Drive-by Downvoters

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:48:51 -0400

I think RallyPoint should impose a response requirement to both upvotes and downvotes. I have seen many who deserve both, but no one who doesn't at least merit feedback of some sort. If you are going to vote down someone, why not contribute to the thread. It is easier to vote someone up and not respond because similar opinions would warrant a bunch of repetitive responses. But there are those on here who cruise around without partaking in discussion at all, but "thumbs-down" everyone they don't like in a counter-productive fashion.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 19 at 2014 12:55 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 19 May 2014 12:55:33 -0400

Perhaps a yellow "coward" ribbon for the profile?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 19 at 2014 1:00 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:00:16 -0400

I have always enjoyed spirited debate and there are plenty of those available here on these message boards! Having said that, if you are in agreement with someone, a simple acknowledgement is often (but not always) all that is required (an 'up vote'), but if you are going to DISAGREE with a statement (down vote), your disagreement is invalid without a response as to why.

If you disagree, give a reason and make a case for your opinion! That's what debate and discussion are for! No more drive by down votes!

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 19 at 2014 1:00 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:00:59 -0400

I agree with you Stg Allen. There are times when you get a down vote with no feedback. By posting a differnet view you are able to further the conversation. Might make the whole threal a lot better.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 1:26 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:26:29 -0400

Think a response for a down vote is just common courtesy. I'd appreciate knowing why you didn't like my response. That said, I'll never "drive-by" down (or up for that matter) again. If you get an up or down from me, it'll at a minimum a couple of words to support my position.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 1:27 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:27:48 -0400

You should definitely leave a comment for a "down vote". If you are in agreement with someone's comments, I don't think it's necessary, jmo.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made May 19 at 2014 1:32 PM

SSG Robin Rushlo — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:32:27 -0400

If you can not stand for something you will fall for anything. If you disagree have the moral suit to say why.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 1:37 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 13:37:54 -0400

I agree. There should be a response for feedback on why you think it is a good or bad discussion/comment. That way, the person can have a better understanding of what their peers are thinking and perhaps take a better look at their own views and ideals compared to everyone elses. That way, when something important comes up outside of here, they would have a better knowledge of what to expect from others.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made May 19 at 2014 2:05 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:05:01 -0400

Perhaps a weighting of the vote based on the voter's past contributions?

Response by SFC Rich Carey made May 19 at 2014 2:36 PM

SFC Rich Carey — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:36:46 -0400

Be part of the solution and stop being the problem, I say

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made May 19 at 2014 2:51 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:51:18 -0400

I'll take my down votes no problem, but give me a solid reason so maybe I can help you understand my view point.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 2:57 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 14:57:37 -0400

Require a comment on All. I think feedback is important. If you upvote me I may think that everything I said was agreeable, or right. I would benefit better if I received a critique or explanation about the vote.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 3:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 15:14:33 -0400

I think its just common courtsey. I guess it really depends on how much time you have on the computer. I know sometimes i just breeze through some of the updates and other times I may be on my phone (rallypoint app).
I dont mind the downvote though, it lets me know that someone disagrees with me or think im a jerk,lol.
I wonder am I in the lead with the most down votes though? I have to finish in the top 10 in something on this site,lol.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 3:33 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 15:33:19 -0400

I think a requirement for down votes should be an explanation. It will bring out people's opinion and open up conversations more.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 19 at 2014 4:56 PM

MAJ Dallas D. — Mon, 19 May 2014 16:56:17 -0400

I think it has been said many times already but if you disagree with someone don't just down vote, add a response. It is what helps everyone learn and get better.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 4:56 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 16:56:33 -0400

I think a lot of it is figuring out what exactly a down vote means. I have disagreed with others, but still respect their opinion and would state my view (for particularly interesting ones I've disagreed with I've even upvoted then aired my disagreement), I've even i. I think I only used the down vote once or twice, and trust me, what I meant by it was not a mere disagreement. Typically, the conversations were either downright insulting, had no value, or were toxic. Disagreements occur and I am happy to know everyone doesn't always agree with me, or that they can see a different side (It keeps the world an interesting place).

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made May 19 at 2014 5:49 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Mon, 19 May 2014 17:49:03 -0400

Sucker punch, Nothing more than a cyber sucker punch. I concur with those that say the ones that do the drive by's are cowards.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 19 at 2014 6:36 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:36:22 -0400

It would be best if people would put in some sort of comment either positive or negative. Information is key, and help each of us to better understand how what we have to say affects our fellow service members, veterans and retirees. So much for my .02.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made May 19 at 2014 6:58 PM

SGT Nathan Huff — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:58:34 -0400

I will be honest. Recently I gave some one a down vote. who it was or why does not matter.

The reason I did not respond, was the fact that what the individual had posted in response to another had agitated me to the extent of only having colorful metaphors filling my mind to respond with. So I choose not to respond.

Now yes drive by down clickers is agitating, and when you get a mess of them with no reason why in response, it can be additionally irritating. Those who do it just to do it are in the wrong, but it is possible some one gave you a thumbs down and did not respond because they chose not to be unprofessional in their response.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 7:19 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 19:19:43 -0400

I think making this requirement would hinder the free thought process. I am purposefully responding without making a selection to prove my point, which is, whether someone agrees with you or not, they may just have nothing to say. I would like to feel that I may have an opinion and express that opinion on the simplest way I may, with a click, without being forced into expression in prose. If I were going to have issue with another not liking my opinion I would re-think expressing my opinion. This of course simply, my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 8:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 20:03:36 -0400

The only time I down-vote is when someone is trolling a thread.

If I have a disagreeing viewpoint, I'll either post, or move on.

I personally like how cracked has it, with a limit on down-votes a day, or better yet, like craigslist with a limit on votes a day total.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 19 at 2014 8:15 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Mon, 19 May 2014 20:15:44 -0400

Since we are one this subject, one member in my unit accidentally down voted me on his cell phone. He "fat thumbed" it and meant to vote up on my response. Is there anyway to reverse a down vote? It really doesn't matter much honestly and has this happened to any of you? I think you can still vote up someone but it will still show you had a down vote too. I may be wrong on this.

I think a down vote should warrant a message on why that way it isn't some person just doing it for odd reasons.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 8:28 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 May 2014 20:28:07 -0400

Agree. No comment necessary for up-votes, because you may simply agree with something, nothing to be said. However, I do agree that it is rather frustrating when someone just down-votes a perfectly logical statement for no reason.

Response by CPT Chase Sanger made May 19 at 2014 9:45 PM

CPT Chase Sanger — Mon, 19 May 2014 21:45:42 -0400

This would be a nice feature and make it more likely for down votes to involve actual debate, ending the "drive-by" down vote that we are currently discussing. Excellent idea, SSG.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 7:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 07:23:16 -0400

The whole point of topics is to get a professional discussion going; up votes and down votes should only be used as enhancers of our opinions but nonetheless our opinions should be written for everyone to see, comment, get a view from a different standpoint, etc and of course to enhance the particular discussion point.

Response by SGT David Dodge made May 20 at 2014 4:03 PM

SGT David Dodge — Tue, 20 May 2014 16:03:47 -0400

Let's just keep getting closer and closer to a police state. Not saying something is protected by the first amendment as much as shooting your mouth off. All you would wind up with is short rude comments that don't contribute to the discussion. Just accept the bad with the good. Not every one is going to agree, and this not being Facebook we have the choice to "unlike" on this site.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made May 20 at 2014 11:09 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:09:25 -0400

At least share your thoughts if you're going to down vote someone. It doesn't have to become argumentative.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:27 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:27:30 -0400

Am I the only one waiting for someone (probably with a guilty conscience) to downvote this thread? I literally keep checking for a drive by.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 20 at 2014 11:43 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:43:32 -0400

Oh and I never down vote. I feel it is silly. out....

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 20 at 2014 11:47 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Tue, 20 May 2014 23:47:25 -0400

I agree

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 8:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 08:45:29 -0500

I still don't understand down votes unless it is just bad for good order and discipline!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 8 at 2015 8:49 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 08:49:37 -0500

I believe the down vote option should not be there if you do not like the opinion speak up in a professional manner and establish a debate or just move on to the next topic. I know there are time I want to down vote something about topics near and dear to my heart but I try to vote emotionally.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 8 at 2015 8:53 AM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 08:53:41 -0500

A down vote is simply an opinion. As we like to say, opinions are like A@#holes, everyone has one and they all stink. Why would you care about a down vote? It will not affect your compensation, your promotion, your life etc. I would prefer a response to something I post rather than a down vote but not everyone is willing to engage in the verbal jousting. If they are not willing to post a response with their down vote I would simply view them as intellectually weak and move on.

I am new to this site (about a month) and I am not sure if I have had a down vote so perhaps something happens when you get one (a shock through your keyboard etc) that is uncomfortable.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 8:53 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 08:53:44 -0500

I hunt them down and eat their souls! Just kidding (kind of), I could give a crap less (really).

Response by CMC Robert Young made Feb 8 at 2015 9:47 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 09:47:53 -0500

I've been voted down around fifty times, and I get that not everybody will agree with what I have to say every time. That's the point of the a professional forum; to exchange information, opinion, thoughts in a respectful and open fashion.

I ask only that people explain why they voted down. It doesn't take much intellectual prowess to push a button. As a result, if somebody votes me down without offering an explanation, I accord that person the respect they have earned; zero. As such it doesn't impact my world too severely.

I don't know that the wrath of any down vote could be justified unless something is said that doesn't conform to appropriate protocol dictated by military decorum. If we're all respectful of one another, then disagreeing with a fellow service member should be viewed as an opportunity to explore another side to a particular issue.

And when the smoke clears sir, haters are going to hate. Like I said, doesn't take much smarts push the down button. ;-)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 2:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:31:11 -0500

Some people are not worth directly engaging, and it's usually pretty easy to tell if someone is that type. Those who are known to take down votes extremely personally, those who make it clear they are either incapable or unwilling to engage in civil conversation, etc. The rare times I down vote somebody I usually try and explain why I'm down voting them with a comment, but there have been times I've done a "drive by," usually because the reason for the down vote should have been blatantly obvious to even the most dense.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 2:32 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 14:32:38 -0500

I've received one down-vote in this manner, CPT Private RallyPoint Member. By drive by down-vote, I assume you mean voting down and leaving no explanation. And the post was not particularly controversial. In fact, I thought it was professional. It makes me wonder why the individual down-voted my post.

I am personally very reluctant to down-vote. I saw a discussion thread earlier today about religion that deserved a down-vote, but I let it go. Same for the E-5 CQ Valentine's Day thread. No sense piling on. Because I think that down-votes sting a little, I'm extremely careful with them. I would only down-vote a post that I find to be unprofessional. Not something with which I only disagree, but something that is offensive or unprofessional.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Feb 8 at 2015 3:34 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 15:34:59 -0500

Sometimes, on very rare occasion, down votes are self explanatory.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:30:40 -0500

I could care less, especially when there is no comment provided by them either giving their own thought (less) or why they feel so strongly in disagreement to cast the Down Vote to start with.

We have to accept the fact that there are idiots among us.

I can appreciate a down vote when the person provides their comments to go along with it. I don't expect everyone to agree with me all the time, realizing of course...everyone does not understand me and my reasoning......thankfully!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:38 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:38:28 -0500

You got a drive-by down-vote on your thread! Classic!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:41 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 16:41:27 -0500

I've had one so far....I'm still not sure why I got it. I can accept someone disagrees with me but it would be helpful to know why so that I can see their point of view...other than they didn't like mine.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 1:56 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 01:56:28 -0500

Like a NCOER - you can give a thumbs up with no comment (success) but a down vote (derogatory) requires a comment and for you to take ownership of it.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 9 at 2015 9:57 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 09:57:31 -0500

I have to say that I hesitate to require a response for any vote. But if a response would be required, I would do so for down votes. If you're going to vote someone down, you should at least say why. Even if it's as simple as "I don't like what you have to say."

When it comes to voting people up, I do so often because I like what the person has to say. Sometimes I do when I disagree, but I like the way the information was presented. To paraphrase one of my instructors, I would prefer someone to disagree with me and present good evidence as to why than have them agree blindly with me. I want people to think for themselves.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Mar 21 at 2015 6:52 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 06:52:22 -0400

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 21 at 2015 10:53 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Sat, 21 Mar 2015 10:53:52 -0400

IMHO, this should be a far more professional group than the average 4Chan, Reddit, or even Facebook page community.

As such, downvotes should not be given lightly, and they should reflect something that needs correction, adjusting fire, or even an about-face.

If someone feels a downvote is necessary, then they should be prepared to explain what earned the person the downvote. And mere "butthurt" is not an acceptable reason.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Apr 16 at 2015 4:20 PM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:20:21 -0400

TSgt Hunter Logan SFC Private RallyPoint Member Upvote is a 'like', downvote is more than just don't like. It should be explained by the downvoter. I was really tempted to use the 'require nothing, shutup SSG Allen' but I overcame my darker impulses.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 4:45 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 16:45:37 -0400

Like you said in the OP, an up-vote is an agreement. So we don't need people responding with multiples of the same comments.

I have commented almost every time I have down-voted. but I have had drive-by down-votes from people who don't comment. Or don't comment constructively.
When I first became active on RP I down-voted a little more freely because it was less stigmatized on other forums that I have participated on. I'm used to down-voting a comment in one thread, and up-voting the same person in another, votes weren't as personal, it was just an opinion of that particular contribution. Within a few days I've noticed the difference here and adjusted accordingly.

I personally don't care if I get up or down votes. I wanna connect and share ideas with past and present Service Members.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 17 at 2015 7:55 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 07:55:43 -0400

One should have to do push-ups or pull-ups to down vote.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 10 at 2015 5:23 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:23:39 -0500

I was about to start a thread on this topic when I found this one, so I'll just pile on.
One of the RP founders LTC Yinon Weiss stated recently "If you find content which you think is not worthy of being posted, please downvote it and let the other person know why you do not find it acceptable."

If the founder believes a downvoter should "let the other person know why you do not find it acceptable." why is the downvoter response not required?

Assuming the downvote was heart felt for a legitimate reason, modifying the posters content ... would you not WANT to tell them what you found unworthy in thier post?
Seems only a unprofessional and childish person would downvote and not leave comment.