Rallypoint reposts different discussions to it's Facebook page which brings out a different set of people to comment. Is this a good thing?

2015-06-30T01:12:55-04:00

I've just noticed that the level of disrespect and discord is much more prevalent on the Facebook reposts. It sometimes makes me feel like I have to go discuss the same thing on BOTH Facebook AND Rallypoint and that just gets tiring. I mean, I could just let it go on one or the other, but when you feel strongly about something, you can't just let ignorance win, so I fight (civilly and respectfully) on both pages. But, do we really need to have both?

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 30 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-06-30T01:17:03-04:00

Facebook has too many civilians. I prefer discussions with military people.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 30 at 2015 4:06 AM

2015-06-30T04:06:57-04:00

WHAT? Do you mean that posts that I have participated here on RP are being reposted to FB (with any comments I may have made)? I was not aware that this was being done MAJ Bryan Zeski ...

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 30 at 2015 6:58 AM

2015-06-30T06:58:11-04:00

I'm an admin on at least 5 military pages in FB but we keep it pretty tame some military pages on FB are pretty rowdy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 7:10 AM

2015-06-30T07:10:34-04:00

Sir,

I have noticed that level of disrespect and discord, as well.

Speaking from more of a marketing standpoint (marketing the RallyPoint website, itself...), I do think it would be unwise to completely disregard Facebook, though. With millions upon millions of worldwide users, it really is a tremendous opportunity for RallyPoint, as a website, to connect with people and drive them to this website as 'traffic'.

Traffic has a value.

....I do think there are also some inherent functionalities of Facebook that would be unwise for RallyPoint to NOT take advantage of. Their Facebook fan page allows them to 'connect' with people--essentially building a more permanent 'connection' where people are exposed to messages/posts. As a 'brand', I think that is important--to 'reinforce' the brand.

Granted, because Facebook has millions of members, there are both 'good' and 'bad' personalities that may come to interact with/comment on posts, and the RallyPoint site itself. Theoretically, people would/should only 'like' RallyPoint's Facebook page, though, if their own interests align with it. For that reason, I wouldn't expect to see, say, Justin Beiber fans gravitate to it--simply because their own values/interests really don't align with what the site is 'about'.

....I follow the Army Times on Facebook, and I have noticed something similar to what you have noticed with RallyPoint posts to Facebook.

There does seem to be an air of disgruntlement and disappointment (with alot of things, to include perceptions of the current state of the military itself) in the comments of alot of service members.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jun 30 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-06-30T07:41:17-04:00

Well really, what do you expect? Facebook is an outlet for ALL to give their opinions. Even they who probably can't spell opinion. I'd like to think service members, for the most part, are professional and can articulate their feelings and ideas as such. On facebook, there isn't much tact. If people disagree, but don't know why they disagree then they will "attack" you. Some people just want to troll. If you feel strongly on something, and you want a good debate or people who agree, discuss it with people on your intelligence level.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 30 at 2015 7:54 AM

2015-06-30T07:54:59-04:00

I think it's just the nature of the social media beast. It doesn't matter what platform you use, you'll always run into lack of respect and other behaviors. When you open yourself up to a larger audience you increase your chances of this happening.

I do think it's important for RallyPoint to maintain a presence on social media outlets like Facebook because it is an important tool to draw more people to these forums. It also gives RallyPoint a chance to allow the public some of the interesting topics we discuss here.

So right or wrong, good or bad, we just have to act accordingly and maintain ourselves as professionals even in the face of disrespect or other crazy behavior by others.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jun 30 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-06-30T09:43:41-04:00

Honestly, let it go.

From someone who used to be an internet "Flame Warrior", there are just not enough hours in the day. There is always yet another ignorant person posting incorrect stuff - at the "fact" level, even before you get to insane opinions.....

"Not letting ignorance win" on the internet is like drinking the ocean. The BEST you can do is influence a smaller group of people - where they have some reason to value your words over their preconceived notions (NOT the default human condition...)

This is definitely a case of "pick your battles."

Response by SSgt Rilene Ann made Jun 30 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-06-30T12:45:14-04:00

What pgs on fb?

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Jun 30 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-06-30T17:01:19-04:00

Facebook is an interesting animal. The truth is, a lot of the FB posters that you see are people that either have no idea the RP forum exists, have no interest in joining an off-FB community or wouldn't actually last more than a couple of days here. That's a pretty volatile mix.