Posted on Nov 10, 2014
Are members forgetting the purpose of RallyPoint?
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*** 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!
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!
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Posted 11 y ago
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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.
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.
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MSG (Join to see)
If its any consolation, SPC(P) Jay Heenan, I only use "Joe" as a collective noun. "Troop" can be confusing, especially in the Cav, and "Soldiers" is both more formal and more syllables than I'd like. So, I wouldn't call you, "Joe", though I might refer to the group that includes you that way.
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LTC (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see) It's a good view, but I would offer that we have Face Book for learning about our "Joes". It's funny, because I recently saw on Linked In that it is starting to trend away from it's original purpose. I wonder, is that the nature of all social sights?
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SSG Leonard Johnson
good post. I treat it like dis brothas....other sites and newspaper articles get off topic an have a lil fun. WSJ for example has their additions on travel, good buys and stuff like that, same with Popular Mechanics....If you don't like or want to post, go to the next one.
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MSG (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see), I can see some utility in Facebook, but just like all my Joes aren't on Rally Point, they also aren't on Facebook. What I get from RP over FB, is a cross section of individuals of similar grades, ages and experience levels that are like mine. I could do that with FB, but there are military specific differences that I don't have to mentally weed out here. And for a 46 year old E7 trying to relate to a 19 year old E3, that's a big help.
If it's a matter of knowing this or that specific Solider, only one-on-one will do that--Social Media need not apply.
And, yes, I think that any social media platform will seek a "common level," as it were, eventually. I guess the answer to the question as to who its for is more important than the answer to what it's for. The site is for the users, not the users for the site.
If it's a matter of knowing this or that specific Solider, only one-on-one will do that--Social Media need not apply.
And, yes, I think that any social media platform will seek a "common level," as it were, eventually. I guess the answer to the question as to who its for is more important than the answer to what it's for. The site is for the users, not the users for the site.
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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.
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Sgt Jonathan Hopkins
You're right it's ok. I also happen to have horrendous handwriting that looks like I wrote with my FEET in crayon! lol
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LTC (Join to see), 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.
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.
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC(P) Jay Heenan - it isn't about "whining". If you want to share it, share it verbally among your friends. There are members of the military that respect the president, and ultimately these are opinions. It is important for those of us still serving to maintain that. As you enter into a leadership role, your job is to remain objective, so that none of your Soldiers will ever feel that you won't support them because of your beliefs, or that they feel it is okay to say everything they want..because the reality of the situation is that not everyone will have the discretion to know when to say what and how. I have seen officers that have trash talked the President, and when I called them on it privately I was told "F**k you, I'll say what I want." The junior troops picked up on it, and felt it was ok to openly criticize President Obama, and some even took it a step further to start trash talking the CO.
As a junior troop, they'll let you get away with being stupid once or twice. But you are soon to become an NCO. At that point, people will look to you for how to model their own military lives. Set them up for success by being a good example. Once you obtain a leadership role, you forfeit the right to bitch in front of your troops. They need to see the best side of you at all times, whether it be an internet forum, the parade ground, or the battlefield.
Just my .12 cents (stupid inflation).
v/r,
CPT Butler
As a junior troop, they'll let you get away with being stupid once or twice. But you are soon to become an NCO. At that point, people will look to you for how to model their own military lives. Set them up for success by being a good example. Once you obtain a leadership role, you forfeit the right to bitch in front of your troops. They need to see the best side of you at all times, whether it be an internet forum, the parade ground, or the battlefield.
Just my .12 cents (stupid inflation).
v/r,
CPT Butler
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1SG (Join to see)
SPC(P) Jay Heenan CPT (Join to see) had some very good advice for you. I would like to take it one step further. "The reason we can't have nice things" as you put it is usually the results of Service Members not being mature enough to handle the "nice things". In this case you are part of the problem. At no time during your military career should you as an SPC be having a conversation with a MAJ using the terminology that you are using. If you want to complain about others being "little b@tches" as you put it; you go do that to your junior enlisted friends. That is why we can't have nice things. It is because everyone thinks that they are on the same level as everyone else and is entitled to speak about anything they want, in any tone they want, to whom ever they want, and when every they want to. Then when someone like LTC (Join to see) says something we try to resort to high school ideology. In a forum like this no one is going whining to the "higher ups". The "higher ups are literally in the conversation with you and you can't speak or act like a professional Soldier.
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SPC(P) Jay Heenan
1SG (Join to see) CPT (Join to see) LTC (Join to see)
SSG Schmidt,
Seriously SSG? At no time in my career should I be having a conversation with a MAJ using WHAT terminology? I am part of the Problem? What problem? I was merely responding to his comment that I thought it (this site) would be better if everyone (respectfully of course) could say what was on their mind without being reprimanded by some random higher ranking person here or someone taking what was said here back to their Coc. I am really trying to figure out how I am not being professional. I am in no way trying to 'start anything' or have anyone think I am being disrespectful here, I am just trying to understand your response.
CPT Butler,
I get what you are saying. My point (even if it didn't come out clearly), is that this is a Civilian, social media site for Service Members and Veterans. If everyone has to worry about crossing that line, don't you think that it hinders the whole point of this site. It is also a professional site, so as long as you are respectful, and non-threatening, I think it would be way cool if SMs could voice their opinion without fear.
LTC (Join to see), if I was unprofessional towards you, I do apologize.
SSG Schmidt,
Seriously SSG? At no time in my career should I be having a conversation with a MAJ using WHAT terminology? I am part of the Problem? What problem? I was merely responding to his comment that I thought it (this site) would be better if everyone (respectfully of course) could say what was on their mind without being reprimanded by some random higher ranking person here or someone taking what was said here back to their Coc. I am really trying to figure out how I am not being professional. I am in no way trying to 'start anything' or have anyone think I am being disrespectful here, I am just trying to understand your response.
CPT Butler,
I get what you are saying. My point (even if it didn't come out clearly), is that this is a Civilian, social media site for Service Members and Veterans. If everyone has to worry about crossing that line, don't you think that it hinders the whole point of this site. It is also a professional site, so as long as you are respectful, and non-threatening, I think it would be way cool if SMs could voice their opinion without fear.
LTC (Join to see), if I was unprofessional towards you, I do apologize.
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC(P) Jay Heenan I get your point. For retirees, they have that ability.i don't think you have to worry as much about retaliation and your own chain here..... but maintaining your military bearing in a "public"venue is a 24/7/365.....366 on lap year job.
Members from your unit may be here. Your own soldiers that you are responsible for may also be here. There are limits to what leaders should say within earshot of their troops. We have a duty to set the standard expected. You can generally say what you want as long as it is professionally worded... but as I said. ... it is still important that you set the tone for other junior troops. If you think this is the place to scream about Obama or trash talk every officer or senior NCO, then it'll be a shock. You can ask for advice on how to deal with problematic personnel (including officers), but the form is intended for professional networking and problem solving.....not for just unloading like you would at a drinking buddies house.
Also, maintaining that decorum on a forum fosters the habit when you are in the real world. There is everyone from privates to generals here.... and different backgrounds. I have friends that are both above and below in rank.... and we still afford the courtesies due the rank, even when not in uniform. At one point I tried to change it.... but realized the intent was to preserve the habit more than just doing it for me.
In terms of crossing the line.... I don't worry about crossing it. You can say (generally) what you want without being abrasive. People don't expect you to hold their opinion as gospel truth. They DO expect respectful debate. .... much the same as your own views are respected. You can say "Sir, I disagree and here's why" but not "Are you a f*cking moron? "
I get what you are stating. I just want you to understand that people are going to look at you and your behaviors really soon if they haven't already. How you interact with people. ... especially other service members, will be noticed.... even if you don't think so. That public attention begins now, and will only grow as you advance in rank and responsibilities.
How you act here is your call. I am not on the staff.... just offering guidance from my own observations of others. Crossing the line here is in many ways more of a "how you say it" than "what you say"..... with the exceptions of trading the President and things like that.
Does this clarify at all?
V/R,
CPT Butler
Members from your unit may be here. Your own soldiers that you are responsible for may also be here. There are limits to what leaders should say within earshot of their troops. We have a duty to set the standard expected. You can generally say what you want as long as it is professionally worded... but as I said. ... it is still important that you set the tone for other junior troops. If you think this is the place to scream about Obama or trash talk every officer or senior NCO, then it'll be a shock. You can ask for advice on how to deal with problematic personnel (including officers), but the form is intended for professional networking and problem solving.....not for just unloading like you would at a drinking buddies house.
Also, maintaining that decorum on a forum fosters the habit when you are in the real world. There is everyone from privates to generals here.... and different backgrounds. I have friends that are both above and below in rank.... and we still afford the courtesies due the rank, even when not in uniform. At one point I tried to change it.... but realized the intent was to preserve the habit more than just doing it for me.
In terms of crossing the line.... I don't worry about crossing it. You can say (generally) what you want without being abrasive. People don't expect you to hold their opinion as gospel truth. They DO expect respectful debate. .... much the same as your own views are respected. You can say "Sir, I disagree and here's why" but not "Are you a f*cking moron? "
I get what you are stating. I just want you to understand that people are going to look at you and your behaviors really soon if they haven't already. How you interact with people. ... especially other service members, will be noticed.... even if you don't think so. That public attention begins now, and will only grow as you advance in rank and responsibilities.
How you act here is your call. I am not on the staff.... just offering guidance from my own observations of others. Crossing the line here is in many ways more of a "how you say it" than "what you say"..... with the exceptions of trading the President and things like that.
Does this clarify at all?
V/R,
CPT Butler
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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.
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.
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LTC (Join to see)
CPT Richard Riley Agreed it is what we make it and I am all about discussion and asking for help. But I often wonder the value in asking "what your favorite Sci/Fi movie is?" Really no harm in it, just a topic I was thinking about one night.
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CPT Richard Riley
I know LTC (Join to see) I sometimes think the same thing. Then I go past the discussion to the next with my power of selection :). I figure, for some, they see the value of humor somewhere in those type of discussions & I guess I was not blessed with that humor bone.
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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.
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good point SFC (Join to see) - we dont want to end up like our Vice just did, using out of date jargon...but seriously speaking LTC (Join to see)
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
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
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LTC (Join to see)
SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA That's a great point and kinda leans towards my thoughts about what is posted on here. If people were to use this as a means to seek employment (which I may end up doing myself in the next 5-10) years, then they should consider what they post on here (and other social media sights as well).
It's funny, being overseas, we are a slave to AFN for TV and there is a commercial about employment and a SM not being hired because of something they posted. Now, it may not be to that extreme on here, but I kinda think it is trending that way.
It's funny, being overseas, we are a slave to AFN for TV and there is a commercial about employment and a SM not being hired because of something they posted. Now, it may not be to that extreme on here, but I kinda think it is trending that way.
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SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA
Indeed the case LTC (Join to see) - the first thing I do when I get an application is check all the social sites. Unless something is massively derogatory or way out of line, I look for human in everyone and realize that some are better than others in reacting in written communication. I tend to invite them or speak on the phone, my intuition does the rest!
Great point!
Great point!
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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.
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SPC David Shaffer
I truly believe the topics of politics and religion should be banned from The Point. Politics and religion will cause a fight every single time....even when it's written in a respectful manner. Believe what you believe, but keep it to yourself. We all are willing to fight for the freedom to believe what we want, and have our own thoughts. No one wants to take that freedom from anyone, but The Point is not the the place to flaunt your beliefs. We all know how to act.
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SFC Mark Merino
My favorite time is when the thread goes back and forth down-voting each other the second ANYTHING is posted by the other person. It really speaks to a person's character. Then, they go running to a moderator. It's worse than spoiled brats playing mom against dad.
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SFC Mark Merino
Don't file that stuff under "general interest." They are forcing us to eliminate a HUGE section of our threads by making us block that section. Make a seperate religion and politics category so I can block them forever.
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PO3 (Join to see)
Yes I agree, that is an excellent idea SFC Mark Merino I bet my religious beliefs are 180 degrees from CPT Justin Rose (based on a few posts you've made, sir) but I also hate seeing these threads every day. It's like a light to a moth for some people. They just can't help but get into a flame war with others. I would like it if the RP staff made Religion and Politics separate categories so they could be filtered out. Maybe even make the filtering able to be used by Keywords or something.
I am usually able to keep myself from posting in them. I'm somewhat capable of not reading them...they are sort of like a train wreck though...you don't want to look but can't stop. I think a filter is a great idea. Not just the big 4 categories but break it down to subject types.
My problem right now is that I'm a veteran. I'm here more for the camaraderie with fellow SM's and veterans. I don't have much of value to add to the mostly Army type professional discussions, so my interaction happens to be in the same category that people put all this religion and political discussion in.
I am usually able to keep myself from posting in them. I'm somewhat capable of not reading them...they are sort of like a train wreck though...you don't want to look but can't stop. I think a filter is a great idea. Not just the big 4 categories but break it down to subject types.
My problem right now is that I'm a veteran. I'm here more for the camaraderie with fellow SM's and veterans. I don't have much of value to add to the mostly Army type professional discussions, so my interaction happens to be in the same category that people put all this religion and political discussion in.
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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.
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LTC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) Great points about knowing each other to understand each other. Thanks for sharing.
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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
When I see more goofy things then military directed things I do find that slightly bothersome
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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.
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