How much weight do you put behind the Verified/Non-Verified member status?

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:36:01 -0500

With more and more people joining RallyPoint, which is great to see, I've gotten a few Connection Requests from members who are not verified (no green SM, V, or R next to their name).  <div><br></div><div>As someone who loves networking I do not mind the requests at all but I've started trying to review their profiles looking for some things we share.  It could be a unit we both served in, area that we live, interests such as photography, just something.  If I met you in person, than no big deal, I add right away.</div><div><br></div><div>The question I have for the group is how much weight do you put into the whole Verified/Non-Verified thing?  I know we have talked about should Non-Verified accounts be able to access certain parts of the site and whatnot; in this discussion, I'm wondering what others think when they get a request to connect from a non-verified account over a verified account.</div>

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Feb 19 at 2014 12:39 PM

SSG Andrew Dydasco — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 12:39:09 -0500

I don't mind accepting them. Maybe they are new and want to test the waters so to speak and get a feel for the site before committing to it and verifying.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 19 at 2014 2:00 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 14:00:06 -0500

I, myself am still pretty new to RP. With that being said, the few that have sent requests to me, I will often accept. For those that I have sent requests to, often it is because I have read some of their comments and I like how they think....does not mean I accept/agree with EVERYTHING that they say, but I try to understand WHAT they are saying. I also try to look for something like a common location, common interests, etc. Also, I am automatically a connection (regardless of their status) for anyone that I have invited. I don't think it is a huge issue, but I do like to know a little bit prior to connection in most cases.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2014 1:30 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Jun 2014 01:30:07 -0400

While I would prefer that personnel verify their accounts, I haven't held it against anyone (yet). But I'm sure the good RP staff is looking into ensuring non-verified accounts have a more limited access :)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 7:12 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 19:12:17 -0400

I prefer a Verified account because it shows a sense of dedication and interest in the community. If there's no visible effort, then I have no desire to Connect with them since I wouldn't feel confident that they'll even be around to share discussions or update their profile.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 12:48 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:48:10 -0400

It's shady, I found a coast guardsman from St Petersburg Russia on here. Probably not legit. Turned it in and he got deleted.
Additionally. ISIS or other terror organizations could be combing the site for intel.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 7 at 2015 12:52 AM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 00:52:47 -0400

SGT Ben Keen, I never used to consider it very much. However, it seems lately to have become more important. It's not that hard to verify service.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 7 at 2015 3:10 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 03:10:43 -0400

I give them a month and then if they aren't verified I don't respond to them. They are probably legit, but they could also be 12. It's too easy t get verified. It isn't a security issue. In all the links they even say to "block out all the sensitive information." But unless things change, it is their right to remain that way. I can't stand it that they can spew crap and get to down-vote verified members. No bueno.

Response by 1SG Nick Baker made Oct 19 at 2015 7:36 PM

1SG Nick Baker — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 19:36:15 -0400

I was invited here by a couple LinkedIn contacts. LinkedIn has unit groups also. Many groups are locked to members only and some are open to the public. I served with many of the group or LinkedIn members. I do not need to prove my service to anyone. Being verified or not is not going to stop a poser. I do not care about points or a percentage. I do not think I have ever voted anyone down. I just respond to an interesting conversation.
Take away the vote, get points for people posting a comment. Negative or positive comments show you that you influenced a response and advanced a conversation. Your business model and you defended the posers right to troll.

Response by SFC Brian Ewing made Oct 21 at 2015 11:45 AM

SFC Brian Ewing — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 11:45:30 -0400

I put much weight on this once I know that RP Admin has verified a person's status. RP asks for credible proof that cannot be concocted so you know you are getting a real Soldier/Marine, Airmen or Sailor once they are verified.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2016 4:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:10:13 -0500

SGT Ben Keen If they're not verified I don't respond to them, after a week or so, I will put them in the Ignore category which I recheck to see if they become verified. It matters whether someone is verified or not. If someone is verified I will add them. I don't add those I don't know and are not verified. I like what SFC Mark Merino said as well. It's not that hard to get verified.

Response by SPC David S. made Feb 24 at 2016 4:22 PM

SPC David S. — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 16:22:41 -0500

More than likely not going to accept - now if they send a request over to my Facebook account maybe. Some of my Facebook 'friends' are on RP, however I like to keep my worlds compartmentalized. Although my Facebook looks a lot like Merica - guns, beer, rugby, and red white and blue.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jun 20 at 2016 9:20 AM

SGT James Hammons — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 09:20:40 -0400

The non-verified and verified status on a networking site like this one is not a real issue with me, I tend to recognize others who serve and what we call posers or stolen valor. Sometimes it is pretty easy to see through the lies.

Response by Cpl Francis A Volz made Oct 29 at 2017 8:05 AM

Cpl Francis A Volz — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 08:05:13 -0400

I am a Marine served in Desert Storm my unit was awarded a NUC and we also received a combat action ribbon. I did to pumps one right back to the Gulf aboard the USS Saipan for operation provide comfort for the Kurds. That wound up being 9 months. I was also maratouriously promoted out of boot camp to PFC, and went on to become class leader at Fort Sill FDC/ FO school. My Father was an F-4 pilot in Nam flew 100 missions and received the distinguished flying cross. So I come from a long line of military men in my family. And don’t know why I am not being vetted into RallyPoint? Semipermanent Fi