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

Warrigal said:
I don't have a side. I have my own opinions rather than some sort of collective position of every topic.

There is such a thing as an independent thinker. There are many here on this forum.
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Why don't they post more often? I am craving company and, no I am far from following any doctrines and dogmas. You might have noticed by the threads I started that I post from my gut! Because of that I humbly admit that I am not always right. Just trying to keep an aging brain well oiled!
 

Magna-Carta said:
I like this reply of yours, to my reply to your post #29.

Alternatively, we could all just hit the "Like" button. I think the Like button still has some merit, as when used correctly and appropriately it reduces unnecessary replies that some might become bored with trying to read through.

Can you see the point I've been trying to set up with you?
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Of course I understand. I like every single one of our buttons and see their value. My thread was started because the "likes" are greatly abused. I just found out today, by a fluke. I got one response of "like" to one of my posts Was tickled pink since no one else had reacted but when I went down the list of other posters right to the end, every single one of them had been given a "like" regardless of their post, by the same person. I am convinced, looking at all the replies that he/she meant well but in my eyes it negated my "like!" And, no, I am not craving "likes," just honesty!
 
Old Salt said:
Why don't they post more often? I am craving company and, no I am far from following any doctrines and dogmas. You might have noticed by the threads I started that I post from my gut! Because of that I humbly admit that I am not always right. Just trying to keep an aging brain well oiled!
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I cannot answer your question.

I would hazard a guess that it is difficult to determine whether an individual forum member is an independent thinker or one of the herd. This is probably because it is not an either/or situation. I may sound like an outlier in some threads, and on other topics, someone whose thinking is typical of some subclass of humanity.

As an Aussie I may sound typical of other Australians on this forum, but I can assure you that have differing views on quite a few topics.
 

Warrigal said:
I cannot answer your question.

I would hazard a guess that it is difficult to determine whether an individual forum member is an independent thinker or one of the herd. This is probably because it is not an either/or situation. I may sound like an outlier in some threads, and on other topics, someone whose thinking is typical of some subclass of humanity.

As an Aussie I may sound typical of other Australians on this forum, but I can assure you that have differing views on quite a few topics.
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I think most of us are a bit of both, independent thinker and one of the herd! I think that's a great thing. How else could we live with one another! I just don't want my individuality swallowed up by becoming too much "herd!" And not giving unnecessary "likes" is one of those efforts to remain an individual and not an addicted craver of attention.

Yes, I almost became one, every emoji on the bottom of my posts was enjoyed over and over again, and pretty soon after that I was tempted to start writing just for those "likes!" Today was Independence Day, no more craving likes. If I get them I hope they will come from the heart and not from rote!
 
Old Salt said:
Of course I understand. I like every single one of our buttons and see their value. My thread was started because the "likes" are greatly abused. I just found out today, by a fluke. I got one response of "like" to one of my posts Was tickled pink since no one else had reacted but when I went down the list of other posters right to the end, every single one of them had been given a "like" regardless of their post, by the same person. I am convinced, looking at all the replies that he/she meant well but in my eyes it negated my "like!" And, no, I am not craving "likes," just honesty!
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I think as some others have said, I don't think we can put too much emphasis on 'Likes' to posts. They can mean different things to different people who use them. Then different things by the same person on different days. Some might get up one morning and just be in the mood for 'liking' most of the posts they see. On another day that same person might not be in the mood for liking the same posts.

On one day someone might click Like because they agree with the whole post, and might only click Like if they agree with the whole post and nothing less. Then on another day, that same person might Like a post based on just agreeing with part of it.

Similarly to you, I sometimes see some people who on occasion might click Like on a series of posts within a thread. I usually see that as someone being in a "Like" mood today. They may not be so inclined on another day. I don't put too much emphasis on it as a whole. I would say though that the use of the Like button can reduce unnecessary replies somewhat, don't you think?
 
Magna-Carta said:
I think as some others have said, I don't think we can put too much emphasis on 'Likes' to posts. They can mean different things to different people who use them. Then different things by the same person on different days. Some might get up one morning and just be in the mood for 'liking' most of the posts they see. On another day that same person might not be in the mood for liking the same posts.

On one day someone might click Like because they agree with the whole post, and might only click Like if they agree with the whole post and nothing less. Then on another day, that same person might Like a post based on just agreeing with part of it.

Similarly to you, I sometimes see some people who on occasion might click Like on a series of posts within a thread. I usually see that as someone being in a "Like" mood today. They may not be so inclined on another day. I don't put too much emphasis on it as a whole. I would say though that the use of the Like button can reduce unnecessary replies somewhat, don't you think?
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I love the kindness in you! Thanks for making my evening!
 
Old Salt said:
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?
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I have always disliked the "everyone gets a trophy for participating" attitude.
 
I know I've been guilty of the very thing Old Salt is talking about and it could be for a number of reasons. I may be just happy to see the poster taking part. Most often, if I do "like" both sides during a debate or argument, it's because I can see both sides of the issue and I'm saying "good point!" even though, over all, I may be on a different side.
 
So, if we take away the likes, are threads going to be filled with "Me too!" posts? Or endless repetitive posts because there's no quick way of responding (e.g., likes, laughs, etc.). Do we need, instead, zillions of "I agree" posts? To me, that is not better.

Not sure why we are even having this discussion. This is really overthinking things, instead of letting people respond as they wish.

The forums are set up the way they are. Why should we need to conform to someone else's ideas? Or cut down the communication because someone's tallying likes and if they're really meant one way or another or according to some "think" as to what the members should do?
 
Old Salt said:
a peculiar thing. People would give out "likes" and "hugs" etc. to posters with completely opposing views! To me, it's strange. If I don't like something, even though I like the poster, I won't give it a "like!"

How can you put your "like" on someone's post even if you disagree with it and another "like" on a post you like? At the same time? Are you liking them just for posting, or because you like them personally? Doesn't that make whatever we post irrelevant?
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I'd say how people respond to what we post doesn't in any way determine relevance of what we post.

Whatever our preferences may be for how others make use of emojis and such like, their choices and criteria remain their own just as our use of them is up to us. The world would be a simpler place if there was perfect agreement but within complexity there is room for a wide range of personalities to express themselves.

I confess I am not consistent in my use of likes et al. With posters I know better how I use them may be unconsciously influenced by what I know of how they use them. Life is strange but I like it.
 
Old Salt said:
It's not a life or death matter for me but as I looked over some threads this afternoon I noticed a peculiar thing. People would give out "likes" and "hugs" etc. to posters with completely opposing views! To me, it's strange. If I don't like something, even though I like the poster, I won't give it a "like!"

How can you put your "like" on someone's post even if you disagree with it and another "like" on a post you like? At the same time? Are you liking them just for posting, or because you like them personally? Doesn't that make whatever we post irrelevant?
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I agree. I wish there was a symbol for “I read this and thought it an interesting point of view but do not wholeheartedly agree.”
 
JustDave said:
I'm on another forum that got rid of the "likes." It doesn't make the forum less valuable. I don't think the likes made it more valuable. Responses to a post can be more helpful than likes.
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I left a forum that got rid of feedback because it made it harder to get to know people. That defeated the purpose. :(:(
 

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