Has RP transitioned into just another social media tool?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 11:20:46 -0500

I created a profile only a short time ago, and have noticed a drastic transformation from a military networking tool to a juvenile social media app. It appears that most of the discussions relating to the military have dropped drastically and have been replaced by trivial nonsense or nostalgic picture shareing. What are your thoughts on this matter?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 12:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 00:26:05 -0500

I don't think it is as drastic as a Facebook or Twitter, but definitely some areas where you can see that. I do see the value of some of the professional discussion that are conducted on here.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 7:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:17:31 -0500

I've been on for awhile, but just recently became actively engaged in some posts. I've even posted my own question for discussion. As any other media tool there seems to be alot of context lost in this forum. I've been praised and chastised on mine.

The ones that jump down throats are usually the individuals who don't know what they are talking about nor have tact.

There is however, much good from it. I've been schooled on many areas and have learned so much.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Jan 22 at 2015 7:21 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:21:53 -0500

There are, depending upon where you look, many different aspects to RallyPoint & a portion of each members responsibility is how they choose to use it. I will not argue that you can find discussions veering off on tangents of just about any subject matter. There are members who use humor or conversation to keep things light-hearted.

I believe you can also find a myriad of knowledge and skill discussions throughout RP that solve issues and enlighten everyone. Military networking is what you make of it. You can search for questions related to 670-1 & find several dozen different questions of relevant topic that may give you the direction or answer you looking for. Promotion issues fall along the same line as do many other questions that members discuss.

RP is unique for a lot of reasons and serves that purpose for many different members. I do agree it is a tool. You have to know how to use the tool in order to get the most out of it for your personal needs & I think you find that it is different for each individual member. Part of the 'allure' of RP is that you can use & participate as you see fit, you do not have to conform to one way of doing something.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 22 at 2015 7:41 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:41:36 -0500

RallyPoint has 4 categories of discussions, so it can be whatever you want it to be for you. For those looking to focus only military discussions, you can filter out everything else you don't want to see. Here is how to filter:

http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1599148

If you're on desktop, you can access the military-only category here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/categories/military-discussions/answers

On mobile, just select from the drop down in the top called "All Categories" and choose the category you want...

Answers Categories

General categories help keep Answers better organized for members who are looking to browse discussions by broad categor...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 22 at 2015 10:51 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 10:51:35 -0500

The simple answer is "yes", RallyPoint appears to be "just another social media tool". However, there is a difference on RallyPoint, the audience.

I signed up for just about everything in an effort to market my books. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube (yes, YouTube is a social media tool), LinkedIn, and, for a time, others including Dice.

I focus most of my time these days on RallyPoint. No, I'm not trying to sell my books here. I gave up on that long ago. Someone may discover them sometime in the future and my royalties will go to my progeny. I participate on RallyPoint because of the audience.

I have not once become embroiled in silly arguments on RallyPoint.

I have not been the target of ad hominem attacks on RallyPoint.

Surprisingly, political discussions occur on RallyPoint without apparent rancor. (At least, if anyone has taken offense to anything I've posted they kept it to themselves.)

I recognize that the Army I served in is vastly different from the one that defends America today. These youngsters are better trained and better equipped than my generation. However, I feel comfortable sharing the fundamentals of leadership as well as duty, honor, and country that seem to transcend generations. Hopefully they are learning as much from me as I am learning from them.

Lastly, I appreciate RallyPoint because it helps me stay connected to the military service. Although my time in the Army was less than a tenth of my life, it is a very important tenth and as I face my mortality I appreciate that tenth ever more.

There are other military discussion groups. Facebook and LinkedIn have several, but none compare...

Response by SGT James Elphick made Jan 22 at 2015 1:35 PM

SGT James Elphick — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:35:51 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member Yes, and I have been thinking this for some time now. Unfortunately many of the discussion have become trivial and more relevant discussions often do not find an audience (2LT saluting a 1LT ring a bell?). So from my perspective, wishing to engage in military discussion concerning the status of our armed forces, as well as wishing to discuss veterans issues, I have been disappointed as of late.

With that being said Rallypoint is certainly what you make of it. Some people have decided it is their chosen social media outlet. But at the same time many people are using it to establish professional connections, reconnect with former comrades-in-arms, and find/provide advice for other service members based on their own experiences.

So while it might be disheartening I would implore you to see the positive side and help those of us who want to see Rallypoint be a great place for Service members and Veterans.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 1:38 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:38:41 -0500

You get what you look for out of it. If you look at the first few things on here then that is your choice but if you are looking for an actual conversation, I am sure you are capable of finding it. For me it brings answers for what I am going to do, should I get out. It provides some pretty good resources if you navigate your way to find them. If it isn't for you, it isn't for you. Just keep in mind that it has other resources than just speaking to people.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 22 at 2015 4:04 PM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:04:58 -0500

In some ways. But generally more professional. We still get in a few heated discussions but no name calling, insulting or the like. I leave discussions going south.

We should make a collective agreement to ignore politics here. They never go anywhere. Nobody's viewpoint will ever be changed. Everybody talks of their facts, but what are those in politics anymore?!

We've had some productive religious discussions, but minimally.

In the end, how much can you actually discuss on military only subjects. For the active duty, it's probably nice to get away for a spell.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 4:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:50:44 -0500

I do see some discussions that are not really military related. The substantive questions such as "Should a 2LT salute a 1LT?" are few and far between. But what it really comes down to is how you use it. I really don't respond to much but military topics. As mentioned before you could just only browse the military category. At the end of the day it is still a tool. What you do with it is up to you.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 4:57 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 16:57:55 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member Sir, it is but yet it isn't. For me there is indeed the social piece, but I for one, love reading the Military History that is discussed, how regs have changed, how the military as a whole has changed with policies and such, helping a fellow vet in distress, morn the ones we lost, congratulate the happy events, and every so often laugh and be silly. I've seen some very professional and well-thought out discussions and I've seen some sh&^tstorms on here too. At the end of the day no matter how I may feel about an issue or politics, if asked I will help my brother and sister in arms to the best of my ability if they need me.

We had a vet on here a while ago who urgently reached out for help, I witnessed both SMs and Vets reach across the isles and provided resources and temporary assistance. We had their six. To me that is very powerful in this day and age where every subject matter it seems divides us all as we sit behind computer and smartphone screens and type away. We ALL came together and helped that vet. We did not know them, but we helped them. They are still alive today and doing better thanks to us. They may have not been the case if this was Facebook.

This sir is what sets us here on RallyPoint heads above Facebook and other social media outlets. I encourage you to seek out the professional threads you so desire, but please don't discount us or get upset if we get silly too. It's all in the name of comradery.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 5:28 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:28:30 -0500

It didn't "transition" to social media, it began as social media. What do you suggest Lieutenant? It's authenticated members only for discussions and uploading Resumes for employers.

Here's some authentic trivia without pictures. My pleasure.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 5:46 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:46:55 -0500

I think RP can be used in many different ways, all of them relevant and helpful to veterans and service members. I admit being a veteran I am involved more with the social and post military life type discussions. Yet I've made contacts here for professional reasons as well. RP can fill many needs and is really what you make of it. I have a Linkdin account with tons of contacts and yet somehow I find myself utilizing RP more. I see a lot of military discussion going on here, not just the humorous and social chatting which are in my opinion also a good thing.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 22 at 2015 9:52 PM

SFC Collin McMillion — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 21:52:47 -0500

Sir, I am forced to agree with you, especially after reading a post on here asking if anyone has found true romance on RP. I feel we can keep thing light and even funny, but if you want to be non-professional or have a courtship, the are far too many social networks you should join.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 22 at 2015 10:51 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:51:52 -0500

2LT Private RallyPoint Member, RallyPoint can be exactly what you want it to be or not. I don't think I can improve on CPT Jack Durish's and LTC Yinon Weiss' observations. The members of RallyPoint are here because they want to be here.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Mar 8 at 2015 3:35 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:35:10 -0400

All work and no play makes RP a dull boy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 3:53 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 15:53:09 -0400

I agree that some of the posts may not be as productive as others but I disagree with a few of your comments

"Nostalgic picture sharing" is an important part of networking... How would you network with other people of your craft or specialty without knowing about their experiences with a visual. We all preach about stolen valor from time to time, but we really look over the fact that even veterans have false stories. But a picture is irrevocably honest.

Juvenile social media... Really? This was no transformation. Anytime you make a profile and place your own words in text format it's social media, and a more professional way of saying that (given the population is all of the same mold) is networking.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2015 4:51 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 16:51:19 -0400

I like it here, I started with question that didn't get a lot of action mostly because it is very specific to my circumstances. While waiting for any answers I started perusing and found some topics that piqued my interest. I don't jump on every thread, usually I scan them in the morning and in the evening I'll answer where I think I can help.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 9 at 2015 12:36 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:36:08 -0400

Good question... The jury is still out with me. It is definitely social media... But I am hopeful the focus will remain professional discussion that impacts all veterans.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2015 8:43 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:43:55 -0400

According to Google:

so·cial net·work·ing
noun
the use of dedicated websites and applications to interact with other users, or to find people with similar interests to oneself.

We've gathered in a social arena, brought together by our common experiences. What we share may not appeal to everyone, but you have the option to filter.

Response by CW2 Eric Scott made Mar 11 at 2015 12:18 PM

CW2 Eric Scott — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:18:17 -0400

Yes, I had a civilian with the name Dvcdvd Xzczxc view my profile with no data in theirs. I'm so glad I have to verify for that. Get ready to have your shit stolen.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 25 at 2015 9:47 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 09:47:35 -0400

As one that recently joined RP, there seems to be little of what drove me away from another site similar to this one, they became overly authoritative and limited the topics. They have lost nearly all their membership. As to the overall tenor of these discussions, I am not particularly argumentive, unless challenged with bogus opinions or statements. Even then, I try to provide validation to back up my opinions and statements, rather than seeing who can pee highest.