Is it time the thanks button was dispensed with? It encourages bullying from cliques.

Lily-Rose_3

Time and time again I see on this forum, 2 people arguing as they have differing views, and within 20 minutes, one of them gets some 12-13 usernames 'thanking' them, no matter what they are saying. And shortly after all the thanks appear, about half a dozen usernames or more (who thanked them,) also post to support them, (even when they weren't even posting on that thread, and often weren't even logged in five minutes before!!!)

It is tantamount to bullying. This has happened to me a few times. It's bad enough that half a dozen people/usernames suddenly pop up and post to defend their pal; but it's made worse when the person I'm debating with, suddenly has 10 lots of 'thanks' on their posts within a few minutes. (Some of the 'thanks' are from usernames I have never heard of and who do not even post on that board!)

It has happened to me a few times, and I have actually spoken to several posters (via PM,) saying that they agree with me on some things that I say, but are afraid to support me on the thread, for fear of being attacked by people on the thread.

I find this sad and a bit worrying that people are afraid to thank my posts, even when they agree with them, and are afraid to post in support of me (or whoever the clique is having a go at; ) for fear of one or more of the people in the clique having a go at them!

I also notice that the answer and response that people give, depends on who posted it. If it's someone that is not liked by a particular clique, they could say they found a cure for cancer, and someone would slate them for it. But if it's one of their pals, the response is quite different.

Going back to my original comment: I think the 'thanks' button should be disabled, because it encourages 'ganging up' and bullying from cliques. If one person has 12 'thanks' and 6 or 7 or more of their 'pals' are posting to support them, and the other poster has only one 'thanks' (or none,) and no support from other posters; it gives the false impression that the person with all the 'thanks' and support is correct, when they are not; it is often just a matter of opinion between the 2 posters.

And as I said, many people probably want to post in support of the person with no (or few) thanks, but are afraid to, in case they incur the wrath of the clique.

I repeat, it is tantamount to bullying when so many people suddenly jump into the thread to click that 'thanks' button and instantly post support for their 'pal.' So the removal of the thanks button would at least prevent SOME ganging up and bullying from cliques.

In my experience, the worst cliques are on the marriage and relationships board and DT... and it's almost ALWAYS the same people in the cliques. But I am sure it happens on other boards too.

Have a go at me if you want, (anyone who fancies it.) I don't care, as no matter WHAT I say, SOMEone has something negative to say about it!!! But this had to be said. No matter what, the same people form little cliques and thank each others posts: constantly!!! And it's hilarious how some 'usernames' thank people in the clique(s) when they haven't even posted on that particular thread, and they rarely post at all!

lovinituk

Lily-Rose wrote: »

I repeat, it is tantamount to bullying when so many people suddenly jump into the thread to click that 'thanks' button and instantly post support for their 'pal.' So the removal of the thanks button would at least prevent SOME ganging up and bullying from cliques.

But it wouldn't stop the people posting in the thread which is surely the real bullying, if any at all?

The thanks is just a number on the screen and I don't understand why people pay so much attention to it. I find it strange that people seem to collect 'thanks' and even congratulate each other for reaching certain numbers.

Just ignore it, it really doesn't mean much at all.

Lily-Rose_3

lovinituk wrote: »

But it wouldn't stop the people posting in the thread which is surely the real bullying, if any at all?

The thanks is just a number on the screen and I don't understand why people pay so much attention to it. I find it strange that people seem to collect 'thanks' and even congratulate each other for reaching certain numbers.

Just ignore it, it really doesn't mean much at all.

Exactly! I find this most perplexing! :rotfl: Like I said, it gives the impression that the person with the most thanks and posts 'supporting' them is correct, when that is not necessarily true.

It's just that they have a few pals on that particular board who are always online (somewhere) who can quickly log on and support them! (Under several usernames each in some cases IMO.) :rotfl:

There are definitely cliques on here, and the ones who deny it, are usually the ones who are in one! :rotfl:

lovinituk

I do think you're making it an issue when it isn't. Its just number and certainly doesn't mean the person being thanked is correct. I don't pay any attention to the thanks because it doesn't make any difference to me.

fivetide

I think it does make a difference to newbies though. They'll see that person as being knowledgable. OK it is the equivalent of someone having five stars on their McDonald's uniform but Lily has a point. Some forums are worse than others mind. I think the parking sub forum is one of the worst. It is almost as if your opinion isn't welcome unless you are part of the wee clique.


Still the saddest thing about it is those who form said groups. Personally, it doesn't bother me either way but I can see how it might be an issue for those new to the boards.

lovinituk

Its an internet forum full of people hiding behind their keyboards with almost no chance of their real identity being discovered. Unfortunately that means it has a very high chance of containing content, views, expressions and attitudes that many people don't like. Unless you have a huge army of moderators watching over every single post, then some people are going to see things they don't like. Even with an army of moderators, some people won't agree with the mods decisions.

I've always said that there are some people that are far too sensitive to be using public internet forums. It probably shouldn't be like that and everyone should be able to use them but in reality its just not like that.

If you don't like something posted then ignore it, add the user to your ignore list and go and find another thread that is within your comfort zone.

Errata

lovinituk wrote: »

I do think you're making it an issue when it isn't. Its just number and certainly doesn't mean the person being thanked is correct. I don't pay any attention to the thanks because it doesn't make any difference to me.

Many people hit the thanks button as a way of marking where they've read up to on a particular thread. It really is that simple.

lovinituk

Errata wrote: »

Many people hit the thanks button as a way of marking where they've read up to on a particular thread. It really is that simple.

Yes, I've seen this before. Just goes to show how meaningless it is.

David_Aston

It is possible to view these forums for information, and also for entertainment, although my wife considers the latter rather sad!
When someone writes a post with which I agree, and it is often far better formed than I could manage, it seems reasonable to thank them.

bugslet

I sometimes read a thread and hit thanks buttons when I agree ( not necessarily wholly, but mostly) with the points being made. I may or may not post myself.

I don't disagree with you Lily that sometimes the thanks button is misused and yes, marriage and DT boards are probably the guiltiest of having cliques (I'm too dense/CBA to work out who is mates with whom). But, I think that it's a positive more than a negative, it gives me a chance to say yes I agree with you, even if I don't post. Occasionally if someone posts about a personal dilemma,usualy an OP, I may hit the thanks button as a way of saying thank you for sharing, even if I haven't anything constuctive to add.

I rather like the thanks button.

bugslet

David_Aston wrote: »

It is possible to view these forums for information, and also for entertainment, although my wife considers the latter rather sad!
When someone writes a post with which I agree, and it is often far better formed than I could manage, it seems reasonable to thank them.

And I thanked for those reasons and brevity:D