For the attention of Moderators and the site owner - We need a dislike flag on ATS

reply to post by skywalker_


Why can I not see peoples stars on this thread?????????????????????????

so what you really want is if enough red fags are posted then the mods delete the thread?

isn't that what you really want?

I know of several people whom would immediately de-coolify me if they could simply because they don't like a view I have..ya, what your asking ops is that ATS set up some way to abuse people you disagree with.

why not set up a system where we can deliver electric shocks through the keyboard of people we don't like...at least that sounds more fun while delivering the same general point.

btw, brb, gotta go take a dump and text my girlfriend

As I see it...it's a self regulating system as is. Threads that are credible and of interest will prosper and those that aren't will die on the vine.

Originally posted by maythetruthbeknown
Why can I not see peoples stars on this thread?????????????????????????

There is no capability to star posts in the Board Business and Questions forum.

reply to post by yeahright


I see where you think the system might be abused but would it not be possible to add a view count so we can see how popular a thread really is and then have a drop down list of the days or weeks most viewed. I suggest this because I am sure a lot of non members view this site as well as members that are not signed in and this would give an actual portrayal of how popular the subject matter of a thread is.

The internet is already full of too much negativity. There's a troll harping about this, that, or the other thing at every URL, spreading contention for contention's sake at every opportunity.

There's no need to bring any more of it to ATS.

Originally posted by yeahright

Originally posted by maythetruthbeknown
Why can I not see peoples stars on this thread?????????????????????????

There is no capability to star posts in the Board Business and Questions forum.

Ok thanks for clearing that up

i for one second the idea of veiw counter if its not any trouble.

negative flags or negative ideas?

veiw counter seems rather neutral

On the one hand I can understand your point somewhat. You sometimes see a constructive, well researched and documented thread that is new, relevant and thought provoking get no responses and quickly fall into the dustbin. While a less serious thread say something like - "Proof Lindsay Lohan is a Reptilian!" gets many posts and stays at the top.

But, as others have said - I could see such a system quickly turn into a war where people were just pushing the button for any opinion they did not agree with.

Just my honest two cents - probably the best way is to just don't participate in threads you don't like, don't feed the trolls, etc. Also, if you see genuine TOS vilolations alert the mods.

Originally posted by maythetruthbeknown
would it not be possible to add a view count so we can see how popular a thread really is

It's possible, but not feasible. We used to have one, but it was removed when we grew large enough to have queries like that be too cumbersome to the smooth functioning of the site.

I'm not sure what that really tells you, anyway. You could have a lot of threads opened and not read, due to the thread title alone. Creating a situation where thread views counted for something lends itself to other kinds of abuse. "OMG! LOOK HERE!!! PROOF AND STUFF!!" Not.

Such a system would be abused and used to further political agendas. The basic rule of positive reinforcment being the best method to encourage proper discusion still remains the best. If you give the ability to make "negative" flagging then you also run the risk of inadvertantly keeping people who are frightened of negativity from posting what may be very good content. Keep the system positive. If you don't like a post don't star it. If you don't like a thread don't flag it. If you have nothing positive to add to the conversation then don't comment. It is as simple as that people.

Bear with me on this, it's just a thought that's been floating around in the back of my mind for about 6 months now.....

There is an obvious problem on this website of many threads which are known hoaxes, dis/misinfomation or just plain nutty being flagged to the point of them appearing on the Top Topics and maintaining a visible presence - much to the annoyance of those of us who would like to keep this site as a repository of knowledge rather than the online version of a tabloid newspaper.

In all honesty, I think having a "Dislike Flag" option may just help to ease this problem in that to counter the influx of flags made to ridiculous topics in order to artificially raise their site ranking, giving an option to "Deflag" will enable those of us with more finely-tuned BS detectors to be able to counter the 'offensive', so to speak. I believe that, in the end, threads that are valuable will still be flagged high despite trolls deflagging them, and threads that shouldn't exist on this website will be reduced to the bottom of the list despite any 'offensive' of flagging by unknown members of questionable origin.

At the very least perhaps a small trial couldn't hurt - perhaps try it on one forum for a short, defined period and see what results from it.

Anyhoo, it's late here so sorry if my post is just an incomprehensible rant - I just thought I would add my 2c.

Originally posted by aliengenes
so what you really want is if enough red fags are posted then the mods delete the thread?

Actually, I would like to see a "meh" flag system...





meh.........

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer

Originally posted by skywalker_
and all of us have the right to freely admit what is intelligent and what is not ..

Why not do so in post? Perhaps you can explain what you believe is unintelligent instead of doing a drive-by by poking an anti-kudos button. I do it all the time... and what better way to stimulate conversation?

For the same reason there is no "I AGREE" rule. an "I DISAGREE" star system would solve this.

If the point of "I Agree" stars is to show support the same should apply both way.

We'd get a very far more accurate representation of whos post is good or bad that way.

I agree with the OP. Many times I've wanted to neg a post, but dont wish to reply with a long winded post to satisfy the t&c just to say it, while those who agree get away with it for free..

Originally posted by shakennotstirred
Having a negative flag would enable an organised group of shills to bury threads.

In my opinion this is a bad idea as you open up a whole can of worms for very little gain.

Is anybody really unable to filter out the rubbish for themselves?

All of these are great replies to the topic. Each in their own words have said how I feel.

Originally posted by traditionaldrummer
Why not do so in post?

Originally posted by SaturnFX
All information is valueable

Sometimes you read a post and feel enlightened after
Sometimes you read a post and realize how enlightened you are comparatively

Originally posted by DaddyBare
boy does this idea sound ripe for abuse....

Originally posted by angrydog
if you dislike something...dont post !

and its gone soon...

Originally posted by aliengenes
if you dont like it dont read it, dont post in it, move along


grow up

Originally posted by DrumsRfun
Do what I do and just ignore it,if you can't then you will only bring negativity.Or better yet....help them deny their ignorance without the negativity or snarkiness.

Originally posted by cupocoffee
If you don't like someone's posts or think they're a troll, just ignore them, that's the best way

Originally posted by HarryJoy
As I see it...it's a self regulating system as is. Threads that are credible and of interest will prosper and those that aren't will die on the vine.

Answer or address each one of these in turn and maybe there is a solid argument for a negative flag system IMO.

I agree! but has anyone ever noticed that the Mods on here for the most part (Byrd is excluded) seem to agree with and encourage the absurd threads? all in the name of "denying ignorance"? I wish you well OP, but this is a site where "whispers in the dark" hold more weight than common sense. I'll probably be banned for saying this

Originally posted by shakennotstirred
Having a negative flag would enable an organised group of shills to bury threads.

In my opinion this is a bad idea as you open up a whole can of worms for very little gain.

Is anybody really unable to filter out the rubbish for themselves?

I doubt it - stars are for worthy posts. Not the best threads to be seen.

Flags do that, as far as I know..

Flag a thread if its good and you cant unflag it.

Start merit the POST not the thread.

Originally posted by PsychNurse
I agree... it would be a good thing to have a dislike option. Maybe it will cut down on the need for people to post long winded replies of they're dislike for the view or topic. ( I'm guilty for ranting on topics of dislike.

No problem accepting the favour in return either.) but I still think it could reduce threads from 12 pages to 4.

edit on 22-12-2010 by PsychNurse because: Because... I had a brain fart

If nothing else, it will shoe a posters trait.

LOl I could be submitting myself to torture here..

Just as a star/flag can encourage a newbie to post more, a few 'dislikes' can discourage someone enough to make them stop posting altogether especially when they have built-up an identity for themselves, real or not. Whenever a post receives so many stars/flags it is not always justified, but since nobody's losing anything, it's acceptable; but if someone unfairly receives many dislikes, they might not post anymore. And what is the staff for!