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Is the 'thanks' button really necessary?

  • 17-11-2015 11:32pm
    #1
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭


    I personally don't see the point of the 'thanks' button. I find that it can greatly influence the flow of a discussion and gives additional weight to certain posts/posters. Now I know that everyone should just read the post(s) and make there own minds up regarding the content and how they feel about it, but I feel that it can really affect latecomers to a thread in their opinion. As a result, threads often become a big rabble between two sides with little room for compromise or alternative/new opinions.

    I think you should either have a downvote button to balance things out or just get rid of the whole thing altogether. My personal preference would be to do away with the system, as I think having a downvote button could possibly augment the problem.

    Anyway, why is the thanks button there in the first place?
    Post edited by Shield on


Comments

  • #2
    ancapailldorcha
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 39,592 CMod ✭✭✭✭ancapailldorcha


    It's a very handy way for posters to communicate that they agree with a specific post rather than posting a generic "I agree with this" which would dilute discussions.

    The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

    Leviticus 19:34



  • #3
    ThisRegard
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    As above, acknowledges when you're in agreement with someone, agree with a point, a me too, or a simple straightforward thanks!


  • #4
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭eet fuk


    I know what you mean, and I would much prefer it over that whole thing people do when they quote the post and write "+1" (wtf is the deal with that, seriously???)

    I just think that people should agree with the posts either by backing up the argument with a point of their own, or just keep it to themselves. Why is there a need to show that world that you agree with something and then not actually contribute anything of your own. A lot of good points are never argued as a lot of posters have already made their minds up and just won't listen to anything else (it seems), purely based on a post with 60 odd 'thanks'.

    It has also become a little bit similar to the facebook 'like' button, whereby people seem to post things just for the sake of getting a few thanks.

    I realise that it is probably such an integral part of this site at this stage and changing it would result in the thread dilution that you refer to, so I hold out little hope that it will change.

    Also, I'm not sure if those thanks on my OP are meant taking the mick, or if they agree with me! Argh, I'm so confused now!

    Just some friendly feedback for y'all. Otherwise, ye're doing a great job!


  • #5
    Eeden
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,912 ✭✭✭✭Eeden


    ^^ This




    :D


  • #6
    sonny.knowles
    Closed Accounts Posts: 607 ✭✭✭sonny.knowles


    eet fuk wrote: »
    I know what you mean, and I would much prefer it over that whole thing people do when they quote the post and write "+1" (wtf is the deal with that, seriously???)

    I just think that people should agree with the posts either by backing up the argument with a point of their own, or just keep it to themselves. Why is there a need to show that world that you agree with something and then not actually contribute anything of your own. A lot of good points are never argued as a lot of posters have already made their minds up and just won't listen to anything else (it seems), purely based on a post with 60 odd 'thanks'.

    It has also become a little bit similar to the facebook 'like' button, whereby people seem to post things just for the sake of getting a few thanks.

    I realise that it is probably such an integral part of this site at this stage and changing it would result in the thread dilution that you refer to, so I hold out little hope that it will change.

    Also, I'm not sure if those thanks on my OP are meant taking the mick, or if they agree with me! Argh, I'm so confused now!

    Just some friendly feedback for y'all. Otherwise, ye're doing a great job!

    -1

    PS: The thanks above are taking the piss.


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  • #7
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭eet fuk


    Eeden wrote: »
    ^^ This




    :D

    Haha! That is right up there with the worst of them!

    Don't get me wrong, that idea behind the thanks button is great. I just think it gets to a stage where it ruins discussions/arguments.


  • #8
    Harry Palmr
    Closed Accounts Posts: 40,061 ✭✭✭✭Harry Palmr


    +1

    No wait -1

    The thanks button can be whored outrageously (usually by Mods!) but it generally serves it's purpose esp if you do a good funneh.


  • #9
    Lovely Bloke
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14,748 ✭✭✭✭Lovely Bloke


    ancapailldorcha wrote: »
    It's a very handy way for posters to communicate that they agree with a specific post rather than posting a generic "I agree with this" which would dilute discussions.

    I thank posts I disagree with sometimes, if the poster has made a good effort to put across their side.

    I thank posts that make me laugh.

    I thank trolls, especially if they are obvious ridiculous trolls.


  • #10
    osarusan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 16,694 ✭✭✭✭osarusan


    Baldy Conscience wrote: »

    I thank trolls, especially if they are obvious ridiculous trolls.
    So do I :pac:


  • #11
    Lovely Bloke
    Closed Accounts Posts: 14,748 ✭✭✭✭Lovely Bloke


    lol :D


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  • #12
    Darkglasses
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,526 ✭✭✭✭Darkglasses


    Harry Palmr wrote: »
    +1

    No wait -1

    The thanks button can be whored outrageously (usually by Mods!) but it generally serves it's purpose esp if you do a good funneh.

    I have no idea what you mean. :cool:


  • #13
    kneemos
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,459 ✭✭✭✭kneemos


    Cancelling them after a week or two or when the thread becomes inactive might discourage some of the thanks gathering and inane comments.


  • #14
    Brendan Flowers
    Registered Users Posts: 1,378 ✭✭✭Brendan Flowers


    I'd like to see something implemented where the person creating a thread had the option of enabling or disabling the Thanks button for that thread.


  • #15
    Cabaal
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Regional South East Moderators Posts: 28,510 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cabaal


    kneemos wrote: »
    Cancelling them after a week or two or when the thread becomes inactive might discourage some of the thanks gathering and inane comments.

    Seems rather pointless to time out thanks, there's no real benefit to doing so


  • #16
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 77,614 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    These threads are less frequent than cyclist-bashing ones in AH - it's over 6 months since the last one:)


  • #17
    Dial Hard
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,920 ✭✭✭✭Dial Hard


    eet fuk wrote:
    I just think that people should agree with the posts either by backing up the argument with a point of their own, or just keep it to themselves. Why is there a need to show that world that you agree with something and then not actually contribute anything of your own. A lot of good points are never argued as a lot of posters have already made their minds up and just won't listen to anything else (it seems), purely based on a post with 60 odd 'thanks'.


    Because on some forums that don't allow discussion, such as Ranting and Raving, thanking a post is the only way to show you agree with it/have been there too/appreciated a particularly funny or epic rant.


  • #18
    GLaDOS
    Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 23,230 Mod ✭✭✭✭GLaDOS


    Some forums run competitions where the winner is the most thanked post. I know the photoshop competition in CPVL runs that way and I think the photography forum as something similar?

    I'll usually peruse through the most thanked posts via the front page, and while you have the usual thanks whore and YLYL posts, you get some cracking OPs, rebuttals, anecdotes and other great reads. It has its faults but I like the thanks system.

    Cake, and grief counseling, will be available at the conclusion of the test



  • #19
    ancapailldorcha
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 39,592 CMod ✭✭✭✭ancapailldorcha


    ScienceNerd wrote: »
    Some forums run competitions where the winner is the most thanked post. I know the photoshop competition in CPVL runs that way and I think the photography forum as something similar?

    I'll usually peruse through the most thanked posts via the front page, and while you have the usual thanks whore and YLYL posts, you get some cracking OPs, rebuttals, anecdotes and other great reads. It has its faults but I like the thanks system.

    I'd be the same. It's quite convenient and a lot of the posts which receive a lot of thanks are quite insightful. Helpful when one is perusing a megathread...

    The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.

    Leviticus 19:34



  • #20
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭eet fuk


    Beasty wrote: »
    These threads are less frequent than cyclist-bashing ones in AH - it's over 6 months since the last one:)

    Ah that one you mention wants an upvote/downvote system. I don't want that. I just don't want anything!
    Brendan Flowers wrote: »
    I'd like to see something implemented where the person creating a thread had the option of enabling or disabling the Thanks button for that thread.

    I do like the sound of that. I would also like if I could just switch it off for my profile at least. That would mean that I don't have to see all the 'thankseses' and I can go about my business without being very mildly irritated.


  • #21
    frag420
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,158 ✭✭✭frag420


    eet fuk wrote: »
    Also, I'm not sure if those thanks on my OP are meant taking the mick, or if they agree with me! Argh, I'm so confused now!

    To save any further confusion.....my thanks was taking the mick!!


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  • #22
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭eet fuk


    frag420 wrote: »
    To save any further confusion.....my thanks was taking the mick!!

    I'm quite confident that they all are at this point!


  • #23
    frag420
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,158 ✭✭✭frag420


    I am starting a campaign to have your op the most thanked post on boards ha ha


  • #24
    Beasty
    Administrators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 77,614 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭Beasty


    eet fuk wrote: »
    Ah that one you mention wants an upvote/downvote system. I don't want that. I just don't want anything!
    You may not want it, but you were the one raising the prospect of a "downvote"
    eet fuk wrote: »
    I think you should either have a downvote button to balance things out or just get rid of the whole thing altogether. My personal preference would be to do away with the system, as I think having a downvote button could possibly augment the problem.
    I also linked that thread because it covers the same issues you will find being raised again, as have a number of earlier threads on the same subject, all of which concluded that the thumbs up should stay.


  • #25
    eet fuk
    Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭eet fuk


    Beasty wrote: »
    You may not want it, but you were the one raising the prospect of a "downvote"


    I also linked that thread because it covers the same issues you will find being raised again, as have a number of earlier threads on the same subject, all of which concluded that the thumbs up should stay.

    Fair point - although I still feel that my reasons for wanting rid are different enough to merit a new thread. I would ideally like to be able to not see who thanked a post, or how many thanks a post has when I browse the forums. I'd be happy enough if it was an option I could choose to have switched on or off. I'm clearly in the minority here, and I do see why people like having the 'thanks' button, so there's is no chance of the feature being totally revamped/abandoned - but perhaps there might be scope to make it optional.

    I suppose people's opinions can change over the course of 6 months too though, so no harm I throwing a little additional feedback into the mix!


  • #26
    Azalea
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,796 ✭✭✭Azalea


    If it's backslapping to thank though, imagine how backslapping it would be if there was no thanks button and loads of people posting "I agree"!

    I think if a person has a point to add to a post they agree with, they'll post it. But otherwise, I don't know if there's a need to back up their agreement when they might agree with every word and would have nothing to add other than "I agree" or "lol" or whatever.


  • #27
    aaronjumper
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,128 ✭✭✭✭aaronjumper


    There has been loads of times I've popped into threads with the intent on posting my point of view only to find someone else has not only posted it but done a much more eloquent job of it.

    Could you imagine the amount of plus one and I agree posts would be in the bigger forums if something the majority agrees with was posted?

    It keeps the discussion flowing and has more pros than cons, at least in my opinion.


  • #28
    Canis Lupus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,893 ✭✭✭Canis Lupus


    I need online validation. 'Man cannot live on Facebook likes alone' as Jesus once said.


  • #29
    frag420
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,158 ✭✭✭frag420


    aaronjumper wrote: »
    There has been loads of times I've popped into threads with the intent on posting my point of view only to find someone else has not only posted it but done a much more eloquent job of it.

    Could you imagine the amount of plus one and I agree posts would be in the bigger forums if something the majority agrees with was posted?

    It keeps the discussion flowing and has more pros than cons, at least in my opinion.

    +1


  • #30
    _Tombstone_
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,006 ✭✭✭_Tombstone_


    frag420 wrote: »
    +1

    Could you not have thanked that.




    Snigger.


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  • #31
    Second Toughest in_the Freshers
    Site Banned Posts: 1,735 ✭✭✭Second Toughest in_the Freshers


    Canis Lupus wrote: »
    I need online validation. 'Man cannot live on Facebook likes alone' as Jesus once said.

    QFT


  • #32
    K-9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 43,311 ✭✭✭✭K-9


    I suppose it could be argued thanks goes against the ethos of a discussion site, but as social media as evolved I think that is less and less relevant for boards in particular.

    I was reading an analysis of twitter posts and it found a big variation on interaction between users depending on lighter and more serious topics. Basically on more serious political stuff there isn't much interaction and you get both sides sticking to fellow minded supporters, indulging in back slapping each other about how right they are, with not much exposure to alternative views and research.

    I don't think is as bad a problem here, though I can think of cases where it does happen, but generally you've got 2 sides of a debate arguing with each other on here, so there's interaction and exposure to other opinions and research. We tend to be a stubborn species so not many will change minds but at least people are debating and firing alternative views at each other, and getting to see what others think.

    I don't think that has much to do with thanks, people have their views anyway, though I suppose seeing 20 thanks when you are in a minority opinion can be a bit intimidating. A well argued post is worth more than a thanks whoring post though and that will always be the case.

    I think mods have to be aware of back slapping threads though as with group mentality it doesn't take much for that to overflow to more personal and even bullying type behavior, pack mentality and all that.

    Overall though the button serves a purpose, and yep, I've thanked opposing views if well argued and reasoned, so it has a few constructive uses. I'm a bit of a thanks slut though, so it isn't hard to earn it of me!

    Mad Men's Don Draper : What you call love was invented by guys like me, to sell nylons.



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