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more likes/helpfuls on average than newer posts in the same thread, which can be misleading when the information is out-of-date.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 28, 2014, 4:48 am
#391
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: TSV, Australia
Posts: 2,401
I voted no. I don't see the point.
Dec 28, 2014, 4:59 am
#392
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Either at the shooting range or anywhere good beer can be found...
Posts: 51,064
Dec 28, 2014, 5:30 am
#393
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: manchester, uk
Posts: 205
I've never seen any point to this sort of feature, and an attempt to introduce this feature on the main forum I frequent resulted in chaos and it was removed within days. This isn't Facebook.
Dec 28, 2014, 5:42 am
#394
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: JER
Programs: BA/OW Sapphire, TK/*A Gold
Posts: 93
I wouldn't want such a button.
Reasons for me are detrimental development of cliques as mentioned before and seen in many other forums but much more that public opinion would be more guided by the amounts of "likes" and subsequent answerds directed in this direction (can happen on purpose but more often it's subconcious). I like to trawl through posts and find many snippets I might not if the "right" i.e. popular opinion is guided (again, not necessarily on purpose but we just work that way).
Reasons for me are detrimental development of cliques as mentioned before and seen in many other forums but much more that public opinion would be more guided by the amounts of "likes" and subsequent answerds directed in this direction (can happen on purpose but more often it's subconcious). I like to trawl through posts and find many snippets I might not if the "right" i.e. popular opinion is guided (again, not necessarily on purpose but we just work that way).
Dec 28, 2014, 6:19 am
#395
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: JER
Programs: BA Gold/OWE, several MUCCI, and assorted Pensions!
Posts: 32,147
I would have thought you and I would have been anything but a prime target given our history of activity on this issue. And PMs are not the only way we communicate on and off FT. 
Time and resources spent on other things to drive the vote would probably be better off invested on others, unless it was to try to convince us to get others whom we know are likely or certainly going to vote in the "preferred" way -- even if those others are lurkers-turned-new-members-turned-voters or double digit or less post count voters -- to vote. It's an open, "secret" vote for all who register regardless of FT member registration date, right?
Just saying.
Time and resources spent on other things to drive the vote would probably be better off invested on others, unless it was to try to convince us to get others whom we know are likely or certainly going to vote in the "preferred" way -- even if those others are lurkers-turned-new-members-turned-voters or double digit or less post count voters -- to vote. It's an open, "secret" vote for all who register regardless of FT member registration date, right?Just saying.
I shall sit back and let democracy, and the good judgement of TalkBoard, take its course
Dec 28, 2014, 6:23 am
#396
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Dec 28, 2014, 7:33 am
#397
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
Interesting to see a big jump in votes overnight again
Dec 28, 2014, 7:51 am
#398
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
I think this thread in the BA forum has increased traffic:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...our-forum.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...our-forum.html
Cheers.
Dec 28, 2014, 11:36 am
#399
Moderator: Smoking Lounge; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: SFO
Programs: Lifetime (for now) Gold MM, HH Gold, Giving Tootsie Pops to UA employees, & a retired hockey goalie
Posts: 28,878
and even where the poll is anonymous, I would be curious if IB has the ability/capability to see
Dec 28, 2014, 12:48 pm
#400
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
As for Internet Brands, I have no knowledge about how — or if — the company would potentially benefit from the implementation of a “like” button...
Dec 28, 2014, 12:51 pm
#401
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
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.
Plus, that poll can go to 60/40, or 75/25, and certain TB Members will still vote no.
Last edited by CMK10; Dec 28, 2014 at 12:56 pm Reason: Fixing a stupid thing I said
Dec 28, 2014, 1:02 pm
#402
Moderator: Mileage Run, United Airlines; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: The City/Honolulu
Programs: UA 3MM; Hyatt Glob*****; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,473
Dec 28, 2014, 1:03 pm
#403
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
On a dif note, jackal had posted earlier that having a like/helpful button would get people to post more additional information/wouldn't be too lazy to post because they love the kudos that would come from a like. Interestingly enough, someone posted the opposite on the BA thread - that in the past they might contribute more or add on to what someone said, but now if they can just get by with posting like/helpful to someone they won't feel the need to provide additional information like they would have previously.
Cheers.
Dec 28, 2014, 1:04 pm
#404
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
The poll is merely a tiny sample of people on this website. We have to vote based on what we think is best for Flyertalk. Will the votes of 500 or so be enough to change the FT experience for half a million people? Also, there's a number of responses in a separate thread in the BA forum that have to be taken into account.
Dec 28, 2014, 1:14 pm
#405
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,114
FWIW - prior to the thread getting bumped by nsx, the like thread had been dormant for a year. When it was active a year ago, FTers were pretty evenly split 50/50 on whether they wanted like. After the thread was bumped, the input was still pretty evenly split 50/50. After the poll was created, the no's were leading the yes's until recently. But even now the two aren't that far apart. Basically there's not a clear or clamoring mandate by FTers for such a feature.
Cheers.