I wrote this in another thread but it seems very relevant here.

I have peeked at the statistics and found that nearly everybody (in the high post count range) has 20% to 25% "Thanks" compared to their total post count. In my eyes, this diminishes the value of any alleged reputation being associated with the "Like" count. (Like and Thanks being used interchangeably in this case.)

I like to be thanked, but it seems the number of, "Thanks" is merely a function of society, not competence.

I also like to be thanked, either in text or by the button. I agree it is societal.

BTW, That ratio of "likes" or "helps" exists on other forums as well. It is quite evident at EDA Board too, which has been keeping "score" for a long time. That is why I think having the button is OK, but keeping track of the number of hits creates a metric that is likely to be misused. That confusion is apparently what created this concurrent thread on assessing competence: http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/user-skill-levels.101602/ Georacer's comment (#5) is right on. A "like" is just in the mind of the person hitting the button, and nothing more.

As for competence, remember the adage, "Even a broken clock is right twice a day." (Obviously written by someone using a 12-hour clock.) Sometimes, I have a hard time even reaching that bar.

John

 

I would like the "thanks" more than "like".

I still don't understand how to use the "+Quote" function, when I pressed the "+Quote" then it became "-Quote", but it seems nothing change, if the "+Quote" function is not important, maybe it can be change it to the "thanks", but maybe the function was limited by the software of the system.

Maybe we can open up a Ballot to members for the "like" and "thanks", from the vote to see how many members like the "like" or "thanks".

 

The quote button causes some words (insert quotes) to be displayed next to the writing box you will use. Click that and another box will pop up. Click that and the quote will appear in your writing box. Now you can edit the quote and proceed with your comment.

Go to, "Off Topic" and click, "start new thread". When that process starts, you will find an option for a public opinion poll.

 

@#12,

That used to be the function of the "Quote" button in the old software. Now it is performed by the "Reply" button. +Quote does multi-quotes now. We all need to adjust to this, indeed.

@ScottWang,
If you have any trouble with the quoting system, let us know in another thread in this forum (Feedback and Suggestions)

Now, about the like/thanks system, which seems to cause much anguish to some people.

First, I'll state my personal opinion. I use the like button exactly in the same way as the thanks button in the old software. The reason for using it is when I want to commend a user for his post but actually the only thing I mean to write is a simple "Thanks" or "Well-said" or "That was funny". Sometimes I don't want to clutter a thread with a 10-character post or even want to quickly read new threads, but don't want to post an answer. The Thanks button fits those purposes. It literally has NO OTHER USE to me.

Now, about the statistic of the sum of "thanks" a user has. Almost every forum software keeps track of those statistics by default. In fact, most people and sites want/need this kind of statistics, so they are switched on by default, on installation. They are integrated with the whole forum experience and displayed often. However, we at AAC don't care much for them. We never had a ranking/rating system nor plan to implement one in the immediate future. Thus, even though the functionality exists, it doesn't mean that we wished for it or that we plan to use it.
Especially for this kind of functionality, it may be more hassle (and jrap may correct me) to remove it than it's worth. It is not worth the time to take it out, and for the few people that might "dig it" it is a welcome choice.

To sum up, since there is no tangible and official effect/behaviour/ranking stemming from the thanks/likes functionality, I would suggest the userbase to not try to make one up. Use the button if you have a use for it, but don't try to enforce this use onto the rest of the users. You are free to make whatever decisions you want judging from this button, but don't expect me to acknowledge them, and this is because this button has only one interpretation, at the end of the day: Someone pushed this button on your post while you weren't present to see him doing it. It doesn't mean that he thinks you're the greatest person ever, it doesn't mean you are the greatest electrician ever, it doesn't even necessarily mean that he liked your post, rather than he has a habit of pressing the button, inherited from Facebook.

As always, tread carefully. Thank you for your attention.

 

That's why I was suggesting something like what they have at ETO -- different ratings you can give to a particular post. A "Thanks", an "Agree", and a "Like" are three completely different things, each of which could have its own use on a post. I think it would be much more valuable to have these three options rather than just one "like" button. It would be a lot more specific.

Great idea Der, but it is completely brought to its knees by a guy like me, who would get at least two of the three ("like," "thanks," or "agree") on every single post because of my impeccable people skills and untouchable wit, without contributing a single helpful technical tidbit. I would be the leading expert on everything, according to feedback click statistics (which is closely correlated with public opinion). Actually the more I talk about it, the more think you're onto something; what I'm describing actually seems to be a pretty close fit for real life. Life's one big popularity contest, and if a forum is anything like real life, then the more feedback options the better. Bring it all on! (please, I need this, for my self esteem. I'm not actually this personable in real life - my insane wit take time to generate, and wit & time are oil & water)

 

I thought I was making a request that would either be accepted or rejected. I had no intention of causing a discussion. Maybe I should have PM'd this to Geo or Bill.

 

In a related story, I quit home brewing beer because...
I started off strong on homebrewtalk.com with a very impressive 200% "like" rate. As I went on, my post count started dragging my like rate down. When it got below 100% I lost all satisfaction in home brewing. But I walked away with 84 posts and 78 likes; that's a 93% like rate! I have that framed and hung on a closet door; the closet where all my derelict home brewing supplies are kept.

(for those who don't understand sarcasm and humor: The above anecdote is not true. The numbers are, but the story isn't. I just wanted to brag about having a near 100% post-to-"like" ratio on another forum.)

 

only flitting through theses comments, apologies if i've missed a point.

i don't think the 'likes' needed at all, too many variations available.

going back to objectives, the forum is mainly issues solving and as some forums do, link to the answer to resolve. a 'solution' or 'answer' button would be my option

 

Great idea Der, but it is completely brought to its knees by a guy like me, who would get at least two of the three ("like," "thanks," or "agree") on every single post because of my impeccable people skills and untouchable wit, without contributing a single helpful technical tidbit. I would be the leading expert on everything, according to feedback click statistics (which is closely correlated with public opinion). Actually the more I talk about it, the more think you're onto something; what I'm describing actually seems to be a pretty close fit for real life. Life's one big popularity contest, and if a forum is anything like real life, then the more feedback options the better. Bring it all on! (please, I need this, for my self esteem. I'm not actually this personable in real life - my insane wit take time to generate, and wit & time are oil & water)

I debated whether I should "like" this or not, but it's just pure gold. I had to

 

@#12,

That used to be the function of the "Quote" button in the old software. Now it is performed by the "Reply" button. +Quote does multi-quotes now. We all need to adjust to this, indeed.

@ScottWang,
If you have any trouble with the quoting system, let us know in another thread in this forum (Feedback and Suggestions)

Now, about the like/thanks system, which seems to cause much anguish to some people.

First, I'll state my personal opinion. I use the like button exactly in the same way as the thanks button in the old software. The reason for using it is when I want to commend a user for his post but actually the only thing I mean to write is a simple "Thanks" or "Well-said" or "That was funny". Sometimes I don't want to clutter a thread with a 10-character post or even want to quickly read new threads, but don't want to post an answer. The Thanks button fits those purposes. It literally has NO OTHER USE to me.

Now, about the statistic of the sum of "thanks" a user has. Almost every forum software keeps track of those statistics by default. In fact, most people and sites want/need this kind of statistics, so they are switched on by default, on installation. They are integrated with the whole forum experience and displayed often. However, we at AAC don't care much for them. We never had a ranking/rating system nor plan to implement one in the immediate future. Thus, even though the functionality exists, it doesn't mean that we wished for it or that we plan to use it.
Especially for this kind of functionality, it may be more hassle (and jrap may correct me) to remove it than it's worth. It is not worth the time to take it out, and for the few people that might "dig it" it is a welcome choice.

To sum up, since there is no tangible and official effect/behaviour/ranking stemming from the thanks/likes functionality, I would suggest the userbase to not try to make one up. Use the button if you have a use for it, but don't try to enforce this use onto the rest of the users. You are free to make whatever decisions you want judging from this button, but don't expect me to acknowledge them, and this is because this button has only one interpretation, at the end of the day: Someone pushed this button on your post while you weren't present to see him doing it. It doesn't mean that he thinks you're the greatest person ever, it doesn't mean you are the greatest electrician ever, it doesn't even necessarily mean that he liked your post, rather than he has a habit of pressing the button, inherited from Facebook.

As always, tread carefully. Thank you for your attention.

I were joined three EE forums in Taiwan, the first one has no any button to press, the thread starter only can typing thank you... or something ... in the messages box, the second was only the thread starter can adding the scores to the member who was given him the best answers, the third was everyone can adding scores from -5~-1,+1~+5, the management group can be adding scores from -10~-1,+1~+10, there is no standard that you can adding any scores under the range, it's all up to you.

Any suggestions from members, included me, the management group have the authority to make final decision, I'm not insist to any suggestions what I suggested, if I got a chance to do the suggestion or talking the opinions then I will do those thing, but I will also respecting the decision from management group.

I'm not saying that the opinions from the members unimportant, the forum existing because the members existing and continuing to coming back, so the management group should care about the opinions from members, but how to keep the balance from opinions and management are the important issue for management group.

 

That's why I was suggesting something like what they have at ETO -- different ratings you can give to a particular post. A "Thanks", an "Agree", and a "Like" are three completely different things, each of which could have its own use on a post. I think it would be much more valuable to have these three options rather than just one "like" button. It would be a lot more specific.

Hi Matt. Thanks for making the suggestion. I agree with what you're saying.
I like the idea of having three buttons.

 

I were joined three EE forums in Taiwan, the first one has no any button to press, the thread starter only can typing thank you... or something ... in the messages box, the second was only the thread starter can adding the scores to the member who was given him the best answers, the third was everyone can adding scores from -5~-1,+1~+5, the management group can be adding scores from -10~-1,+1~+10, there is no standard that you can adding any scores under the range, it's all up to you.

Any suggestions from members, included me, the management group have the authority to make final decision, I'm not insist to any suggestions what I suggested, if I got a chance to do the suggestion or talking the opinions then I will do those thing, but I will also respecting the decision from management group.

I'm not saying that the opinions from the members unimportant, the forum existing because the members existing and continuing to coming back, so the management group should care about the opinions from members, but how to keep the balance from opinions and management are the important issue for management group.

Indeed, Scott, your opinion, as well as the opinion of the rest of the membership is important. This is why this thread is now 2 pages long and is bound to grow larger still. But also, as you said, " the management group have the authority to make final decision". I feel like this "like/thanks" issue is more of a "company profile" or "company policy" decision, rather than a discussion on a new product. In the latter case, public surveys are done to catch the public opinion. In the former, the company owner decides what he wants to do with his business.

 

Great idea Der, but it is completely brought to its knees by a guy like me, who would get at least two of the three ("like," "thanks," or "agree") on every single post because of my impeccable people skills and untouchable wit, without contributing a single helpful technical tidbit. I would be the leading expert on everything, according to feedback click statistics (which is closely correlated with public opinion). Actually the more I talk about it, the more think you're onto something; what I'm describing actually seems to be a pretty close fit for real life. Life's one big popularity contest, and if a forum is anything like real life, then the more feedback options the better. Bring it all on! (please, I need this, for my self esteem. I'm not actually this personable in real life - my insane wit take time to generate, and wit & time are oil & water)

Listen mate, I've got the tee-shirt...

 

Indeed, Scott, your opinion, as well as the opinion of the rest of the membership is important. This is why this thread is now 2 pages long and is bound to grow larger still. But also, as you said, " the management group have the authority to make final decision". I feel like this "like/thanks" issue is more of a "company profile" or "company policy" decision, rather than a discussion on a new product. In the latter case, public surveys are done to catch the public opinion. In the former, the company owner decides what he wants to do with his business.

What I came here that I were sharing my experience and learn something new, that's so simple, the other thing what i care is a harmony environment, so far is acceptable and nice.

 

Hi Matt. Thanks for making the suggestion. I agree with what you're saying.
I like the idea of having three buttons.

I failed to follow up my jestful reply with a serious one, but I seriously also like the idea. Without devoting much thought to it, I also like the negative feedback options, like "disagree," "dislike," etc.

If I were the one adding/removing buttons, I would put "agree," "helpful," "LOL," "disagree," and "not helpful" buttons. I think these options make the feedback more applicable to the specific post and help the OP get a better idea who is steering them in the right or wrong direction based on the WWW panel of experts chiming in. It also helps sort out the jokesters from those providing meaningful, applicable, and accurate technical feedback.