How do you choose what discussions or posts you'll read on RallyPoint?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:09:38 -0400

Is it the picture and RP Members, the title or subject and the title, the Tags (5) at the bottom or personal Tags (up to 20), or do you check out the top trending questions, shared links, or updates? PFC Donnie Walters MAJ Private RallyPoint Member CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member SGT Lyndsay Hope Thomas Cpl Rebecca Burgess PFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Apr 24 at 2016 9:14 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:14:58 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs thanks for intuitive subjects, never really thought about it. Being a Veteran and having that instinctive ability to know your audience plays a roll in my dialogues.

Response by SGT John " Mac " McConnell made Apr 24 at 2016 9:40 AM

SGT John " Mac " McConnell — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:40:59 -0400

This is just dependent on how much time I have dedicated to reading the subject matter.. I like to read about all topics if I could .There is just not enough time to do so. As you know COL Mikel J. Burroughs their is quite a bit of posts here on Rally Point. Some are really extensive.. I know I am guilty of some of that... Great question, Thanks..

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 24 at 2016 9:53 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:53:06 -0400

I gain more useful information from what is posted on RP then on Yahoo news.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 9:57 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:57:30 -0400

This site has evolved and as a consequence, more appealing. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 24 at 2016 9:58 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 09:58:07 -0400

It seems to be a work in progress. Trying to keep up with the changes and limitations are becoming onerous. Not to mention all the problems created that never get fixed. Thanks for the opportunity to gripe.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 10:26 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 10:26:48 -0400

I would say it would depend on the subject/title and if it catches my interests.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Apr 24 at 2016 10:39 AM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 10:39:06 -0400

It's a pretty subjective thing. If a subject interests me and I have some knowledge, or sometimes lack of knowledge, I'll comment.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Apr 24 at 2016 11:02 AM

PO3 David Fries — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:02:51 -0400

I tend not to pay attention to who posts the question/discussion. I pay attention to the question/discussion itself. If it catches my attention, I'll read and possibly reply.

Response by SFC Alfredo Gonzalez made Apr 24 at 2016 11:05 AM

SFC Alfredo Gonzalez — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:05:22 -0400

Effective Titles and Headlines can catch a reader like myself eye, and encourage me to open the link... Back when I was going through grad school (Post Secondary Education/Instructional Systems Design) we spent a lot of time on in the Analysis and Design phases of (ADDIE) [Analysis Design Development Implementation and Evaluation] or as it's referred to in the civilian world, (AIS) Accountable Instructional Systems, before moving to the Development phase of a lesson, regardless if was synchronous or asynchronous communication . If you can't get the target audience (The Learner) past the Title or Headline, they will never participate in whatever it is you're trying to achieve- the end- state. Of course I'm looking at this from former Instructional Designer's point of view.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 24 at 2016 11:07 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:07:41 -0400

I would have selected other but that is not a choice COL Mikel J. Burroughs.
I look at any post where I have been mentioned or tagged first. I look at those discussions and determine which ones I will respond to. I usually respond to discussions I have been tagged in and vote up the question usually. After that I look at the title and who posted the question to determine which ones look interesting. I try to support my contacts who are posting or responding to questions.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Apr 24 at 2016 11:17 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:17:31 -0400

I generally look at "Answers -> New" and go down the list looking for interesting subjects. Then I look through my "Points and Notifications" and respond to other RPs that have addressed me.

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made Apr 24 at 2016 11:29 AM

SSgt Robert Marx — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:29:35 -0400

I guess the most important feature is catching my eye! I have passed on some discussions because I feel that the poster did not frame the question well. If I am tagged I will at least view the material but in reality some days I am more verbose than others so I guess it comes down to my own esoteric feely gushy tendencies.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 11:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:29:50 -0400

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 24 at 2016 11:33 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:33:42 -0400

Some things interest me, some don't. Some are so off base, I'm inspired to try and correct them. And some make me laugh. I can't pass up good humor (or a Good Humor)

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 11:41 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:41:05 -0400

Topic - especially the opportunity to understand how the military, Army in particular, has evolved from my generation to the present serving force.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Apr 24 at 2016 11:58 AM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 11:58:39 -0400

If I have something to add and/or contribute , I will, no matter who Post it! Hell, I'm neither bashful nor prejudice. WTF-right?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 12:05 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:05:27 -0400

I look at the new answers and the recently updated answers. If the subject interests me or if I feel I can add substance I do.

A turn off for me is a looooonnnnngg post.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 12:48 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 12:48:32 -0400

I post on anything interesting really, especially if it relates to me or anyone close to me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2016 3:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 15:56:21 -0400

I start at the top of the site and scroll down glancing at the titles until I find something that peaks my interest. Then, I generally read some of the comments to see if what I would say has already been done in a hundred ways already.

I refuse to engage in religious topics and often avoid topics of a political nature, especially those started by some with more extreme viewpoints.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Apr 24 at 2016 6:25 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 18:25:20 -0400

Can't thank you enough - Thanks for all the help COL Mikel J. Burroughs!

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Apr 24 at 2016 6:28 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 18:28:12 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It is not just one thing I can pin point. I have no rhyme or reason on how I choose my posts....it's usually because I read something and it hits me and I want to post it because I like it or I totally disagree with it and feel I have the need to say something about it.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Apr 24 at 2016 6:42 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 18:42:47 -0400

I have to admit being an older veteran Vietnam to be exact that I am drawn to that era and so to those posts I find interesting also 11 bravo old or new because once a grunt......

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 24 at 2016 6:58 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 18:58:58 -0400

I generally try to read most things if it pops up on my feed.

I've always taken a Lazarus Long view of things "Specialization is for insects" so unless the subject looks downright inflammatory, I'll probably read it. Might learn something. That's a good day.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 24 at 2016 7:34 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 19:34:17 -0400

I answer to things of interest and what I have studied. Plus I,like most of the older individuals on RP, have gleaned alot of knowledge over the years.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 24 at 2016 8:41 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 20:41:51 -0400

I scan the subject, if it hits a spot, then I read and comment if needed. Also depends on time I got.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Apr 24 at 2016 8:44 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 20:44:30 -0400

When I have the time I sign in and look at the newest questions. That and if I get an email for following up on a discussion.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 25 at 2016 5:28 AM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 05:28:52 -0400

Personal Tags from my Comrades. Is it a Subject I find interesting and of course if it is an interesting picture that will definitely get my attention.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 6:08 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 06:08:06 -0400

What ever I am interested in. My contacts have have values and character that I find personally reinforcing and rewarding. I solicit the opinions and views of the both serving and retired women/ladies on RP. Their perspectives and viewpoints., I find very enlightening, not that I was as dumb as a rock, but my career path did not put me in much contact, except ROTC cadets and finally JAG officers, senior (faculty) and junior (new JAGs) women. Professional relationships were not really conducive to personal discussions. More likely, time restraints, than my not being approachable, I think? Free the Oppressed!

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Apr 25 at 2016 8:18 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 08:18:26 -0400

For me, I have been lured into some discussions that are better suited for Facebook. They have nothing to do with the Military, DoD, or veterans issues. Therefore, I recently have started looking over the subject line and title. Too many people are starting to push agendas and opinions that don't belong and don't want to have an intelligent debate about it...if you disagree they become internet warriors and light you up. I don't have time for that. I look at the subject and title and if it interests me, I comment...if it doesn't', I don't.

Response by Cpl Jon Westbrook made Apr 25 at 2016 8:30 AM

Cpl Jon Westbrook — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 08:30:10 -0400

The only issue I have on RP is the growing number of pointless topics(i.e. What is your favorite clothing brand) and questions that could be answered by consulting a search engine.

In the Marine Corps we have Marines.mil where every Marine Corps Order or publication is available to download as a PDF. I know for a fact that the rest of the military have similar setups, so frankly there is no excuse for questions that can be answered by reading these readily available documents.

Frankly, this website can be a tremendous resource, but I feel that the younger crowd needs guidance on how to use it properly.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 8:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 08:32:58 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs If it's something where I can contribute or learn something, then I'll open those topics. I tend to stay away from religious, political or too fantastic topics.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 9:41 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 09:41:24 -0400

I find myself using the Home tab more than anything and just scrolling down until I see an appealing headline. I used to used the "Recently Updated" feature under the Answers tab - but there's a lot of old threads that get bumped.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 25 at 2016 10:17 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 10:17:21 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It's a toss-up between B and C I guess. I don't care who started or responded to it. It has to be a meaningful subject AND I need to feel like I can contribute to or clarify it. I don't seem to find a bunch that fit into my category...

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 11:00 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:00:24 -0400

I could care less about the picture. I think people get points for finding pictures. I've tried it a couple times, but apparently I'm too stupid to figure it out or I'm not authorized to do so. I steer away from most "fluff" posts and try to talk only about things that have bearing on the profession.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2016 11:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:11:17 -0400

Time...if I have time I will check out RP and answer all I can to help out and get involved.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Apr 25 at 2016 11:11 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 11:11:49 -0400

I only like to comment on or read professional growth type posts. Also ones that are relevant to better some peoples knowledge or my own.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 25 at 2016 12:22 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 12:22:45 -0400

When I first saw this discussion, I stopped to think about it for awhile. I guess really up until then, I really did not review in my mind how I came to decide when to respond. The more I thought about the more clear the reasons become. Here is my list of reasons why I respond.

1) I feel that I have knowledge that can have a positive impact on the discussion as well as the community.
2) I feel as though my answer differs from others already share. No point in repeating information or just posting "I agree with [insert name]."
3) I factor in how often does the person asking the question post to the forums. Personally, I feel that we sometimes see quantity defend quality of postings here so if the discussion is from someone that posts 5, 6, 7, 10+ times a day, I more often than not over look that post.
4) I also factor in how others are contributing on the discussion. Is a "fan boy" post or are they truly interested in having a meaningful discussion to help others by sharing their insights.

Response by SSG Bethany Viglietta made Apr 25 at 2016 2:18 PM

SSG Bethany Viglietta — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 14:18:58 -0400

Great question COL Mikel J. Burroughs . I generally only stick to the ones that I have something to add to the subject or I feel passionate about/have interest in. Some of the discussions aren't really pertinent to anything that would help a veteran or current member of the military. I tend to stay away from commenting on those. I may read them, but if I don't have anything to add, I move on.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 26 at 2016 1:13 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 01:13:27 -0400

The first thing that catches my eye is the subject matter and title. If it's something that I can add to the discussion, then I'll put my 2 cents in.

I also might jump in on one of the trending topics if I find the subject interesting.

Response by SGT Robert R. made Apr 26 at 2016 6:05 AM

SGT Robert R. — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 06:05:07 -0400

It's about the subject and title and then who post it mostly.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 26 at 2016 10:15 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 10:15:03 -0400

Which ever tickles my fancy....lol

Response by MSG Nathan Ellison made Apr 26 at 2016 10:49 AM

MSG Nathan Ellison — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 10:49:45 -0400

Subject and title, if the question or the discussion is worth my time I'll interject my nonsense. But then again, if the question or topic is really sophomoric, I'll just read the responses and laugh at how worked up people are getting.

Response by SSG Steven E. made Apr 26 at 2016 9:55 PM

SSG Steven E. — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:55:32 -0400

I read much more posts and discussions than I comment on. Like SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" said in his earlier response, I comment when I have something to positively offer the discussion..

Response by SGT James Murphy made Aug 2 at 2017 5:50 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 17:50:12 -0400

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 21 at 2017 12:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:15:03 -0400

I'm still new enough here I have not determined a system that is useful to me. So, I usually end up on the Home Page and scroll until something catches my eye. I don't know how to use the "Discussions" tab effectively so rarely go to that section. The notification bell is usually the first thing I check. My interests are too varied and sometimes the tags don't seem to fit the subject. And I certainly have not figured out how to tag posts so more people see/respond. Can be quite disappointing at times.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 21 at 2017 1:01 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 13:01:12 -0400

Sir it depends. Some are click bait (beyond humor), some are offensive to where I feel I have to say something (I'm wrong as hell for that), and in others, there really is an educational value in it. Some of the most offensive posts were where I learned the most.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 21 at 2017 6:16 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 18:16:49 -0400

Please see the orginal question above - can't add additonal text or tags, so I'm adding here in the response window. Please click on the original post in the link below and provide your feedback to the question and complete the survey - thanks

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-do-you-choose-what-discussions-or-posts-you-ll-read-on-rallypoint

How do you choose what discussions or posts you'll read on RallyPoint? | RallyPoint

Is it the picture and RP Members, the title or subject and the title, the Tags (5) at the bottom or personal Tags (up to 20), or do you check out the top trending questions, shared links, or updates?

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 21 at 2017 6:47 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 18:47:52 -0400

Whatever catches my eye... it's a short list because most of the libtards have blocked me... :-)

Response by SSG Ernest Gonzales made Aug 21 at 2017 7:08 PM

SSG Ernest Gonzales — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:08:23 -0400

I hit the wrong button...however it is about the subject and headlines.

Response by CSM Andrew Perrault made Aug 21 at 2017 7:09 PM

CSM Andrew Perrault — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:09:58 -0400

It's what interests me and what I feel comfortable and have experience talking about.

Response by PO2 Richard C. made Aug 21 at 2017 7:27 PM

PO2 Richard C. — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 19:27:04 -0400

It really depends on the subject and title. There are several interests I generally follow, but I do not respond to to all of them. I have pretty eclectic interests, so if something catches my attention, I will usually read it and respond. If nothing else, I'll at least thank the poster for starting the post. The only exceptions are those posts that seem to be specifically intended to support any particular political or economic agenda. I generally do not respond unless the post is, in my opinion, over the top. Religion and politics break up too many friendships.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 21 at 2017 8:05 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:05:53 -0400

Well, I pay no attention at all to sponsored posts because it isn't a viewpoint or question from one of us. Next, if it is just a YouTube video beijng shared, I find enough of that kind of stuff on my Facebook feed, so I ignore nearly all of those. Third, usually if it is "th e same thing" from the same people over and over I quickly get tired of it and ignore those posts.

I try to find the posts and questions that I can actually have a conversation around; maybe give someone a bit of information that tghey are looking for. Either that, or if the question seemed slightly bland, but a quick view of some of the responses shows a point of view or discussion building, I will likely drop my two cents in there and see how it goes lol

Response by MSgt Thomas Mason made Aug 21 at 2017 8:13 PM

MSgt Thomas Mason — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:13:07 -0400

As a group we are multifaceted, one response often leads to another. Personally, I have never liked single-response reply's, their too simple and don't allow me to clearly state my position.

Response by LTC Bill Koski made Aug 21 at 2017 9:50 PM

LTC Bill Koski — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:50:01 -0400

Topic, if I have experience and can add to it. This is a relaxed forum for me so I'm not looking for controversy.
I also like to vote up my friends, I must admit, chasing points makes it a game.

Response by SPC Jon O. made Aug 21 at 2017 10:17 PM

SPC Jon O. — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:17:40 -0400

I respond based on my interest at the time, can I provide a positive comment, will my comment advance the discussion. Will I impact someone's day for all the reasons. I try to be supportive of all RP members.

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Aug 21 at 2017 11:57 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 23:57:24 -0400

No strong preference, mostly what piques my interest.

Response by SGT David Petree made Aug 22 at 2017 4:08 AM

SGT David Petree — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:08:57 -0400

I picked A, B, C, & HELP. I pulled the plug in 03 so I am a little be hind in some things, but help I will if I can. I read most of the posts, but stay away from the ones that anger me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2017 4:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:17:46 -0400

If its fodder I tend to move on but if its something I think that can lead to a great discussion or something that is not my opinion but has valid data that I can learn from.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2017 8:11 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 08:11:27 -0400

I typically only respond if I feel like I can add to the topic.

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Aug 22 at 2017 2:35 PM

SSgt Holden M. — Tue, 22 Aug 2017 14:35:50 -0400

For me if it's a topic that I'm interested in or if I feel like I might have something to contribute to.