What does it take for you to block someone on RallyPoint?

2015-12-20T19:16:05-05:00

I have been thinking about this lately, as two members earned this from me. I am open minded guy, and thrive on good debate, but I have noticed some seem to be losing their ever-loving mind. For God's sake people, it is a discussion, not a duel. You aren't going to convince very many to change their minds, especially if you're out there in your opinions.
Point and counterpoint.
Be respectful.
Maybe we could learn something from each other.
But if you come on here to troll, you came to the wrong place.
What say you?

Response by SGT Jose Perdelia-Torres made Dec 20 at 2015 7:22 PM

2015-12-20T19:22:24-05:00

If it was up to me.... as soon as you make personal attacks like, "Thanks for getting out of the Army"; you should be kicked out. I had that happen yesterday by the way...

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 20 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-12-20T19:36:44-05:00

Most of all when I realize that I share little to no common values with the Individual.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 7:40 PM

2015-12-20T19:40:03-05:00

Good post 1st Sergeant! We can learn from each other, while being respectful.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-12-20T19:45:59-05:00

I follow the RP rules. I down vote twice. If the attacks continue, I block them. No sense in getting all pissed off and resorting to the low level of the person attacking you. It is great knowing I don't ever have to hear from this person again. With my PTSD, I can easily lose it, but I tried it the RP way and it works.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Dec 20 at 2015 7:46 PM

2015-12-20T19:46:12-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I have not blocked anyone,yet,i usually just ignore the comment.That isn't my nature,but this is a forum and not face to face which would be a different situation.Though,i do agree with SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" all your points are a valid reason to block .IMO

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-12-20T19:49:11-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Good post. I'd have to go with SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and go with E. Lol.

I have yet to block anyone..yet. There are some on the "short list", but just out of sheer curiosity and entertainment I haven't.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Dec 20 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-12-20T20:18:07-05:00

Mocking me, will sure get a block from me. Voting me down- a block. Belittling- a block. Meanness-
a block. Putting me down- a block. Arguing- a block.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Dec 20 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-12-20T20:19:01-05:00

So far I have never even thought of blocking anyone and have only voted someone down twice. I probably shouldn't have done that because I only did it because they had voted me down and my response was kind of childish. I have found that even those that I rarely agree with have some good comments to make and nothing that anyone says on the internet is worth getting disturbed about. If I couldn't have fun here it would be time for me to leave.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Dec 20 at 2015 8:26 PM

2015-12-20T20:26:25-05:00

Blocking someone else suggests weakness, bad motives, unworthy agendas.

"Well, in all my years I ain't never heard, seen nor smelled an issue that was so dangerous it couldn't be talked about. Hell yeah! I'm for debating anything. Rhode Island says yea!" - Stephen Hopkins, '1776."

My mom took us to see '1776' when it was on stage in 1965. I guess it kinda stuck.

Walt

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 20 at 2015 8:33 PM

2015-12-20T20:33:52-05:00

I know the feeling, some come here to show their ass and win.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Dec 20 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-12-20T20:54:04-05:00

Nasty trolls.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 9:11 PM

2015-12-20T21:11:56-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member I think I'm pretty patient. I would say All of these things and
If I fail to reach them after:
I try niceness.
I try reasoning.
I try guidance.
I try redirection.
or
If they follow my posts around just to make negative comments on them...I haven't blocked anyone for this yet but I've come close, it's very annoying.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-12-20T21:56:05-05:00

I have not blocked anyone yet. I have has one guy that was being disrespectful, I called him out on it and then he just started down voting me. never did leave a comment. I just shake my head and move one. they cant hurt me with a million down votes or rude comments it just shows who they are.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 20 at 2015 10:02 PM

2015-12-20T22:02:05-05:00

I've never posted anything I would say to a person's face. I admit I'm not politically correct, a little harsh in replies, but none I'd call a personal attack. I've never blocked anyone and probably never will, I can ignore comments( stick and stones may break my bones, but words have never hurt me). I guess I'm too old to take things on forums personally (as long as I got a cup of coffee sitting next to me). I think as long as we all understand this is a place to say what we think(with in reason), maintain our MILITARY BEARING things will do good. Yea, I've received a few down votes, but I found I didn't have to seek medical help, nor did I loose sleep over them. It's not that hard to just not reply!

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Dec 20 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-12-20T22:18:14-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member, none of these choices suit me. I'm philosophically opposed to blocking idiots because they're almost never complete idiots, and so far I haven't yielded to the temptation to block anybody.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 20 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-12-20T22:31:13-05:00

If a member is putting up posts that are just obviously inflammatory -- sometimes bordering on insane -- I block them. I don't want to let one or two bad apples spoil my time on RP.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-12-20T22:34:13-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Did you post something? I see a blank thread. JK.
I try to stay out of inflammatory threads, so far that's worked for me. Have also tried giving thumbs up for thumbs down, the turn the other cheek thing.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 20 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-12-20T23:02:35-05:00

Have not blocked anyone yet. Night is young. I have only down voted once or twice, but included an explanation in the thread. I am now just foregoing down votes with indifference.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Dec 20 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-12-20T23:34:02-05:00

I know. I got a down grade and was blocked from reading his profile. What a Moron he did not like my statement. I could not even respond to him.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 21 at 2015 12:12 AM

2015-12-21T00:12:59-05:00

I'm fairly new to RP and though I have down voted some comments I generally think a down vote should be accompanied by a respectful response. I've not had to block anyone yet, although I'm sure that time will come. It will probably be because our views are so different that niether one of us will budge and they become trollish or disrespectful.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 12:41 AM

2015-12-21T00:41:51-05:00

I haven't had to block anyone yet. The only thing that really gets me riled up is personal attacks or flat out trolling (by my definition, endless meme posting with no substantive argument). That being said, I think it would have to get pretty ugly for me to block someone. I have a pretty thick skin, and enjoy a good debate. Having grown up with an extended family of over 70 (which were all pretty adamant about politics), I'm used to heated disagreements, especially in that arena. I think it would have to be bordering on harassment to lead to me blocking someone, typically, I just leave the conversation.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Dec 21 at 2015 12:57 AM

2015-12-21T00:57:40-05:00

Don't know, haven't blocked anyone yet. I do ignore a couple though.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Dec 21 at 2015 1:14 AM

2015-12-21T01:14:06-05:00

I have not blocked anyone yet. So far, I have been able to ignore those disrespectful folks. Although, there have been a few times when I had to shake my head at some comments. I find that the vast majority of RP folks to be insightful and respectful of other's opinions.

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Dec 21 at 2015 4:52 AM

2015-12-21T04:52:14-05:00

I am an expert at being blocked. All it takes is to a) insist on holding a logically consistent argument with a person who has an inconsistent philosophy b) even after they critizice my spelling or grammar continue to insist the argument remain philosophically consistent then c) wait for the attacks upon my character or additional inconsistent arguments....again insist upon a consistent argument and.....BLOCKED.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 21 at 2015 5:44 AM

2015-12-21T05:44:31-05:00

People have a severe lack of respect on social media discussion boards. I might not agree with someone but I will respect them regardless of their stance. We are all entitled to our opinions. However - disrespect is one thing that sends me through the roof. People need to think before they weigh in on something or someone. That sort of restraint has to be taught - people don't learn respect at home like they used to when I was a child...

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 21 at 2015 6:58 AM

2015-12-21T06:58:26-05:00

As SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" said, All of the Above. I've blocked 1 person, because it got to the point of "I'm just NOT going to engage with them anymore." I just realized that I was getting "no value" interacting with them. So I stopped.

Response by PFC David Ryba made Dec 21 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-12-21T07:35:02-05:00

I haven't had to block anyone yet, but I have been blocked by someone for giving the thumbs down because they answered a survey question when they were not qualified to do so. Some of us are quite touchy.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 21 at 2015 7:52 AM

2015-12-21T07:52:53-05:00

I just blocked someone this morning. He was a conspiracy nut that wanted to tell about how big oil runs the country and the Tesla Generator is the answer to saving the universe. Neither are factual and our just his opinion. Just don't have time for tin foil hat wearers.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 7:57 AM

2015-12-21T07:57:11-05:00

Agreed with SSG Palmer ; all the above

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 21 at 2015 8:46 AM

2015-12-21T08:46:05-05:00

Never have, never will. After raising a girl and two boys and being a consultant for 8 years, I've learned how to maintain my role as an adult and shake off personal attacks.

I do, however, have a hard time with stupid, but I just put another dot on the far left side of the Bell Curve...

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 8:55 AM

2015-12-21T08:55:11-05:00

I have not blocked anyone yet .... I guess if someone following my comments constantly and keep downing me ... maybe I will block that one. General negative comments? I just down vote and move on.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Dec 21 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-12-21T08:56:28-05:00

LOL, I like the picture. For me, no single incident would do it. It would have to be a series of personal attacks or trolling behaviors.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Dec 21 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-12-21T09:35:52-05:00

I have blocked 2-3. All were for a pattern of bad behavior, that involved personal attacks on other members (not me, at least as far as I know) as well as a pattern of being non-responsive to the discussion topic at hand.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 21 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-12-21T09:37:16-05:00

I've only ever blocked two people. It has to be pretty bad to get to that point. For me, the turning point was when the individuals basically started stalking me on line. Every post, no matter how old, or what it was about, they would seek it out to downvote as much as possible, while starting arguments and posting comments that had nothing to do with the original post. This was daily for weeks. It got to the point where RP was a chore.... Adding the ability to block was the best thing RP ever did...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 9:41 AM

2015-12-21T09:41:08-05:00

The pic is pretty nice. I will up vote just for that.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 9:54 AM

2015-12-21T09:54:55-05:00

I've not blocked anyone (yet) on RallyPoint, but I'm also in complete disagreement with the way RP has implemented it. You can still see the person and their posts. If you block someone, absent actual abuse, I see it as a temper tantrum, and that you're afraid of words. I have been blocked by one individual because I wasn't in lockstep with what he thought my opinion should be...when he ASKED for opinions. I guess all he wanted was an echo chamber.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Dec 21 at 2015 10:11 AM

2015-12-21T10:11:58-05:00

I fear no one nor their words. Thus, I block no one. Indeed, I choose to engage the most egregious, at least for a time, to insure that their comments are not left unchallenged, lurking like mines to ensnare the unaware. There are many young, impressionable junior officers and enlisted participating here who are fresh from classrooms where they have been indoctrinated rather than educated. Do you wish to see their indoctrination continue on RallyPoint? I will not attack people for their ideas. I will always attack their ideas when they are unfounded. I will ask uncomfortable questions hoping against hope that spectators to the exchange will answer them for themselves since I know full well that true ideologues will brush challenges aside without ever opening their minds.

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Dec 21 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-12-21T10:24:06-05:00

People that follow one person around to down vote them simply because the have a different political view point as another get my block. They are lucky I dont have the power to remove them from RP because people like that isnt what this site is all about. We all took an Oath to defend a person's freedom to have a different viewpoint and to down vote someone for that has no business here. Down votes should be reserved for people that make attacks of others or spread flat out lies.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 21 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-12-21T10:41:41-05:00

I don't block based on a disagreement or opinion. I block if the person is being a complete ass.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Dec 21 at 2015 10:56 AM

2015-12-21T10:56:49-05:00

Respectful engagement is the best policy to avoid needing to block someone!

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Dec 21 at 2015 11:22 AM

2015-12-21T11:22:16-05:00

What I find disconcerting is is belittlement and personal attacks... I don't block people per se but will return fire... there are few people that can out berate me. In fact there was a SGT that tried to lecture me like a dog... So I retrofitted my rhetoric to make him lose discipline... Normally I am nice until one denigrates me... but I can run them into the literary loop if need be....

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-12-21T12:14:40-05:00

Haven't done so yet.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 21 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-12-21T12:38:46-05:00

All of the above or none of the above...it is a personal decision. I think my line is a pattern of bad behavior BUT that does also include disrespectful comments and personal attacks.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Dec 21 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-12-21T14:22:08-05:00

I've been down voted a couple times recently, evidently for no apparent reason. I've never blocked anyone, however, I had very good reasons to when I first joined Rally Point. (Thank you again JP4 for your intervention.) It would certainly be nice if the down voter had to give reason before being allowed to down vote. Just saying.

If you don't like me or agree with something I've said, at look least be man (or woman) enough to say why.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-12-21T15:37:13-05:00

If they are a dumbass, they fall into the abyss, but some who are not of the mindset, are cool and do not mind them, if they do.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Dec 21 at 2015 4:56 PM

2015-12-21T16:56:39-05:00

I don't generally block people simply because I understand there is going to be difference in opinion and sometimes the trolls are entertaining. So far the only people I have blocked are these "Civilian Recruiters" that magically find there way on to my contact list. If I didn't send them a contact request it's because I don't know them and don't want someone I don't know to have access to my info.

Response by Col Lyman Faith made Dec 21 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-12-21T19:16:30-05:00

Concur. When it goes beyond the normal exchange of differing opinions, it is time to say good bye.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 21 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-12-21T20:40:08-05:00

Not to say I wouldn't but I have never blocked anyone. I came close once but the Admins ended up banning that individual, he was a troll of the worst kind. He would take the opposite perspective on anything with no facts to back himself up.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Dec 21 at 2015 11:23 PM

2015-12-21T23:23:48-05:00

I haven't had to block anyone. There are some that I ignore but that is the extent. There are some that I question their profiles because they don't make sense but they are usually the same that I ignore.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Dec 21 at 2015 11:32 PM

2015-12-21T23:32:27-05:00

I am blocking myself, as of now.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 21 at 2015 11:51 PM

2015-12-21T23:51:45-05:00

I have only had to block two people and they just didn't seem to know when to stop and had to get personal.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 12:51 AM

2015-12-22T00:51:35-05:00

All of the above!!! Clearly, the military has not been and is still not exempt from possessing its share of pure, unadulterated, sanctimonious jerks, alias the far more colorful and apropos names. RP, not having any suitable vetting process for this type of person, has left itself wide open for its own share. That said, I do not buy these occasional comments that blocking or voting down someone for any of the reasons listed is, somehow, a bad thing or it makes you, somehow, the bad guy by choosing to vote that someone down and/or block him or her. If they deserve it, and some REALLY do, then do it...and don't lose a minute's sleep about it!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 6:12 AM

2015-12-22T06:12:22-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member Some people won't discuss facts, and go on a tangent about things. Some are troll, and even though I am guilty of being harsh and blunt, I have no time to lose when RP'rs are ignorant of the US Constitution, my pet peeve. The enemy is within. Have a great day.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 22 at 2015 9:22 AM

2015-12-22T09:22:30-05:00

Probably my biggest gripe is when someone questions your personal service based on your profile. With that said, if someone says something that is clearly racist, bigoted, or offensive, I am going to call them out on it. Pointing out when someone is acting inappropriately is not the same thing as personally attacking someone.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2015 11:42 AM

2015-12-22T11:42:13-05:00

I haven't been around very long, but I'll admit that there's only one person so far that I want to block. Their spelling and grammar are horrible at best, which I can deal with, but the content of the replies is so off topic, irrelevant, or they are personal anecdotes that have no bearing on anything resembling a valid response or useful contribution to any discussion half the time. Other times the responses are pretty well thought out or at least coherent. Almost like it's two different people responding. Reading them is so very painful to get through if I even try to read it at all. Never an argument or disrespectful comment that I've seen, so nothing personal. but damned if I don't get red faced and want to throw a knife hand at the screen in disbelief.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 22 at 2015 12:37 PM

2015-12-22T12:37:45-05:00

I have noticed 3 posters who have an agenda of winning and are rude. All three are young and stupid. They think they are Billy Badass behind the computer.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Dec 22 at 2015 5:29 PM

2015-12-22T17:29:43-05:00

I have yet to block any one, I figure that those that insult me or troll me are there because fate sent them so that I can deal with my PTSD and TBI, because I am required to be nice.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Dec 22 at 2015 8:36 PM

2015-12-22T20:36:55-05:00

I have not blocked anyone nor do I plan too, because if I block someone's account, how will I read their foolish comments to me or to someone else?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 22 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-12-22T23:39:37-05:00

I should probably use the blocking function more.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Dec 23 at 2015 7:33 AM

2015-12-23T07:33:32-05:00

It's a shame that people can be so immature and so disrespectful of others.

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Dec 24 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-12-24T11:57:47-05:00

Interesting Question and I loved the the illustration picture. In the spirit of Christmas I would suggest that the Community Manager should be contacted and let them handle the situation.Particularly, if there are personal attacks made, as well as if the pattern of bad behavoir continues. From my perspective, I am perfectly satisfied to ignore the direspectful comments. I respect the fact that we live in the United States and with this comes one of the benefits having the freedom to express our views and the offending comments are noticed by other readers and logic and cool heads will prevail, hence the person with the bad behavior will clearly be recognized.

Response by SrA David Steyer made Jan 3 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-01-03T13:40:18-05:00

1SG Private RallyPoint Member - I've only done it for one person but whatever no huge loss but I do wonder why this person is even on the site since they seem to be so bitter in many of their posts and I think there is more truth to their professional summary than any possible sarcasm. I did spend too much energy on this person. Oh well, it's a new day and over now.

Yes I type a lot, and can be vocal but don't take me as being bitter, and if you think what someone posts on this site is completely representative of them as a person and is who and how they are offline you need some help and/or get off the computer. I may not fully agree with everyone or see eye to eye but just because you believe in or stand up for something I may be completely opposed to, I'm actually not going to take that as a complete judgement of you as a person but when you single that person out and attack them...why waste your time?

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jan 3 at 2016 3:10 PM

2016-01-03T15:10:57-05:00

Block? Why somebody else will respond to them, I have a morbid curiosity and like watching the train wreck in progress. Maybe just me. Cheers

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 1:33 AM

2016-01-09T01:33:24-05:00

Ever notice those who decide to throw a bunch of controversy, and when fixed by factual rebuttal, throw up a smokescreen of tangential items? Those really grind my gears.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 1:34 AM

2016-01-09T01:34:54-05:00

Then there are those who decide to make every conversation a referendum on Trump, Obama, (once in a while) George W. Bush, or Atheism? Can't we just talk about the topic?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 1:37 AM

2016-01-09T01:37:56-05:00

I think we would all do well to remember that a member posting a question (most of the time) just wants answers, not a broadside from a holier than thou NCO or officer that is bitter the troop couldn't Google an answer. Some of the best answers aren't book answers, and the advantage RP gives is all of the experience out there.
If you really get angry at a "dumb" question, click away.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 1:40 AM

2016-01-09T01:40:01-05:00

I know that the admins try, but I wish I'd see more of the discussions moderated, or refereed a bit. I don't want to limit free speech, but some of these get out of hand.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2016 1:43 AM

2016-01-09T01:43:01-05:00

Can we really just self-police and not down vote just because we disagree?
If they make their points logically and come armed with an informed opinion, it ok to draw a different conclusion.
While I'm at it, down vote retaliatory strike of mutually assured destruction are patently absurd. Since when are internet points a weapon of mass destruction?
Get a grip, people.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 14 at 2016 2:44 AM

2016-02-14T02:44:44-05:00

Anyone not in consance should seek another venue. 1SG Private RallyPoint Member Anyone's vote counts, when they 'Hit the bricks'. Walter Reuther was correct, vote with your feet or report for wok!

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Apr 25 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-04-25T12:50:33-04:00

For the most part I don't get into sissy-cyber fights with people. That said, I often inject a slight measure of (non-personal) humor with my responses on RP, and there are always those who expect the world to take them as seriously as they take themselves, and those types have some psychological need to--often out of nowhere--let me know that a little bit of levity is just oh-so wrong on this forum. Still, I haven't blocked anyone yet.

So what will it take? I'll let you know when it happens I guess.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 5 at 2019 2:13 PM

2019-03-05T14:13:21-05:00

I haven't blocked anybody. I will not live in a "safe" place of my own making. I think we all need to have our paradigms challenged regularly.