It’s something I’ve seen on other forums, and after reading some posts, it might be useful to the members here.
Some have stated they simply don’t have time to comment on everyone’s work of art, while other’s are at a loss of words to comment, or simply don’t wish to repeat what has already been said. Conversely, the opening poster can use it similar to a thank you button when someone comments on their build.
I know to some this sounds all too mechanical or impersonal, but there is only so much time a person can devout to the forums.
Personally, I am not to sure about the Like button. I have seen it on other forums but never use it myself. If I feel I have something to add, I simple post. But I can see what you mean jack, it can be used when you agree with what someone has said or like a post but can’t really add anything to it. On the other hand, a history forum j have gone on doesn’t have it and when it is mentioned from time to time, it doesn’t go down to well. I think the concern with some is that is to much like face book, which personally I don’t use and don’t like.
But of course, if its there, there’s nothing saying you have to use it.
It would be nice to bring back the sticky’s. We used to have these a few years back but they went with one of the over hauls.
I don’t know about others when I peruse the forums its usually over lunch or breakfast often it would be easier to have +1 or like button to click instead of trying to comment around food (no need to have the negative option if you need to be negative you can put the effort in).
Stickys would be great as well, we don’t have to have a lot of them but for those topics that keep popping up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up and up…
There is a “like” button of sorts for thread starters. If you look at the bottom of the post that begins a thread, you’ll see a series of stars. You can rate the thread from 1-5 stars. The star rating is averaged. You’ll also see on the right side of the screen, beneath the ads and Users Online, a box titled Thread Details. Inside it is a Rate This option with the stars. Same thing.
The star rating has been used extensively on the forums for our other magazines and have seemed to cause some controversy, so some of the titles are considering disabling the option. We haven’t seen a lot of use here, so we don’t really have feelings one way or the other.
As an FYI, we are on version 6 of this particular community software. The vendor is working on version 8 and is beta testing a LIKE button similar to Facebook’s. So, it may be coming in a future update. However, in the current version, a like button is not an option.
Regarding other comments …
As for “sticky” threads, we do have them. For instance, if you click into the Ready Room, you’ll see two threads by Aaron that are permanently sticky.
However, the issue is that too many sticky threads means a buildup at the top of a particular forum, which can be a pain, especially for those who aren’t interested in the threads that are sticky. So, we try to keep them to a minimum. And if a thread is popular enough, it will stay at the top of the rotation on its own.
Nathan - I’m not sure about the Future Group Build forum idea. It’s come up in the past, but for us to add another forum there would have to be a reason to do it. It seems to me that the Group Build forum already accomplishes this task without making a separate silo. PM me and expand on your thoughts regarding how this would be helpful and let’s see what we can do.
All this talk about a “like” button … that’s all fine n good , [2cnts] … just please PLEASE don’t link it to facepuke’s “Like” system. [:@] If that happens, it’ll be the last time I come into FSM forums
A “like” button is a fun idea. For anyone worried about Facebook, a forum’s internal “like” feature isn’t the same thing as implementing sharing between this website and theirs.
—sorta 