How petty do I seem for being annoyed at "Thanks for sharing" and other empty responses?

2017-03-13T12:38:36-04:00

Why I care: Empty responses mean more work for someone to find a likely better response.

Why I ask: Point sniping/trailblazing irks my nerves. If you want to thank me, why not follow the question, upvote, mention others who would benefit from the info, or actually take in the new info and speak on it.

What I do: Now I downvote and block repeat offenders.

Lets address the elephant in the room.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Mar 13 at 2017 12:41 PM

2017-03-13T12:41:14-04:00

I couldn't agree more. It's very annoying. Worse when people who never, ever, otherwise comment in my threads, get there first. There's a handful of those, and I HATE it. Less so for the regulars who, although do TB, at least will comment otherwise. Finally, I find the practice of tagging 20 people in a COMMENT (not even your own thread) mercenary at best. Edit: this last isn't to be confused with legitimately tagging people in comments. I'm referring to those who do it for points.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-03-13T12:44:36-04:00

It makes perfect sense. I've seen too many threads die after the first response because of points, regardless of whether or not the question was actually answered. Are the points incentive for a quick response? Yes. Should it merit hasty responses? No. What do you suggest as a fix? Should there even be a Trailblazer point reward?

Response by LCpl Cody Collins made Mar 13 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-03-13T12:49:32-04:00

I'M Lost as to what you mean ?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 13 at 2017 1:00 PM

2017-03-13T13:00:30-04:00

I still don't understand point sniping or trail blazing or why they would be a big deal, but sometimes "thanks for Sharing" means just that. The info, picture, meme or subject mater was neat but didn't warrant a diatribe or long assed answer, and I, myself was "thankful" to see it .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 1:57 PM

2017-03-13T13:57:15-04:00

Ok sooooo glad you brought this up because to be honest I have no idea how the point system works? I have just been going off on what other people have written in comments on posts. I just actually learn how to tag someone Ha ha ha

I do read all the stuff that I get tagged in sometimes I read a lot of the stuff that is on the homepage. But I also read the other comments to see what other peoples views are on it, and a lot of times people already say on there what I would write on there. So I don't want to seem like I'm backpacking on someone else's comment so I do put great share.

It doesn't mean I didn't read the post or look at the link I just don't feel you need to have repeated comments. I don't know how other people do it on here that's just how I thought it went.

So duly noted do not write great share! And please feel free to explain how this point system works? Because I have so had a blonde moment on that whole thing and I was just too embarrassed to say anything as I didn't want to seem like an idiot because I didn't know Ha ha ha

GREAT QUESTION SGT Private RallyPoint Member :)

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 13 at 2017 2:06 PM

2017-03-13T14:06:52-04:00

I voted a little petty and here's the reason why. You have a fully valid complaint. I have seen some Point Chasers who like to inflate their arbitrary number and they'll post a handful of posts all at once or they'll start spamming the comment section trying to get whatever points possible. Or like you said, they'll hit the refresh button, wait for a new topic, and put their unceremonious FIRST post in as if it's a contest.

Now the reason I said it was a little petty, because while you may want to be encouraging deep thought out responses like I'm currently typing out, some posts genuinely don't warrant that kind of a response.

For example, I know a couple users on here will post a humorous cartoon/comic and sometimes I'll respond "Thank you for sharing this. It really brightened up my day." Things like this typically don't need any further discussion, but I'll try to let the user know it was appreciated.

I understand where you are coming from and I understand the frustration, but I can't answer a blanket question with a Yes or No answer.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 3:41 PM

2017-03-13T15:41:37-04:00

I see nothing wrong with "Thanks for sharing." What is point sniping?

Response by CPO Bill Penrod made Mar 13 at 2017 4:46 PM

2017-03-13T16:46:34-04:00

My response is: Block me........................

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Mar 13 at 2017 5:18 PM

2017-03-13T17:18:32-04:00

Wait! You mean "first" is not the appropriate answer?

For the record, I don't care either way. I see articles that are okay and I pass them by without commenting. Some folks see to truly be glad an article is shared. Who am I to have them say anything other than how they are feeling?

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 6:07 PM

2017-03-13T18:07:23-04:00

Sure it is a little annoying, as well as parking at the grocery store when someone takes up a half foot of my intended parking space because of a bad parking job. Whether they meant to or not, is irrelevant to the question, "How does this affect my day?"

I can sit by that vehicle and grumble and gesticulate drawing attention not only to the absent offender but to me as well. Or I can go in the store, get what I need and move on, not letting the ass-hatery get to me.

Now, if, and I mean a big IF, RallyPoint points, meant something of actual consequence to me, say in relation to a raise, or a promotion or even lower interest rate on my loans, well then hell yeah, game on.

As it stands, to me, it shows who is active and who is not. I will grab my groceries and move on.

As ever you are free to feel how you will, as you have free will, pardon the pun.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2017 8:33 PM

2017-03-13T20:33:24-04:00

Somewhat new to this community. I understand your intent; however, I didn't realize RP was some kind of competition. I click on questions/articles that interest me, read responses and sometimes add my two cents if I believe it's valuable. Reading differing perspectives opens my mind to things I may not have considered in the past. However, sometimes there are posts on this sight that are simply passing along info or humor that might interest others.:
Northern Limit Line Official US Release Trailer 1 (2015) - Lee Hyun-woo Movie HD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IYnBYSsqy0

I had no idea this movie existed, it interests me and I'll watch it because someone was kind enough to take the time to share. Hence my response...thanks for sharing COL Mikel Burroughs.

I understand RP "...is a professional community designed to provide service members and Veterans with a way to connect with fellow service members, Veterans, and employers. (RP 3-1) https://docs.google.com/document/d/13S7FUn2IyKDn48lQ-bEJsf_qBbf-hZkniUIfjJ3oJSY/edit

Am I missing something?

Northern Limit Line Official US Release Trailer 1 (2015) - Lee Hyun-woo Movie HD

Subscribe to TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/sxaw6h Subscribe to COMING SOON: http://bit.ly/H2vZUn Subscribe to INDIE TRAILERS: http://bit.ly/1F9OK9b Like us on FACE...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 13 at 2017 10:08 PM

2017-03-13T22:08:30-04:00

Would you prefer you have that response or no response?

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 13 at 2017 11:58 PM

2017-03-13T23:58:27-04:00

Considering the experience, brains and talent of most people on this site and the quality of the questions and responses, why the heck would anyone worry about points. You rated more respect than 97% of the population when you raised your hand and took the oath.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 14 at 2017 5:24 AM

2017-03-14T05:24:54-04:00

Good read.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 14 at 2017 3:42 PM

2017-03-14T15:42:47-04:00

I see nothing wrong with thanking someone for a post, especially if the subject is something I never would have seen or been aware of on my own. Seriously, if your life is chasing points on RP, you need to find a hobby. Certainly don't chase trailblazer status; I do RP on a tablet and the few times I've had the chance to be a trailblazer on something someone else has already posted by the time I hunt and peck through a response.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-03-14T16:24:47-04:00

I can see your point but I don't think it is a big thing. And, I am sorry bit I will not apologize for saying Thank You.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Mar 14 at 2017 4:30 PM

2017-03-14T16:30:12-04:00

I voted very because I hit the wrong button, I meant to hit "A little". I agree with CSM StCyr. When I make a comment or a post I guess I'm happy that someone said or did something to acknowledge that they read it and possibly liked it. I'm on RP to meet new people (which I have), talk to old friends and possibly even learn something. I'm not really into points or status mainly because I don't know how it works or what it all means. I just like seeing what people have to say.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Mar 14 at 2017 6:17 PM

2017-03-14T18:17:54-04:00

I believe very strongly that if you reply to a post or, start a new topic which was useful to me, it's only natural for me to thank you. You don't need to respond.
So Yes, I believe you are being "petty".
Rick

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 8:22 PM

2017-03-14T20:22:37-04:00

Who is seriously worried about points on a site like this? The only points i worry about are on my mobile strike base!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 11:37 PM

2017-03-14T23:37:38-04:00

Thanks for sharing, SGT Private RallyPoint Member !

Seriously, I don't think it's a big deal. People are simply acknowledging they read your post or information, they understand the point(s) you were making, but don't have anything substantial to add to the discussion, either agreeing or disagreeing with what you or others have posted.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 15 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-03-15T15:59:49-04:00

I absolutely agree those empty responses are just as unprofessional and pathetic as people that post the first post in the round thread just to get the points or deny them to others

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Mar 16 at 2017 8:31 AM

2017-03-16T08:31:52-04:00

Folks who are just garnering points instead of actually discussing things are a nuisance, but I don't see how those empty responses raise the noise level significantly. If you actually trigger a real discussion, they drop to the bottom of the list fast, generally out of sight where I don't mind.

For my money, they're much less of a problem than foul-mouthed commenters who and members with stacks of chips on their shoulders (not necessarily in that order of importance).

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 16 at 2017 2:27 PM

2017-03-16T14:27:06-04:00

It only matters to those who care. It seems you do. Why?

Response by SSgt Mark Lines made Mar 16 at 2017 9:28 PM

2017-03-16T21:28:44-04:00

I especially love the "insightful" and "thought provoking" comments I have seen. Ranging from "Who cares..." to "Why share that?"