Do you think people are too comfortable on RallyPoint?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:56:49 -0400

When I post on RallyPoint I always try to remain professional and tactful. I also try to keep in mind of the audience who may see my posts. However as I was reading through some threads and comments I realized that some people (Soldiers, NCO's, and Officers) feel they can let it fly to whomever. With that being said... Are people to relaxed on Social Media? Have you ever had to correct someone on-line or off-line?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 21 at 2016 3:58 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:58:33 -0400

This is why the site maintains a small group of user admin. We try our best to ensure that people remain professional and action is taken if that rule is continuously broken.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 21 at 2016 3:59 PM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:59:07 -0400

Perhaps, but keep in mind that you also have retired and separated Veterans. And speaking for myself, I am much more likely to speak my mind now as compared to when I was still active duty. That being said, when I compare the discussions here to similar discussions on Facebook or other social media, the tone here is generally far more respectful across the board.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 4:50 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 16:50:55 -0400

You make a very good point Rally Point is not Facebook we should be more professional active duty and veterans thanks for bringing it up

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 21 at 2016 5:32 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:32:29 -0400

I agree. I was thinking the same thing. I thought Rally Point was a "Professional Military Networking Site and forum" it was designed in 2012 by two military veterans at Harvard Business School to help make military life better. Backed by two of the US military's recent Joint Chiefs of Staff, RallyPoint connects its members and gives them the best tools possible to succeed both while in the military, and beyond. With RallyPoint, you can build out your professional network, connect with other members of the military and veterans in a safe environment, and explore career opportunities both within the military (PCS opportunities) and in the private sector. My question is this...Is it fulfilling its vision?...I think it is on a slippery slope on its way down for people to push their agendas vice discussing current military issues and veterans issues and defense concerns. It is turning into a facebook. What I am finding out is that it is becoming a sounding board for transgender discussions at Target and schools, travel information, bad cop videos, outside the military real criminal cases, and other things that do not have any ties to the military or veterans issues. For instance if we discussed Transgender integration in the military then it would be appropriate. Outside the gates, it shouldn't be on RP...just my two cents.

I think I am going to go offline for a while and see if it comes around. I admit, I have been drawn into some of these discussion myself but I feel that this is not the place. Facebook takes care of that. Thanks for bringing it up.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Apr 21 at 2016 5:34 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:34:26 -0400

I don't know how to answer your question...I'm not sure what the comfort level is suppose to be...but I do know, people on RP certainly do not have a problem speaking their minds. lol

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 5:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 17:41:55 -0400

I like how RP is ran. There should be a little more leeway allowed while posting compared to being at work. It's a lot more respectful here than any message board or forum I visit. I think here you should be able to speak your mind, as long as you are not calling someone out there name I see nothing wrong with it. Just my opinion

Response by Keri S made Apr 21 at 2016 6:56 PM

Keri S — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 18:56:43 -0400

I agree. I think people have become way too loose with their tongues/social media.
Things are sometimes inappropriate to say on social media. I feel many have become keyboard warriors.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 21 at 2016 7:04 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:04:15 -0400

I would tend to agree with you SFC Hobbs. I roll right past any posts that are harshly written, to overtly negative and or foul. When I read responses on threads in which I am personally involved and I think it to be out of misguided passion I offer a private note highlighting the issue, otherwise I ignore it.

As a note, I will say that the rule regarding respecting the Commander and Chief is not gone, particularly service members in uniform, you can be punished.

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 21 at 2016 7:07 PM

SGT William Howell — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 19:07:38 -0400

I totally disagree. It is not Facebook. There are not pictures of cats everywhere. When the conversation is of professional nature it is typically held at a professional level. When somebody says something that is jacked up. People respond likewise. There is nothing wrong with that. There is no sense of getting worked up about it.

Response by MSG Scott Bradley made Apr 21 at 2016 8:27 PM

MSG Scott Bradley — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:27:58 -0400

As a retired participant I do try to be very respectful to everyone I speak with, but I have moved passed the class status of the military. My civilian career and education puts me at in a place beyond that of my final rank. I like the conversation and topics, but I would not likely put up with being dressed down by someone that sits at a higher rank than I was at that point in my career.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 8:39 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:39:12 -0400

I have corrected soldiers (not retired or former military) on several occasions about their tone and language. But it is not very often.

Most of the time, in my opinion, the worse offenders are people who know they can't be held accountable for it (former military civilians).

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 21 at 2016 8:43 PM

Maj John Bell — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:43:35 -0400

The tone and language often communicate more than the words.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 8:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:58:05 -0400

I feel society and the in particulat, the Army has put up too many barriers to real communication. Too often we are forced, because of society's rules, to bite our tongues and not say what we really feel. Of course there are certain things that shouldn't be said in reference to race, religion and creed, but people have become too sensitive these days. Stop filing "Hurt Feelings Reports", just because some one says something you don't like. To answer your question though, I would rather hear what someone is really thinking than the candy coated truth.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Apr 21 at 2016 9:29 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 21:29:46 -0400

Of course they SFC. Unless someone gets 'offended' then takes the time to track down the other at their unit, then the person gets off. Veterans like myself you can't do anything to. I support all military and I do keep myself professional regardless of conflict of views.

Response by LTC Tom Jones made Apr 21 at 2016 10:38 PM

LTC Tom Jones — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 22:38:25 -0400

Thanks for the post. I agree that civility is important. On the other hand, I have known some very professional and effective soldiers who push that particular envelop; i.e., kinda noisy and "colorful" in their manner of expression. I do find it interesting that on Rally Point there can be strong differences of opinion some of which are expressed in "let it fly" fashion and yet, in all the conversations I have viewed (admittedly not a huge sample size) I have yet to see a contributor voted "down." That is, "Jones, you're an idiot and here are the six reasons why..." and yet no thumbs down. Interesting to me, anyhow. Maybe I will be the first.

Response by Cpl D L Parker made Apr 21 at 2016 11:36 PM

Cpl D L Parker — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 23:36:00 -0400

This is more respectful than Military.com was in its heyday. But Military.com was loads of fun back then.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 12:24 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:24:50 -0400

I wouldn't tell off somebody on here if I wasn't comfortable with doing it IRL. I have my opinions but I don't like to boast them here, and when I'm in an official capacity I make damn sure I don't even mention them.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Apr 22 at 2016 6:23 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 06:23:51 -0400

I didn't really learn tact while I was in. I actually had to relearn that when I got out. That being said, I try to at least adhere to some customs and courtesies while on RP. This is most definitely nor Facebook.

Response by SPC Kenneth Koerperich made Apr 22 at 2016 7:05 AM

SPC Kenneth Koerperich — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:05:45 -0400

First off, it is relaxed, & I prefer it that way. As stated by others, to many people try to be PC & not butt hurt somebody w/ their opinions. So, your actually not getting a very good opinion, or input if people are trying to be PC. If you can't handle someone who isn't PC, you shouldn't be surfing the web.

Next, way to many people, even here on RP, are using "Fake" names to hide, then they try to impress people w/ their opinions. All this does is make some, like me call them on it.

Some posts, do lead to tempers flaring, as every person out there has feelings & their own idea's on "SAID" topics. If you push someone so far to where you get butt hurt, maybe you shouldn't be here. Everybody has an opinion, & just because you don't agree, got your feelings hurt, you shouldn't go off pouting or "Thumb downing" the posts made. It just makes you look small in others eyes & in the end people are just going to ignore you as a "Trouble-Maker".

Like the old saying goes:

"Opinions are like a-holes. Everybody has one, and they ALL stink!"

Nobody is above the next person. Take every post/opinion @ face value. You may not agree, but 95% of the time, what is said has a grain of truth, even if you agree to disagree.

Keep up the good work. I like visiting RP while @ work. Gives me things to read, & food for thought on many topics that would take to long to "Surf/Hunt" on the web alone.

Thanks!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 7:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:28:19 -0400

Update: I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments on this topic. Thank you all for your candid responses!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 7:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 07:50:29 -0400

I agree with a few people on this post to where, everyone should be professional and it doesn't matter if you're retired or not. Do express your opions and share information accordingly but you can by all means still be professional. From what I've now learned is that it's supposed to be a site made by military for military concerning military. Why there's a question about a transgender bathroom in Target?? I have no idea.. admin should have that removed but admin also has to lay down a better layout of rules and regulations. I recently found this site, looked good, had good information but not once was I told what I could or couldn't do on this site. Even if it was just a pop up saying "And remember... ALWAYS BE PROFESSIONAL!" I would've at least been set a standard. On the other hand this is not Facebook! You should initially recognize that and adjust your content and etc to the proper channels.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Apr 22 at 2016 8:54 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 08:54:21 -0400

This is a mixed community of both veterans and active duty/reserve, not an official military website. I do believe that a good amount of tact and professionalism is required, as I do in all situations regarding the military, but I don't think we need to resort to enforcing proper greetings of the day and customs and courtesies.

The benefit of Rallypoint is being able to have conversations with people you generally wouldn't in an informal way. Once you make it like a giant uniformed town hall meeting youre going to lose most of your users. Bottom line is be respectful and try to sound somewhat intelligent and youll do fine on here.

That being said, I do look at some questions posted in here as a complete waste of time. I generally just ignore them and go about my day.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 9:07 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 09:07:08 -0400

Not really. Most of the discussions remain professional. I've never had an NCO on here throw anything that they wouldn't say or that I wouldn't appreciate in person. That being said, I tend to be more liberal in my ability to take criticism and argument from subordinates. I value opinion, especially when it is brutally honest. Respectful, but honest.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Apr 22 at 2016 10:56 AM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 10:56:52 -0400

I have noticed that when the topics pertain to a persons core beliefs, that is where you will find the comments that would be considered less professional. I don't think that there is anything wrong with that, not agreeing with someone doesn't equate to being disrespectful or not professional. If you resort to name calling, etc., then sure, but not just having a different opinion.

Response by LCpl Chad Parson made Apr 22 at 2016 11:01 AM

LCpl Chad Parson — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:01:16 -0400

I've been out for quite a long time and I know there have been major cultural shifts in both the civilian and military worlds in the interim, but sometimes I think that the level of familiarity in conversations across ranks here can be problematic. The internet has given us all voice and I think we like to hear our own voices a bit too much sometimes.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Apr 22 at 2016 11:05 AM

CSM David Heidke — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 11:05:04 -0400

I try to be careful with what I say on RallyPoint, because I've heard stories about retribution.

But I retire in 8 days... I will probably be a little more vocal. ;-)

Response by SSG James Arlington made Apr 22 at 2016 4:39 PM

SSG James Arlington — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 16:39:59 -0400

Yeah, why the name calling? I'm not responding to less than cordial behavior anymore.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Apr 23 at 2016 4:24 PM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Sat, 23 Apr 2016 16:24:29 -0400

How else are we suppose to learn anything if we cannot freely communicate? We can always change our attitudes but I cannot be held responsible responses of others. Maybe we need to find ways to advance others maturity or support their mental development or remedy their mental health issues?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 27 at 2016 11:47 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 11:47:29 -0400

People in general are too relaxed on social media. Now this being a professional page, I will maintain a professional appearance. On my own personal page I might be a little bit more relaxed since it's just a way for me to keep in touch with my few friends and family.

I have corrected a few people who I thought might have posted something that could be construed as OPSEC. In a professional atmosphere, people should be expected to be professionals. On a personal level, you should be able to be as relaxed as you are comfortable with.

That being said, even in a personal setting, you can't be too comfortable if someone in a professional setting might see you. We've all heard the stories of people posting photos doing drugs while also working in a drug free environment. Or the individuals who forget they added their employers to facebook and then off work hours complain about their employers.

People have forgotten that there is a time and place for everything and not everything needs to be shared with the world.

Response by Cpl D L Parker made Jun 21 at 2016 12:39 AM

Cpl D L Parker — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 00:39:24 -0400

have you ever been on Military.com in its heyday. it was a party that was eventually quelled by the owners thus killing the site. RP is a snooze fest compared to that.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jun 21 at 2016 1:23 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 01:23:46 -0400

I normally try to be at least civil to everyone on here. There are some that I strongly disagree with on almost everything but that does not mean that I should call them names. I may make the occasional blanket comment like "liberalism is a mental disorder" but I don't personally attack people for their beliefs even if I do think that they are nuts. People are entitled to believe whatever they want.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jun 21 at 2016 1:51 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 01:51:32 -0400

I do not think it's a matter of being too comfortable at all. We are all adults in here...or should be at any rate. Some of us have very passionate views on various topics and we tend (especially me) get caught up in the moment and speak what is on my mind. My opinion is put on your big boy pants and pull them up...or move on elsewhere.

Response by SFC William Stephens made Aug 22 at 2017 3:22 PM

SFC William Stephens — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 15:22:20 -0400

I have two accounts FB and a RP and I voice myself more on here then I do on FB not sure why but because I feel more open about things. I do think RP is more professional then FB but I should watch the gun some while I'm on here and I have opened up a bit and I will try to watch it but there are a lot of dumb things that people put out that we as seniors and veterans need to talk about because on |FB no one would understand what they are talking about. This place is like it own island to come to and relax.
my 2 cents