Is RallyPoint useful or just another downgraded version of Facebook forums for ppl to "gossip" on?

SFC (Join to see)

I think RallyPoint is useful, as it allows people of like minds/similar backgrounds to discuss issues specific to a segment of the population, unlike Facebook, which is wide open to all.

I have not seen too much "gossip" on RallyPoint. I would characterize it as more of a "discussion".

I believe that RallyPoint is absolutely useful SFC (Join to see). Personally I have connected with numerous folks who I have reached out to for assistance with for issues relating to PCS, sponsorship for Soldiers, and even logistic support from an Embassy. There is also a wealth of knowledge throughout the forum questions and answers. Service members are getting questions answered, meeting and talking to potential mentors, etc.

SFC (Join to see), it's useful. Look at all the questions being asked by SMs who need advice for situations they're dealing with now. And look at the vast amount of experience they can tap into for that advice and guidance.

Further, there have been some very touching offers (some very tangible) of support to veterans who are "hurting."

You bet it's useful, and then some!

SFC (Join to see) For myself I agree with COL Jean (John) F. B. the main thing for me being Retired is allowing me to keep in touch with other Military Members. It's the one thing I miss the most since retirement.

SFC (Join to see) I disagree with you. I think RP is a useful tool for sharing information, making connections, asking for help/information/advice/support... Members here are uniquely attuned to the needs of other members in a way that FB and other media sights cannot even come close to. Functionally it is much better than FB with controls to allow a high level of user control, a help desk where you do not get stuck in a automated loop, admins that care about the members and do their best to police threads, founders who make themselves accessible and responsive to members, (When was the last time you received a message from Mark Zuckerberg or that he responded to a message you sent him?) Ralllypoint is not "like any other forum" I've experienced. SFC (Join to see) I hope you have a great evening and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.

I hope that it won’t turn out to be a downgraded version of FB. I like the conversation that goes on within the forums. It’s a place where the Military can come and talk about issues we face. Meet new people that you have things in common, and can relate to, either way. I heard also...it’s a great place to network. So let keep it real, like the professionals we are.

When I first started on RP it was less Facebook like and more military minded. What I mean is that there were more questions in regards to regulations, advice on specific military situations, and discussion on deployments, etc. Over time I log in less because it has become bogged down in religious and political discussion. If that was the intent of RP, that is fine, just not something I am not interested in discussing or what I thought was the intention of the site. There are also more silly posts now than there was when I first started posting here. I don't have a problem with these per se but it seems they are more and more common. The thing about RP is that different people come to RP for different reasons and as long as you can find enough here to warrant visiting the site then it is successful.

As with all social media sites. RP is what you make it. Every person is free to pose new questions and discussion topics for the benefit of all. It is this exchange of ideas, facts and opinions that helps build greater understanding and sense of community.

I believe it provides a useful place for service members and veterans to exchange ideas, express opinions, formulate positions and gain insight on various topics. No site is perfect as that is the human condition. From my experience RP offers a unique space for military affiliated individuals to interact and gain perspectives form a much larger segment then would be available at the unit or installation level. These connections and insights offer a perspective most would not be able to obtain in any other fashion.

It's been discussed on several other threads in multiple ways. To take a narrow view and believe that the only useful function is a "gossip" page seems a bit terse and inaccurate to me. RallyPoint serves many purposes for different people. The things that stick to me would be a consistent learning environment. I would tend to state that it is as valuable as you make it to be. There is plenty of discussion threads that contain a wealth of information should you have a question about the subject. This venue also gives you the opportunity to seek advice if you choose to, read others opinions regarding current topics of military importance, interact with military personnel all across the board in rank and branch. There are many who frequent these halls who can contribute good information over an abundance of topics.

The question becomes how do you (or any other member) use the information given here and what value do you place on it. The site is free & the knowledge is available. As a veteran I look to do several things here, continue the camaraderie I developed with many of my friends while in the military complex, give knowledge I know will enhance or help fellow SM's along their career path, enlighten where I am able, and learn from those who have experiences I am lacking.

RallyPoint translates across military and civilian vocations with knowledge that can be understood in a familiar way.
Respectfully, it's value lies in what you make of it.

Sometimes, I "hold back" or "temper" my responses or posts because I believe RP was conceived as a military version of "LinkedIn" more than "Facebook".

That said, I cannot tell you how much it truly helps to get the real opinions of those who served during, before, and after "my time". It's made me less concerned in many ways...and highlighted issues I'd otherwise be severely lacking in information upon.

I do hate that our discussions occasionally become "rants", or political debates...Still, I think it's best that we "hash it out" among ourselves...owing to the fact that there's (should be) a line of respect unparalleled in any other community.

Occasionally, I learn things...I'd like to think that sometimes, people learn from me.

I will admit that not all that many years ago, I was seriously concerned that things had "changed" so much, that the service I loved may have been evolving into something unrecognizable...I no longer fear that as much. Sailors, Soliders, Airmen and Marines are still the same,hard working, "not happy unless complaining", foul mouthed, ill-tempered, good -intentioned, courageous, idealistic, wonderful bastards that have been keeping us strong and free since the beginning, and I'm just grateful to keep in touch with all of you.