Posted on Dec 13, 2013
Do we really need a point system on RallyPoint?
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I'm beginning to feel like a hamster on a wheel with the RallyPoint point system--leaderboards, badges, blue ribbons, top #%, discussion points, thought badges, etc. Yes, I know the site is called Rally-POINT, but the awarding, tracking and racking up of points seems a bit childish when we're supposed to be having adult conversations.
Can we talk, help, connect, etc. without a point system? I suspect that in the long run the point system is going to be counterproductive to RallyPoint's mission and growth. Less meaningful questions posed, quick responses given, likes thrown around as if they were candy, endorsements for people you don't know, etc. all in the name of more points. This will erode the legitimacy of the service and create point inflation. It also creates an environment of competition not conversation.
What are your thoughts?
(NOTE: Sorry for those of you that responded to the original post. It had to be deleted because a bunch of code got into the post.)
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 17
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Two things I think the points are good for.<div>1. It insentivises feedback. I think it encourages some folk to give constructive input on topics and think a little more carefully about what they say. I also think its obvious when people are point/badge collecting.</div><div>2. I think it helps promote more current or relevant discussions so that more people can benefit from them. </div><div>A game? You think this is a game???</div>
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SFC (Join to see)
<p>Let me start by saying "LOLOLOL"...... you SSG Burns, keep me in stitches. Now let me get serious before the RP Popo comes: The points don't matter to me either way, I'd still assist and help my Seniors, Peers, and Subordinates alike regardless if I got a point or not. </p><p>Perhaps a revamp of how the points are dispersed may help versus removing them completely. I forget which SSG brought up the endorsement comment a few weeks back, but perhaps you can make it to where you can only endorse those you ACTUALLY know and not give points to the endorser just the endorsee. Also perhaps put a cap on how many Vote up points 1 post can get, just some suggestions. </p>
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The reputation system (aka, point system), if used correctly, can serve a purpose. You'll see who is engaged with intelligent, relevant conversation and who truly cares about the adding to the conversation. But like any other system, it can be abused.<br><br>If you're not providing positive conversations to all concerned, what's the point?<br><br>I do not agree with rewarding 'first-responders' (Trail Blazers) if they are just responding to questions/conversation simply to accumulate 'points', but in RallyPoint's defense, it keeps some(one) engaged at all times.<br><br>Also, simply casting votes to every response (or response to response) is self-serving. Votes should be reserved for relevant information or mentorship throughout the site. The 'Votes' are quickly finding there way to irrelevancy.<br><br>Keeping users engaged is one thing, but over-rewarding those for just being on the site all the time does not serve a quantifiable purpose.
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SGT (Join to see)
Exactly, MSG Quick,
I do think that SOMETIMES, the votes can help separate the wheat from the chaff in a thread, but more often they seem more like a judge of which comments have been around longer...
I do think that SOMETIMES, the votes can help separate the wheat from the chaff in a thread, but more often they seem more like a judge of which comments have been around longer...
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LTC Yinon Weiss
MSG Quick - We've observed similar things. We'll be introducing features next week to help curb the down side of what you described. Namely, users will have a limited number of votes (and endorsements) they can expend per day, thereby forcing people to be more selective in what they choose to vote for and who they choose to endorse.<div><br></div><div>We are always learning and observing. I do believe that with sufficient diligence, it is possible to build a system that minimizes abuse. We're always open to feedback.</div>
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Agree 100%. I was hoping this was going to be a veterans based version of LinkedIn... but it's appearing more and more to just be a PITA.
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While your arguments opposing such a system are certainly valid, I would say the point system can also be a very good metric for the strength of the community.
For instance, have you noticed how many 'Top 1%' there are currently? More surprisingly is how little community involvement it takes to reach the 'Top 1%'. One then can only conclude that the community involvement is very little compared to the number of members.
With such a one-sided distribution curve, I would look at that and say that too detracts greatly from the quality and diversity of the conversations and mentoring.
Your argument that a point system will be counterproductive is a fair assessment, and maybe a point system is not right for this environment, but if the goal is to have more minds collaborating to strengthen the community of knowledge, then maybe it just a means to an end. Or means to encourage and uplift others to become more involved, if only for the points at first, but then find a chance and provide valuable feedback while recognized among their peers as credible.
For instance, have you noticed how many 'Top 1%' there are currently? More surprisingly is how little community involvement it takes to reach the 'Top 1%'. One then can only conclude that the community involvement is very little compared to the number of members.
With such a one-sided distribution curve, I would look at that and say that too detracts greatly from the quality and diversity of the conversations and mentoring.
Your argument that a point system will be counterproductive is a fair assessment, and maybe a point system is not right for this environment, but if the goal is to have more minds collaborating to strengthen the community of knowledge, then maybe it just a means to an end. Or means to encourage and uplift others to become more involved, if only for the points at first, but then find a chance and provide valuable feedback while recognized among their peers as credible.
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I think the intent was right by getting people more involved with the downside being childish responses to opinions. I do not care either way but I do like the commentary because being out for 30 years, it is good to catch up.
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No more concerned about "points" here than I was about rank while on active duty.. ;)
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I also agree... even though I have really blazed up the charts on points, I feel like it's becoming a "game" to some extent... I really do enjoy the conversations, and I feel like I'm learning something, but the current system encourages you to "connect" with people simply for the points, not because either one of you has anything to offer the other...
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SGT (Join to see)
I don't really care about the points to be honest. I just connect to seek advices and tips.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I try to connect intelligently and not just try to cull points but show deference to those who have served this country.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
SSGT Olson:
Respectfully I have gleamed from the reciprocation of those that have served, and those that are serving. I do however, see the importance for grace and tolerance due to the multiple generational factor.
It is vital that we create an environment of empathy and acceptance.
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I joined more out of curiosity than anything else. Also to offer possible employment / guidance to fellow vets in the Denver area.
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It's like anything else you run across in life ... to some it's important, to others it holds little significance, and to a few they could care less. If you fixate on the points have some urgency to "keep up with the Jones" then have at it. I've worked to pay more attention to content in order to help the most by supplying information that is useful & pay no attention to where the points go or come.
One thing I will say is that as your point total rises there appears to be more exposure to your responses, more members see those responses, and some of the time you have increased interaction because of the exposure. There is a bunch of good nature fun in the discussions - we've seen a few threads just take off that truly garner a phenomenal amount of points, but those are the anomalies not the norm.
I would say participate at your comfort level & worry about the rest later.
One thing I will say is that as your point total rises there appears to be more exposure to your responses, more members see those responses, and some of the time you have increased interaction because of the exposure. There is a bunch of good nature fun in the discussions - we've seen a few threads just take off that truly garner a phenomenal amount of points, but those are the anomalies not the norm.
I would say participate at your comfort level & worry about the rest later.
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It's scary how the same can be said about many aspects of the promotion point system (Army).
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