Are members forgetting the purpose of RallyPoint?

2014-11-10T18:43:13-05:00

*** First, let me start with saying that the topic names I am about to write about are not meant to point members out or demean them in anyway! ***

So, are we as members starting to forget the purpose behind RallyPoint? In my opinion, I see RallyPoint as a tool to interface with Veterans and current members of all branches of the military on topics relating to our services, being able to ask questions about specific topics, or voice opinion on military related matters. I may be off base here, but that is what RallyPoint seems to me.

I have seen numerous examples of what I believe are great topics for dicussion, such as: 1) Marine Poser Finally Gets Busted (relates to stolen valor). 2) Cancealed carry for CAC holders. 3) How do you feel about correcting someone of higher rank (great topic for junior enlisted / officers with limited experience in the military). And there are 1000s more.

On the other hand, I have seen topics that I question as to what point they have on RallyPoint and that seem more like a FaceBook question. Topics such as: 1) Private or Ninja, where do you stand? 2) Console Wars (talking about game controllers). 3) Sci Fi Beatdown, What is your favorite SciFi Movie / Series? And there are a few others. Although these may be interesting topics, what do they have to do with "Rallying" around our military service.

Just my thoughts on the topic. Interested in hearing other's thoughts as well!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 6:52 PM

2014-11-10T18:52:45-05:00

You have a point, but I'd have to ask, what's the sense in having a community if the community has to restrict itself topically?

There's a lot about my Joes that I have to learn in order to know them, and a lot of that is not related to military service. That's how you start building a team and that's how you start building a community too.

Just one view.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2014 6:55 PM

2014-11-10T18:55:18-05:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member, I agree generally. There may be military aspects to certain topics (politics, for example), but the primary purpose of RallyPoint - per my understanding - is to link up with military personnel and veterans, and discuss military related topics.

With the way we are required to format our discussions in a Q&A layout, it does cramp the style of people who want to just post a general comment or topic. Or have fun with a light-hearted topic. I don't think those things should be prohibited, even if the primary purpose of RallyPoint is military topics.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 13 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-02-13T14:51:47-05:00

I agree for the most part. I took down my SCI-FI thread which was a big hit, but it was posted 6 months ago when I was brand new and it wasn't right for the stated purpose. I read the RP 3-1 a hundred times and went back and deleted every one of mine that went against their mission statement. That was a waste of time...and I'll leave it at that.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 13 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-02-13T14:56:30-05:00

Interesting comments. I check the discussion boards periodically and if I am not interested, then just ignore them.

I am curious to know how many discussions are posted daily and how many become trending. I would imagine only the ones that people want to talk about trend.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 13 at 2015 4:05 PM

2015-02-13T16:05:36-05:00

Great comment. I agree we need stay away from the fb postings that reveal every little thing you did that day. We need to keep our focus.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:06 PM

2015-02-13T16:06:28-05:00

There are 4 tabs Military related is one and General Interest is another. We need a Crayon Box tab, so people who want color have a place to do so.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-02-13T16:08:15-05:00

As a general statement it doesn't bother me to see some goofy posts from time to time....I see reading the responses as getting to know my fellow RP'ers better. Seriously who cares what I got for Christmas? But I was happy to see im not the only one that likes legos!
When I see more goofy things then military directed things I do find that slightly bothersome

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 13 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-02-13T16:20:35-05:00

good point SFC Private RallyPoint Member - we dont want to end up like our Vice just did, using out of date jargon...but seriously speaking LTC Private RallyPoint Member

This is not only about the military, please remember; there are job postings on here, business owners and HR Directors who NEED to see the REAL "Joe".

I personally would find a way to hire one or two of the Gents on here, would the opportunity ever arise, solely based on the way they acted, reacted and communicated in emotional posts, not necessarily a military one.

If I do not like a post, I just keep browsing, the lord knows there are more than enough!

Steady on!

Edit

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:24 PM

2015-02-13T16:24:53-05:00

I agree. There are some discussions on here that have gone way off topic. It really has no reference to anything remotely to do with the military or networking. Some are nothing more than a person trying to get attention. I think it is in a bit of a decline but I am sure it will correct itself. You can look at the trending discussions and see what I am talking about. I am beginning to wonder if the Point System may be driving this as some are coming here merely trying to attain one of the coveted top positions in the point system.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 4:28 PM

2015-02-13T16:28:56-05:00

While there is a time for seriousness, there is a place for relaxation. If we all have to stay in high alert state 24/7, our lifespan would be dramatically shortened, not to mention how stressful it would be. Yes, RallyPoint is for people with military background or experience to find a common place to connect. Can we be truly connected without knowing other people's values? hobbies? preference? and so on? Beside, we all can learn something new outside the military realm. If the topic doesn't sound interesting, a person doesn't have to click to read that thread.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Feb 13 at 2015 5:14 PM

2015-02-13T17:14:36-05:00

You ask if there are members who forget the purpose of RallyPoint. In many ways, RallyPoint is only what you personally make of it. It can be a tool, it can be a communication conduit, it can be an answer forum, it can be a venue to blow off steam, the list could continue on ad infinitum and you most likely would not exhaust all the possibilities.

There are threads where members ask for help, not necessarily military related but a problem none-the-less. The simple answer is that each member has the power to filter what they chose to see, what they chose to comment on, and what they chose to ignore. I look at this site over the last year and I see tremendous growth, I see prolific interaction on multiple levels, I see members reaching out from thousands of miles away to try and help a battle who needs it.

I do see the funny & lighter side of conversations, some of the little inside jokes, some of the topics that are just not my cup of tea. I take 3 steps back and realize that RallyPoint is the sum total of all these collective things and then some. Newer members step up, interact, comment, and answer then all of a sudden they're not new anymore. Look at SFC Mark Merino just as an example. One year ago on these pages he did not even exist yet now we see him all over the place with pertinent information and oftentimes the lighter side comments that illicit a laugh or at least a smile due to his delivery.

At the end of the day, RallyPoint is only what you make of it and the value is totally up to you. I'm confident experience within these walls will show you many valuable assets that bloom with time and just a little effort.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-02-13T17:36:26-05:00

I believe you are correct Sir in thinking RP is going down a bad path.

Response by SGT Nathan Chavoya made Feb 13 at 2015 6:10 PM

2015-02-13T18:10:50-05:00

If posting off topic/non military threads is a problem why not use the Feedback link at the bottom of the site. If more people actually used it and suggested ways to better RP this problem could be solved. I personally don't care if a soldier posts Facebook style threads on here, it almost seems like the private news network I was forced out of when I became and NCO. It is interesting to see what the junior enlisted talk about or are interested in when they are not in uniform.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 13 at 2015 6:36 PM

2015-02-13T18:36:02-05:00

It's not my business. I have no financial stake in the company. I'm just a big fan of the military and RallyPoint is my connection with them. I help out to ensure their success because it is an invaluable asset for so many of us. It will never be perfect for everybody, but it gives all of us benefits and can provide lots of different things for lots of different members. I hate the drama, and I despise the disrespect towards others. It would be a lot easier to just ban certain topics, but it is really the disrespectul behavior that requires banning. We can choose not to get sucked int the threads that don't interest us, but we all suffer from an atmosphere of disrespect. When it gets to the point where I fail to benefit from the camaraderie and spend more time dealing with drama then it is time for me to leave. I just hope that the right decisions are being made not in the interest of financial profit at the expense the community continuing to rip at each other's throats over certain threads that are allowed to continue.

Response by CPL Aaron Cottingham made Feb 13 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-02-13T19:34:47-05:00

Maybe it's the point of humanizing our troops as just regular people, even to our own selves as well as the public, not to mention a tension reliever (?) for those in theater. Sir I do however apologize if my opinions are off the mark.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 13 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-02-13T20:26:12-05:00

I don't see a problem. In fact, I am rather pleased to see that RallyPoint has been self-correcting. If someone starts a discussion that isn't of interest to the members, it quickly fades to obscurity. If the topic is of interest or important to members, they jump in and it flourishes.

Interestingly, I have participated in other military-oriented groups in other venues such as LinkedIn, Facebook, etc, and the same holds true. However, the members in those other groups haven't demonstrated the same level of professionalism or decorum as I've seen in RallyPoint. One or twice I've seen a member on RallyPoint launch an ad hominem attack on another. Within the other venues, ad hominem attacks are a regular feature. Thus, I think everyone here should be proud of themselves.

Sure, there have been a couple of odd discussions, but all work and no play make Jack a dull fellow...

Response by Spc 1 J W. made Feb 13 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-02-13T20:39:39-05:00

I used to like Rally Point a lot more than I do now. "Professional Network", LinkedIn for the Military", etc. not so much. Too much politics, too much religion, too much dumb stuff have pushed me away.

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 3:54 AM

2015-02-14T03:54:10-05:00

I envision RP to be more than just military related discussions. I believe it is about community more than networking and military Q/A. I stress "community" because a common bond has brought us here...brought us together.

It is a tool for younger service members to reach out to the plethora of experience from all branches; a tool for SM of all ranks to keep their finger in the pulse; and a community that every member shares, at the very least, one thing in common.

I've read threads of younger Soldiers looking for advice, looking to vent, or simply reaching out. The RP community reminds us of the one true, undeniable, and most important fact: you are never alone.

However, If a thread seems juvenile or way off base, scroll past it. I do.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 4:28 AM

2015-02-14T04:28:33-05:00

Sir, I think so long as the more vapid topics are relegated to the off-topic forums, then it's not as much of a problem. That said, RP's algorithms seem to place more emphasis on discussions that receive more upvotes and comments meaning the easy inoffensive topics can take over one's feed. I believe that the off-topic questions should be removed from the main feeds and only visible when people go there specifically.

Response by Sgt Melinda Enfinger made Feb 14 at 2015 11:25 AM

2015-02-14T11:25:02-05:00

I see that much of the issue is the arguments that erupt on certain types of posts. (Those are annoying to most people.)

It is my personal and professional opinion that everyone should have a filter in every aspect of communication with anyone.

(lesson learned the hard way #403: you are not obligated to share every thought, opinion, or emotion.)

This is not being fake or a "yes-man", nor does it mean that one can't be frank--which is to be open, honest, direct and sincere. (re: @WO1 Christopher Bergevine's comments on a particular response)

Regardless of rank or status, everyone here is a leader. Some lead a small number of troops, some lead large units, and others lead businesses or employees. We are each responsible for the most important and most difficult task of a leader--to lead one's self.

Traits of an effective leader that could eliminate (or at least greatly reduce) the issue at hand include (but are not limited to):

Judgment: before posting ANYTHING anywhere consider whether it's a wise choice of both substance and approach.

Tact: it isn't just WHAT you say that matters, HOW you say it is just as important. Since a full 93% of communication is non-verbal, the words you choose in an environment that lacks the benefit of tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language are even more important.

Endurance: mental endurance in this case. Will you be worn down by the opinions, ignorance, or immaturity displayed on social media and if so, how will/would that impact your endurance in offline situations - including battle?

Bearing: we can't control the thoughts or actions of others, but we can and should control our reactions and responses.

These things hold true in professional and personal relationships, with peers and superiors/subordinates.

This isn't a rank issue, a military issue, or a social media issue.

It's a respect issue.

Any organization is only as good as it's people. The answer is not to restrict topics or interactions; the answer is to be the example in our own actions and comments. If you see inappropriate content or conduct, don't engage in it.

If it should be addressed, remember it's always better to praise in public and correct in private.

Response by SPC Brent Morrison made Feb 15 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-02-15T10:51:07-05:00

I think those off topic topics are what keep me coming back honestly.

Response by SPC Tiffany Ivanov made Feb 15 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-02-15T11:01:39-05:00

Actually, I agree. I want real topics with real discussion that pertain to military questions I have. If I want ridiculousness I'll log on to Facebook, post my question, and wait for the comment war. Sometimes, in the midst of a serious conversation here, a funny meme lightens the mood. Fine. But I prefer to keep the thesis here military related.

But hey, I'm just a SPC. maybe that's just that always looking for a mentor mentality....

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 3:02 PM

2015-02-15T15:02:00-05:00

As a retiree, I like being part of the military community in RallyPoint where we all have the common bond. We don't necessary completely bond with civilians. So I like the idea of having someplace to go to reconnect with other military folks. The conversations here mirror a lot of the conversations we had when I was in and when I get together with other veterans. We are all passionate about our service and our country -- along with the issues within our country. But we also like to "cut up" as well.

So while there are some topics that generate some acrimony and some that are silly, I say we welcome all of them. They are our way of connecting on multiple levels. Just continue being respectful.

If you are on active duty, cherish that time and the brotherhood (and sisterhood). You will have a hard time finding that same level of satisfaction out here.

Semper Fi mi familia!

Response by PO2 Terri Myre made Feb 20 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-02-20T15:37:27-05:00

I guess I haven't been on RP long enough to notice the absurd questions. Everything that I have come across has been military / politically related. And everyone's input on the topics have been informative for the most part. I do agree that all topics posted here should be associated with our jobs, benefits, families, etc. if you want to discuss gaming systems, the next sci-fi convention or whatever, I'm sure there are forums for that.