Posted on Feb 24, 2017
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Over the past few months I, along with several other User Admins, have been hit with complaints about people's behavior. Most of these reports come out of people acting disrespectfully towards another normally centered around a political post. Every day, countless posts from both sides of the political line are posted. I was hoping that after the election was over and people settled back into their routines these posts would start to dwindle in number but sadly, that isn't the case. In fact, I think people's reactions only made people want to share more. Other social media sites are covered as well but here I think it's different.
I understand that for many of you, this is your one stop shop for social media actives. And I understand that you have the right to voice your thoughts and concerns but what I don't get and what I will not tolerate is the name calling and personal attacks. I think for some of you, you are so wrapped up on what others have said or done that you yourself are losing touch with reality. Rather than finding a healthy way to express your feelings you are just so hyper-focus that it's causing damage to yourself. Some of the actions I've seen here are simply not healthy.
When RallyPoint first started. it was started to a place where service members and veterans can come to get connected with others and get answers to their questions. Now, with over 1.1 million members we are still that place but have this dirty shadow following us.
So the question I have for you, as one of the original members and as one of the Senior User Admins of this site; why are you here? Are you here to connect with your brothers and sisters-in-arms and to help provide meaningful answers to questions or are you here in some effort to spread your ideals onto others? Why do some of you feel the need to attack others just based on the fact that they voted for someone different? When will you pause and step away to realize that no one person can make American great again, to do that takes all of us. It takes all of us to come together, support the powers to be and hold them accountable as a collective body.
I understand that for many of you, this is your one stop shop for social media actives. And I understand that you have the right to voice your thoughts and concerns but what I don't get and what I will not tolerate is the name calling and personal attacks. I think for some of you, you are so wrapped up on what others have said or done that you yourself are losing touch with reality. Rather than finding a healthy way to express your feelings you are just so hyper-focus that it's causing damage to yourself. Some of the actions I've seen here are simply not healthy.
When RallyPoint first started. it was started to a place where service members and veterans can come to get connected with others and get answers to their questions. Now, with over 1.1 million members we are still that place but have this dirty shadow following us.
So the question I have for you, as one of the original members and as one of the Senior User Admins of this site; why are you here? Are you here to connect with your brothers and sisters-in-arms and to help provide meaningful answers to questions or are you here in some effort to spread your ideals onto others? Why do some of you feel the need to attack others just based on the fact that they voted for someone different? When will you pause and step away to realize that no one person can make American great again, to do that takes all of us. It takes all of us to come together, support the powers to be and hold them accountable as a collective body.
Posted in these groups: 
RallyPoint
RallyPoint
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 240
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I did a hitch in the navy because it was the first ride I got out of a very bad situation (yes, I was that kid) and later I ended up being a federal employee when I had a chance to get back into electronics after college, and I was in federal service until some health issues made that a...problem ( more for others then for me ).
So I took up art, 3d art actually, and I ended up spending much time working with indie game devs, and artists and programmers. But I discovered something about a year or so into doing that. I was a craptastic personalty fit for that type of culture. And don't get me wrong I still do 3d art, but...I needed a community that understood the value of self accountability, personal integrity, and quite frankly not BSing yourselves every time life puts you in a position where you have to pick an option that is a shade of gray.
This is where I go when I need to interact with people who understand that they are not the center of the universe. and that the road to success is paved with hard work and dedication and often goes through the sewers.
So I took up art, 3d art actually, and I ended up spending much time working with indie game devs, and artists and programmers. But I discovered something about a year or so into doing that. I was a craptastic personalty fit for that type of culture. And don't get me wrong I still do 3d art, but...I needed a community that understood the value of self accountability, personal integrity, and quite frankly not BSing yourselves every time life puts you in a position where you have to pick an option that is a shade of gray.
This is where I go when I need to interact with people who understand that they are not the center of the universe. and that the road to success is paved with hard work and dedication and often goes through the sewers.
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For myself, I joined in the hope of reconnecting with some of my old friends that I have unfortunatly lost contact with after I left the service, Thankfully I have been able to find a few at least, and some of the more important people to me, for that I am thankful. I started reading some of the posts where people have asked questions that I have had to deal with, and thought I would offer my advice at first. From there I have just been having fun with the feeling that reminded me of some of the BS sessions when I was in, where we would discuss a wide variety of subjects, and of course picking on each other. I myself have only encountered 2 hateful small minded individuals in here (and I understand 1 has been removed). I try not to get into heated debates myself, so I usually pass by the political most of the time. And look more to try and help others as best I can. (I must be doing a pretty decent job, I keep getting up votes on most of my thoughts)
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I am personally here because I like to mentor others in anyway shape or form to be the informed, not the misinformed or the uninformed. The facts are what matter regardless of what you feel about them. RP gives me the opportunity to bridge the gap between those 3 types of people myself included. I appreciate the forums and the ideas that are put forth in them.
-Semper Fi!
-Semper Fi!
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Good rant. The days of socratic discussion absent name calling has long since left society.
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As much as we may or may not be liked: Of the Troops and For the Troops! M-I-L-I-T-A-R-Y P-O-L-I--CE!!
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It is very nice to see that I am not the only one who believes politics is important, but not the point of a social networking site. I am here to learn more about those of you who have served or are serving our country and to honor you. I am also here as an employment resource. I too believe we can and should come together and focus on supporting our political leaders the same way those of us who have not served in the military support our veterans and our troops. I am hoping we can do this without name calling, judgement or trying to lay blame on others. Thank you SGT Keen!
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MCPO Roger Collins
In my view, there are several means of avoiding distasteful topics on RP, they can be used by any member to bow out. I, personally, like the interaction and on infrequent occasion have learned a few things from those on the other side of the aisle.
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I like to see if my point view is same as others in and out of the service. And to read others point of view on any given subject.
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I try to ignore the political BS here and on other social media I belong to. I am here to connect with people I have served with and to make connections with others. There is also a lot of learning opportunities if you allow yourself not to get distracted.
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Well, it happens more than just the political posts. I have seen very mundane topics veer off into incredibly personal attacks. I have stayed away for a while because it is so stereotypical - the participants.
Perhaps RP could reevaluate labeling "Top Percent" contributors. It really is meaningless and counterintuitive. I have found that it actually encourages outrageous comments in order to provoke more posts, and thereby the offensive person is rewarded with being a "top percenter" "congratulations, people really like what you have to say...." and "10 points for people commenting on something you said, you are influencing..." or some such nonsense message you guys send. Points for just posting? So, I'll start a controversial political thread and get many influence points.....
Perhaps RP could reevaluate labeling "Top Percent" contributors. It really is meaningless and counterintuitive. I have found that it actually encourages outrageous comments in order to provoke more posts, and thereby the offensive person is rewarded with being a "top percenter" "congratulations, people really like what you have to say...." and "10 points for people commenting on something you said, you are influencing..." or some such nonsense message you guys send. Points for just posting? So, I'll start a controversial political thread and get many influence points.....
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MCPO Roger Collins
CW3 Susan Burkholder - There is a process for what you say you are attempting to accomplish. See to your right of the screen, feedback. Some of those that have the highest point accumulation are some of the most respected on RP. I always make a joke of the point system about what is my award that I can choose, no big deal. And I still say BS on your take on the point system, if you are referring to me, I wouldn't take offense to the charge, not everyone.
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MCPO Roger Collins
There is also a way to communicate with the Admins, without an open post for all to respond to.
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CW3 Susan Burkholder
MCPO Roger Collins - Seriousy? RP posts an open letter to the community and you think I should not respond openly?
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MCPO Roger Collins
Prime example of what you are complaining about. You post a comment in the open, which is a common practice for input from the members, unless you state it is strictly for the Admins. Make up your mind. Save your sarcasm for someone that cares.
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