Should we delete the "trailblazer" award on RallyPoint? Is it encouraging non-substantive comments on a significant fraction of discussions?

CAPT Michael Toleno — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:37:57 -0500

Are RallyPoint members just stealing the "trailblazer" influence points by responding as quickly as possible to a new post, but not really thinking about the post, or commenting anything substantive? I have seen on about 50% or more of all posts that the first post is just a non-substantive, "Great post" comment. Should we ask that the "trailblazer" reward be removed? I like the concept, because it SHOULD generate discussion and response, but it seems to be having the opposite effect: It encourages comments that are worthless, and which demonstrate that the commenter has no real interest in discussing the original post. What do you think? Other than removing the influence point incentive, is there anything else we can do? Thanks!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jan 29 at 2019 8:42 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:42:48 -0500

This has been the topic of the day several times amongst the admins. I'm in favor it. I'm also in favor of users with a high amount of points from either not gaining points period after a certain level or being limited to X number of posts each day. We definitely have some users that feel that the point of this site is to gain points rather than share good information.

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Jan 29 at 2019 8:46 PM

PO1 H Gene Lawrence — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:46:23 -0500

I plead guilty. Sometimes the only thing to say is Great Post. Other times expressing appreciation for posting something that the responder has not seen before is appropriate. Everything does not necessarily need an in depth discussion on this site. Possibly a phone conversation would take care of that.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Jan 29 at 2019 8:55 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:55:14 -0500

Ya know, I agree with a limit of points. Many of the posts, however, don’t require substantive responses (humor, music, tons of others). Indeed there are some where the read was cool (some history posts). So, unlike a post/question like this, there is a vast amount of posts that don’t require or engender a response.

So, take it away or not, it matters not to me. I keep seeing people who are pissed when a short response is made, regardless if it is appropriate or not.

For those that are against it, I wonder if you are equally upset with other short response after the trailblazers!?

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 29 at 2019 9:08 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:08:24 -0500

I am torn as I see both sides of the issue. Some posts only require a short answer. So the length of the first comment isn’t that important to me. However, folks that chase points for the sake of points don’t understand the true purpose of RP.

However, what about the folks that create a post and the tag others as the first comment? Do they get Trailblazer points for commenting on their own post? That is more concerning to me than short initial answers.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jan 29 at 2019 9:13 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:13:35 -0500

Honorable individuals should not be writing great share if they have not read the post. IMO Sir.

Response by LTC Stephen Conway made Jan 29 at 2019 9:54 PM

LTC Stephen Conway — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 21:54:46 -0500

When I'm the first one, I usually try to make a comment or include a meme or a picture so I won't look like the Trail Blazers points Junkie.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 29 at 2019 10:04 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 22:04:24 -0500

CAPT Michael Toleno we should gank that feature today....thanks for the share, just kidding.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Jan 29 at 2019 11:04 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 23:04:04 -0500

If you're in this for the influence points and rewards, then move on. I don't give a rat's behind how many influence points I get or how many awards I get. That's not the point of this. It's to help out others with knowledge that we've gained during our time in service. So, if the fact that someone gets influence points or "trailblazer" rewards is something you're concerned about, go play Fortnite or Overwatch.

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Jan 29 at 2019 11:44 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 23:44:38 -0500

Wouldn’t an upvote on a detainee led question post also fit it this context.

In that...you post a question for serious discussion, but only get an upvote...what does it mean, what did they like, what do they think...

Seems those upset with short response posts to questions, should also be upset at any up/down votes!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Jan 29 at 2019 11:47 PM

CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 23:47:03 -0500

Simply put, you are saying that if you have nothing to say, just be quiet? ! On that I agree, “motor mouths” keep the ‘net’ from functioning! Our S-4 was known for being verbose, not for ever having content w/in his transmissions! CAPT Michael Toleno

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 12:09 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:09:26 -0500

CAPT Michael Toleno I agree with you Commander. We want to encourage good responses, so doing away with the Trailblazer reward would help with that.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 12:37 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 00:37:54 -0500

Should delete the entire worthless points system. For one thing, it will force a whole lot of people on here to “Get A Life.”

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 2:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 02:00:18 -0500

I think the trail blazer points and the points for posting any new discussion are counterproductive. You see people just essentially shitposting for points.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2019 5:01 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:01:01 -0500

Many of the so called "top influencers" are nothing more than spammers, IMO. There are posters who post in literally every single thread I see, and it is a meaningless, generic one line post that is put in any thread of any topic whatsoever.

The whole point system should be scrapped. The concept of "influence points" is lame to start with. If I go to someones profile to flag them for a racist post, I think they get influence points because I viewed their profile. Go figure. So do all the dozens of people who get points for me going to their profile because my fat thumbs press too hard when I am trying to scroll the page up on my Ipad, and it activates their link. And why does filling out my profile add to my influence? And scrolling through a post in a thread where it is nothing but a long list of names of other users being tagged so that more points can be accumulated is just dealing with more spam. It's all a sham that does nothing to actually indicate the level of influence or contributions someone makes, but rather encourages no content posting. Dump the whole thing, IMO.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 30 at 2019 9:56 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 09:56:44 -0500

We love these types of discussions and dialogues. Everyone has an opinion that matters to the product team. Please feel free to share your honest thoughts about the trail blazer badges.

Response by SGT David T. made Jan 30 at 2019 10:07 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 10:07:59 -0500

I can't say I disagree with you at all. I would go one further and remove the points thing all together. It's not like we get prizes....hmmm now that is an idea.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jan 30 at 2019 10:53 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 10:53:13 -0500

Every response need not be a masters dissertation. Sometimes "Great Post" or "fuckin' awesome" is all that needs to be said.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 30 at 2019 11:26 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 11:26:33 -0500

I have never understood the points system. the whole pointof RP IMHO is to encourage discussions among veterans. OK I get points...woo hoo..that and a dollar will get me a cup of coffee. Just do away with the points and let folks talk instead of rewarding points chasers. It isn't a game or a competition it is a forum for back and forth conversations.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Jan 30 at 2019 12:03 PM

CPL Dave Hoover — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 12:03:41 -0500

CAPT Michael Toleno though I like and prefer to respond with a paragraph, I often respond with few words for a few reasons.

1) because of 12 hour shifts, sometimes I have 10 to 15 minutes of break time and 20 to 30 plus post to read through. I use only a phone which allows me to go back only 12 hours, even with 2 or 3 words responses, I can't get them all and I feel bad. A solution for me, just don't respond.

2) sometimes 2 or 3 words hits spot on, so, I guess we can do over kill.

3) does saying "great post" in 25 words to avoid being labeled a points sniper, when 2 words says it all.

I agree with SSG William Jones that there needs to be more to our responses than a bleep, but I am examining whether I need to refrain from responses so that my motives are not misunderstood. I will have to do some soul searching.

Is it a Mountain, a Mole Hill, or is it Nothing, I don't know. But a lot will wish I responded to this with only 2 or 3 words, lol. Over and Out.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 30 at 2019 2:24 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:24:51 -0500

I barely have time to read most posts much less comment on them. I get your point though.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Jan 30 at 2019 6:19 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:19:41 -0500

Why not?

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jan 30 at 2019 8:02 PM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 20:02:34 -0500

I agree CDR. A "good question" answer is not helping anybody.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 30 at 2019 11:18 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 23:18:06 -0500

Thank you CAPT Michael Toleno for sharing an intriguing question.
To be honest, I do my best to respond with cogent comments and I try to tag the person who posted the share, update or question.
I rarely get to be trailblazer now except when I respond in early morning.
I certainly prefer discussions to simple phrases.
One thing that really bugs me is people posting with no indication what the subject is. Some people rapid fire shares/status/questions and other people rapid fire a response which is simply a phrase.
Thanks for alerting me, my friend CPL Dave Hoover
Thanks for mentioning, me my friend SSG William Jones

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Feb 12 at 2019 9:18 PM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:18:07 -0500

"Welcome to Rallypoint, the website where... the points don't matter". Except to those who are keeping score.

Response by SSG William Jones made Feb 16 at 2019 6:10 PM

SSG William Jones — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:10:48 -0500

It seems that the original intent has been co-opted by the vacuous remarks of which you refer. I have posted numerous times presenting the identical thoughts that you raise. I would have no problem with it... HOWEVER - this gives rise to a similar situation which can elicit those same empty replies. Namely, the posting of various types of photos ranging from flowers, ink pens, all the way up to redundant/recycled postings of actually great monuments, statues and the like. Now after you've seen photograph "XYZ" for the 20th time, what more can be said? I do appreciate those who post these photos and consider them my brothers and sisters. You asked for an opinion and I am delivering, with no offense intended to anyone. I have determined that I will respectfully observe these posts, acknowledge with an upvote (and maybe even a simplistic response) and move on. If I happen to beat those of my beloved peers whom I view as "Points Hogs" to a reply, then so be it. If I don't, same deal. I'll still make it to breakfast in the morning (hopefully!!!).

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Feb 16 at 2019 6:13 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:13:51 -0500

One question would those that have already gathered millions of points for this be willing to give those points back? To punish one without punishing all wouldn't be right.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Feb 16 at 2019 6:48 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 18:48:37 -0500

CAPT Michael Toleno Commander. I respect your opinion. However, as I reread your post, you make no recommendation. While you do ask us what we think. I would be interested in your recommendation. If it is removed do we grandfather the points earned, even if you think we may have “hogged” them. How about the other awards? I get 250 points if I have ten people “like” or upvote my post. IMHO and it is just my opinion I think we should leave it like it is. You know what they say about opinions! Everybody has one.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Feb 16 at 2019 8:13 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Sat, 16 Feb 2019 20:13:01 -0500

CAPT Michael Toleno I agree 100% with your observation. It seems there are people sitting at their computer all day waiting for someone to post and then they jump on it to get the award. It also seems to be the same people all the time. I do not agree with that approach. Do they really need points that badly? Need to find a solution to this Michael. Thank you for being brave and bringing it up.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2019 1:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 13:08:12 -0500

the point system is taken way too seriously. I once voted a comment down because I thought it needed it, that was a great way to start a conversation...

Response by SSG Robert Ricci made Sep 12 at 2020 10:30 AM

SSG Robert Ricci — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 10:30:07 -0400

I realize that this is an old post. It's over a year old. But not in my opinion. Keep in mind that "significant fraction" is an oxymoron. One of the rules I learned in management was to reward those comply and deal with those that don't. When you take away from everyone because of the misdeeds of a small few you take away an incentive to participate. Just one man's opinion.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 21 at 2022 4:40 PM

CPL Douglas Chrysler — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 16:40:41 -0400

I will do great or terrific post because usually someone has already posted an answer I would give.