Are we in this forum for the "likes" etc., or for discussions! Or both?

[Old Salt]

It looks like everything I propose brings some hidden dangers with it! I was just thinking, what if we adopted a check mark to indicate we have read a post. Not my idea, but a great one. This would solve the "way too many likes" problems. But thinking it through there is a danger in that as well. Personally, I would not be thrilled to see that twenty people have read a post of mine and no one left a single "like!" So I have a fragile ego, sue me!

Since I am clearly not "Dear Prudence" I think I will stick with lighter subjects from now on! I am tired of apparently having foot-in-mouth disease (disguised as honesty), since I am primarily here to have fun. Life is serious enough for me at the moment!

 

[Gardenlover]

It looks like everything I propose brings some hidden dangers with it! I was just thinking, what if we adopted a check mark to indicate we have read a post. Not my idea, but a great one. This would solve the "way too many likes" problems. But thinking it through there is a danger in that as well. Personally, I would not be thrilled to see that twenty people have read a post of mine and no one left a single "like!" So I have a fragile ego, sue me!

Since I am clearly not "Dear Prudence" I think I will stick with lighter subjects from now on! I am tired of apparently having foot-in-mouth disease (disguised as honesty), since I am primarily here to have fun. Life is serious enough for me at the moment!

Not at all - look at all the traction this thread got! Post away my friend, post away.

 

[dobielvr]

It looks like everything I propose brings some hidden dangers with it! I was just thinking, what if we adopted a check mark to indicate we have read a post. Not my idea, but a great one. This would solve the "way too many likes" problems. But thinking it through there is a danger in that as well. Personally, I would not be thrilled to see that twenty people have read a post of mine and no one left a single "like!" So I have a fragile ego, sue me!

Since I am clearly not "Dear Prudence" I think I will stick with lighter subjects from now on! I am tired of apparently having foot-in-mouth disease (disguised as honesty), since I am primarily here to have fun. Life is serious enough for me at the moment!

Yes. Let's not over think it.

 

[CallMeKate]

@Knight is that you?! Didn't recognize ya under all that shining armor. Don't let it get rusty!

 

[Feelslikefar]

Usually the first thread I check is 'What are you listening to in 2023'.
Members will post a video and it spurs a 'wow, haven't heard that in a while' response from me.
So much music out there and I'll click on a video and find some real gems.
I will continue to give it a like and let people know I enjoyed the selection that
meant something to them.

I also try to give a like to people who respond to a thread I start, thanking them
for taking the time to respond.
Not an ego thing, just seems a nice way of saying thanks.

 

[Knight]

@Knight is that you?! Didn't recognize ya under all that shining armor. Don't let it get rusty!

There's an advantage of living in the desert southwest, low humidity & almost no rain so no rust. But as you might imagine old age & clanking around in this armour isn't easy.

 

[Old Salt]

You know, the title of this thread is "Are we in this forum for the "likes" etc., or for discussions! Or both?"

I don't know that people post just to get likes. But likes (and the other reactions, like laughs or heart, or ...) are responses. In other words, communication. That's what we're here for, right?

That's great and I have no quarrel with that. As long as the response isn't just an automatic "click" in order to please someone, rather than genuine appreciation, or a sign of compassion and understanding of someone's circumstances!

My word "discussion" was ill advised because I don't conduct that many myself! My belated apologies for that. I simply reacted to "likes" being automatically bestowed!

 

[PamfromTx]

Thing is, thumbs down along with the red angry face always makes me wonder if they're mad at me or mad at the thing I'm talking about. For instance I might say, "Those people who steal by "jugging" should be shot." Then there's a response of thumbs down or angry face. Is it directed at the jugger or me for wanting him shot?

Adorable pup!

 

[Paco Dennis]

It looks like everything I propose brings some hidden dangers with it! I was just thinking, what if we adopted a check mark to indicate we have read a post. Not my idea, but a great one. This would solve the "way too many likes" problems. But thinking it through there is a danger in that as well. Personally, I would not be thrilled to see that twenty people have read a post of mine and no one left a single "like!" So I have a fragile ego, sue me!

Since I am clearly not "Dear Prudence" I think I will stick with lighter subjects from now on! I am tired of apparently having foot-in-mouth disease (disguised as honesty), since I am primarily here to have fun. Life is serious enough for me at the moment!

I liked what you say here. That is why I put a "like" response.

 

[Old Salt]

My opinion, strictly mine, and not meant to be anything other is, Why does this high-school crap even matter?

I admire the balanced nature you were endowed with @oldaunt. I actually get hurt or elated or aggravated in my interchange with others! I place too much importance on the reactions of people I haven't even met in real life.

The adult reaction should be like yours but some of us never grow out of our "high-school" insecurity! I truly envy you, wish I hadn't been born an introvert!

 

[Old Salt]

I liked what you say here. That is why I put a "like" response.

I am definitely not against "likes" on my posts! Just not automatic ones @Paco Dennis!

 

[Old Salt]

If I like something, I hit the like button
If I don't like something, I don't hit the like button

Thank you @Gary O', that's what I am talking about!

 

[Paco Dennis]

I am definitely not against "likes" on my posts! Just not automatic ones @Paco Dennis!

I hugged you because your a cool guy.

 

[oldaunt]

I admire the balanced nature you were endowed with @oldaunt. I actually get hurt or elated or aggravated in my interchange with others! I place too much importance on the reactions of people I haven't even met in real life.

The adult reaction should be like yours but some of us never grow out of our "high-school" insecurity! I truly envy you, wish I hadn't been born an introvert!

I have always been an introvert, and I truly enjoy being a hermit. But I am very comfortable in my own skin as well. Outside influences really don't have a lot of affect in my small world. Usually. Once in a while someone will insult my integrity without even knowing me, and I can get a little nasty about it. My therapist years ago said I was the most well balanced person he knew. I take that with a grain of salt, considering his line of work.

 

[Old Salt]

Thing is, thumbs down along with the red angry face always makes me wonder if they're mad at me or mad at the thing I'm talking about. For instance I might say, "Those people who steal by "jugging" should be shot." Then there's a response of thumbs down or angry face. Is it directed at the jugger or me for wanting him shot?

@Della, if anyone gets an angry face from me it is always regarding their post, never about them personally. I would give my best friend an angry face if I hated what he wrote. I think I have only used it twice in this group, so far!

 

[Gardenlover]

There's an advantage of living in the desert southwest, low humidity & almost no rain so no rust. But as you might imagine old age & clanking around in this armour isn't easy.

Must be like wearing an oven.

 

[dilettante]

It looks like everything I propose brings some hidden dangers with it!

I wouldn't worry, you were just expressing a concern and had the guts to ask the question. That's worth plenty right there. I'm sure it got many of us to think.

I'm a bit of a Communication Clodhopper. I often say the wrong thing, or even the right thing in the wrong way. Living alone has probably only intensified my cluelessness. If my remarks offended you I apologize, my filter is a bit leaky.

 

[Knight]

Must be like wearing an oven.

Kind of but the trade off is no ice & snow around for days, then there is the plus of greenery year round. When we lived in PA. BBQing outside on Christmas day never happened. Still not used to decorating cactus at Christmas time like it is a pine tree.

 

[Warrigal]

I admire the balanced nature you were endowed with @oldaunt. I actually get hurt or elated or aggravated in my interchange with others! I place too much importance on the reactions of people I haven't even met in real life.

The adult reaction should be like yours but some of us never grow out of our "high-school" insecurity! I truly envy you, wish I hadn't been born an introvert!

As an introvert you should have the ability to talk to yourself. Just tell yourself, on a daily basis, that your worth as a person does not depend on what some anonymous person on social media, or on this forum, might think of you.

Also, remind yourself that you don't know what that anonymous person is reacting to. They do not know you, have no idea of your life experiences and you are just as unaware of their life.

In cricketing terms, you must let some balls go straight through to the keeper, without taking them seriously. They can't really hurt you.

Praise and ignore, or just ignore. Take back your power and choose to stay calm.

I wish I hadn't been born an introvert!

Wishing that you had a different personality is pointless.
There is an old adage that says "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride".

Auntie Warrigal has offered you her most sage advice.
She won't be offended if you completely ignore it.

 

[Jamala]

Any line dancing groups in your neck of the woods Old Salt.?
Might be a good idea to sign up with one... just sayin'

 

[palides2021]

I am just afraid that the present set-up makes us into a group of browsers and clickers. Going down a list: like ... like ... like! Did I get everyone? I really was flattered and pleased every time I got a "like" to one of my posts until I noticed that some of our friends, seem to go down the length of the thread and sprinkle every post with a "like!" Their intentions are kind and I appreciate that part but this devalues everyone's post unless the purpose of this forum is to make everyone feel good. Nothing wrong with that, but I crave more sharing of ideas rather than clicks! Am I the only one?

There's more to this site than the "likes." You can quote someone and reply to their message, like I am doing now. To me, that's the best way to communicate. You can also use the emoji's within your message like this: and so on. And finally, you can bypass someone, and not even click an acknowledgement that you read their post.

Like several here, I often "like" a post even though I might disagree with it, because I like the poster, or acknowledge their contribution (like looking someone in the eyes and letting them know you saw them). As a lifelong learner, I am always expanding my knowledge base. Finally, it's hard for me to pass judgement on what others are doing, and I'm not going to start now.

 

[oldaunt]

As an introvert you should have the ability to talk to yourself. Just tell yourself, on a daily basis, that your worth as a person does not depend on what some anonymous person on social media, or on this forum, might think of you.

Also, remind yourself that you don't know what that anonymous person is reacting to. They do not know you, have no idea of your life experiences and you are just as unaware of their life.

In cricketing terms, you must let some balls go straight through to the keeper, without taking them seriously. They can't really hurt you.

Praise and ignore, or just ignore. Take back your power and choose to stay calm.



Wishing that you had a different personality is pointless.
There is an old adage that says "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride".

Auntie Warrigal has offered you her most sage advice.
She won't be offended if you completely ignore it.

PREACH it, girl! So right!

 

[jujube]

I'm running for Prom Queen. Vote for me!

 

[Old Salt]

There's more to this site than the "likes." You can quote someone and reply to their message, like I am doing now. To me, that's the best way to communicate. You can also use the emoji's within your message like this: and so on. And finally, you can bypass someone, and not even click an acknowledgement that you read their post.

Like several here, I often "like" a post even though I might disagree with it, because I like the poster, or acknowledge their contribution (like looking someone in the eyes and letting them know you saw them). As a lifelong learner, I am always expanding my knowledge base. Finally, it's hard for me to pass judgement on what others are doing, and I'm not going to start now.

I am in agreement with you, @palides2021 except for that last paragraph. It contradicts everything I believe in. If I disagree with a post it will never get a "like" just because I like the poster! It's the post that gets judged not the writer! Same as when I give a , this does not mean that I love the poster, it's what he/she wrote! If there were any ambiguity about this, I would have quite a few men in this forum wonder about my sexual preferences! Sorry, but in my stubborn view, a "like" can only refer to a post and never to anything else otherwise the system of "rating" doesn't make any sense! Have a pleasant night, Palides!

 

[Old Salt]

Any line dancing groups in your neck of the woods Old Salt.?
Might be a good idea to sign up with one... just sayin'

Good Heavens, @Jamala you are a closet sadist! You just conjured up the worst possible scenario imaginable to me! My ideal solution would be to become a hermit but strangely enough I like people, as long as I don't have to mingle! A Forum is perfect for that. Only time I don't feel shy!