Posted on Dec 17, 2013
Down-voting without responding: intellectual cowardice?
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I'd like to talk about one of the discussion mechanics on this site. Specifically, I think the idea that you can down-vote a comment without explaining why you disagree with the presented argument encourages groupthink. It lets you boo from the crowd, but it doesn't force you to offer a better argument or explain the flaws in the argument you're booing. I submit that down-voting without an actual coherent response to a statement is intellectual cowardice. Thoughts?
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Posted 12 y ago
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Capt (Join to see) I'm down voting you because I think you're attempting to coerce SM's to explain themselves and their opinions here on this forum. You may call it cowardice if you like - but when in a discussion between a commissioned officer and an enlisted individual there is a dynamic that no enlisted can forget. The down vote permits the active duty enlisted individual to disagree with you without having to get into a discourse that might end up with the commissioned officer making demands etc.
As for me personally - you can call me an intellectual coward all you wish - IMHO when you do that you're just showing your a$$.
As for me personally - you can call me an intellectual coward all you wish - IMHO when you do that you're just showing your a$$.
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PO1 (Join to see)
SGT Michael Glenn I might disagree with you, but I respect your opinion. In my opinion, the browbeating (what you call the heat from the kitchen) is nothing more than simple, straight-forward bullying. An individual junior to you, is entitled to their opinion - whether you like their opinion or not. Bullying the individual because you are senior to the individual is wrong. A proper discussion, without being abusive and making derogatory comments on someone's opinion earns trust from the personnel junior to you. If your junior personnel know you will respect their opinion and not bully them because you disagree, you will find your unit will become a better unit. Bullying has never solved anything. Officers and senior enlisted alike are frequently frustrated because junior personnel question their statements or instructions and react badly - which never solves anything and makes it worse. Admittedly, in a military, tactical moment there is no room for discourse or discussion - but we all know that most moments in the military are NOT tactical.
Leaders, both senior enlisted and officers, who bully and refuse to allow junior personnel to question their orders in the proper time and manner are setting themselves and their troops for failure.
In a discussion, people often forget that a discussion is a two way street. While most bullies think the loudest voice and most abusive voice is the winning voice - simpley put..those that believe that are wrong. If people in your unit are not willing to engage your commentary and are only willing to down vote you - that says a lot of negative things about how you conduct yourself and how you treat others in your discussions.
Leaders, both senior enlisted and officers, who bully and refuse to allow junior personnel to question their orders in the proper time and manner are setting themselves and their troops for failure.
In a discussion, people often forget that a discussion is a two way street. While most bullies think the loudest voice and most abusive voice is the winning voice - simpley put..those that believe that are wrong. If people in your unit are not willing to engage your commentary and are only willing to down vote you - that says a lot of negative things about how you conduct yourself and how you treat others in your discussions.
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SGT Michael Glenn
Not sure what went on here George??? I think everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs and for others to say differently is absurd... I will listen to most anyone and far be it from me to down vote someone for voicing their opinions...what I will not stand for nor tolerate is someone bullying myself or anyone else because they say or believe differently, If you look back,I have gotten into it with individuals who have practiced just this and have lashed out at others because they didnt conform to certain thoughts or beliefs... Not sur how I landed a down vote on this one to be quite honest...but ok...it is what it is.
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PO1 (Join to see)
SGT Michael Glenn I've got to be upfront and honest with you - I've seen your defense of others' opinion - which is good. You got the down vote for the comment - "can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". I think the two of us have many of the same traits...but I think the two of us just missed something. As you well know communication is a two-way venture. Obviously I didn't listen/read your entire communications regarding the subject matter.
However, it often turns out that many comments are debated or argued over one or two sentences and not the individuals entire commentary.
You're still one of the good guys in my book SGT.....
However, it often turns out that many comments are debated or argued over one or two sentences and not the individuals entire commentary.
You're still one of the good guys in my book SGT.....
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Here's my take on it: Why do we have a downvote function in the first place? I don't see a particular use for it as we're far from being as horrible as youTube.
The upvotes are an easy way to "like" something and saves space on "ditto, I agree, etc" posts. However, downvoting really should have more feedback to it. So, why bother having something that deducts points from a point system that some people seem to care a whole lot about? Community response to downvoteable content should suffice to make the point.
The upvotes are an easy way to "like" something and saves space on "ditto, I agree, etc" posts. However, downvoting really should have more feedback to it. So, why bother having something that deducts points from a point system that some people seem to care a whole lot about? Community response to downvoteable content should suffice to make the point.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSG Kaplan. And by exercising my right to not vote down, I also make a statement. But to clarify. I do not vote down because I do not like negativity in any form. Even the little things matter when it comes to respect.
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MSgt Kevin Willoughby
Great reasoning, but if the comment is demeaning in character or just wrong, to vote it down and to explain would show strong character, in contrast to the point originally made. A down vote does look bad and may reflect or influence others. I got a down vote this week, lost 30 points (like it will hurt me) and I feel I was not negative toward the giver and used common sense to cast the vote. So, I asked why it was a down vote. I will see the reply, if I get one.
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