How do you handle RallyPoint endorsements?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:04:14 -0500

Do you only endorse people you know?

If you get endorsed- is it proper to endorse back, even if you don't know them?

I only endorse people on Linkedin that I have worked with.. Just curious what the consensus is here :]

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 4:31 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:31:43 -0500

You should only endorse people who's skills you know. Be kind of crazy for me to endorse you for your ability to destroy bunkers since I have know idea if you have ever done that before.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 30 at 2014 4:38 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:38:21 -0500

I usually only endorse those that I know, or the "Overall leadership and character" based on a preponderance both here on RP.

If I endorse you, I do not expect and endorsement back. Just because you endorsed me, does not mean I will endorse you back. At least not because you endorsed me anyway.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Dec 30 at 2014 4:58 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:58:00 -0500

I would be hard pressed to find someone I worked with on RP since i got out 30 years ago. No one would get endorsed.

I read posts of folks and after a few that are wise and helpful, I will endorse them.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:25 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:25:13 -0500

My general rule that I've set for myself here on RP is that if I endorse someone that I don't personally know beyond the site I spell out what I'm endorsing them for making it clear it's for contributions to this community (or whatever). Some people here endorse everyone they make a contact, but that's not me. Receiving an endorsement is great, but I don't reciprocate unless I feel it's warranted, and a lot of people I've messaged here on RP feel the same. There's no set rules for this, it all just depends on who you want to put your name behind.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:32 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:32:38 -0500

The only member I know and worked with is GySgt Ascencion Gomez, D.S.L. and he is a good leader. Other than that, I will endorse people based on their honor, courage and commitment; values that I believe are worthy of endorsement. Or what TSgt Joshua Copeland stated.

I actually misspoke. I know two. Sorry, MSgt Keith Hebert we actually trained together before he lateralled over to the dark side... err I mean other branch.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:40:31 -0500

I only endorse those that I can personally vouche for if an employer contacted me about them. I think that's the general idea behind the system.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:42:09 -0500

I endorse people thats has a good contribution to the topic or someone that I learned from in this social network

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:42:32 -0500

great question

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 5:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 17:46:16 -0500

I endorse people that I have noted a sense of professionalism or that make a positive contribution to RP. I have been endorsed 30 times so far. Some I haven't had any interaction with and some I have long discussions back and fourth with them. But when I make an endorsement I try to personalize it. I am not a fan of the generic endorsement. I want that person to know why I am endorsing them.

I am not a fan of the LinkedIN system. I get endorsements there from people that have never seen work in the military. Most of them are more or less a tap on the back than a solid reference to your experience.

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Dec 30 at 2014 6:19 PM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:19:11 -0500

I do both. I also try to comment so that it is known what I am endorsing.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 30 at 2014 6:36 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:36:47 -0500

I only endorse verified members. If I get endorsed by someone I don't know, I thank them and see how they roll. If they are kind and helpful to other members and "put in more than they take out" on RallyPoint I endorse them.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 6:50 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 18:50:26 -0500

I know only a few people personally on RallyPoint, so - like many others - I base my decision to endorse someone on what I see posted here on RallyPoint.

There is (within me) a sort of a self-induced pressure to reciprocate when someone endorses me. Guess I'll have to get over that. Until I do ... You know where (/how) you can get an endorsement. :-)

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 7:26 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:26:32 -0500

I give endorsements to folks who I notice are making good contributions to RP and that I feel deserve some recognition. I've also gotten endorsements when I've least expected them. I appreciate them but don't solicit them. I would be hard pressed also to find someone on here who served with me it's been so long.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 7:55 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:55:36 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member. I am occasionally surprised by being endorsed . . . I find that it is pleasant and heartwarming . . . but I also tend to delete endorsements that are only check mark in a box . . . rather than a personal comment that took more of an effort to consider and write. I also endorsed a very few select people I know personally . . . or who I know have made a rather considerable contribution to the others . . . either here on RP . . . or more often in their real lives. By the time I get around to endorsing someone they are truly remarkable people. Warmest Regards, Sandy

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 30 at 2014 7:51 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 19:51:55 -0500

Every time I get endorsed a ferry tale somewhere comes true.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 30 at 2014 8:28 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 20:28:56 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, I would accept an endorsement with style and grace. Thank them. Someone liked what you said or stand for on RP. Give endorsements to those you wish to give endorsements for the same reason.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 9:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 21:30:23 -0500

I have given endorsements to several even though I did not agree with their point of view, but with the degree of respect and professionalism they presented their views. You don't have to fully agree with someone to have respect for their viewpoint. I have endorsed two based on service with and working with them.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 10:12 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:12:43 -0500

Thanks for the input everyone.. as always, sound advice! :]

Have a safe & happy New Year's Eve!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2014 11:52 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 23:52:22 -0500

My goodness we had quite a row concerning this about a year ago. One guy emailed me and asked if I knew him. LOL. Okay, we are all veterans and for us who have been out for over 30 years it would be hard to find any. In fact in the last two years I have lost two of my best friends and weather forecasters/Meteorologists. So some of the snooty types do not have to accept an endorsement, but as I see it, we are all veterans and for the life of me cannot figure out what the hubris is all about. Or accepting us older veterans as relevant.

I see some of this with some current members and the sad thing is that in 10-20 years many of us will be gone and those serving members now will be in our place and will know how it feels.

Every time I go to the VA I talk to lonely septuagenarians and octogenarians and even nonegenarians, 70s, 80s and 90s respectively.

Good question and I will be certain not to endorse you, not because of any malice or ill-will towards you, but there are several takes on this topic and to each his or her own.

Larry

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 7:14 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 07:14:00 -0500

I will obviously endorse those that I know from the history I have with them, but other than that I base an endorsement on here from what I see in how someone interacts and the contributions they make to the forums and RP as a whole.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 8:26 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 08:26:26 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member People can judge your character by your comments and beliefs. One thing they cannot get out of rally point is your candor and execution. Online connections know you for what's in your heart. People tend to be a different person online. Braver, harder, more well rounded. It's the character within that defines you. Getting you to be that character in real life isn't that hard. A little mentorship and pushin. So if you had some beliefs and good counsel on rally point that I've read, I would definitely endorse you. And if I have ever met you in person, I would love to see that same online person come out.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 4:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 16:15:50 -0500

I do not always endorse back. I do not feel that it is a quid pro quo thing and that both parties should be deserving. I used to never endorse, reserving it for very very select that I have met and worked with. However, since I began more involved I realized that endorsement of those I have not worked with can be done for their involvement on Rally Point and their contributions here as well as you a general sense of what type of leader/person that they are through their posts and responses.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2014 5:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:55:46 -0500

I would have to say that I'd have to know you a bit to endorse you, and since I don't know many...i don't endorse.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 31 at 2014 9:48 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 21:48:42 -0500

I have endorsed a couple people since i have been here. When i do i have either worked wiht them or they wrote something that i was like wow that is so freaking useful or they give out some great professional advice.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jan 1 at 2015 3:55 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:55:21 -0500

If I only endorsed people I know, those two endorsements were done a long time ago. I did not endorse them because I knew them, but because they had my respect.

My general rule for endorsements is you must be at 100% first. Then I look at if the member is contributing to RP in a significant way. You do not have to agree with me in any way, I like dissenting opinions and learn a lot from them. If your questions and responses make me go, WOW!, then you have a very good chance of receiving an endorsement.

No, I do not expect and endorsement if I endorse someone. If I get an endorsement I am surprised and flattered, sometimes even shocked. There was one day I gave out 5 endorsements, I was that impressed with the responses on a thread from people I had been following. I was shocked to find there was a 5 endorsement limit that day, first time ever.

On Linkedin, I only endorse people I know and have worked with. That is so different than here. There we directly affect what potential employers think about people to a much greater degree then here. Since I am not actively looking for employment, endorsements there mean little to me.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 3:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:59:11 -0500

i only have a few friends on here that I have worked with. But I believe I am a very good judge of character of individuals. So if I endorse you it is because of what I have experienced of you overall here on RP. I don't expect an endorsement in return but hopefully I will earn your respect and you will endorse me when or if you are ready or want to. It will not offened me if you don't? I must admit I do regret one of my endorsements I did make an error in judgement.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jan 2 at 2015 1:56 PM

MSG David Johnson — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:56:20 -0500

I will only endorse someone I personally know and have worked with. There are to many people that have a Jekyll/Hyde thing online, some I know personally.
So this is the reason I won't endorse anyone I don't know.

Ok, after reading the rest of the comments on this thread, there are several good points made about endorsing someone you only know from the RP community.
MSgt Private RallyPoint Member your comment about regretting one of your endorsements, this shows the point I feel. I may come around eventually, but for the time being I think I will hold to my no endorsement policy.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Jan 2 at 2015 2:14 PM

MSG David Johnson — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 14:14:50 -0500

I accidentally removed a vote from someone's comment, I didn't realize I had already voted up on their comment. So if you get a message about a removed vote I apologize, but I did return the vote.

Response by Sgt Wayne Horton made Jan 2 at 2015 6:06 PM

Sgt Wayne Horton — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 18:06:37 -0500

if a person make good sense they always get my vote...of course in this arena it's to be expected smile

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2015 8:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 20:19:48 -0500

I've only been endorsed once by someone I have never met, he must have read my book or heard the legends and myths about me.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 3 at 2015 4:47 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 04:47:34 -0500

When ever I get an endorsement, one of my tan Army t-shirts turns into silk.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 3 at 2015 5:39 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 05:39:16 -0500

I've endured a few right back, but only ones worth endorsing. Some I didn't. I send a thank you to each who endorses me. Someone joining and then immediately endorsing to get noticed takes the meaning out of it. My endorsements of others are deserved.

Honestly, I don't really think about endorsing until I get one and then I review a few and endorse them. There are quite a few on here that are worth endorsing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2016 9:25 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 09:25:14 -0500

I usually endorse people I know personally and have worked with - however, some people endorse people they meet through here and I'm assuming they do so based on their contribution(s) to RP through their comments/postings. That doesn't bother me, as I can see why you would endorse someone with their positive contributions to RP - but I'm sure there are those who do the blanket endorsements as well.