Off-topic discussions: Is RP subject to abuse by members padding their point totals with daily off-the-wall and irrelevant questions?

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:39:32 -0400

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 1:40 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:40:57 -0400

And I sure wasn't looking to get 15 points for even asking the question!!!

Response by CPO Frank Oliveras made Jun 6 at 2015 1:45 AM

CPO Frank Oliveras — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:45:28 -0400

Well, we lowered the Boot Camp standards so this seems to be the end product...

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 6 at 2015 1:49 AM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:49:06 -0400

Of course, but then again, so what if some loon wants to get more points?

It's not like RP points are going to get us promoted, or maybe a BAH raise.

I look at RP points as brownie points.

Non event.

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Jun 6 at 2015 1:52 AM

GySgt Joe Strong — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 01:52:28 -0400

Sure it is, but as this kind of ridiculous question gains points and is rewarded it simply is an example of the behaviorists mantra, "What gets rewarded, gets repeated."

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Jun 6 at 2015 2:15 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 02:15:18 -0400

MOST DEFINITELY! Have you heard about Caitlyn lately?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 3:14 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 03:14:47 -0400

It's more an RP issue if they are the deciding factor on how points are awarded. However this question in itself seems pointless. Why are you so concern about how people gain points. What's the significance of them except constant notification about how much points I gained for something.

Whatever their intentions, you have the choice to ignore their question as I had the choice to ignore yours. However, I decided that you might be doing the exact same thing so I wanted to contribute to your success. ( My response is in good humor, I smiled when I read your question)

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 6 at 2015 3:15 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 03:15:03 -0400

"Let me piggy back off of what SCPO Private RallyPoint Member said..."

Just teasing Senior Chief, that's a running joke in the Navy and I'm sure the Coast Guard is similar.

With that said, I agree. A lot of different posts that say the same thing.

A lot of posters posting multiple posts (see what I did there?).

Another thing I've noticed when people either post a new thread or respond to an existing one is they will tag whomever they're speaking to, just to get those 2 extra points!

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 6 at 2015 3:29 AM

PO3 David Fries — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 03:29:18 -0400

Welcome to Whose Line, where everything is made up and the points don't matter.

In all seriousness though, what does it matter? At the end of the day, this is a discussion board, nothing else.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 3:49 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 03:49:14 -0400

I would agree with that since two of the five top trending discussions right now have nothing to do with any branch or aspect of the military. In addition to that I see a slew of just general interest threads as well.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:09 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 06:09:02 -0400

I agree, all I see is certain people linking articles from other sources asking "what is your opinion".

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 6 at 2015 11:00 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 11:00:47 -0400

I think this might go with a little bit of community self regulation. People can post whatever they want, but if the community isn't interested, it will quickly we overshadowed and buried by topics that the community actually is engaging in.

If points are your goal, there are better ways. Sure posting a topic might be a quick 15 points, but posting stuff the community actually wants to discuss will get you far more points in replies, upvotes, badges and tags.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jun 6 at 2015 2:36 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:36:04 -0400

I guess my response would be, "who freaking cares". It is not as if you can take said points and purchase something with them. Believe it or not, I don't have a clue how many points I (or anyone for that matter) has. If I find topics that I feel are "irrelevant", well I just scroll right by without a second thought. Another thought, are you offsetting all of the "irrelevant questions" with relevant ones?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 6 at 2015 5:25 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:25:38 -0400

It's like any other process, system or benefit, people will find a way to misuse it. The nonsense is OK to a point and the categories and groups help the more serious minded to bypass some of that nonsense.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 6 at 2015 5:27 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:27:36 -0400

I am stuck in a wheelchair....it's what I do.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 6 at 2015 5:36 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:36:34 -0400

Frankly, who determines what questions are meaningless? What do you get for points accumulated? A new Ford 250? Season tickets to the Packers?

This post although well intentioned could seem meaningless to some!

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jun 6 at 2015 5:53 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:53:48 -0400

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member ,
Personally I guess we are guilty of something's here we don't want to admit to, Such as favorites (when it comes to thumbs up). Posting questions just for the sake of posting them to rank up in points.
Personally back when we started, when there were unlimited thumbs up, unlimited posts, unlimited thumbs down, things seems to go pretty ok then, until it was noted that many were not able to move up the latter because of this.
I stopped asking questions because in my time the questions I asked were all answered. Now I can say I have quite a few good friends that come from all parts of the world and all branches of the Military, Both male and female. That was something I didn't have before RP.
Perhaps in the future I may want to ask another question but as now I'm pretty much contempt.
In view of your question what would you propose happen in order to handle this matter?

Please be advice that the RP admin are here monitoring what is taking place at all times so don't feel you are not heard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 6:05 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:05:18 -0400

I couldn't agree more. I think if you look at the content of the questions a member makes you can see the trends. I try to bring up some though provoking questions. Maybe not all of them are great but some of them are just senseless and are nothing more than to get attention or points. I have seen members post at least one question a day for weeks just about. All of them are pretty much senseless but hey still rack up the points.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 8:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 20:31:49 -0400

If it makes you feel any better, I don't post irrelevant topics to pad my points. However I did just vote up every response on this topic for some mad points.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made Jun 6 at 2015 10:51 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 22:51:23 -0400

yes...when you have someone who asks a question....the replys "thank you for your answer, sir" on EVERY. DAMN. POST....then yes...

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 7 at 2015 1:17 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 01:17:21 -0400

Points have been talked about before. For me i don't care about the points, RP helps me pass the time and do something remotely social even if I'm on the other side of a debate. At times I come up with questions and at least initially do not give my own opinion just because I want to see how others see that specific quesiton. I think the world is full of for debate purposes at least some great "what ifs". Its fun to talk about.

Personally I'm not really sure what the purpose of the points is, its not like I can go shopping with them or get discount on something. As far as I can tell they're just sort of there as a bench mark.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 7:07 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 19:07:08 -0400

Absolutely... Some questions I see on here should either, not be, or, used on Facebook!

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 7 at 2015 8:19 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 20:19:58 -0400

Yes, and by answering every question whether they had the actual experience or not. It looks widespread to me.

Response by 1SG Brian Allen made Jun 7 at 2015 8:23 PM

1SG Brian Allen — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 20:23:08 -0400

I am here to share my experiences with all. I am not in for the points and sure everyone else isn't too.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 8 at 2015 9:13 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:13:34 -0400

I never saw that, but I don't post a lot of stuff. I also relatively new to the site. I don't really get why the points here here in the first place.

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made Jun 8 at 2015 9:37 AM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:37:17 -0400

I believe it can be subject to abuse in that way, as well as another with the comments people can give to others.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Jun 8 at 2015 9:39 AM

SSG Richard Reilly — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:39:39 -0400

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 10:19 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:19:24 -0400

I think some are doing that yes, but then again, I could care less about the points myself. At the end of the day they don't get me anything and I rather be doing something more productive such as refining my kicks in muay thai, or sparring, or quality time with those who are special in my life.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 8 at 2015 10:28 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:28:08 -0400

Question reminds me of "Everything is made up and the points don't matter". There's a bunch of stuff that doesn't interest me regardless of forum, hence I have to spend some time filtering which I'd prefer not to do. But it's a forum, so live with it.

To me, I agree on the first part but can't assume anything about points. That said, what's irrelevant to me is relevant to others who join in just like FB.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jun 8 at 2015 11:03 AM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:03:30 -0400

Yes, this can probably happen...but does it matter? The points don't really mean much.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 8 at 2015 11:13 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:13:27 -0400

Probably so, yea, but honestly who cares? I will say it is funny as hell when someone posts a question and then responds to it first to get the 100 point "Trailblazer" award!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 4:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:24:33 -0400

Yes

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Jun 8 at 2015 7:30 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:30:07 -0400

I don't mind the irrelevant topics. I don't bother with those that don't strike a cord with me or where I don't feel I have anything of value to add. Relevance is in the eye of the beholder.

What I don't care for is the false, misleading, or purposefully incendiary headlines that clearly are just to build points. I've seen where a poster doesn't even read the article they are linking their topic to. I'm a fan of intellectual honesty.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 11:32 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 23:32:31 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 11:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 23:37:58 -0400

I told someone that was ragging on me about my CIB, and points, that he could have all my medals and all my points on RP if he would take my PTSD. He eventually was booted off because all he wanted to do was start heated arguments and use vulgar language.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 4:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 16:16:27 -0400

I understand that this is a military, professional based website, but I also feel that if we are limited to "military" talk, that we would run out of subjects, and like your question, they will be merged. There are a lot of questions that have all ready been asked at least once. That's just my opinion. Thank you for the question!

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 9 at 2015 5:06 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:06:17 -0400

Yes

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 5:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 17:30:27 -0400

Could making a discussion about if members making a discussion to get points fall under that category ;) I do believe TSgt Joshua Copeland said that if it isn't relevant to us it will fade and be forgotten and like any discussion forum with point systems or not those who are interested or have an opinion on the subject it will be around and be relevant.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 6:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:15:30 -0400

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2015 6:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 18:55:53 -0400

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 9 at 2015 8:31 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:31:53 -0400

I don't think the points go toward retirement so what difference does it make ?

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Jun 9 at 2015 11:48 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 23:48:32 -0400

I think that is indeed the case. I have seen quite a few discussions that were very irrelevant and basically a complete waste of time. I have also seen quite a few that appeared to openly incite hatred and vitriol towards specific politicians, to include the Commander-in-Chief. While I'm all for open discussion of political issues, some base level of decorum, appropriateness, and professionalism should be maintained.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 4 at 2015 3:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:00:44 -0400

Guilty as charged. I expect an eArticle 15 without haste.

Response by CW3 Ian Mains made Aug 4 at 2015 3:10 PM

CW3 Ian Mains — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 15:10:26 -0400

The irony is killing me.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Sep 21 at 2015 3:55 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 15:55:32 -0400

'Off-the-wall' and 'irrelevant' are very subjective value judgments, so who is to say what is 'coloring within the lines' and 'relevant'? Unless point totals translate into cash or a longer lifespan I don't begrudge anyone for engaging. They are welcome to my meager point count.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 18 at 2015 7:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 19:56:23 -0400

I use drivel for points.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Oct 18 at 2015 8:32 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 20:32:19 -0400

Just sayin'...

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Oct 18 at 2015 8:57 PM

LTC Bink Romanick — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 20:57:23 -0400

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member I suppose it depends on what you call relevant .

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Oct 18 at 2015 10:51 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 22:51:23 -0400

Yep

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 18 at 2015 11:49 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 23:49:37 -0400

Great question SCPO Private RallyPoint Member. The funny thing was that I was called out a year ago for posting something like 'what is your favorite sci-fi series' and was hammered relentlessly. It was removed and I could care less, despite having a ton of responses and everyone having a good time with it. But now, I am expecting a post inquiring as to the contents of their morning Class I download. I just volunteer here to help keep the wolves at bay and to nuke trolls and hope that things get back to the way they were before. But from the admin side, I can say that the more pathetic a post is, the harder we have to work. The members numbers continue to grow and the subject matter is allowed to continue it's downward spiral. But alas, we live in a 'do it if it makes you feel good' nation so by all means, lets all post 20 threads a day and continue to watch our friends leave because they are tired of all the BS. Let the offenders block you for even mentioning it to them and consider it a badge of honor to be worn with pride. We all joined for different reasons and some members are having a good time here while others must sift through the ocean of spam to find something substantial.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Oct 18 at 2015 11:55 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 23:55:34 -0400

In my (irrelevant) opinion, if someone is worried about how many points they have, or how many points someone else has, that someone needs to come down off the limiter and re-evaluate priorities and purposes...

I also think that RP should be whatever any particular member needs it to be. Silly... impertinent... thought-provoking... educational... or a cry for help.

Just sayin'...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 12:15 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 00:15:59 -0400

If the point system did not exist, would RP get as much attention as it does and would people be as inspired to comment on posts or to find new material to post?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2015 7:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 19:39:53 -0400

Some may consider my questions regarding Free Open Source Software "off-the-wall." However, it's a community and a community is great for networking and learning. That's the purpose of most of my posts. I share my knowledge and look to gain more.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 20 at 2015 1:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 13:39:17 -0400

I guess it depends on the value of the thread. Some topics have more value. I feel like Mr. Obvious with my anemic analysis.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Aug 25 at 2017 11:41 AM

SP5 Peter Keane — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 11:41:46 -0400

Isn't this kinda like "Whose Line Is It Anyway ?" where the points don't really matter ?

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Oct 6 at 2017 7:24 AM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 07:24:03 -0400

I don't care, I just fly right by the stupid posts

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Oct 15 at 2019 5:30 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 17:30:06 -0400

I do get tired of the repeats, the pittily trivia, and the news wire services.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 16 at 2019 12:28 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 12:28:14 -0400

Sure, but it's generally fairly apparent when they do it. Especially when they make threads just to comment on them first for the extra points. Just ignore it. Every once in a while, they'll make a thread that's interesting.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2019 3:56 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:56:36 -0400

Agreed, and it's not just the posts. The 100 point first response keeps a few up at night. Tag a bunch and you do the math. It's free speech and even "thanks for sharing" requires some work at dark thirty. Nothing is perfect, but there are still some legit posts. Some free entertainment as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2019 3:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:59:23 -0400

Wait, you mean my rallypoint rating doesn’t go on my NCOER?

I’m done with this nonsense!

Response by SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra made Oct 17 at 2019 6:36 PM

SGT Cynthia Douglas Ybarra — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 18:36:41 -0400

I haven't seen it