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?
Posted in these groups: 
Voting
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Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 53
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Throughout the military everyone partakes in some kind of AAR, After Action Review. We are encouraged to voice our own beliefs on the training or lessons conducted. The caveat to this is having a solution to the problem. If an individual Down-Votes a response there should be some kinds of solution to the issue of the response. Why don't you agree with the response? This is a professional forum which is used to develop well informed leaders. If you disagree with something, then say so. No one with belittle you for it.
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CMC Robert Young
You're spot on SSG. If the point is to improve us as individuals and leaders, then an open dialog must occur. Saying "I disagree" without offering more insight, or a specific solution, or better perspective makes me question somebody's intellectual capacity. It doesn't take much effort to find fault without justification. True leaders reflect on issues and apply critical thinking to analyze and improve situations.
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I agree with you, I posted comments and had results with SM, Vets whom may not agree, but even though I myself may or may not agree, I give a thumbs up for acknowledgment, How ever even if I didn't agree, I would not give a thumbs down. I rather clear the conversation with a remark and still give a thumbs up for effort.
I do know what you mean though. I see it myself, where some one gives a thumbs down with no response to the topic in question as to why they disagree. I call that a hit and run.
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Since the points capture influence, not just "positive influence", I think the negative influence points should be eliminated. I think a negative tabulation only works to discourage opposing views. Make it the same as a thumbs up.
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I don't really see the point in the down vote really. I can disagree without it. I simply post my disagreement...I know it's all tied into the "prestige or notoriety points" or whatever this game calls it.
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If you disagree with someone enough to give a downvote...you have to have a reason that you should be able to articulate it.
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I hate when I get a down vote but no feed back... Let all down vote everyone, not me though.
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I support it. I think it's very cowardly to down vote without a reason. If an explanation is required it can prevent accidental ones.
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