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, 6:57 pm
#106
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I'm sorry, but that isn't true for most posts. Look at this post with and without the like element:
Your example cherry picked a post where the left side bar was already longer than the post + like element, so the like had no effect. Most posts that are more than 1 or 2 lines will take up more room because of the like element.
Your example cherry picked a post where the left side bar was already longer than the post + like element, so the like had no effect. Most posts that are more than 1 or 2 lines will take up more room because of the like element.
Aug 10, 2017, 6:59 pm
#107
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Still - are you missing the point where FTers don't want to see who liked posts/have it clutter up posts/threads? Is that significant? 
Cheers.
Cheers.
Aug 10, 2017, 7:48 pm
#109
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I think a "like" button makes it less likely for FT to be a useful forum rather than Yet Another Social Media ephemeris. years ago, in the original thread discussing it, I'd suggested kind of the opposite: a way to indicate (by the poster or a moderator or maybe a vote) if a post had facts versus opinions, with a corresponding way to view lengthy threads that collapsed all opinion posts, for ease when hunting for useful info in massive threads. This isn't the same as a "news" indicator, since facts and news are not the same thing, and news doesn't stay new for long.
Aug 10, 2017, 7:49 pm
#110
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Posts: 166
I think it is. It's one more part of the page I have to skip/ignore. They're also a different colour to all the existing elements so they stand out a bit. I view them the exact same way I view ads (and use an adblocker for).
Also, one like won't affect page length that much, but as soon as multiple posts get likes with up to 15 per page, you've added a lot more length to scroll for the exact same content.
I think there's plenty of room for the like button and mentions on the same line as the quote button, and it should have the same colours/styles as well.
To be fair, I think the exact same thing of signatures, but that's not a fight I expect to win.
Also, one like won't affect page length that much, but as soon as multiple posts get likes with up to 15 per page, you've added a lot more length to scroll for the exact same content.
I think there's plenty of room for the like button and mentions on the same line as the quote button, and it should have the same colours/styles as well.
To be fair, I think the exact same thing of signatures, but that's not a fight I expect to win.
Aug 10, 2017, 7:59 pm
#111
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I, for one, thought it was a good idea and I haven't yet actually run into it except in this thread to be sure, but I'm still unconvinced by the "against" ideas.
The actual execution here is a bit ... obtrusive. The darkened background makes it stand out a lot, which I don't care for, and it seems kind of odd to have it above the signature when I would have expected it down below the signature (and a button, rather than a bare text link.)
The actual execution here is a bit ... obtrusive. The darkened background makes it stand out a lot, which I don't care for, and it seems kind of odd to have it above the signature when I would have expected it down below the signature (and a button, rather than a bare text link.)
Aug 10, 2017, 8:26 pm
#112
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This.
Aug 10, 2017, 8:43 pm
#113
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Here is exactly an example where the like button could have negated the need to add clutter to a thread, and the "+1" is for a post about stopping clutter.
Aug 10, 2017, 8:47 pm
#114
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Apologies for any duplication; one can turn off likes notifications here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/profi...do=editoptions
The radio button is at the bottom of the messaging and notification pane. If making a change, be sure to hit 'save changes' at the bottom. I hadn't paid attention to my FT control panel but noted when checking the radio button was set to 'off'. When we put our system in place, the owner set it to default 'on'. This surprised people.
I note many similarities to what I'm used to working with, save for two major differences, one I believe the administrator alluded to.
1. There's no likes received and likes given lists in one's profile, tabulating totals and showing which posts were liked.
2. There's no like counter for the thread; ours appears at the top right of the thread view, generally floating above where page numbers are shown in a multi-page thread. That menu item lists tabulations of individual likes for the thread and can be sorted via differing parameters.
IMO, FT instituted a very minimalist like function.
IIRC, once the like 'list' on a post gets to a certain flag setting, it will default to 'xxx, xxx, xxx, and xxx others like this post'. Our flag is set at four, so the first four members who like a post are listed by name and the rest by number in the shadow box.
One thing I've noted, and received complaints about, is that, if one has their notifications turned on, in our version anyway, one can 'abuse' the like button by liking and unliking a post repeatedly and each 're-like' sets a new notification. I don't know if that's the case on FT but it might be something worth looking at.
Compared to what I'm used to working with, my read on the current setup here is that it's very 'light'. I have no strong opinion about it and TBH lobbied our owner to remove it. That lobbying effort failed
Since FT doesn't use a liked post list they shouldn't have an issue but one glitch I did notice was, if moderators liked each other's posts in the backend areas, those posts could show up in their like lists and, while the post was inaccessible to members, heh, the mouseover function gave a hint of the content. Hence, it became part of moderator training to never like any posts at all.
That's my .02 as someone who has mid 5 figures of likes received over about six years now and has dealt with them from the back end. Mixed bag.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/profi...do=editoptions
The radio button is at the bottom of the messaging and notification pane. If making a change, be sure to hit 'save changes' at the bottom. I hadn't paid attention to my FT control panel but noted when checking the radio button was set to 'off'. When we put our system in place, the owner set it to default 'on'. This surprised people.
I note many similarities to what I'm used to working with, save for two major differences, one I believe the administrator alluded to.
1. There's no likes received and likes given lists in one's profile, tabulating totals and showing which posts were liked.
2. There's no like counter for the thread; ours appears at the top right of the thread view, generally floating above where page numbers are shown in a multi-page thread. That menu item lists tabulations of individual likes for the thread and can be sorted via differing parameters.
IMO, FT instituted a very minimalist like function.
IIRC, once the like 'list' on a post gets to a certain flag setting, it will default to 'xxx, xxx, xxx, and xxx others like this post'. Our flag is set at four, so the first four members who like a post are listed by name and the rest by number in the shadow box.
One thing I've noted, and received complaints about, is that, if one has their notifications turned on, in our version anyway, one can 'abuse' the like button by liking and unliking a post repeatedly and each 're-like' sets a new notification. I don't know if that's the case on FT but it might be something worth looking at.
Compared to what I'm used to working with, my read on the current setup here is that it's very 'light'. I have no strong opinion about it and TBH lobbied our owner to remove it. That lobbying effort failed
Since FT doesn't use a liked post list they shouldn't have an issue but one glitch I did notice was, if moderators liked each other's posts in the backend areas, those posts could show up in their like lists and, while the post was inaccessible to members, heh, the mouseover function gave a hint of the content. Hence, it became part of moderator training to never like any posts at all.
That's my .02 as someone who has mid 5 figures of likes received over about six years now and has dealt with them from the back end. Mixed bag.
Last edited by camachinist; Aug 10, 2017 at 8:52 pm Reason: Add content on default notifications.
Aug 10, 2017, 8:47 pm
#115
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I guess I could be worse like FB with the emotional like faces. There are better things to spend time at like making photo attachments fit better inline than adding a gimmicky like option.
Aug 10, 2017, 8:57 pm
#116
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Aug 10, 2017, 9:04 pm
#117
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This is the irony here. One of the main reasons for introducing "Like" was to declutter threads. Reduce the number of "+1" and "Thank you" posts which cluttered up threads.
Here is exactly an example where the like button could have negated the need to add clutter to a thread, and the "+1" is for a post about stopping clutter.
Here is exactly an example where the like button could have negated the need to add clutter to a thread, and the "+1" is for a post about stopping clutter.
Apologies for any duplication; one can turn off likes notifications here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/profi...do=editoptions
The radio button is at the bottom of the messaging and notification pane. If making a change, be sure to hit 'save changes' at the bottom.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/profi...do=editoptions
The radio button is at the bottom of the messaging and notification pane. If making a change, be sure to hit 'save changes' at the bottom.
I just turned it off & saved changes, & yet I can see the cluster mess of FTers who have liked posts/screwing up my viewing a thread.
Like & all its ramifications was neither thought out nor implemented well. So far the responses to it have been more negative than positive.
If like is to continue on FT, for gawd's sake make it an opt out scenario - aka - a win-win - so that those who like like can view it & those who don't like like don't have to have their FT experience disrupted.
Cheers.
Aug 10, 2017, 9:07 pm
#118
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Aug 10, 2017, 9:19 pm
#119
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I think there's a massive silent majority of folks who either are marginally in favor of it (but would never think to bother debating it in this thread) or are in the "take it or leave it-- makes no difference to me" camp and just won't use it if they don't feel like it.
Can't see how it's worth getting all riled up about regardless.
Can't see how it's worth getting all riled up about regardless.
Aug 10, 2017, 11:38 pm
#120
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I think there's a massive silent majority of folks who either are marginally in favor of it (but would never think to bother debating it in this thread) or are in the "take it or leave it-- makes no difference to me" camp and just won't use it if they don't feel like it.
Can't see how it's worth getting all riled up about regardless.
Can't see how it's worth getting all riled up about regardless.