Good evening Mr L /all

Apologies if it's already been discussed, but I was just wondering if we could have a discussion and / or vote as to the introduction of a 'like' (or 'support' / 'agree' if people would rather avoid the facebook comparisions) button, so as to show what side support was falling on during a debate, or even if someone just posts something that resonates with another who doesn't care to add a comment at that time ?

For example, I've just been cathing up on the 'To each their own' thread, which I am finding very interesting but to which I don't really wish to wade in with a comment, although I'd have liked to show my appreciation for the calm-headed and well put comments of BB, Chinny and Dharmabum (I only got to page 3 before starting this, so maybe there are more comments from others I'd have liked to show support for)...

Would anyone else like to be able to show their support for a post without commenting on it, or do you think it'd limit the conversations that draw us all here?

false mirror wrote:
No thanks. I've noticed that quite a few sites have a 'Like' button. My blog includes that option, but I usually disable it because I think it sounds semi-literate at best. Completely moronic at worst.

YouTube also has a 'Like' feature. Personally, I don't care too much if people agree / disagree with me. The point is, just because 100 people support a point of view doesn't mean it holds water.

A further point is, this isn't really a debating site, or (unlike Farcebook) an egotistical popularity contest*. I think a lot of sites degenerate into that and lose their original meaning, so even if we had a 'Support this' button, what would be the point? We might as well start having gladiatorial contests.

There would be nothing to stop some of our more malicious visitors from clicking a button 100+ times. That's the level those things operate on: abusively.

*Or is it?

YouTube also has a 'Like' feature. Personally, I don't care too much if people agree / disagree with me.

An interesting insight. Personally, I'd care to see if general concensus supported any given point. This is because I'm aware that not everyone who views a post might want to, or be able to, comment upon it at that time (for example, they might be busy at work, or just wanting to see how the discussion plays out without their input).





The point is, just because 100 people support a point of view doesn't mean it holds water.

Quite. But equally one viewpoint doesn't become representative or correct just because it is argued more aggressively or spun more eloquently....

I'm thinking of introducing the ability to create a poll and integrate it into a thread. Would that do, FM?

Ooooh no, no 'like/dislike' option, what a cop out.

If you feel strongly about a post to make a comment you should whether it be in approval or otherwise.

We should reject the Jo Wiley 'bland out' society.

Mr Livered wrote:


As long as everyone can only vote once, otherwise I will cheat.

I think we should be polled on this issue.

Lin wrote:



A splendid idea Mr L, which I'd have happily voted for !

I think polls can be interesting and that rather than being a replacement for (or diluting of) conversation, the poll results, more so than numbers created by a simple like/dislike tab, can lead to further discussion.

So, yes I think a polling tool would be a beneficial option - afterall, no-one would be obliged to incorporate it or respond..

As Lin points out, only one vote each please!

I quite like the idea.

Everyone has an opinion, yet we're not all as verbose or eloquent as each other. It may be that the more articulate can put off those less so for fear of looking simple and naive. It may be that peeps may just not have the time, nor inclination to respond on posts that matter.

However, I welcome all imput, positive or negative because I like to get a feel for how I am coming across. Whilst it doesn't control me, it matters to me what people think of me because I understand that, for me, happiness lies through connection.

I sometimes spew out long, rambling posts with my thoughts. I often do so, not to enlighten others, but to examine what's going on within by forcing myself to articulate it. When I do so, I have no idea whether I'm making any sense or whether it resonates with anyone so, for me, although the written reply is the more valuable, all input is good.

Let everyone have a say, I say. If people feel passionately enough, they'll write to back it up.

I don't really understand the point if people agree or disagree with a post and feel inclined to express that sentiment , they already can. Won't it just end up like :-

Dogondoor thinks old volvos are great cars.

42% agree, 29 % disagree, 3 Guests abstained , Harpo couldn't make up his mind.

Are we posting to gather support for an election? It'll go the same way of karma points , cakes and the shoutbox i tell thee!!

*wanders off mumbling.. if it ain't broke etc.*