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It's ironic 4 of you liked the video.  You couldn't have liked it, otherwise you would have left a comment!

 

Unless of course you're pulling my wheel.

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Perhaps they 'liked' it ironically?

 

Interesting and much in what you say.

 

It's preferable to post a comment, but, realistically, there is not always the time to do so.  Further, some content that I like or find skillful lies outside my areas of main interest or knowledge and, really, I wouldn't have anything of value to contribute! Simply replying "wow!" each time would just be a long-hand version of the like button!

 

What you did not mention is the addictive endorphin release of social media approbation, to which our 'like' buttons are cousins, and which is another negative effect and a distraction from modelling and proper critical evaluation.  That said, there is an upside, too, as some of us gain much needed confidence and encouragement from ratings. It is sometimes hard to judge one's own work, but ratings can let you see when you do, or do not quite, hit the spot.  There again, however, comments are of even greater value, and I'd have to agree with you that the ratings buttons can breed a laziness of response, but at least they're a response!     

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Hi Knuckles,

 

Your video is most well observed. The whole of the internet is nothing more than an electronic book burning exercise connected to the reduction of free speech. I note you clarified your use of the word retard to this regard thus keeping those that are "hard of thinking" happy.

 

As you describe the way in which you craft your posts with written descriptions and illustrative photographs, you remind me of the effort I put into my own posts for the same reasons, only to get six "Likes" and two "Craftsmanship/clever". Should anyone actually post a comment or question it is far more interesting and shews that someone has actually read and found your work genuinely interesting.

 

Gibbo.

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I liked the fact that you have expressed your views on this subject!

 

The 'like' button rules (and in some cases ruins) too many people's sense of calm and equilibrium. Too many people judge themselves, too harshly, because of this.

 

One way round this that I have found to be quite effective is not to care what people think!

 

(Of course, I probably do care more than I let on, but I do try not to, although I do know people, for whom the number of 'likes' that they receive is far too important a factor in their sense of self-worth (in my view, anyway).

 

 

 

PS. I think that some of what I said above is a rather less erudite version of what Edwardian said!

 

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I understand the sentiments behind your video, but wonder if doing away with the ability to simply acknowledge appreciation/understanding/agreement of something might not end-up cluttering threads with umpteen one-word posts which might ultimately be more frustrating? I get a little annoyed when viewing new content, to open a thread, scroll to the latest post, only to find it's either just a single, or at most 4 or 5 words which don't add anything of interest/insight or pose any question. Maybe there'd have to be a minimum word-count to enable a post to be made? 

 

Here on RMweb, we can see who it is that's "liked" something, so there's nothing to stop one from encouraging the liker to open-up and engage a little more.

 

In this age of the www and its multitude of platforms, mobile phones, texting, so-called social media etc, it seems that humanity is saying far more than it has ever done. Sadly though, a growing amount of it is (IMHO) of very little value :read:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Facebook is just a means for people to go 'look at me', mostly it is vacuous content but there is some interesting content within groups if you can avoid the politically charged echo chamber groups.  I haven't posted anything to Facebook other than responding politely where I have been tagged in photos and I feel much better for it.  Facebook is designed to trigger dopamine rushes like all the online games that exist (candy crush et al),, this rush keeps you on the application which is what they want in order to secure advertising revenue.

 

Instagram is all about selling 'your best life', again not a real representation of life.

 

I haven't done Twitter but I guess it works in the same way

 

Forums like this though you don't want to see lots of posts going 'I like this', it will detract from the content, using Dave F 's ongoing photographs thread, each post can get tens of likes, it would be impossible to digest the thread if those showing appreciation for the images had to type out a response.

Edited by woodenhead
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Perhaps they 'liked' it ironically?

 


 

Interesting and much in what you say.

 

It's preferable to post a comment, but, realistically, there is not always the time to do so.  Further, some content that I like or find skillful lies outside my areas of main interest or knowledge and, really, I wouldn't have anything of value to contribute! Simply replying "wow!" each time would just be a long-hand version of the like button!

 

What you did not mention is the addictive endorphin release of social media approbation, to which our 'like' buttons are cousins, and which is another negative effect and a distraction from modelling and proper critical evaluation.  That said, there is an upside, too, as some of us gain much needed confidence and encouragement from ratings. It is sometimes hard to judge one's own work, but ratings can let you see when you do, or do not quite, hit the spot.  There again, however, comments are of even greater value, and I'd have to agree with you that the ratings buttons can breed a laziness of response, but at least they're a response!   

 

Thanks for the comment.  I agree the use of quick one or two liners gets frustrating too, as you said a long hand like button.  On a personal note I’d rather people type nothing than a quick ‘Brill’  

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What you did not mention is the addictive endorphin release of social media approbation

 

Ah yes, well there is that too, we all feel it.  I get caught up in the ‘Forum Trap’ constantly cycling the forums looking for some kind of ‘feel’ based on a response and I agree it can be pretty damaging and pointless after a while. 

Another thing I didn’t mention is how ‘likes’ can help your content pique algorithms and get your video/posts ranked higher and thus on some platforms with certain set ups that can equate to more money.  There is that too which can be a good thing but also bad when everyone is constantly ‘reminding’ us to “Smash That Like Button”  Ugh.

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There again, however, comments are of even greater value, and I'd have to agree with you that the ratings buttons can breed a laziness of response, but at least they're a response!

 

Yep, better than nothing, but really, if I could have the choice of 10,000 ‘likes’ and just 20 comments worth reading I’d choose the comments any day.

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Hi Knuckles,

 


 

Your video is most well observed. The whole of the internet is nothing more than an electronic book burning exercise connected to the reduction of free speech. I note you clarified your use of the word retard to this regard thus keeping those that are "hard of thinking" happy.

 

 

Thanks, everyone these days are offended at certain ‘buzz’ words due to the social conditioning programs and attack on free speech with political correctness government (Control-Mind) religion that is being injected into us at every turn.  I will thus choose now controversial words to put spanners in their works and make people think.  Good init!  But yeah, the word retard isn’t derogatory as a default setting, people seem to jump at certain things.  Conditioned to trigger.

“You CAN’T say thaaat!”

“Too late, I just did!”

 

 

 

 

 

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As you describe the way in which you craft your posts with written descriptions and illustrative photographs, you remind me of the effort I put into my own posts for the same reasons, only to get six "Likes" and two "Craftsmanship/clever". Should anyone actually post a comment or question it is far more interesting and shews that someone has actually read and found your work genuinely interesting.

 


 

Gibbo.

 

 

Exactly this, exactly.  I don’t post no where near as often as I used to and I don’t spend as much effort crafting the posts together as often as I do because before I’d be trying to write and present a well thought out, interesting to read and view (pics) post and at the end of it, since the like button, it just isn’t worth it very often.    All that effort for a few numbers (likes) that do nothing…..no ta.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I liked the fact that you have expressed your views on this subject!

 


 

The 'like' button rules (and in some cases ruins) too many people's sense of calm and equilibrium. Too many people judge themselves, too harshly, because of this.

 

One way round this that I have found to be quite effective is not to care what people think!

 

(Of course, I probably do care more than I let on, but I do try not to, although I do know people, for whom the number of 'likes' that they receive is far too important a factor in their sense of self-worth (in my view, anyway).

 

 

 

PS. I think that some of what I said above is a rather less erudite version of what Edwardian said!

 

Hi Cap’n!  I often try to express views.  Often I try to bring out points that others don’t want to talk about, can make you a target at times but it’s needed.

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One way round this that I have found to be quite effective is not to care what people think!

 

Oh yes I agree, last 8 or so years I’ve given up caring what people think, or trying to fit in or to please everyone.  Isn’t possible so screw it.  I want to know what people think more for the social interaction (basic social wants/needs) aspect rather than feeling valued.  I’m done basing my value on the shifting sands of an ever culturally changing meme.  Bad init!

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(Of course, I probably do care more than I let on, but I do try not to, although I do know people, for whom the number of 'likes' that they receive is far too important a factor in their sense of self-worth (in my view, anyway).

PS. I think that some of what I said above is a rather less erudite version of what Edwardian said!

Yeah, if receiving a ton of likes but no real interaction with people, then other than monitory considerations, socially speaking it’s a bit pointless.  I know we are often busy but if we truly like what people have done then actually saying something and having an interaction is worth way more than a digital number.  

 

 

 

Quote

I understand the sentiments behind your video, but wonder if doing away with the ability to simply acknowledge appreciation/understanding/agreement of something might not end-up cluttering threads with umpteen one-word posts which might ultimately be more frustrating? I get a little annoyed when viewing new content, to open a thread, scroll to the latest post, only to find it's either just a single, or at most 4 or 5 words which don't add anything of interest/insight or pose any question. Maybe there'd have to be a minimum word-count to enable a post to be made? 

 


 

Here on RMweb, we can see who it is that's "liked" something, so there's nothing to stop one from encouraging the liker to open-up and engage a little more.

 

In this age of the www and its multitude of platforms, mobile phones, texting, so-called social media etc, it seems that humanity is saying far more than it has ever done. Sadly though, a growing amount of it is (IMHO) of very little value 

 

 

I agree and addressed this in the video briefly with the mention of “Cool!”

It is better than nothing but truthfully, as has been said….really it’s not much better than the like button.  An actual sentence or 3 is waaaay more valuable to me.   It has been quite aggravating before to receive an email saying you got a comment to a vid that you have been hoping to read something worth reading and it’s just a one liner, it still shows a lack of bothering and would rather people not bother most the time.  

 

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Facebook is just a means for people to go 'look at me', mostly it is vacuous content but there is some interesting content within groups if you can avoid the politically charged echo chamber groups.  I haven't posted anything to Facebook other than responding politely where I have been tagged in photos and I feel much better for it.  Facebook is designed to trigger dopamine rushes like all the online games that exist (candy crush et al),, this rush keeps you on the application which is what they want in order to secure advertising revenue.

 


 

Instagram is all about selling 'your best life', again not a real representation of life.

 

I haven't done Twitter but I guess it works in the same way

 

Forums like this though you don't want to see lots of posts going 'I like this', it will detract from the content, using Dave F 's ongoing photographs thread, each post can get tens of likes, it would be impossible to digest the thread if those showing appreciation for the images had to type out a response.

 

Yup, get us addicted to using their ‘services’ so we keep giving our information away so they can sell it to the cheapest buyer so the keep raping us with tailored adverts to then give them more money.  It is of course NWO tracking of each person at all times.  Type www.itanimulli.com (Illuminati backwards – satanic law of reversal) in your browser and see where it re-directs too, dare ya. 

Of course they have their cover story to inoculate most people from looking into things and waking up to even the basics of what is going on in a large scale context.  Even better, try typing that in FB Messenger and see what it says!   It won’t let you send it because it is “Deemed offensive or otherwise disallowed” yet you can type all manner of !”£$%^&* without a hitch…riiiiight!

Disclaimer – I don’t consider myself a ‘conspiracy theorist’ just because I venture into the field of hot potatoes.  I don’t make theories up, besides which the exact phrase was coined in the Warren Report to be used as a weapon to switch people’s intellect off and stop questioning things.  Works like a charm.

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it seems that humanity is saying far more than it has ever done. Sadly though, a growing amount of it is (IMHO) of very little value.[/quote]

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Oh yes, you can say that again.  Very true.

Ok, thanks to ye all for talking about it.  Much appreciated.

Have a good day.

Edited by Knuckles
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Hi Knuckles,

 

I like not only what you have written but also how you have written it.

 

Are you aware of this particular video that explains quite well how all this PC nonsense started ?

 

 

Enjoy,

 

Gibbo.

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Nope but I'll watch it tonight with some decaf coffee to relax, many thanks.   

 

I know a lot about what is really going on in the world.  Been researching loads of stuff almost constantly since around 2008.  Most don't want to hear it or are too affected with the resulting cognitive dissonance that ensues and subsequently blame me for their hurt feelings.  We are brainwashed to keep our heads in the sand and attack any whom may be trying to pull them out.  Sad but true.

Edited by Knuckles
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1 hour ago, Knuckles said:

I get caught up in the ‘Forum Trap’ constantly cycling the forums looking for some kind of ‘feel’ based on a response and I agree it can be pretty damaging and pointless after a while. 

Another thing I didn’t mention is how ‘likes’ can help your content pique algorithms and get your video/posts ranked higher and thus on some platforms with certain set ups that can equate to more money.  There is that too which can be a good thing but also bad when everyone is constantly ‘reminding’ us to “Smash That Like Button”  Ugh.

 

...

 

Oh yes I agree, last 8 or so years I’ve given up caring what people think, or trying to fit in or to please everyone.  Isn’t possible so screw it.  I want to know what people think more for the social interaction (basic social wants/needs) aspect rather than feeling valued.  I’m done basing my value on the shifting sands of an ever culturally changing meme.  Bad init!

Yeah, if receiving a ton of likes but no real interaction with people, then other than monitory considerations, socially speaking it’s a bit pointless.  I know we are often busy but if we truly like what people have done then actually saying something and having an interaction is worth way more than a digital number.  

 

 

 

Crumbs, I just 'liked' your post (old habits ...), so, quick, I must think of something to say!

 

It caused me to reflect that there are Young People, for whom the accumulation of ratings and followers is a way to earn a living, and even younger people, like my daughter, who see that as perfectly worthwhile and to be emulated.

 

The World has moved on and left me behind ....!

 

We do not need conspirators to enslave us.  We do it to ourselves by, for instance, equating researched and substantiated factual reporting by traditional news media with the gossip of social media, or even preferring the latter to the former, which is discredited as "fake news" by the peddlars of 'real' fake news.  

 

Though perhaps we are nudged along that path by Dark Forces?  They wind us up, point us in their direction of travel, and leave us to do all the walking for them. God, that's bleak. 

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25 minutes ago, Edwardian said:

 

Though perhaps we are nudged along that path by Dark Forces?  They wind us up, point us in their direction of travel, and leave us to do all the walking for them. God, that's bleak. 

 

 

More nudging? Is there no end to this?

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Here's a funny thing. I had never used a like button (since I think that social media is the death of the Internet), until I started using it on RMWeb a couple of months ago.

 

Several times I found myself having nothing to say, but wanting to make some sort of acknowledgement. And I realised that the like button exists (ostensibly, at least) for precisely this purpose. So I started using it. And it is useful (I choose to regard it as useful) that there are different types of like, to express particular types of approval.

 

In normal speech we make all sorts of brief approving noises, some of which are actual words, when we have nothing to add.....

 

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Think of the "like" button as a form of applause. "It would be inappropriate or forward of me to offer an in-depth critical response to your post but I have found the content interesting or entertaining."

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I quite often finding myself browsing random topics that are of no practical use to my interests, but are interesting to read nonetheless. This leaves me wanting to thank or acknowledge the poster, but not necessarily wasting everyone’s time on written replies or questions where the answers are not going to be put to practical use. The like buttons suit this purpose well in my opinion.

 

I also often write a reply, go to spell/grammar check it and decide it is not constructively adding to the discussion and delete it again....

 

 

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Why use lots of words and time when a pressing the Like button or any other button does the job equally as well.

 

I do sometimes think a Dislike button could be useful.

 

I much prefer pictures to words.

 

Gordon A

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A dislike button would have rather antisocial consequences. Better to pass by in silence. Likewise refraining from written comment.

 

Which I've not done here!

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I remember the good old days when people would craft an OP rather than expecting everyone to sit through a 5 minute ego-trip video. Words, if considered, can be read in seconds. Video demands as much of my life as the creator thinks they can get away with, usually much more than I'm willing to give.

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I have to agree with TangoOscarMike, Compound, Jonboy et al. The buttons allow you to show your appreciation when you have nothing further to add. To me, they are better than Plonker123 quoting a long post and then saying "wow!!", meaning I have scrolled through half a page of repeated text, for nothing, whilst clogging up the system. The likes are also directly attached to the post in question. When you consider the ramblings of Castle Aching and Tony Wright's threads, and many others, I suppose you need to quote something, otherwise a comment without context would be meaningless, but when I do this I try to edit out as much as possible of the original text to keep things concise. I suspect things are different on Facebook etc.

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1 hour ago, Nick Holliday said:

To me, they are better than Plonker123 quoting a long post and then saying "wow!!", meaning I have scrolled through half a page of repeated text, for nothing, whilst clogging up the system. The likes are also directly attached to the post in question.

 

Which is precisely why the facility was brought in to RMweb. I didn't like the plain singular 'Like' function though so I bought and adapted a modification script which enabled different types of reactions to be made (a long, long time before Facebook had such), a 'Like' isn't particularly appropriate when someone's said their dog has died for instance. We used to have a Disagree button but that was just abused, often by those with an agenda - so it was scrapped. It's fine to disagree but that is better done by the use of words so the context can be seen. My pet hate was someone who'd spend an hour in the middle of the night replying to topics, often old ones, just saying '"wow" or "nice work" creating a long list of inconsequential entries in VNC, once you'd seen a couple the rest would be ignored so it was pretty self-defeating. As you say the reaction is attributed to the post so reduces the irrelevance of quoting a year-old post and saying they agree - that part of the conversation left a long time ago.

 

It was also aimed to reduce the volume of posts we used to experience, part of managing the size of the site.

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Another perspective is that prior to the software changes a few months ago many blog entries did not get the traffic or interaction they merited. The new software allowed the blog content to feature in VNC increasing dialogue in those areas so the balancing of interaction is more complex than just the use of reaction clicks.

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I post quite a lot of photos over various threads, and to me the 'like' button is one way of showing that viewers have actually looked at the images. No likes on a number of photos and I would begin to wonder if it was worth going to the trouble of posting any of  them at all. 

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