Down-voting without responding: intellectual cowardice?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:38:28 -0500

I'd like to talk about one of the discussion mechanics on this site. Specifically, I think the idea that you can down-vote a comment without explaining why you disagree with the presented argument encourages groupthink. It lets you boo from the crowd, but it doesn't force you to offer a better argument or explain the flaws in the argument you're booing. I submit that down-voting without an actual coherent response to a statement is intellectual cowardice. Thoughts?

Response by SSG Kenneth Hammes made Dec 7 at 2013 6:41 PM

SSG Kenneth Hammes — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:41:22 -0500

I agree!
"...speak needful words or none..."
If you have an opinion, share it well or remain silent.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 7 at 2013 6:52 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:52:25 -0500

I agree with you, I posted comments and had results with SM, Vets whom may not agree, but even though I myself may or may not agree, I give a thumbs up for acknowledgment, How ever even if I didn't agree, I would not give a thumbs down. I rather clear the conversation with a remark and still give a thumbs up for effort.

I do know what you mean though. I see it myself, where some one gives a thumbs down with no response to the topic in question as to why they disagree. I call that a hit and run.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2013 6:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:58:02 -0500

When I first joined RP I voted down a comment before I understood the system.

I think you should have some negative for voting something down. You should lose points, type an explanation or have the number of negative votes you have listed on your profile.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Dec 17 at 2013 1:43 PM

SPC David Wyckoff — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:43:24 -0500

I can see your point, Sir. This isn't facebook. It's supposed to be a professional place where we exchange ideas and opinions in an adult manner.
On the other hand, I'm not sure I would qualify it as cowardice. It might be something more akin to laziness.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 1:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:49:34 -0500

I refuse to cast a down vote, for any reason.   Just my deal.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Dec 17 at 2013 1:52 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:52:39 -0500

Capt Day, thanks for the feedback here.  I addressed this issue this morning in another thread (link below), so I'll address it here just to make sure we are all on the same page.  After reading this, please feel free to follow up with any additional questions/comments and we'll re-engage.  Thanks again, brother!<div><br></div><div><span style="color: rgb(77, 77, 77); font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);">I understand that some people may wonder why their posts/comments are voted down -- any member can vote a response down or up. It is nothing personal and should not be taken as such. We here at RallyPoint are working on broadening the functionality here, and in the future I would anticipate members being asked to clarify why they chose to vote something down. However, for the time being, if someone votes down your comment, please don't take it personally. Besides, if a bunch of people vote it up, then you're squared away anyway. But if a bunch of people end up voting it down, then it probably was not a good overall contribution.</span><br><div><br></div><div><a href="https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/22301-a-new-twist-on-an-old-subject">https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/22301-a-new-twist-on-an-old-subject</a> <br></div></div><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://www.rallypoint.com/assets/fb_share_logo.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.rallypoint.com/questions/22301-a-new-twist-on-an-old-subject">A new twist on an old subject</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">I know we hit on this a while back but I found a great shot for the $15 hour McDonalds worker and their complaints of being underpaid.Let me know what you think, it made me laugh really hard when I fi...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Dec 17 at 2013 2:02 PM

SSG Matthew Thomas — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:02:23 -0500

Throughout the military everyone partakes in some kind of AAR, After Action Review. We are encouraged to voice our own beliefs on the training or lessons conducted. The caveat to this is having a solution to the problem. If an individual Down-Votes a response there should be some kinds of solution to the issue of the response. Why don't you agree with the response? This is a professional forum which is used to develop well informed leaders. If you disagree with something, then say so. No one with belittle you for it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 17 at 2013 2:04 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:04:18 -0500

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it...

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Dec 17 at 2013 2:37 PM

SFC Lamont Womack — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 14:37:36 -0500

Well let me address this question because I feel like it is directed towards me. I down voted that post because I honestly thought it was an ignorant post. I found it to be a waste of time and counter productive to respond to it. I used the down vote because I disagreed with it. This is life and people are not going to always agree with you. Just because they have a different opinion doesn't make them a coward. I would not be offended if someone down voted something I said without an explanation. I don't have a sense of entitlement or arrogance to think somebody OWES me a reason of why they disagree with me. This is America and people have the right to their own opinions.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 3:22 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:22:09 -0500

I don't believe I have used the down vote yet (if my memory is good), but I think if you made it where a down vote prompted a comment as well before letting it save would be a good idea.

I asked a question on a different topic a while back and got some real good feedback - sometimes you get opinions that are vastly different then your own thinking which is a good thing. Our world is great because of all the diverse thinking and infinite possibilities that are created and/or caused by that diversity (plus our freedom of speech is one of our greatest assets).

When you get a difference of opinion it should open up your mind to rethink and reassess the topic - you might be right or you might have a skewed way of looking at the subject. Diversity promotes engagement of the thought processes - and makes this planet a lot more interesting to be a part of.

I joined this web site for the connection of other personnel that are in the service now, were in the service at some point and for those that made it a career. I wanted to be able to provide some people with some of the knowledge and lessons I learned along my path through the military. I also figured I could expand my knowledge base and perspective through the words expressed here by other members.

Of course, through the whole process if I made connections that helped me towards my new goal of a civilian career all the better - that's what makes this site like no other.

We are a special group of individuals who have sacrificed lot for this country. No civilian will truly ever know what all we have experienced during our times in service. This community has such a great diverse group that allows all ranks and positions to speak together on the same level. The amount of knowledge and advice present and being giving away freely is amazing and priceless.

Sorry for the long post - once I get going the words start flowing.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 3:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 15:57:41 -0500

I agree that you disagree...I think? But the issue is that some people may come across the question wrong and simply down vote. If you disagree, tell me why. If I call you stupid face and you down that I would understand. If you down vote a statement that I am making about my experience in the military it adds nothing to the argument. It is more about policing ourselves. I was proud to get my first down vote. I have a lot of them but I simply want to ask the questions that may not be popular.

I will leave it at this. I all tell my NCOs, take tell me you have a problem but tell me how you are fixing it. If you tell me there is a problem you are not doing your job as an NCO taking care of it. Now it is an issue that I will need to get involved with I will understand. Take charge of your actions and explain it to the other person and tell them why you disagree.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 17 at 2013 4:32 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:32:50 -0500

<p>If I dont get a down vote at least once a week, then I dont feel like I have contributed enough.  Although people should agree with EVERYTHING I say that wouldnt be any fun.  Im sure there's a few people out there that I can enlighten.  Then there's always the possibility that I may be wrong one day, but it's more likely that someone has hacked my account and posted on my behalf.</p><p>All that to say I felt the same way initially about down votes, but if you dont say something to support it, I will just hunt you down in the threads when you finally do post something and engage.</p><p>DISCLAIMER:  If you dont know me on this site yet, I use humor.  It's up to you decide if how you take it.</p>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 7:17 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:17:42 -0500

Here's my take on it: Why do we have a downvote function in the first place? I don't see a particular use for it as we're far from being as horrible as youTube.

The upvotes are an easy way to "like" something and saves space on "ditto, I agree, etc" posts. However, downvoting really should have more feedback to it. So, why bother having something that deducts points from a point system that some people seem to care a whole lot about? Community response to downvoteable content should suffice to make the point.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2013 11:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:01:01 -0500

I have grappled with this issue myself, but I say keep it.  At first, I thought the thumbs down was pretty unnecessary.  However, I have seen so many great discussion sites ruined by "trolls:" people who spew deliberately ridiculous commentary in order to draw attention to themselves.  Assuming someone has any real concern for his/her profile, the thumbs down discourages that.<div><br></div><div>On the other hand, I see people creating white noise and pushing sincere, thoughtful responses to the bottom for the seeming purpose of pumping their standing on the leaderboard.  I bothers me, but if that's what they wish to do, who am I to say they shouldn't be allowed to do it?  Thumbs down feels too harsh.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't use it too much.  I really don't think anyone does.  I've had it used on me.  Most of the time, the person posts an explanation, sometimes they don't.  Sometimes I wonder what the silent ones think, but enough people with dissenting points of view post that I can gather what the general opposing points are, and I appreciate those people for not essentially making "me too" posts.</div><div><br></div><div>My bigger pet peeve: When a new point gets buried as a response to a comment instead of as a response to the main question.  Oh, well, nothing/no one is perfect.  I just feel that sometimes people have good points that get missed.</div>

Response by Capt Jason Minnich made Dec 18 at 2013 8:37 AM

Capt Jason Minnich — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:37:40 -0500

Since the default display mode is to display a thread by votes, there are a few situations I would down vote without adding my own response.<div><br></div><div>1. Someone mis-posted, stated so, and was upvoted for it. This is clear influence pumping and I don't understand why anyone would upvote an obvious doublepost or misvote, but I've seen it, and I've downvoted it as a result. Nothing against the poster, but they are still getting more influence from the upvote than from my downvote.</div><div><br></div><div>2. It's obvious the poster wasn't adding anything to the commentary. Essentially I have a personal idea that I won't contribute to the influence of a post that was added for the sake of filler. I don't want to see these things so I down vote them.</div><div><br></div><div>3. I don't agree with something that was said, but don't have any additional insight to offer. Much like your post mentions that contentless downvoting encourages group think the obvious counter to that would be contentless upvoting, and I see a TON of that. </div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line, I feel if you agree with something, vote it up. If you disagree, vote it down. If someone feels strongly enough about their particular contribution that they feel a  downvote is unwarranted you can contact them or lobby for others to support your cause. Either way it promotes sharing opinions and information. I honestly wish facebook had a system like this, I would downvote tons of junk on that site...</div>

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2013 10:09 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 22:09:02 -0500

Sir, you need to get a girlfriend or donate half of that big brain to science;)<br>

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 19 at 2013 6:47 AM

TSgt Phillip L. — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 06:47:01 -0500

I would think you could vote down something you don't think adds to the discussion or builds the community. Of course it could be abused...much like feedback on ebay. Does anyone even take that seriously anymore? Interesting point. I'm going to think about it before forming more of a solid opinion. In the NEAR future...perhaps a tutorial or intro could be made with guidelines on what the thumbs up and down are really meant for. We're still setting culture here, so it can still be made into whatever we want it to mean. Just as the "like" button was on facebook. At least you get a dislike button here! I really like that.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 19 at 2013 10:26 AM

CMC Robert Young — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 10:26:28 -0500

<p>My observation is that it takes very little effort for anyone to find fault without justification. To simply vote something down without offering some insight as to voter's objection offers insight into either their work ethic (too lazy to provide a reasonable counter-point) or their intellectual capacity (it's wrong because I said it's wrong mentality). Either way, voting down without explanation doesn't do anything to spur on thoughtful discussion or provide an opportunity to incorporate new or different points of view.</p><p><br></p><p>A leader will consider any and all topics thoroughly before rendering an opinion and then will have a logical argument to support that opinion.  Leaders may disagree, but they will provide explanations, stats, logical arguments, examples, etc. to support their position. People who are not leader just stand on the sidelines and yell at the team on the field.</p>

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Dec 19 at 2013 3:10 PM

SFC Stephen Hester — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:10:38 -0500

I think that if someone is willing to cast a "thumbs down" vote they should be willing to explain why (even if they're not required to).

Response by SSG Alleria Stanley made Jan 5 at 2014 6:52 PM

SSG Alleria Stanley — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 18:52:35 -0500

Down votes must be justified?
Oh, that is terribly arrogant. The reason I say that is because no one is asking that UP votes be justified. As long as you agree with me, I'm cool with that, but as was said, if you disagree, you'd better bring it.
A person should feel free to Up vote, Down vote, not vote, comment, whatever.

Now, if they wish to lend WEIGHT to an up or down vote with further commentary, then more power to them, but the up/down vote is a shortcut. It's also why it seems to carry fewer RP points than commenting does.

I may down vote because I disagree with the view, or maybe I didn't like the grammatical formatting. Who knows? No one, unless I take the time to spell it out. And until I do so, it carries very little weight. Yet, I've given my opinion. It's about the same as an up vote - but those are fine and dandy.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 13 at 2014 1:37 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:37:10 -0500

UPDATE: You can now see who voted up or down by hovering over the thumbs up/down icon. Hope this helps.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 10:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 22:30:06 -0500

To heck with down voting.  Regardless of agreements/disagreements I would rather hear and explanation and not just some driveby voting.   <br>

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 3 at 2014 3:56 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 03:56:44 -0400

If someone goes on a rant calling one names or insulting, I think its kind of implied.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 6:03 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:03:44 -0500

Capt Private RallyPoint Member I'm down voting you because I think you're attempting to coerce SM's to explain themselves and their opinions here on this forum. You may call it cowardice if you like - but when in a discussion between a commissioned officer and an enlisted individual there is a dynamic that no enlisted can forget. The down vote permits the active duty enlisted individual to disagree with you without having to get into a discourse that might end up with the commissioned officer making demands etc.

As for me personally - you can call me an intellectual coward all you wish - IMHO when you do that you're just showing your a$$.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2014 11:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 23:34:33 -0500

Speaking personally, I use the down vote as a general "I disagree/don't like what you have to say" button, and whether I elaborate with a comment depends on a few factors. Primarily, can the person I'm down voting be reasoned with? A lot of the time the answer to that question is no since A LOT of people on this site take down votes extremely personally (see attached picture). Sure, I could explain my reasoning, but with people like that I would just be entering into an unnecessary confrontation that's better to just ignore.

One time I had a retired SFC inform me in no uncertain terms that he considered my down vote in and of itself an act of disrespect, which is a concept I find ridiculous.

Other times I wont put in a comment simply because I feel the down vote is self explanatory. Sometimes a comment is either so toxic or so simple that there should be no question what the down vote was given for.

There's nothing cowardly about down voting. Lord knows I haven't been afraid to open my mouth to openly and explicitly criticize opinions said on this website, but there's a time and place for it depending on the context of the situation and individual you are engaging.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Nov 7 at 2014 12:39 AM

PO3 John Jeter — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 00:39:58 -0500

I consider it a mark of respect to explain to someone why I disapprove of their post. I won't down vote someone simply because I disagree with their position. I use a down vote for something I find to be patently offensive or disgusting. I can disagree with someone's position while approving of the way it is expressed. I feel it is important to explain why I myself, down vote something so that if I misinterpreted the post, the author can correct me. Or maybe the author just might decide to reconsider their position. Communication IS the key to change.......

PS: Perhaps the system should be changed to vote for agree, disagree, and offensive. with the "offensive" vote requiring a comment before it is posted......Just a thought.

Response by PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith made Nov 7 at 2014 9:33 AM

PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith — Fri, 07 Nov 2014 09:33:44 -0500

Capt Private RallyPoint Member,
Well sir, I think it depends. If someone has a well thought out, intelligent post, but an opinion I happen to disagree with, then I'll respond in a similar manner. Using facts to back up my opinion. Then hopefully, engage in a challenging, but respectful discussion.

If the person's post is ignorant, inflammatory, and rude (aka, trolling) I'll just down vote and move along. After all, there's no sense in feeding the Trolls. As a friend of mine once told me, "Brendan, the internet is the world's largest information bridge. Is it any wonder then, that it has become infested with trolls?"

Cheers.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 1:32 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:32:56 -0500

I think there should be an explanation of some sort. I have had down votes that were accidents, which I have done on accident also.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 13 at 2014 1:55 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:55:31 -0500

And something that prevents someone from erasing what they posted AFTER being downvoted.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Nov 13 at 2014 4:46 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 04:46:21 -0500

I support it. I think it's very cowardly to down vote without a reason. If an explanation is required it can prevent accidental ones.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 4:56 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 04:56:53 -0500

I think everyone should put their big boy pants on stop crying....seriously, so you got a down vote....who cares? Do you explain when you give an up vote? I don't believe that anyone owes anyone else an explanation for their "vote". 9 out of 10 times it will just lead to a back and forth, endless conversation. I think we will all agree that there is already enough of that. Just my two cents though....who am I?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Nov 13 at 2014 5:13 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 05:13:32 -0500

I agree and I'm giving you a thumbs up vote for the recommendation!

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Nov 13 at 2014 6:00 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:00:55 -0500

Well, I'm on the fence and here is why ... just recently I made an innocuous comment in a discussion - and received a down vote on that. I was very perplexed about it, but at that moment only replied that I didn't understand it. 90 or so minutes later LTC Yinon Weiss added a comment that the mobile part of the system is imperfect and presently there is no fail safe for down voting in the mobile app. He said they are working on that but it has not been perfected as yet.

Does that say the majority of down votes are an error ... NO, but it does say it is possible errors are made.

Now, look at the down vote situation as a whole. More often than not down votes are seen in discussions that involve tremendous amounts of emotion or stout amounts of belief. We are all individuals & are all different in multiple ways. In the end, and in the grand scheme of our lives ..... does a down vote REALLY effect anyone to any degree? The only thing I can conclude from seeing a down vote is that someone is capable of showing dissatisfaction with something I stated. It doesn't effect how I do my job, it doesn't effect my family, and it actually doesn't effect me -SO- the end result is you have a down vote and a loss of 30 points (if you're worried about your influence score at all). It's not worth worrying about, at least in my opinion anyway.

We have a multitude of members here who survive in spite of being down voted so take it with a grain of salt and drive on.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 8:06 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:06:44 -0500

While I like the idea of a mandatory explanation for a downvote, it does make me wonder if upvotes should have an explanation as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 8:26 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 08:26:00 -0500

I hate when I get a down vote but no feed back... Let all down vote everyone, not me though.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 9:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:17:05 -0500

If you disagree with someone enough to give a downvote...you have to have a reason that you should be able to articulate it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 10:34 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:34:57 -0500

Its not so much that people are crying about a down vote but a common courtesy amongst professionals that we offer an explanation as to why. Much like a person complaining about or identifying a problem but not offering a solution. We're all adults and thus should be able to convey or disagreement without bashing the individual or said individuals wearing their feelings on their sleeve.

Response by LTC Paul Heinlein made Nov 13 at 2014 11:28 AM

LTC Paul Heinlein — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:28:42 -0500

I would do away with down votes. I would never down vote someone just because I disagreed with them.

The only reason I could think of down voting someone is if they were conducting a personal attack on someone or they posted something that was purely prejudice or purposely insulting to any race, creed, ethnicity, etc. And in this case, I would expect an Administrator to delete the posting anyways.

Disagreements in opinions is a good thing, it makes us think of all aspects of a issue/ topic from other than our own perceptive (which is limited by our own experiences).

As a Leader, when I was in charge of a mission, I was most concerned when everyone agreed with my plan with no issues or recommendations. I knew I was never as smart as the group as a whole and definitely did not have the combined experience of the whole group. It would make me feel like they either did not care or they were setting me up for failure. I always pushed for recommendations for changes etc. based on what time would allow.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 11:56 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 11:56:56 -0500

I don't really see the point in the down vote really. I can disagree without it. I simply post my disagreement...I know it's all tied into the "prestige or notoriety points" or whatever this game calls it.

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Nov 15 at 2014 10:22 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:22:02 -0500

They won't let us sideways vote.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2014 7:14 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 19:14:10 -0500

Now for something that matters and it is certainly not up or down votes but people and the irony in that is, put your mind in motion before your mouth..

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 16 at 2014 10:38 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:38:54 -0500

I've down voted and not responded. I've down voted and had the person I down voted ask me why and I responded with what I thought was a good response. I don't think we need to explain ourselves every time, maybe a down vote will make the original poster stop to think. But I do believe if a response is asked for, then respond.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2014 10:26 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:26:45 -0500

Capt Day, I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with you. There is nothing "intellectual" about not being able to back up a down vote with a comment. It's simply COWARDICE, not intellectual cowardice.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 3 at 2015 1:53 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:53:47 -0500

I think that a person should not be able to down vote with out giving a reason.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 4 at 2015 1:34 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:34:51 -0500

I don't feel like I owe anyone a justification for a downvote. I'll give one out of respect, but if I see the same person trolling over and over, I stop wasting my time typing "I downvoted you because reason reason reason yada yada" and just skip on to the next thread or response after doing the deed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2015 10:59 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:59:16 -0400

Since the points capture influence, not just "positive influence", I think the negative influence points should be eliminated. I think a negative tabulation only works to discourage opposing views. Make it the same as a thumbs up.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Mar 16 at 2015 11:34 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 23:34:01 -0400

I've only received one down vote since I've been here and it came with no explanation, but really, I could care less. I'm trying to imagine a scenario where I would down vote someone. I wouldn't do it for merely voicing ideas that I don't agree with. I guess someone would have to be a real ass clown for me to down vote them. Anyone here from the current administration?

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 20 at 2015 10:24 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 22:24:28 -0400

Some people down vote simply because they can't handle the truth.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 12:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 12:57:55 -0400

I do like the irony of this with the down votes you got. It wasn't me. But maybe they are just speechless.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Apr 27 at 2015 1:54 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 01:54:21 -0400

I don't take this position very often. I'm generally pretty respectful by nature. However, if yousay something ridiculously STUPID, inflammatory, or insulting, I don't think I waste my time explaining to you why I down voted you. Be honest with yourself, you already know you down voted. you likely wrote something with a nasty attitude or was completely out-of pocket.
Now, do I down vote often? NO. Do I normally write an explanation? YES. Am I obligated to? Absolutely not!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 9 at 2015 2:51 PM

Capt Jeff S. — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 14:51:58 -0400

Downvoting without giving a reason why is very lame. It's about as meaningless as an endorsement without a writeup. Unless the reason for the downvote is plainly obvious, the person doing the downvoting SHOULD take the time to explain.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 11 at 2015 2:55 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 11 Nov 2015 02:55:19 -0500

I get down votes and I could give a rat's a$$. I'm retired, I don't care about points or standing, but the point is: If you want to down vote then at least man up and say why! I think these type of forums make it easy for Joe Blow to hide behind the key board. It's different if you got to say something face to face, then you got to back it up.

Response by SPC Rory J. Mattheisen made Dec 19 at 2015 1:04 AM

SPC Rory J. Mattheisen — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:04:03 -0500

I absolutely agree, the down vote should require a response.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2022 10:47 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 13 May 2022 22:47:12 -0400

This is totally irrelevant but why do so many Trump supporters act like him? Hero worship?