Aug 8, 2017, 9:37 am
Last edit by: JDiver
The new "Like" "button"
When you click on the "Like" button, it registers the handle of the user liking the post in a horizontal box immediately below the "Like" button. "Liking" a post also optionally sends a notification to the post owner. "Like" notifications appear in Your Control Panel in My FlyerTalk.
To turn the notification function on or off, look in Your Control Panel and Settings & Options under Messaging & Notification:
Likes Notifications:
NOTE: Editing a post causes the "Likes" to disappear for a short period of time. They are restored after that pause.
To report issues, problems etc. please visit this thread in the Technical Support and Feedback forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/technical-support-feedback/1863159-new-like-button-information-issues-discussion.html
LIST OF SUGGESTIONS, PROS and CONS discussed in thread:
Please add all your suggestions since implementation, August 9 2017:
"Some FTers are supportive of like/helpful button. Some are not. Some on both sides of the issue have questions, concerns and/or need more info. This wiki attempts to highlight them in bullet format/"cliff notes" version from the 566 posts made in prior Talkboard thread, which had 700 posts. More detailed information regarding the pros/cons/questions/concerns/info can be garnered by reading the entire thread, where FTers on both sides of the like/helpful button have been eloquent/provided valuable input. When TalkBoard last polled FT members, the result of the poll was in favour of introducing likes (by a considerable margin)
Pros:
* Make Flyertalk more modern/more like Facebook, LinkedIn and many other social media sites
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* The value add of showing likes, helpful votes, etc. is that it can surface good content and get more views for it
* Positive feedback incentivizes quality content/FTers will post more
* Some people won’t take time to write a thank you but will post a like
* Those with more likes/helpfuls are considered knowledgable
Cons:
* Makes Flyertalk more like Facebook/dumbs it down
* FT had rating system here years ago and it did not go well
* System can be gamed/cliques develop
* Clutters up posts/takes up valuable screen space
* Will not eliminate +1s/+1s also provide positive feedback
* Posts that have inaccurate info can also get likes/doesn't mean poster is knowledgable
* If FTers post info & it doesn't get likes/helpfuls, less incentive to post more
* Some who might have posted info in the past will now just post like, so less information provided to other FTers.
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done (trial done last time it came up for discussion)
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it at all?
* Is there a software way to separate likes of posts from posters? (Limited trial indicates no; don't know if software can be changed to do so)
* Can a post/day count be implemented before implementing for FTers, similar Omni/CC? (Yes)
* Can certain forums have it turned off such as Omni? (No, current software is it's either all forums or none)
* If a sitewide trial is created, what are the metrics for success or failure?
* What is the goal of this/how will the data be used?
* If customization of current software is required, will this take away from development on other projects such as a better mobile app?
* Will or can there be a dislike/unhelpful button?
* What happens if a post that is "liked" gets its content edited and ends up having a different meaning than it initially had at the time the post was "liked"?
* Can threads or individual posts deemed helpful be bookmarked/saved?"
IBobi responded to theses comments and questions here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28664495-post59.html
When you click on the "Like" button, it registers the handle of the user liking the post in a horizontal box immediately below the "Like" button. "Liking" a post also optionally sends a notification to the post owner. "Like" notifications appear in Your Control Panel in My FlyerTalk.
To turn the notification function on or off, look in Your Control Panel and Settings & Options under Messaging & Notification:
Likes Notifications:
- Enable Likes Notifications
- Disable Likes Notifications
NOTE: Editing a post causes the "Likes" to disappear for a short period of time. They are restored after that pause.
To report issues, problems etc. please visit this thread in the Technical Support and Feedback forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/technical-support-feedback/1863159-new-like-button-information-issues-discussion.html
LIST OF SUGGESTIONS, PROS and CONS discussed in thread:
Please add all your suggestions since implementation, August 9 2017:
- Modify Like button to take up less real estate - ie, put the button w/ the other buttons & likes under signatures or list only if hover
- Allow members to completely turn off the ability to see likes
- Use Helpful instead of Like
- Completely eliminate Like button
- Do not display handles of those who Liked the post
"Some FTers are supportive of like/helpful button. Some are not. Some on both sides of the issue have questions, concerns and/or need more info. This wiki attempts to highlight them in bullet format/"cliff notes" version from the 566 posts made in prior Talkboard thread, which had 700 posts. More detailed information regarding the pros/cons/questions/concerns/info can be garnered by reading the entire thread, where FTers on both sides of the like/helpful button have been eloquent/provided valuable input. When TalkBoard last polled FT members, the result of the poll was in favour of introducing likes (by a considerable margin)
Pros:
* Make Flyertalk more modern/more like Facebook, LinkedIn and many other social media sites
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* The value add of showing likes, helpful votes, etc. is that it can surface good content and get more views for it
* Positive feedback incentivizes quality content/FTers will post more
* Some people won’t take time to write a thank you but will post a like
* Those with more likes/helpfuls are considered knowledgable
Cons:
* Makes Flyertalk more like Facebook/dumbs it down
* FT had rating system here years ago and it did not go well
* System can be gamed/cliques develop
* Clutters up posts/takes up valuable screen space
* Will not eliminate +1s/+1s also provide positive feedback
* Posts that have inaccurate info can also get likes/doesn't mean poster is knowledgable
* If FTers post info & it doesn't get likes/helpfuls, less incentive to post more
* Some who might have posted info in the past will now just post like, so less information provided to other FTers.
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done (trial done last time it came up for discussion)
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it at all?
* Is there a software way to separate likes of posts from posters? (Limited trial indicates no; don't know if software can be changed to do so)
* Can a post/day count be implemented before implementing for FTers, similar Omni/CC? (Yes)
* Can certain forums have it turned off such as Omni? (No, current software is it's either all forums or none)
* If a sitewide trial is created, what are the metrics for success or failure?
* What is the goal of this/how will the data be used?
* If customization of current software is required, will this take away from development on other projects such as a better mobile app?
* Will or can there be a dislike/unhelpful button?
* What happens if a post that is "liked" gets its content edited and ends up having a different meaning than it initially had at the time the post was "liked"?
* Can threads or individual posts deemed helpful be bookmarked/saved?"
IBobi responded to theses comments and questions here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28664495-post59.html
Suggest FT add “Like” button [implemented 9 Aug 2017]
Aug 10, 2017, 2:51 am
#76
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Switzerland
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Posts: 6,530
Will there be a function, similar to quotes and mentions, that gives an overview over who liked one's posts?
Aug 10, 2017, 4:13 am
#77
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 57,595
this supposed "pro" is laughable:
Quantity does not equal/represent quality. If the majority vote for a "like" button, will there be a way for the rest of us to mask the function for those who aren't interested in dumbing down this site and turning it into a Facebook clone?
Those with more likes/helpfuls are considered knowledgable
Aug 10, 2017, 5:30 am
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,021
Questions/answered:
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it at all?
I doubt we would implement the "like" feature at all if it were not "always on," since making it user-selectable would largely defeat its purpose. Users can choose not to "like" anything.
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it at all?
I doubt we would implement the "like" feature at all if it were not "always on," since making it user-selectable would largely defeat its purpose. Users can choose not to "like" anything.
This is really annoying. All the times in the past when there has been any publicity, the consensus was that the "like" button was NOT something that was wanted. Now, it just gets implemented without any prominent mentions of this thread where it was being discussed, so few contributed their dislike of the "like."
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
Aug 10, 2017, 5:33 am
#79
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,050
I have a facebook account, but don't concern myself with what people like.
If you find a way to turn it off, please share with the rest of us.
Aug 10, 2017, 5:53 am
#80
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Posts: 71,110
Agree.
Much as we'd like to, we can't - IB says it would 'defeat the purpose' - also, that IB basically doesn't care about providing an experience that would meet the needs of all its members - ie, those who would like to see the likes could do so; those who didn't want their viewing of FT disrupted could turn it off.
This is really annoying. All the times in the past when there has been any publicity, the consensus was that the "like" button was NOT something that was wanted. Now, it just gets implemented without any prominent mentions of this thread where it was being discussed, so few contributed their dislike of the "like."
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
this supposed "pro" is laughable:
Quantity does not equal/represent quality. If the majority vote for a "like" button, will there be a way for the rest of us to mask the function for those who aren't interested in dumbing down this site and turning it into a Facebook clone?
Quantity does not equal/represent quality. If the majority vote for a "like" button, will there be a way for the rest of us to mask the function for those who aren't interested in dumbing down this site and turning it into a Facebook clone?
Also, the like button feature was implemented w/o a lot of input by FTers. IB didn't just come up w/ this overnight, but other than a very short thread (this one) started in May & an announcement 2 days ago in TalkMail, which didn't bring that many to this thread to post, there's been no public input sought by IB re: the feature.
Re: masking the feature. I think that's the best solution. Those who like likes (pardon the pun) can continue to see them. Those who don't want their viewing of FT disrupted could opt out. Both sides win. But evidently IB's not interested in a 'win-win'.
Cheers.
Aug 10, 2017, 5:57 am
#81
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,050
There isn't. IB doesn't give two patooties about what we really like (pardon the pun) want. It will do what it wants to do. IBobi posted above as though some of what he posted was still under consideration, when he knew this was going live 2 days later. Very poor form.
Cheers.
Cheers.
I'm not able to find the like button in OMNI.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:04 am
#82
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624
Aug 10, 2017, 6:13 am
#83
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Posts: 71,110
They're turning it on forum by forum. It would be further ironic if it was not turned on in the Omnis 
It should be; there's no rational reason for the Omnis to be excluded.
I don't view this as a case of you kids get off my lawn - you'd need to speak for yourself on that one
I view this as something that was implemented even though over the years it was basically a 50/50 split by FTers who wanted it & those who didn't.
And this time it was implemented without a public notice in advance to garner input (TM coming out a day before it was implemented isn't really a lot of public notice).
The best solution & a 'win-win' for all FTers is to make the feature an on/off as IB does with other features. Then those who would like to see likes could do so & those who don't want their FT viewing disrupted wouldn't have to see it. But IB has said point-blank that they're not interested in doing so - aka, tough patooties to those who don't like the like feature or find it disruptive.
Short of the like feature breaking down, the odds of this being deactivated are slim to zip - just like TB rarely closed forums, IB doesn't delete features.
Cheers.
It should be; there's no rational reason for the Omnis to be excluded.I don't view this as a case of you kids get off my lawn - you'd need to speak for yourself on that one
I view this as something that was implemented even though over the years it was basically a 50/50 split by FTers who wanted it & those who didn't. And this time it was implemented without a public notice in advance to garner input (TM coming out a day before it was implemented isn't really a lot of public notice).
The best solution & a 'win-win' for all FTers is to make the feature an on/off as IB does with other features. Then those who would like to see likes could do so & those who don't want their FT viewing disrupted wouldn't have to see it. But IB has said point-blank that they're not interested in doing so - aka, tough patooties to those who don't like the like feature or find it disruptive.
Short of the like feature breaking down, the odds of this being deactivated are slim to zip - just like TB rarely closed forums, IB doesn't delete features.
Cheers.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:15 am
#84
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
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Posts: 21,624
As to IB not caring about users' preferences, that could hardly be more wrong. There is no other website on the Internet where users have more influence than this one. I am counting SanDiego1K as a user because her charter is to optimize the user experience. Others are concerned with financial aspects, but as far as I know she doesn't deal with any of that. Not even search engine optimization. IB has spent money on features for us which have no direct or obvious financial benefit to them. That doesn't happen on other sites.
I trust SanDiego1K's judgment. She has earned our trust even more so than Randy. I don't believe that any of us could have done a better job since Randy left, and that includes Randy.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:24 am
#85
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Where did you take from my post that I was dissing sandiego1k? I wasn't; I have the utmost respect for her. Your response is bizarre IMO.
Although if this was truly her decision & she made it w/o input from FTers/implemented it w/ IB, I am disappointed.
Also, now that it has been implemented there are FTers asking for an opt-out because they find the like feature disruptive, especially in its current form. I would like to know, whether from sandiego1k or IB, if that option will ever be allowed (aka, a 'win-win') or if this is something a # of FTers are stuck w/. Just like TB rarely closed forums, IB doesn't usually delete a feature it's implemented.
Cheers.
Although if this was truly her decision & she made it w/o input from FTers/implemented it w/ IB, I am disappointed.
Also, now that it has been implemented there are FTers asking for an opt-out because they find the like feature disruptive, especially in its current form. I would like to know, whether from sandiego1k or IB, if that option will ever be allowed (aka, a 'win-win') or if this is something a # of FTers are stuck w/. Just like TB rarely closed forums, IB doesn't usually delete a feature it's implemented.
Cheers.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:25 am
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
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I don't mind a like button.... what I mind is that it shows who likes something.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:29 am
#87
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Thames Valley
Programs: BAEC, LHM&M, and even a dusty KLFB!
Posts: 894
This is really annoying. All the times in the past when there has been any publicity, the consensus was that the "like" button was NOT something that was wanted. Now, it just gets implemented without any prominent mentions of this thread where it was being discussed, so few contributed their dislike of the "like."
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
Arrgh. Turn an adult forum into facebook-like junk.
Please give us a way of turning this disruptive mess off!
Aug 10, 2017, 6:39 am
#88
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
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Posts: 48,171
Thank goodness the software behind the forum is so poor otherwise there would be many more modern features to annoy the minority.
We need to remember that today's youngsters will want to enjoy this site and get the same benefits as we do. The site has to be relevant to them as well.
We need to remember that today's youngsters will want to enjoy this site and get the same benefits as we do. The site has to be relevant to them as well.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:46 am
#89
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
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Aug 10, 2017, 7:59 am
#90
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
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