Posted on Aug 6, 2015
27
27
0
It's no secret that RallyPoint is growing in some great and amazing ways. We now have members of every branch, at every grade from every conflict back to Vietnam. We are seeing a lot of new and for the most part interesting threads from some new faces in the crowd which is awesome.
But if you look back through out the database, you will notice that this wasn't always the case. Early on you saw some of the same names like SSG V. Michelle Woods, CPT (Join to see), SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", SFC James Baber, SSG Robert Burns, Col (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), SGT (Join to see) and so many others. Now there are so many new people that it's impossible to list them. Again, I don't see this as a bad thing. I think the new interaction is a great thing.
The question still stands, has RallyPoint come to the point where we are truly seeing the first changing of the guard?
But if you look back through out the database, you will notice that this wasn't always the case. Early on you saw some of the same names like SSG V. Michelle Woods, CPT (Join to see), SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", SFC James Baber, SSG Robert Burns, Col (Join to see), 1SG (Join to see), SGT (Join to see) and so many others. Now there are so many new people that it's impossible to list them. Again, I don't see this as a bad thing. I think the new interaction is a great thing.
The question still stands, has RallyPoint come to the point where we are truly seeing the first changing of the guard?
Posted in these groups: 
RallyPoint
Forums
RallyPoint Forums
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 31
20
20
0
More members is better.
But I have seen two negatives in the year or so I have been on the site.
1. We are getting "spammed" with topics. Many are clutter or duplicates of earlier discussions, and all of the noise crowds out discussions that would have had a lot of legs in the past as many members just scroll through what is new. We just don't see topics that go for weeks or months anymore.
2. I have noticed that voting has taken a turn. There are new folks that wield votes as a weapon, down voting folks for disagreeing. If you want that, go to facebook. There are others (that tend to be newer members) who are very stingy with their upvotes because of the madness of the points chase. My philosophy is that if the point is well made, I will upvote, whether I agree or not.
But I have seen two negatives in the year or so I have been on the site.
1. We are getting "spammed" with topics. Many are clutter or duplicates of earlier discussions, and all of the noise crowds out discussions that would have had a lot of legs in the past as many members just scroll through what is new. We just don't see topics that go for weeks or months anymore.
2. I have noticed that voting has taken a turn. There are new folks that wield votes as a weapon, down voting folks for disagreeing. If you want that, go to facebook. There are others (that tend to be newer members) who are very stingy with their upvotes because of the madness of the points chase. My philosophy is that if the point is well made, I will upvote, whether I agree or not.
(20)
(0)
SGT Ben Keen
I agree with you 1SG (Join to see) that we have seen questions that are asked and answered already. As one of the member admins, I work hard to catch these when I see them but like I tell others, if you see a duplicate, take one of us with a star by our picture and we will take care of it.
Great input!
Great input!
(2)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
I agree with the spam. As admins we spend a lot of time trying to take care of this. It is a lot of work. We even get rid of a lot of them also. Some of them you never see and what you do see is what is left over.
(5)
(0)
SGT Jeremiah B.
I think both of those negatives are really just products of a larger community making unwritten rules less obvious or less viable.
1. "Necro-posting" is typically frowned upon in other communities - that is interacting with old posts that haven't seen any activity in a while. I can't count the number of times I've not posted on an interesting thread because it seemed odd to revive something that had been dead for months or at least was very old. If I did that somewhere else, the thread usually gets a "WTF?!" before being locked by an admin.
2. Same thing - In other communities, downvotes are an "I don't agree" that may or may not have ramifications and there is no expectation to explain. Here, it's offensive and the social expectation is that it's reserved for decorum or quackery. I did it when I first got here and it wasn't until someone said something to me and I got my own first down vote that I re-thought that approach.
Part of the problem is that RP functions like a forum, but isn't structured like one, so there is no "READ THIS BEFORE POSTING!" thread locked to the top that goes over actual rules and social dynamics. You just kinda wander in, make a fool of yourself and either adjust or leave.
1. "Necro-posting" is typically frowned upon in other communities - that is interacting with old posts that haven't seen any activity in a while. I can't count the number of times I've not posted on an interesting thread because it seemed odd to revive something that had been dead for months or at least was very old. If I did that somewhere else, the thread usually gets a "WTF?!" before being locked by an admin.
2. Same thing - In other communities, downvotes are an "I don't agree" that may or may not have ramifications and there is no expectation to explain. Here, it's offensive and the social expectation is that it's reserved for decorum or quackery. I did it when I first got here and it wasn't until someone said something to me and I got my own first down vote that I re-thought that approach.
Part of the problem is that RP functions like a forum, but isn't structured like one, so there is no "READ THIS BEFORE POSTING!" thread locked to the top that goes over actual rules and social dynamics. You just kinda wander in, make a fool of yourself and either adjust or leave.
(4)
(0)
CPO (Join to see)
SGT Jeremiah B. - I noticed how downvoting here is pretty controversial and is almost always taken as an insult. Every other online community I've been in, it's been acceptable to downvote someone simply because you did not agree or did not like their content. Then again, here at Rallypoint, your name is attached to your vote so maybe it just makes things more personal. That's my take on it.
(0)
(0)
17
17
0
I am a newbie, but I believe there is more to offer when the herd is larger.
(17)
(0)
SGT Ben Keen
I fully agree with you 1stSgt (Join to see). We have had our fair share of great conversations when the site first launched and its great to see more and more people coming and taking part in these conversations.
(1)
(0)
1stSgt (Join to see)
I like that I am conversing with what I consider to be professionals, that seem to genuinely give a shit about the topic matter. I do not agree with everyone, but everyone adds to the conversation. I was always a mission first type of leader who believed in taking care of the boys at the same time.
(5)
(0)
1stSgt (Join to see)
And i laugh as I mention myself and "newbie" in the same sentence. When I was first promoted to GySgt, I referred to myself as a "Boot Gunny" and the 1st Sgt for another line company lit me up like the 4th of July, stated there was no such thing and being that I was at the 18 year mark, I was no longer a boot anything.
(1)
(0)
SGT Ben Keen
1stSgt (Join to see) - That is what I like about this site as well. For example, where else will you see 1SG from the Marines freely discuss some of these issues with an SGT from the Army? We have seen GOs interact with PV1s. We truly do care about the topics we discuss here and while we will not always see eye-to-eye we do try to maintain the professionalism this site requires.
(4)
(0)
14
14
0
SGT Ben Keen
One of the most important parts of a successful guard is that it brings together seasoned members, who have been through the fight and have gained wisdom and knowledge, with junior members full of vigor, stamina and endurance to "man" the guard.
While I am a seasoned Soldier I am a relatively new member to RallyPoint. I have been saddened to see some members depart; but, I am thankful for new friendships and frequently thought=provoking and stimulating discussions.
General Orders for Army Guards apply well to RallyPoint.
1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.
2. I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.
3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.
http://www.atsc.army.mil/crc/General%20Orders%20grn.pdf
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", LTC Stephen C., Capt Mark Strobl, CPT L S, SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT (Join to see), SGT Robert Hawks, SGT Forrest Stewart, SPC (Join to see), PO1 John Miller, SGT Jeremiah B., SGT Randal Groover, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, MSgt (Join to see), PO3 Steven Sherrill,
One of the most important parts of a successful guard is that it brings together seasoned members, who have been through the fight and have gained wisdom and knowledge, with junior members full of vigor, stamina and endurance to "man" the guard.
While I am a seasoned Soldier I am a relatively new member to RallyPoint. I have been saddened to see some members depart; but, I am thankful for new friendships and frequently thought=provoking and stimulating discussions.
General Orders for Army Guards apply well to RallyPoint.
1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.
2. I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.
3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.
http://www.atsc.army.mil/crc/General%20Orders%20grn.pdf
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", LTC Stephen C., Capt Mark Strobl, CPT L S, SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT (Join to see), SGT Robert Hawks, SGT Forrest Stewart, SPC (Join to see), PO1 John Miller, SGT Jeremiah B., SGT Randal Groover, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, MSgt (Join to see), PO3 Steven Sherrill,
(14)
(0)
SGT Ben Keen
Great insights LTC Stephen F.. I hope those of us that have been on here for awhile have given the newer members a great structure to follow. Our success isn't based on what happens today but what will happen tomorrow.
(3)
(0)
SGT Jeremiah B.
I agree totally. The Old Guard has been great at passing along the culture and expectations without stifling those of us that are newer. It feels like a proper hand off, except the last rotation isn't necessarily leaving.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google