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
Signed in members with 90 days / 90 posts can edit this Wikipost; wiki contents may be printed by using the 
(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more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date.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?
(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?
Aug 26, 2013, 8:12 am
#16
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,026
Aug 26, 2013, 2:08 pm
#17
Original Member, Ambassador: External Miles and Points Resources
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Digital Nomad Wandering the Earth - Currently in LIMA, PERU
Posts: 58,607
IMHO, some posts have merit. Others do not. What I care about is whether *I* think a post has merit, not whether other posters think so or not.
So I think a 'like' feature is worthless.
But others feel differently and if someone wants to make a compelling case for them to convinces me that functionality would have benefit for some, I would be up for asking IB to look into it.
So I think a 'like' feature is worthless.
But others feel differently and if someone wants to make a compelling case for them to convinces me that functionality would have benefit for some, I would be up for asking IB to look into it.
Aug 26, 2013, 2:30 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: The City of Angels, CA
Programs: Nothing current
Posts: 392
I see a big difference between like & +1
Like = you appreciate or value the post
+1 = you agree with the post, as in you have experience or knowledge with this issue & agree with the post
The two are very different.
I would also see the I-Like-That-Poster mentality & clicking like regardless if the post is of any real value.
--
Like = you appreciate or value the post
+1 = you agree with the post, as in you have experience or knowledge with this issue & agree with the post
The two are very different.
I would also see the I-Like-That-Poster mentality & clicking like regardless if the post is of any real value.
--
1) The semantic difference between "Like" and "+1" is not reflected in how people actually use the "Like" feature -- people use the button to express agreement with the content of the post.
2) I have not seen the "Like" feature become a popularity contest -- people are generally pretty good about using the feature to highlight the content rather than the poster.
If the wording of the feature could be changed to be "+1" instead of "Like", would that change people's opinions?
-S
Aug 26, 2013, 3:54 pm
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
IMHO, some posts have merit. Others do not. What I care about is whether *I* think a post has merit, not whether other posters think so or not.
So I think a 'like' feature is worthless.
But others feel differently and if someone wants to make a compelling case for them to convinces me that functionality would have benefit for some, I would be up for asking IB to look into it.
So I think a 'like' feature is worthless.
But others feel differently and if someone wants to make a compelling case for them to convinces me that functionality would have benefit for some, I would be up for asking IB to look into it.
Cheers.
Aug 28, 2013, 5:36 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 3
Hi everyone. I'm new here but yeah, a "like" button or any sort of thumb up would really streamline things and make it easier to read through 
Aug 28, 2013, 9:31 pm
#21
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Benicia CA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold 75K, AA 3.8MM, UA 1.1MM, enjoying the retired life
Posts: 31,849
Aug 29, 2013, 6:37 am
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,050
Aug 29, 2013, 6:47 am
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: DL FO, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 12,003
Aug 29, 2013, 9:58 am
#24
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Aug 29, 2013, 10:25 am
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,050
Aug 29, 2013, 10:52 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: UA, Bonvoy, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,582
For me, the rationale is cutting down on multiple long answers that say the same exact thing (a nice side effect would also be a decrease in "^^" or "Yes, yes, yes +1" posts). Note that I am guilty of this at times, which is part of the reason for the suggestion.
FTers are generally encouraged not to create new threads or even new posts with questions if the answer can be found using search functionality. It is also the case that one question may have multiple valid answers. In order to help folks comply with the board's wishes that new threads and posts be kept to a minimum while maximizing the usefulness of existing threads, a "like" or "+1" button might cut down on repetitiveness, thus making threads easier to navigate and generally digest for someone seeking information.
That's my thought, at least. Whether it actually works in practice remains to be seen.
Aug 29, 2013, 11:51 am
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,050
Correct.
For me, the rationale is cutting down on multiple long answers that say the same exact thing (a nice side effect would also be a decrease in "^^" or "Yes, yes, yes +1" posts). Note that I am guilty of this at times, which is part of the reason for the suggestion.
FTers are generally encouraged not to create new threads or even new posts with questions if the answer can be found using search functionality. It is also the case that one question may have multiple valid answers. In order to help folks comply with the board's wishes that new threads and posts be kept to a minimum while maximizing the usefulness of existing threads, a "like" or "+1" button might cut down on repetitiveness, thus making threads easier to navigate and generally digest for someone seeking information.
That's my thought, at least. Whether it actually works in practice remains to be seen.
For me, the rationale is cutting down on multiple long answers that say the same exact thing (a nice side effect would also be a decrease in "^^" or "Yes, yes, yes +1" posts). Note that I am guilty of this at times, which is part of the reason for the suggestion.
FTers are generally encouraged not to create new threads or even new posts with questions if the answer can be found using search functionality. It is also the case that one question may have multiple valid answers. In order to help folks comply with the board's wishes that new threads and posts be kept to a minimum while maximizing the usefulness of existing threads, a "like" or "+1" button might cut down on repetitiveness, thus making threads easier to navigate and generally digest for someone seeking information.
That's my thought, at least. Whether it actually works in practice remains to be seen.
Aug 29, 2013, 3:42 pm
#28
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,110
Aug 29, 2013, 5:00 pm
#29
Moderator Hilton Honors, Travel News, West, The Suggestion Box, Smoking Lounge & DiningBuzz
Join Date: Jun 2000
Programs: Honors Diamond, Hertz Presidents Circle, National Exec Elite
Posts: 36,026
Concur. And SkiAdcock's suggestions are also quite helpful. And speaking of repetition and screen real-estate, turning off seeing folks' signatures can make a huge difference
Sep 4, 2013, 8:29 am
#30
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
Maybe I should make a TalkBoard motion to change that.
