Are we seeing a changing of the guard on RallyPoint?

2015-08-06T10:11:00-04:00

It's no secret that RallyPoint is growing in some great and amazing ways. We now have members of every branch, at every grade from every conflict back to Vietnam. We are seeing a lot of new and for the most part interesting threads from some new faces in the crowd which is awesome.

But if you look back through out the database, you will notice that this wasn't always the case. Early on you saw some of the same names like SSG V. Michelle Woods, CPT Private RallyPoint Member, SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", SFC James Baber, SSG Robert Burns, Col Private RallyPoint Member, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Private RallyPoint Member and so many others. Now there are so many new people that it's impossible to list them. Again, I don't see this as a bad thing. I think the new interaction is a great thing.

The question still stands, has RallyPoint come to the point where we are truly seeing the first changing of the guard?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 10:12 AM

2015-08-06T10:12:20-04:00

I am a newbie, but I believe there is more to offer when the herd is larger.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 10:15 AM

2015-08-06T10:15:59-04:00

I'm new here as well. I am trying to get into everything that this site has to offer. I can also see that there definitely could be more here. It seems like it is mostly social, people post in different groups and make connections, but I haven't seen any other benefit as of yet.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 6 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-08-06T10:19:00-04:00

I think that there are a couple things going on. 1. Novelty. With something new, you will see much more activity....the honeymoon/novelty time period is different for all, so you will see different lengths of heightened activity. 2. Duty calls: remember, many are still active duty....they may have received orders, deployed, or been promoted to a position that gives them less free time to "play" on the internet. 3. As the site grows and morphs with more people, you will have a greater diversity of people, some will spend more time on the computer, others will spend less. The longer this goes on, the more people that are members, I think you will see more of a "split" with those that have the time and desire to post lots and those that are more casual users. This is not a bad thing. It just "is".

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 10:49 AM

2015-08-06T10:49:13-04:00

More members is better.
But I have seen two negatives in the year or so I have been on the site.
1. We are getting "spammed" with topics. Many are clutter or duplicates of earlier discussions, and all of the noise crowds out discussions that would have had a lot of legs in the past as many members just scroll through what is new. We just don't see topics that go for weeks or months anymore.
2. I have noticed that voting has taken a turn. There are new folks that wield votes as a weapon, down voting folks for disagreeing. If you want that, go to facebook. There are others (that tend to be newer members) who are very stingy with their upvotes because of the madness of the points chase. My philosophy is that if the point is well made, I will upvote, whether I agree or not.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 12:26 PM

2015-08-06T12:26:22-04:00

I agree. There is a changing of the guard. Sometimes I feel like the old guy here. I don't see a lot of the OG members that were here when I started. But I see member like CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member CPT L S LTC Stephen C. and PV2 Private RallyPoint Member. I am sure I am missing many more. But I do hope that I could met some in real life. I greatly enjoyed RPx and finally seeing some of the new found friends from here.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Aug 6 at 2015 12:45 PM

2015-08-06T12:45:57-04:00

One of the most important parts of a successful guard is that it brings together seasoned members, who have been through the fight and have gained wisdom and knowledge, with junior members full of vigor, stamina and endurance to "man" the guard.
While I am a seasoned Soldier I am a relatively new member to RallyPoint. I have been saddened to see some members depart; but, I am thankful for new friendships and frequently thought=provoking and stimulating discussions.
General Orders for Army Guards apply well to RallyPoint.
1. I will guard everything within the limits of my post and quit my post only when properly relieved.
2. I will obey my special orders and perform all of my duties in a military manner.
3. I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the commander of the relief.
http://www.atsc.army.mil/crc/General%20Orders%20grn.pdf
COL Mikel J. Burroughs SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4", LTC Stephen C., Capt Mark Strobl, CPT L S, SGM Steve Wettstein, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Robert Hawks, SGT Forrest Stewart, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, PO1 John Miller, SGT Jeremiah B., SGT Randal Groover, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, MSgt Private RallyPoint Member, PO3 Steven Sherrill,

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 6 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-08-06T12:46:27-04:00

All voices should be heard and all members should use their voice!

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 6 at 2015 1:15 PM

2015-08-06T13:15:19-04:00

Didn't realize the "old guards" were leaving... ;D

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 6 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-08-06T13:37:54-04:00

I think RP has finally reached the point where it's pulling in new members that immediately see value in interacting. That's creating some interesting dynamics, but the older members have done a great job of passing along the culture without stifling the new blood.

I am saddened though when I look back at old threads and see members that were respected and provided great insights who have either moved on or taken a much less active role in the community. It's a loss, even if very natural.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-08-06T13:38:56-04:00

SGT Ben Keen, I wouldn’t say that it is a changing of the guard, I would say it’s more like sports free agency. There are just some new members joining the team of already experience and outstanding individuals. Some of us, and I will use myself as an example didn’t truly give RP a chance at first. Now that I know what RP is all about and I’ve physically interacted with all of the amazing people that are a part of RP, I can officially say that I was missing out for almost 3 years after I initially created my RP account and I won’t make that mistake again. I enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences and knowledge on an extremely wide range of topics. My current duty station and job doesn’t allow me to physically mentor or provide guidance to Soldiers, peers or Leaders on a daily basis like at previous assignments, so RP gives me an outlet to share my knowledge and to learn from others too. If you can’t log into RP and learn something each day, then you are doing something wrong. Thank you all for your participation and support.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 6 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-08-06T13:42:17-04:00

Changing yes, first such change no. Participation levels appear cyclical. I'd bet with points earning rates plotted over time @RallyPoint Team has a timeline for average engagement cycles.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 3:14 PM

2015-08-06T15:14:35-04:00

All for one and one for all @Rally Point! Many of us have limited time to engage in the full array of social media. It's good to see more names, faces, and places take part in healthy interactions and exchanges of opinions.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Aug 6 at 2015 3:50 PM

2015-08-06T15:50:22-04:00

In my opinion, as long as some of the original people are posting, then you really won't have a "changing of the guard ". The great thing about RP( at least to me) is that we all have at least one thing in common; service to our country. Regardless of background, branch, current status, opinions, that one thing ties us all together.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 6 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-08-06T15:52:16-04:00

I think all those names listed are still in the fight and active...I think we are see an expanding of the guard but not a changing?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-08-06T16:14:18-04:00

SGT Ben Keen I haven't yet hit my one year RP anniversary yet, heck I think I joined around January of this year (not too sure). BUT I have noticed over my time here that some of those that were more active when I joined have tended to take a backseat approach. From my perspective.....I call them the 'Darlings of RP' and if they post to your thread it is almost like an honor, because you posted something that caught their attention. Hopefully, we continue to grow and not lose some of these individuals from lack of interesting threads.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 6 at 2015 6:09 PM

2015-08-06T18:09:56-04:00

I hope so. I know "Military" folks make up a small minority these days, I think I heard somewhere that only 1% of Americans have Military Experience now (I suspect that is not that Low) but that is still a lot of folks and as more people hear about this forum the more will probably join and the bigger our members our joint database/brain power the better. We have experienced things that very few people can relate too and we need our own forums where we can talk and bond as Brothers and Sisters. Also Having lived with "The Old Guard" for Several Months at Ft Myers in Washington, DC I love this picture.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 6 at 2015 7:55 PM

2015-08-06T19:55:36-04:00

I actually joined RP Mar 2014, but recently became an active user over the last couple of months due to certain circumstances. I was kinda like a wolf occasionally peeking out of the den... But I will admit, I do enjoy the convos and the various opinions on various topics covering a wide range of subjects. I like that as even if you have no input on a specific topic, no worries as there are usually about 30 waiting to choose from and additional ones created before you finish the one you're on, so no worries, you're gonna definitely find something! LOL! The set-up is pretty cool and being here at RP is actually kinda therapeutic for me for various reasons!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 10:05 PM

2015-08-06T22:05:22-04:00

SGT Ben Keen, I'm all for fresh meat. I'm also all for fresh questions concerning something interesting for all of us. It seems to me some members go through the news of the day, to ask a question they know nothing about. Can you say "BORING" ?
Yes, I've been on vacation and now I'm fired up to get going again, making friends with people in high places. LOL

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 10:37 PM

2015-08-06T22:37:42-04:00

I'm still here and post here and there but these days I have increasing responsibilities at work. Also my passion and love training in Muay Thai fighting and kickboxing takes up a lot of my personal time. I also just became a fight official which makes me even busier. But I still pop on and cause trouble. LOL

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 7 at 2015 3:08 AM

2015-08-07T03:08:35-04:00

I like to see it as RallyPoint is growing above and beyond its original vision, and us "FNG's" are helping it along the way!

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Aug 7 at 2015 3:45 AM

2015-08-07T03:45:14-04:00

It's great that this site is garnering such a great interest in past, present and future military from cadets and DEPers on up to O10s. I personally hope we can keep increasing in size and that more people, especially lower ranking enlisted and officers will get involved. RP is a great resource and I am personally hoping I can talk some others into getting more involved. Generally the discussions stay civil and people make really good points. As long as that keeps up then this can and will stay MY personal go to source for all things military. That and many of you RP frequent flyers are such a lovable bunch, even if half of you don't hardly know who I am.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 7 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-08-07T08:07:31-04:00

SGT Ben Keen I've witnessed a lot of newcomers adding posts and discussions as well. I think we have the next new waive and I think it will be followed by another waive. I hope I'm just one of those old guys they remember 5 years from now on RP. Haha!

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 7 at 2015 8:10 AM

2015-08-07T08:10:41-04:00

I'm new here and I'm trying not to get sucked into being in RP all the time so I pop in a few times a week and catch up on topics/posts. I will enjoy RP more that way I think.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Aug 7 at 2015 8:16 AM

2015-08-07T08:16:08-04:00

Spot on SGT Ben Keen. I know that I have not been on as much as I have in the past due to conflicting requirements. I do try to scroll through the recent discussions about once or twice a week and check out the recently joined folks almost daily. I think that it is good for the site as a whole when you see more and more posts by folks who are not characterized as "the regulars." It offers diversity in questions and answers and often provides different ways to look at a topic or discussion.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 7 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-08-07T15:41:57-04:00

New people means a greater chance of genius and unique posts.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 7 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-08-07T16:00:30-04:00

I see the military community bonding and encouraging each other in every aspect of life.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 8 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-08-08T12:08:24-04:00

I'm not sure who the old guard is/was. Heck, I don't even know how I found my way to RallyPoint (I get lost everywhere I drive, no matter the continent) but I have been really enjoying the questions, responses, and friendly interservice bantering that I would not find on other social sites, and the opportunity to add my voice at times.

So to the "Old Guard" let me tip my hat to you and say thank you.
To the "Changing Guard" thank you for adding a fresh perspective with your contributions

Change is generally good, keeps things fresh and current.

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Aug 9 at 2015 12:44 AM

2015-08-09T00:44:44-04:00

I still see these people on nearly every post. I think RP has gone from minor league to the majors. These people will still influence a lot of discussions. It is just less Wild West than it was.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2015 1:42 AM

2015-08-09T01:42:05-04:00

SGT Ben Keen, it's awesome having so many new members and new interactions on RP! I don't know about the other old-timers, but as for me, I plan to get back on RP with a vengeance when I return to the U.S. My only internet access is through my phone, and I've also been very busy lately.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Aug 10 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-08-10T19:25:14-04:00

SGT Ben Keen I'm still a "noob", but I'm doing my best to make an impact with whatever contributions I can make. My views are not always popular, and I will defend my views if I think I am in the right, but I am always open to the viewpoint of others. As you can attest, SGT Ben Keen, my first attempt at posting was pretty much a disaster, but I learned from it and moved on. I hope that I have become a stronger person, and that I can soon be a valued RP member.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 13 at 2015 2:07 PM

2015-08-13T14:07:15-04:00

Yes I am quiet abrasive and lacking humility.