Facebook, it needs to have more detailed options instead of just the shallow like/dislike.

Perhaps four options to say why you liked it, and one to say you disagree, could be good: informative, helpful, entertaining, agree, disagree.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I'm reaching for my Like and Agree buttons
as we speek!

 

[najaB]

If not like/dislike on individual posts, then certainly the ability to give kudos or similar so that a poster's overall contribution over time can be recognised.

 

[MidnightFlyer]

Not 100% sold on like / dislike but I wouldn't mind seeing a helpful / thankful option.

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

I would like the Like button as it would show support for a suggestion or idea.
But the dislike button would show hate, possibly hate against groups of people.
The dislike button must break the Respectful Rules.

 

[SS4]

I don't think we should have like and dislike buttons (or similar) as it's simply low effort rather than contributing to the thread.

Perhaps instead we could have thread ratings? Vote from 1-5 and a thread consistently votes 4 or 5 can be marked with a star to let people know there is good info/discussion there

 

[me123]

No. I think this forum had one many many years ago (maybe someone else can remember?), or I might be thinking of another forum.

Regardless, the result of the "like' button was that it was just used for backslapping and developing a bit of a clique culture. Sadly, the informative posts weren't liked, but the puerile joke that followed was! So I can't really recommend bringing it back.

Perhaps for fares advice though, a helpful option would be worthwhile?

 

[dcsprior]

The comments on some newspaper websites have a 'does this post add to the discussion: yes/no' which I think is better than like/dislike. People can say things I disagree with and wouldn't 'like' but still add to the discussion.

And for things that are more matter of fact than of opinion (e.g. which of EC's two models of trains is expected to work tomorrow's 1700 from Kings Cross; what is the official connection time from the low level platforms at St Pancras to platforms 0-8 at King's Cross?) there could be the option to mark something as a definitive answer

 

[Shimbleshanks]

No. I think this forum had one many many years ago (maybe someone else can remember?), or I might be thinking of another forum.

Regardless, the result of the "like' button was that it was just used for backslapping and developing a bit of a clique culture. Sadly, the informative posts weren't liked, but the puerile joke that followed was! So I can't really recommend bringing it back.

Perhaps for fares advice though, a helpful option would be worthwhile?

Couldn't agree more. In fact, I'd 'like' that post if there was a button to allow me to do so...

 

[Gemz91]

Just a simple like button would be good, nothing intrusive, just in small writing at the bottom of each post "2 people like this post." Small enough, so if your not interested in it, you don't really notice, but if you want to see who likes a post, you can do. Maybe limit "likes" to five a day, so people don't get trigger happy liking their friends posts all the time. Saves people repeating posts time and time again, if you agree with a post, you can click on "like" to show you agree with them.

No need for a dislike button in my opinion. After all, this is a discussion forum, and people have different views and ideas. If some one does not agree with someone elses message, this should be show constructively, by responding with a message, offering their opinion on the matter, this helps to stimulate discussion on the forums, and helps to educate others. We're all wrong at times, and all have different opinions, thats what makes places like these so great. But by simply clicking a "dislike" button, it takes away the discussion and debate, which surely is the whole point in these forums.

 

[yorkie]

I would like the Like button as it would show support for a suggestion or idea.
But the dislike button would show hate, possibly hate against groups of people.

The like button can still be used to show hate, as cliques tend to use it to vote their mates for shouting people down.

Regardless, the result of the "like' button was that it was just used for backslapping and developing a bit of a clique culture. Sadly, the informative posts weren't liked, but the puerile joke that followed was!

That's exactly what happens.

You can see this on forums such as Money Saving Expert (MSE), where if you give someone advice you get one or two 'Thanks' at best, but if someone says something controversial like 'All horse riders should be banned from roads' or 'All railways should be converted to roadways' you'll probably get loads of 'Thanks' from petrolheads!

 

[TheKnightWho]

I would like the Like button as it would show support for a suggestion or idea.
But the dislike button would show hate, possibly hate against groups of people.
The dislike button must break the Respectful Rules.

This is the reason a dislike button doesn't exist on Facebook. It can also be used for bullying, too.

 

[Bletchleyite]

This is the reason a dislike button doesn't exist on Facebook. It can also be used for bullying, too.

Though it is very common on FB just to post "dislike" in the comments instead, prompted by the like button.

(While I voted in favour, I note Flamingo's comments which might well be aimed in my direction, given my tendency to disagree with him on things...even if it is not so aimed that would certainly receive a "dislike" as I am strongly against personal comments of any kind on fora; I prefer to discuss each post as it stands.)

 

[Flamingo]

Though it is very common on FB just to post "dislike" in the comments instead, prompted by the like button.

(While I voted in favour, I note Flamingo's comments which might well be aimed in my direction, given my tendency to disagree with him on things...even if it is not so aimed that would certainly receive a "dislike" as I am strongly against personal comments of any kind on fora; I prefer to discuss each post as it stands.)

No, not specifically. The advantage to a like button among other things is that it allows one to make a quick comment in a neutral manner about posts - even if one might disagree with some other views expressed by a poster. Nothing personal about it. I was actually thinking more about "Likes" than "Dislikes", but both I think have their place without being bullying or otherwise.

An "ignore" function is available on some sites. I think that might be a step to far (but might have it's place!).

 

[Bletchleyite]

No, not specifically. The advantage to a like button among other things is that it allows one to make a quick comment in a neutral manner about posts - even if one might disagree with some other views expressed by a poster. Nothing personal about it. I was actually thinking more about "Likes" than "Dislikes", but both I think have their place without being bullying or otherwise.

Agreed - I have certainly had posts I wanted to press "like" on (and far fewer for which I'd want to press "dislike", FWIW). I did vote in favour of it.

An "ignore" function is available on some sites. I think that might be a step to far (but might have it's place!).

This site does have that feature, it's in the user control panel.

 

[Flamingo]

Agreed - I have certainly had posts I wanted to press "like" on (and far fewer for which I'd want to press "dislike", FWIW). I did vote in favour of it.



This site does have that feature, it's in the user control panel.

Does it? Bye bye!

(Only joking )

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

What happens if someone on the Introductions thread says:
"Hello, I'm from [anywhere] and I am of [any religion]."
And they get 100s of dislikes? The situation would be uncomfortable at best.
If only the like button was there would be no problem.
Also on some issues some may like and dislike, will both figures be shown or an average?

 

[tbtc]

I'm against the idea of a "like" button.

Having seen it introduced on other Forums, it seems to encourage people to make simplistic/ puerile/ aggressive/ sarcastic posts.

For example, on a football forum, you'll get significantly more "likes" for saying something simple like "sack the manager" rather than you would for any nuanced explanation of why things are going wrong - people know that they'll get more recommendations for something snappy (even if things aren't that simple).

I'd wager that any "like" button on this forum would encourage more populist posts along the lines of "how hard can it be"/ "BR would have done better"/ "third world trains"/ "London cast-offs"/ "Vomitter"/ "beardie"/ "Newton Heath's finest"/ "Worst Group" (etc) and people jumping in to support people who have the same prejudices regarding loco-haulage/ the SNP/ fare increases/ First versus Stagecoach/ Big Bad London etc etc.

We'll end up with more threads/posts about issues that polarise opinion (like DOO/ nationalisation/ North-v-South) because people will want to improve their like "score".

For example, on the recent "sh*t" thread about London, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad SE are about revenue checks, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad it is that jobsworth fascists persecute innocent passenger, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad it is that imperialist London is trying to take over routes it has no democratic mandate over, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how amazing it'd be if LO took over (since they guarantee 378s and increased frequencies and platforms paved with gold)...

...but in the midst of all the arguing, the best post on the thread (ChiefPlanner's one about experiences of operating the North London Line in a previous era) doesn't seem to have made a splash. Things that are complicated that don't easily fit into the pigeon-holes of black/white arguments won't be noticed so readily.

So, if you want the Forum derailed by populist rants about how outrageous it is that fat cat companies steal millions of our money for their shareholders/ how dreadful Unions are/ how Pacers may not be ideal trains etc etc then you'll *love* a "like" button.

If you want to give more of a voice to learned people like those with high quality experience (who sometimes say things like "it's more complicated than that") then keep the current system.

 

[90019]

No. I think this forum had one many many years ago (maybe someone else can remember?), or I might be thinking of another forum.

I believe the reputation system detailed at the bottom of this page was in use when I joined.

Regardless, the result of the "like' button was that it was just used for backslapping and developing a bit of a clique culture. Sadly, the informative posts weren't liked, but the puerile joke that followed was! So I can't really recommend bringing it back.

And this is the exact reason I don't want it back.
It's a nice idea in theory, but has a habit being a bit crap in practice.

 

[455driver]

I would prefer a simple 'agree' button! Like and dislike are open to far too much abuse, I am sure I would be one of the first to get to 100 dislikes!

 

[GrimsbyPacer]

I think tbtc's post is a perfect argument against these buttons.

I too am against them. The only reason I can think of a Like button being helpful is if a identical view is held and would cause too much duplication and allow it to be seen that many also think the same way. For example a thread may be Favourite Stations and many may like one station which will otherwise drown out other stations.

I propose a "I Seconded That Button". Anyone agree?

 

[Bletchleyite]

does it? Bye bye!

(only joking )

 

[me123]

I believe the reputation system detailed at the bottom of this page was in use when I joined.

Ah yes, I remember now!

Perhaps something like that would be useful for fares advice, but in the forum as a whole I don't really think it'll add anything.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

I'm against the idea of a "like" button.

Having seen it introduced on other Forums, it seems to encourage people to make simplistic/ puerile/ aggressive/ sarcastic posts.

For example, on a football forum, you'll get significantly more "likes" for saying something simple like "sack the manager" rather than you would for any nuanced explanation of why things are going wrong - people know that they'll get more recommendations for something snappy (even if things aren't that simple).

I'd wager that any "like" button on this forum would encourage more populist posts along the lines of "how hard can it be"/ "BR would have done better"/ "third world trains"/ "London cast-offs"/ "Vomitter"/ "beardie"/ "Newton Heath's finest"/ "Worst Group" (etc) and people jumping in to support people who have the same prejudices regarding loco-haulage/ the SNP/ fare increases/ First versus Stagecoach/ Big Bad London etc etc.

We'll end up with more threads/posts about issues that polarise opinion (like DOO/ nationalisation/ North-v-South) because people will want to improve their like "score".

For example, on the recent "sh*t" thread about London, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad SE are about revenue checks, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad it is that jobsworth fascists persecute innocent passenger, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how bad it is that imperialist London is trying to take over routes it has no democratic mandate over, you'd have got lots of "likes" if you'd argued bluntly about how amazing it'd be if LO took over (since they guarantee 378s and increased frequencies and platforms paved with gold)...

...but in the midst of all the arguing, the best post on the thread (ChiefPlanner's one about experiences of operating the North London Line in a previous era) doesn't seem to have made a splash. Things that are complicated that don't easily fit into the pigeon-holes of black/white arguments won't be noticed so readily.

So, if you want the Forum derailed by populist rants about how outrageous it is that fat cat companies steal millions of our money for their shareholders/ how dreadful Unions are/ how Pacers may not be ideal trains etc etc then you'll *love* a "like" button.

If you want to give more of a voice to learned people like those with high quality experience (who sometimes say things like "it's more complicated than that") then keep the current system.

Well said - I concur. I don't normally quote full posts, but the above is worth reading again.

 

[BlythPower]

One of the many problems with a 'Like ' button is that it'll encourage people to go fishing for likes. Usually with very poor bait. It's a no from me.

 

[TheKnightWho]

I would prefer a simple 'agree' button! Like and dislike are open to far too much abuse, I am sure I would be one of the first to get to 100 dislikes!

I agree with this.

(The sentiment, not that you'd be the first )

 

[DarloRich]

Can i be allowed to refer to people using whatever language i like? My creativity is really stifled by having to be nice to people!

I dont really like like buttons although the suggestion of agree seems a good one

 

[Flamingo]

It is interesting that with 865 views at present, on a site with so many members, only 66 people have voted either way, and it is (and has been) very even all the time, but always slightly more in favour than against...

 

[Greenback]

The statistics suggest that there is no clear desire for the introduction of a like button. There is definitely not a significant majority of those who expressed a view, and a lot of people don't seem to care enough either way to vote at all.