I also agree.

May I make a reference to a recent post that touches on this topic: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23812047-post86549.html

That is where I came to this Talkboard thread from. I am in principal against the idea of a like button though. Some of the least liked posters give the best advice.

Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment :D

And now here I come too, the guilty party behind the post that brought Gralistair and jackal back here. Allow me please to better explain my post.

First, I don't have a Facebook account, so I don't really know what "Likes" on facebook are about.

However, I do participate on forums that use forum software almost identical to, if not exactly like, the forum software this forum uses.

In this forum software, the word "like" is not the word used to approve a post. In fact, the word "approve" is used. In another forum software that has a different format than this forum, the word "like" is used.

Nevertheless, in both cases... the "approval" is bestowed to the post, not the poster. The reward is directed to the specific instance of behavior, not the perceived general character or likeability of the poster.

On these other forums I participate in, that are related to the industry in which I work, I have found myself in debate with another member who I entirely disagree with, but I will still "like" his post that rips my argument to shreds, because of the salient points he made in his argument.

Even though he disagrees with me, and I remain unconvinced and unmoved by his points, I will still "approve" of his post because of the strength of his argument. Why would I do that? Because THAT is the kind of forum I want to return to. That is the kind of forum that I want to engage in.

Now, had the person whose points I disagreed with resorted to name calling or snide remarks, then no, I woudn't like or approve his/her post, and perhaps no other mature adult would either. And the absence of approval sends the message that no one cares for that kind of name calling, or no one cares one way or another about the post period. Which happens more often than not.

But when a post is approved, by more then one person, that encourages the poster to return to the forum with more quality contributions. With more useful information. With more engaging debate, where the position is challenged, not the poster.

I think it is a nice system, but have seen it abused. I've also observed that there are counter measures to that abuse that are automated in the forum software, but not being a forum administrator, I cannot speak to exactly how those counter measures work.

Anyway, it is just a suggestion whose intent was to give forum readers another way to encourage quality posts that are helpful to the members who read them. This in turn benefits the poster who took the time and trouble to author a good post, because she or he can see the feedback of approval. This in turn, helps new members get an idea of how helpful or informative various posters have been during their tenure on the forums. This encourages more people to be conscious of their verbal behavior on the forum. This in turn makes a better forum, which brings more eyeballs and traffic to the site, which I imagine will lead to the financial payback that allows the forum to continue to serve the members.

Ok, then I woke up.

I realize that no system is perfect, just as no community is. But let me close with one more thought...

I've been trying to read through the 108 page DYKWIA thread on the Delta board. Really amazing stories found there. Reading that thread has helped me become a better flyer already. Just being aware of the extremes that GAs and FAs have to endure from passengers, particularly Medallion members, makes me want to hide my BP and board in Zone 4. While I have never done what I've read about in that thread, now that I've read quite a bit of that thread, I resolve never to even mention status to a an airline employee, for any reason, no matter what status they grant me. I don't ever want to be lumped into that DYKWIA pile of work woes in their minds.

Without that thread, without the insight of stories that I never witnessed, without the knowledge of these anecdotal examples of what is good human behavior and what is really, really awful... I can see how one can drift away from recognizing ones own faux pas that step on the mental toes of others.

Rather than scolding for what is bad, rewarding for what is good is an encouraging way to raise the expectations of better behavior. Sometimes, we just need a little insight from others to steer straighter. At least I do.

An excellent post (if I had a like button I would like/approve it ! :););))

I don't think a "Like" or "Thanks" button would help anyone. Too much like Facebook (and MilePoint).

A reputation system could work where people up/down a post, however that may not be the best option IMO.

Agree fully. The dumbing down of the internet needs to stop somewhere. It may as well be here.

Can you please describe how a "like" or "thanks" or "great post" button has anything to do with the "dumbing down of the internet"?

I'm assuming because it means someone merely has to click a button instead of using words to express their thoughts.

That's actually quite an interesting assumption ...worthy of a "like" dare I say... but will amplify that approval with more expression of thought. :cool:

I'm often surprised when my (more often that not TOO wordy) posts are "liked" on the few forums I have frequented. The affirmation helps me know that there is at least some resonating frequency in common with others who feel the same way, even though they may not have had the time to articulate them.

I am equally edified (well, maybe more like mortified) when, after posting something I feel strongly about, and took great pains to advocate... is met with crickets.

It is interesting to discover those areas of ambivalence, as well as alignment, even if in anonymity.

As for the "dumbing down" of the internet, nothing is "dumber" than the ridicule and name calling that is so easily spewed and enabled by anonymity. I was surprised to find that in some forums on flyertalk, but even more surprised to find it on a retiree forum I frequent. Experts say we revert to children again as we age... well by gum they're right!

Any measure that is taken to reward respect, civility, and maturity in conversation makes for a more sustainable online community. I'm sure both the proponents and opponents share that goal in considering (or vetoing) some type of reward system for useful posts (aka "likes").

Well said. I'm also worried that the like button turns the website into a popularity contest. I'm certainly guilty of writing posts for Facebook I know will get a lot of "likes". I don't want people to think the same way about posts for FT.

^ for the "by gum"!

Why not? If some posters decide to increase the entertainment or information value of their posts for readers, how is that a bad thing? Do you see information and entertainment as conflicting values? Is that the root of disagreement here about a Thanks button?

These are not rhetorical questions. We need to fully understand people's opinions on this subject before we can hope to find a proposal that will make sense to all. Otherwise we are just talking past each other.

Having spent a lot of time in the Delta forum, I tend to have a negative view of trying to increase the entertainment value of their posts. I could link a lot of posts that I think reflected badly on Flyertalk as a whole. I like our sense of community but I don't want Flyertalk to turn into a cliquish place with everyone trying to one up each other on being funny and getting likes. I want this to stay a place where we talk about miles/points/travel etc. and focus most on that.

How would you feel about a button labeled Informative^ ?