Posted on Dec 16, 2014
Has RP transitioned into just another social media tool?
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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 It appears that most of the discussions relating to the military have dropped drastically and have been replaced by trivial nonsense or nostalgic picture shareing.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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
2LT (Join to see) 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.
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.
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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.
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LTC (Join to see)
Why stop there... eh... should a SPC stand at ease for a CPL? Should a MSG stand at ease for a 1SG? Should a SGM stand at ease for CSM?
SSG James J. Palmer IV
1LT L S
LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SSG (Join to see)
SGT Jim Z.
SSG Justin McCoy
SSG James J. Palmer IV
1LT L S
LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SSG (Join to see)
SGT Jim Z.
SSG Justin McCoy
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LTC (Join to see)
I am still wondering what 2LT is actually saluting a 1LT and what 1LT actually cares?
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LTC (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) then there is this guy eh.....
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-a-spc-stand-at-ease-for-a-cpl-should-a-msg-stand-at-ease-for-a-1sg-should-a-sgm-stand-at-ease-for-csm?urlhash=524064
the nerve
SSG James J. Palmer IV
1LT L S
LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SSG (Join to see)
SGT Jim Z.
SSG Justin McCoy
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-a-spc-stand-at-ease-for-a-cpl-should-a-msg-stand-at-ease-for-a-1sg-should-a-sgm-stand-at-ease-for-csm?urlhash=524064
the nerve
SSG James J. Palmer IV
1LT L S
LTC (Join to see)
MAJ (Join to see)
TSgt Joshua Copeland
SSG (Join to see)
SGT Jim Z.
SSG Justin McCoy
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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2LT (Join to see) 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.
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.
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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.
"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.
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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.
Here's some authentic trivia without pictures. My pleasure.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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PFC Nathaniel Thedford
Anything that has to do with socializing on the internet; whether it be facebook, linkdin, twitter, and even RP is considered social media. Media is the internet and communication makes it social. Hence, Social Media.
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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.
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.
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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.
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SPC (Join to see)
Continued:
Where else can you get insight across the entire military spectrum? Enlisted, warrants and commissioned, active, separated and retired, air force, navy, marine, coast guard, all the ethnicities, etc. My first discussions here had input from all of those. It was the first time I had seen a frank honest discussion without fear of offence being taken and given.
I yes, there are those "controversial" topics that pop up from time to time but I've noticed that the participants usually are very respectful to each other. Some people wear their beliefs on their sleeves and some discussions get heated, as they probably would in the real world but the admins seem to have a handle on it.
In the end, it's nice to have a group that gets you. It's nice to be able to help another veteran. It's nice to give a soldier the advice I thought I should have gotten when I arrived to my first duty station.
Where else can you get insight across the entire military spectrum? Enlisted, warrants and commissioned, active, separated and retired, air force, navy, marine, coast guard, all the ethnicities, etc. My first discussions here had input from all of those. It was the first time I had seen a frank honest discussion without fear of offence being taken and given.
I yes, there are those "controversial" topics that pop up from time to time but I've noticed that the participants usually are very respectful to each other. Some people wear their beliefs on their sleeves and some discussions get heated, as they probably would in the real world but the admins seem to have a handle on it.
In the end, it's nice to have a group that gets you. It's nice to be able to help another veteran. It's nice to give a soldier the advice I thought I should have gotten when I arrived to my first duty station.
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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.
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