Let’s talk about how awesome you are.
Yesterday I offered up the Facebook “like” button — a way of showing that you like a post without needing to leave a comment. Then, responding to some associated suggestions, I offered a thumbs-up feature for comments, to let you show when you like them, too. That feature came bundled with a thumbs-down feature, and I asked if that might be useful for letting you guys give “hey, that wasn’t cool” feedback on comments when you feel the need. After some conversations, I added in a way to create threaded replies to comments, so you can respond to them directly. Then I asked you all to vote on which ones to keep. It all happened quickly, and if you missed it, I apologize — you can still weigh in. But here’s what happened:
You UNANIMOUSLY rejected the “thumbs down” button. That was a firm, undeniable, “HELL NO.” You don’t want a tool that has the potential to create drama and bad feelings.
And you had mixed feelings about the comment and post “like” buttons. On one hand, it’s nice to be able to show support. On the other hand, vote counts can be used as part of a popularity game, and that smells a bit icky. And you don’t want people to feel encouraged to comment less — you love reading the comments here. Also? Looking more like facebook? Not so great.
BUT! You do pretty much love the ability to reply to comments directly, and that gives you a way to support great comments that you didn’t have before. So loud and clear: that feature stays. The rest… well, it’s probably better if the rest go.
So the verdict is in. Genderfork says NO to drama. And for that, I am wildly in love with you. Thank you.
I’ll leave you with some of my favorite quotes from the discussion:
When the comments rating was first mentioned I thought it might be a good idea (and I still see its merits), but in practice I’m not happy with it — it makes the site feel a bit like all those “who’s the best, who’s at the top, let’s have lots of rankings and rate and number everything” and takes away from the feel of personality[? not sure if that’s the word] and hospitality; maybe that’s just me tho?
– tigr
I much agree! I feel as though the like/dislike feature has the potential to unwittingly become a popularity contest of sorts.
If threading stays, however, it’d be easy to reply with a quick “So do I!” or “I feel the same way!” instead of the little thumbs up/thumbs down that can be interpreted any number of ways and may alienate some of genderforkers. That would eliminate like/dislike and tidy up the comments, making the conversations within them more coherent.
-Dorian
I don’t like the idea of any sort of “thumbs down” or “dislike” button becuase one of the things I value so much about Genderfork is how positive we are able to stay.
-Avery
no dislike button. it will create hate, drama, and overall negative feelings in an overall supportive community
-mEEsh
I just have to say, I’m really not loving this. I really enjoyed the simplicity of Genderfork, and it was my get away from my Facebook/non accepting people.
– anonymous
Hhmmmm, i really like the threaded comments, it adds something to the comments that is beneficial to the flow of conversation. But the thumbs up/thumbs down, in my mind doesn’t. I also love the fact that genderfork isn’t negative, and having the option for thumbs down-ing something just doesn’t seem right for here…..
– freiya
“I feel like I should say that Genderfork is the ONLY place on the wider internet (i.e. besides blogs of friends) where I seek out & enjoy reading the comments. everywhere else, I inevitably regret reading comments… it just makes me feel gross & debased, and lose more faith in my fellow humans. Here, the comments are half to two-thirds of what make the site awesome.
In other words, you all rule!”
– jean c.
It’s true. You totally do.
Thanks and love,
Sarah Dopp
founder of genderfork