What is the true value of creating posts/discussions on RP? Are people just posting to just gain points and move up the rankings?

2014-04-15T19:50:19-04:00

It looks as if people are just posting and responding to add points to their totals. I can see value in having contacts but why make it such a competition type website/application? What is the value of posting for points sake?

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 15 at 2014 7:53 PM

2014-04-15T19:53:06-04:00

Very general question.  We need examples of what you are talking about.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-04-15T20:13:09-04:00

I agree some people post questions and vague responses like yes or no to questions that require more in depth answers to have validity. However, the intent here is to ask questions about the military and to answer questions with knowledgeable answers and experiences. Given your perspective one could deduct that this posed question is also "point fishing" as you called it. Want to know based off a specific post?!? Message that person and ask the intent.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-04-15T20:13:22-04:00

Agreed. I see several people that make thread after thread seemingly just to get points. We are truly a PS3 and xbox trophy generation

It has it's positives and negatives. The biggest issue is the way the threads are laid out on RP. So if someone goes on a thread starting spree it clogs up the whole feed

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:26 PM

2014-04-15T20:26:05-04:00

<div>SSG Brian B,</div><div><br></div>Perhaps the point system, voting, commenting, and posting new questions stimulate new users to expand their horizons by trying something new and more adventuresome each time they use the website.  <div><br></div><div>I, for one, would be very happy to zero out my point score (and effectively asked to do so) because contribution not points matter to me.<div><br></div><div>Warmest Regards, Sandy</div><div><br></div></div>

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 15 at 2014 8:32 PM

2014-04-15T20:32:03-04:00

Here's an example of what I'm talking about. I posted this question about Churck Norris a while back. Lots of responses. You might see that and be like yea, that's funny but it's a waste of time. Here's the application. I teach an endless amount of classes and courses and give briefings all week long. As you know you should always have an attention getter. Where do you think I get them from? I plagiarize from here. I always get a laugh and I go on with my brief.

As a matter of fact, I may just start a new discussion on that topic alone. But I'll give someone else an hour to do it.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-s-your-best-chuck-norris-line

RallyPoint | What's your best Chuck Norris line?

The ONLY thing I enjoy about porta jons is reading all the Chick Norris jokes the defiant Soldiers wrote on the walls.  What's your favorite. I like "Chuck Norris counted to infinity, twice....

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:38 PM

2014-04-15T20:38:15-04:00

Ya got me.  I post for the points which I then turn into Bit Coins which can be exchanged for Pogs which I can then redeem at AAFES across the globe for postage stamps. <div><br></div><div>I think the point system stimulates the Pavlovian reward response.  It is kind of a nice feature to find that others have agreed with you in some small measure.  </div><div><br></div><div>I do up vote folks, but I have never downvoted.  Perhaps RP could replace the Down vote with a Beat Your Face Vote?</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 9:21 PM

2014-04-15T21:21:07-04:00

I could care less about points, as a matter of fact I was just voted down 30 and I didn't cut my wrists.LOL<div> I just enjoy hearing different points of view on subject to possible reconsider my stance on issues. </div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 10:10 PM

2014-04-15T22:10:41-04:00

Now I don't really care about the points and have had several of my discussions combined with another discussion that was started before mine that I did not notice so they are at least working on avoiding the clutter of 20 discussions all referring to the same thing but then you have some people that will like every comment I can only assume to get points. What good are the points anyways do you win a free stuffed bear if you get enough or does it help advance your career I honestly think they should just do away with the whole point system and then maybe we can get the people that actually have valid points posting helpful posts instead of all the responses that really do nothing other then get them a few points. just my two cents. HA HA I got me some more points 100 more and I can get the teddy bear

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 15 at 2014 10:18 PM

2014-04-15T22:18:48-04:00

For me, its the building of comradery with other veterans.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 10:19 PM

2014-04-15T22:19:13-04:00

I don't care about the points and some parts of me wish they were not on here. Unfortunately, I do think we have several posters who really seem to relish "getting points" as if it is some type of competition. There are examples of both sides, so that is why only part of me agrees.

Some people seem to think it is a competition of some sorts so they post, reply, and vote constantly to increase their points.

Some people actually post with good content and are properly rewarded, which is the point of it I assume.

Either way, I could up vote every response I see and increase my points so I don't see why some feel it is an accomplishment, if you exploited the system.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 15 at 2014 10:31 PM

2014-04-15T22:31:34-04:00

SSG Barrish, you just need to search for what you want. For example, if looking for info on Air Assault School, see what immediately came up in a search (image). While some information can also be found on a mix of sites, there is no other place on the internet where you will get such diversity of view points; different ranks, branches, specialties, etc.

If you you don't find the content that you think would be helpful, it's very easy to start a new discussion (as you have already done). Welcome aboard!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 15 at 2014 10:55 PM

2014-04-15T22:55:54-04:00

Points are nice but it is fun to shoot the breeze with folks of similar backgrounds.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Apr 15 at 2014 10:59 PM

2014-04-15T22:59:48-04:00

I'm going to cash all my points in to get a prize! Seriously though you could take the points away, no one would miss them, just my opinion

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 16 at 2014 12:20 AM

2014-04-16T00:20:13-04:00

I create and respond to posts not for points but to enrich my base of knowledge and test that of others. There are no hidden motives in my posts, I am simply interested in getting opinions of others and it doesn't matter to me whether they like what I have to say or not. We are all entitled to our opinions and I welcome both positive and negative ones. What matters to me is the free exchange of ideas and opinions.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 5:05 AM

2014-04-16T05:05:24-04:00

Your question is contradicting. mhmhmhmhmh But I'll reply and give you a thumbs up!

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 16 at 2014 8:11 AM

2014-04-16T08:11:19-04:00

I can only answer for myself, but my reward is keeping my connection to the time and people I served.

I provide answers mostly, paying it forward for all I have learned, both in and beyond my time in the Army. I hope others can learn from my experience and advice. It is also why I am a Scout leader for almost 10 years now.

Response by SFC John Brooks made Apr 16 at 2014 9:19 AM

2014-04-16T09:19:49-04:00

The points system introduces a risk vs. reward scenario. A lot of people may be the type to stand in the back of the formation and never comment. Internet anonymity tends to break down that barrier, however, RP doesn't allow us that anonymity and the creators have pointed out on a few occasions that disrespect can get you kicked out.

The points system isn't perfect, but we can't deny it does provide an incentive for those who might not participate as much otherwise. A lot of you have pointed out some fixes for the current system, and they are definitely promising fixes. As with any risk vs. rewards system, this will require some balancing, which I'm 100% sure the site administrators are constantly looking at. Hopefully we can start seeing a reduction of superficial posts and get back to the meat and potatoes of networking with others in our profession of arms.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 9:22 AM

2014-04-16T09:22:22-04:00

SSG Barrish

Thanks for giving me the oportunity to earn more points, for whatever that's worth

On a serious side, I don't care about the points, don't even know the whole purpose behind it; I like the forums because it gives me the oportunity to learn on topics that I might not be familiar with, and at the same time it gives me a chance to speak up on the ones that I have some knowledge in

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 16 at 2014 9:29 AM

2014-04-16T09:29:33-04:00

I tend to think for the most part individuals create a question or respond to a question that piques their interest. Not all questions are going to interest all members. One of the unique characteristics about RallyPoint continues to be the ability to find questions of interest through searching & respond as your opinion dictates. If you take several steps back and look at RallyPoint's big picture - it conforms to a military social media outlet that engages the members in different ways. It appears that each person obtains what they need or want from the site in their own way. It is true that some may pick questions or post just to garner the points, but it seems that mind set is in the minority.

You can find topical discussions all throughout RallyPoint with just a little effort. The fact that in any given discussion there may be a myriad of comments all over the topic is part of what makes the site valuable, with a minimum of reading you just might learn something you didn't know. To that majority the points system is just a side perk of sorts. People tend to utilize things that benefit them and walk away from those things that do not.

The mission of RallyPoint is to give members the tools to succeed both inside and outside of the military sphere. It does this with access to knowledge that each member partakes of at their own choosing. So points not withstanding, it seems the majority are participating to learn, grow, and expand their ability to improve themselves.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Apr 16 at 2014 12:13 PM

2014-04-16T12:13:25-04:00

I think a few of the posts/discussions that I've participated in so far have been informative from my standpoint, however, there are a few that seem to fall into the category of "Hmmm... Let's see how many points I can get today..."; you know the ones... Requiring one word up to a sentence type answers that doesn't require thought. I haven't been on RP for very long and I'm not really interested in point's and rankings of most things since I retired, but I do believe that the competitive spirit of all warriors never dies, no matter how small and insignificant the challenge may seem to some... So to them? I say go for it! As long as there are still valuable and meaningful posts and discussions available here on RP that I can participate in and I don't develop the "This site sucks" attitude due to the "point/rank" collectors, then the site serves its purpose and it's all good! Just my thought...

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 16 at 2014 1:35 PM

2014-04-16T13:35:14-04:00

I look at the whole point system differently. I use it to help figure out who on here may be able to help me more than others. Not to say that those two fewer points don't understand the topic or have the answer but those with higher points are probably going to answer my question faster than someone with fewer points because to get that many points, they have to be active on the site. The point of this site is to share information, thoughts and ideas on topics within the discussion board area so why not reward those providing content? If we weren't here posting questions this site would be useless. Granted some questions are not exactly as beneficial as others but then again, you never know what information someone might come on here looking to find.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 4:11 PM

2014-04-16T16:11:48-04:00

I believe the posts/discussions on RP are thought-provoking and interesting! Don't have time for the point thing....;-)

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2014 6:17 PM

2014-04-16T18:17:12-04:00

So we should just stop doing correspondence courses to gain a few more points? Competition is in our blood Sergeant and in my own opinion is one of the greatest traits of us folk in the military.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Jun 9 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-06-09T18:19:19-04:00

I believe the true value is getting an answer to a question when Rally Point is the most likely forum to get a valid answer. I think I have only "created" a discussion once and got a lot of great answers. This is a tight crew with a wide variety of skill sets and experience. I'm sure some people chase points but I'd have to be very active for years to even get a "whiff" of the Leaderboard.... :-)

Thanks,

Rick

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2019 9:38 AM

2019-01-08T09:38:31-05:00

Share knowledge.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Jan 9 at 2019 11:18 PM

2019-01-09T23:18:12-05:00

Maybe it might look like I am.. this RP is an outlet for me and i get out stuff I’ve kept Bottled up for years.. Stuff I thought forgot when I was in that flightline accident..

Response by Cpl Bernard Bates made May 18 at 2020 4:49 PM

2020-05-18T16:49:58-04:00

I thought RP. was for veterans to show the younger generation how the Military used to be, and for the present generation to ask questions and tell of their experiences. Civilians have no business on RP unless young people who are considering enlisting and they can ask questions. Personally the RP is to political. Both sides are American Citizens. In the military we follow orders. The commander in chief is a civilian and should let the military take care of their own. After reading some of these discussions I do believe people just want to make points. I was urged to join and I thought it was a good thing, but their is to much politics. I'm sure in Vietnam, Korea and WWII GI,s didn't argue about politics. I believe they were more interested in staying alive and coming home. Semper Fi.