Applaud- Smite feature Poll

[Gambo]

There is a bit of divided opinion on the benefit/usefulness of the 'Applaud and Smite' feature here on Planet Airgun.

The feature itself was part of the software when the forum was set up, and loads of other forums have, or run, something very similar.

As the scoring system is open to abuse/jest (people giving smites when it is not really valid), so people therefore think it is not a fair representation of a members (serious) input to the forum.

On the other hand, many people enjoy giving an Applaud point when someone posts a comment or advice that they agree with....or even just liking a joke that has been posted, for example.

I personally do not take it seriously, moreso a bit of fun and frivolity, which ties in with the relaxed, jovial atmosphere we have here on the Planet. We all know who talks sense, and gives good advice...........and we all know who doesn't (the first one to say Gambo gets a slap).

So I feel that removing the feature would take away a part of the character of forum, which in itself generates a lots of fun, and encourages posting.....but what do you guys think?

So, I will leave it up to the membership, as to whether the Applaud/Smite feature stays, is removed, or renamed into something more fitting/appropriate.



The poll will last for one calender month, the result will only become viewable after the poll ends....if the 'renamed' option is chosen, we will then have a separate discussion as to what it should be renamed to.

[knuckle]

I have voted to remove, for the reasons already mentioned. Appaulding / smiting should be done out in the open. It encourages people to validate their opinions / views through discussion; the very reason for being a member on such forums.

[Gambo]

I think the reasoning behind the anonymity is the same as voting at the polls in an election.

If others knew the way you voted, it may have an influence on your true opinion/decision......so in certain instances, keeping things secret encourages truthfulness.

Whether that stands up in this context, due to the system being open to abuse, is debatable.

[PontysPikey]

You can't take it away, it amuses me but I see it as a bit of fun and nothing else.
I have seen another forum using a thanked and has thanked count instead though which can only give positive feedback rather than any negative.

[knuckle]

Yes, it's potentially open to abuse but my arguement doesn't even get that far. My point is justifying the fundimental reason behind it.

A forum is all about discussion, views and opinons. I just don't see why there should be a mechanism that enables people to circumvent the core perpose if it's existence.

Said mechanism does nothing to encourage communication and could ultimately deter the very people keen to thread build and help the forum evolve.

PS after seeing Pikey's post:
If the argument is that it's a bit of fun. Don't we have enough fun using open discussion?
I think a "Thanks" system is in a much better spirit of the forum however. I would vote for this if I could vote again.

[Shortenhauzen]

Doesn't bother me as already stated it's a bit of fun so i have voted to keep it as is.

Thats my opinion and if you don't like it ----- I'll smite yer 


 Kidding , Only kidding !!!!!!!

[knuckle]

Now that's funny, quantified and light hearted, no problem with that Shorten'.

[Shortenhauzen]

Yes, it's potentially open to abuse but my arguement doesn't even get that far. My point is justifying the fundimental reason behind it.

A forum is all about discussion, views and opinons. I just don't see why there should be a mechanism that enables people to circumvent the core perpose if it's existence.

Said mechanism does nothing to encourage communication and could ultimately deter the very people keen to thread build and help the forum evolve.

PS after seeing Pikey's post:
If the argument is that it's a bit of fun. Don't we have enough fun using open discussion?
I think a "Thanks" system is in a much better spirit of the forum however. I would vote for this if I could vote again.

Understand what you are saying Nic and think the " Thank " system is fine . My understanding is that it was set up as " fun" and not serious but saying that if a more " serious " system is required / wanted  then thats fine by me also as both are in the spirit of the forum.

[knuckle]

My point about fun is:

Where is the fun if it's annonyomous? How can it be funny? You won't know who smited or why unless they want to admit it.
If it's for "a bit of fun" we already slate each other publicly. It's need is redundant if this is the only case.

[Shortenhauzen]

Yep fair point , Perhaps it's just me but the Applaud/smite record i don't look at very much and so perhaps thats why ?