View Poll Results: Q: What is your view on FlyerTalk implementing a "Helpful" button feature?
Support
433
59.72%
Oppose
275
37.93%
No opinion
17
2.34%
Voters: 725. You may not vote on this poll
Jan 12, 2015, 9:07 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
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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 in this thread. 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.
Pros:
* Makes Flyertalk more modern; more like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other progressive internet bulletin boards
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* 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 it easier for airlines/companies to find mistake fares/glitches/underground tricks
* 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.
* Older posts will tend to have more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date. [added by MSPeconomist]
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it?
* 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?
* Can users "opt out" and select to remove all trace of the system, as is currently possible with the ignore list and removing view of signatures?
(lower right wiki corner)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 in this thread. 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.
Pros:
* Makes Flyertalk more modern; more like Facebook, LinkedIn, and other progressive internet bulletin boards
* A like/helpful button would minimize unnecessary replies such as +1.
* Streamlines posts
* 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 it easier for airlines/companies to find mistake fares/glitches/underground tricks
* 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.
* Older posts will tend to have more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date. [added by MSPeconomist]
Questions, concerns about how it will work, and/or information based on brief internal trial already done
* If implemented, can FTers who prefer not to utilize the like/helpful button turn it off so that they don't see it?
* 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?
* Can users "opt out" and select to remove all trace of the system, as is currently possible with the ignore list and removing view of signatures?
"Like" Button?
Dec 27, 2014, 5:37 am
#361
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
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Yes, votes on FT can be set up so that they are not anonymous. For TB votes, this is the case except for the election of TB officers.
Dec 27, 2014, 6:38 am
#362
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,051
Dec 27, 2014, 6:44 am
#363
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Sydney
Programs: QFF WP/OWE
Posts: 368
I think it's a good idea. It's nice to know that someone has liked, appreciated or agreed with your post.
I've seen it on other forums and it works well.
I've seen it on other forums and it works well.
Dec 27, 2014, 6:45 am
#364
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,051
This feature is already a done deal and pretty much ready to go.
Can this feature -- or poll voting -- be set up so that all members may know who is voting and how they voted/liked? If so, how easily can that be done?
The previous rating/voting/like system on FT was less "anonymous" than some had expected it to be.
Can this feature -- or poll voting -- be set up so that all members may know who is voting and how they voted/liked? If so, how easily can that be done?
The previous rating/voting/like system on FT was less "anonymous" than some had expected it to be.
Dec 27, 2014, 6:55 am
#365
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
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Posts: 33,857
The poll numbers are hardly encouraging for changing a vote to yes.
Dec 27, 2014, 8:53 am
#366
Join Date: Feb 2004
Programs: AA 'kettle', Marriott Gold, ICH Gld, Hertz 5*
Posts: 5,258
Poll Timeout
If you would like this poll to automatically close after a period of time, enter a number of days here.
Set this to 0 if you would like the poll to remain open indefinitely.
Close poll days after 27th December 2014
Miscellaneous Options
-Allow multiple choice: Give users the ability to select more than one answer
-Make votes public: Displays all users who voted, and what choice they voted for.
-Automatically parse links in text
----------------------
In the misc. options area, one needs only to click the check box next to 'Make votes public' and a listing of voters and votes will be accessible in the summary result.
Generally, though, polls I've participated in are always anonymous and that's how we set them up on the forums I moderate, unless for some reason management requests other. The site owner or the development team (anyone with root access to the database) can read the raw results if they so choose, regardless.
Dec 27, 2014, 9:07 am
#367
Join Date: Jul 2007
Programs: QFF
Posts: 5,304
In its latest iteration, the British Army Rumour Service (arrse.co.uk) introduced a set of buttons visible for each post. Categories include: Like; Dislike; Funny; Informative; Bull....: Old [news/information].
That may be a bit excessive, and as I rarely go there these days I'm not quite sure how well its working. But certainly the option of "Helpful" and "Like" seem a possible benefit when trawling through long/complex Threads.
At the very least it might reduce the " ^ +1 " posts, which then often lead to a side-discussion or similar " ^ " posts.
That may be a bit excessive, and as I rarely go there these days I'm not quite sure how well its working. But certainly the option of "Helpful" and "Like" seem a possible benefit when trawling through long/complex Threads.
At the very least it might reduce the " ^ +1 " posts, which then often lead to a side-discussion or similar " ^ " posts.
I stopped going to said forum because of it.
This is not farcebook. There is no need for a "like" system.
If such a thing were to be added, then there must also be a way to opt out of it.
Dec 27, 2014, 10:00 am
#368
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
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Dec 27, 2014, 11:34 am
#369
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
The poll was (AFAIK) made secret intentionally. If you want an open vote, you'll have to convince the TalkBoard to call for a new poll without the secret mode enabled.
Dec 27, 2014, 11:56 am
#370
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,671
Dec 27, 2014, 1:39 pm
#371
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Dec 27, 2014, 2:10 pm
#372
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,051
Dec 27, 2014, 2:19 pm
#373
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
I agree that a 'helpful' button would be nice, certainly much better than a 'like' button. To be really useful, what I'd like is a way to view a thread with only 'helpful' posts visible. This would be tremendously useful when searching for information. Far too often, a search returns some threads with many thousands of posts. Very likely the desired information is buried there, but it's far too much work for many FTers to read through the entire thread, or even the posts returned by a search, to try and find it. If there was a was to only view the 'helpful' posts, it would be much more likely that people would view the thread and see the information.
Dec 27, 2014, 4:06 pm
#374
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
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Quite interesting how much the poll voting suddenly swung today from one category to another. The product of a lobbying effort having come to fruition or of more people being in the office today and a related shift in voting patterns? Quite the large swing in one fell swoop.
Dec 27, 2014, 4:15 pm
#375
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
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Posts: 32,330
Quite interesting how much the poll voting suddenly swung today from one category to another. The product of a lobbying effort having come to fruition or of more people being in the office today and a related shift in voting patterns? Quite the large swing in one fell swoop.
Someone should write a song about it.
Sad to see FT gets to this level on a non issue vote.