Why doesn't SDN have downvotes?

[md-2020]

Most forums have downvotes instead of just "likes". In order to gauge the agreement level of comments/threads, shouldn't this feature be integrated on a high traffic site like SDN?

10 people might "like" a comment but it really doesn't mean anything if 100 other people dislike it and can't show their disagreement (other than through replying--sometimes we just don't want to do that).

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[Lawpy]

Might as well have a reputation system built in on SDN, but even then, it'll be ineffective and cliquey.

Besides, consider the report function to be a downvote. Of course, don't go overboard with it, otherwise the mods will give you a special treat in return

 

[NotASerialKiller]

Most forums have downvotes instead of just "likes". In order to gauge the agreement level of comments/threads, shouldn't this feature be integrated on a high traffic site like SDN?

10 people might "like" a comment but it really doesn't mean anything if 100 other people dislike it and can't show their disagreement (other than through replying--sometimes we just don't want to do that).

If someone reads this post and wants to downvote it, which side are they actually supporting? Discuss.

 

[Pusheen]

There's already enough drama on here as it is

 

[Lawpy]

If someone reads this post and wants to downvote it, which side are they actually supporting? Discuss.

NotASerialKiller's Downvote Paradox. Since it fried my brain thinking about it, i have to downvote it.

 

[yeezuswest]

To use some MCAT terminology, I think it would only serve to increase the amount of groupthink already present on this site.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Reply and tell everyone why you disagree with the post.

With down votes, the immaturity will only get worse. I guarantee that such a system would compel people to dislike posts just out of spite...

 

[fancymylotus]

Wait, you mean to say that SDN ISNT a popularity contest?! I've been doing it all wrong ;(

 

[gyngyn]

Isn't there enough unnecessary negativity in the world?
Inaccurate or inflammatory posts need thoughtful replies (or reports).

 

[Dr.Sticks]

It's a professional forum;
If you dislike it, reply to the user and express why.. Maybe your post expressing why will get a 100 likes?

 

[Psai]

I think there shouldn't be a like system. I do enjoy it when I get likes though

 

[Meeehai]

There's already so much circlejerking with the current like system.

 

[efle]

I think the "like" feature only exists so people won't do the stupid "QFT" thing. Easier to just show lots of people agree than have lots of people posting that they agree.

Personally I think downvoting would ruin SDN overnight. Things which appeal to the majority are rarely controversial/interesting

 

[Pusheen]

If people disagree, they can reply and give a reasonable answer why. Throwing cheap shots in the form of 'dislikes' will make discussions even more unproductive

 

[Lucca]

My likes on SDN are my only source of self worth. If SDN implements dislikes, what good will a sense of self dis-worth serve me?

 

[md-2020]

Follow up question: would it be more beneficial to just get rid of likes then, since they only seem to help people "groupthink"?

 

[allantois]

Follow up question: would it be more beneficial to just get rid of likes then, since they only seem to help people "groupthink"?

I'm not a fan of likes as genuinely helpful posts rarely get any likes.

 

[efle]

Follow up question: would it be more beneficial to just get rid of likes then, since they only seem to help people "groupthink"?

If you go look at old threads you'll see what I was talking about. People post totally empty stuff like "this!" and "quoted for truth!" and "agree". That has a much more groupthink impact and also makes it harder to read for interesting nuggets

 

[GrapesofRath]

There is more than enough disagreement on this site. At least half my posts someone quotes and has something to say about or add/complain(hell the over under on times this post gets quoted is probably 2.5). Adding the "thumbs down" function serves next to zero purpose; if someone doesn't like something you say or disagrees with it, this is the type of site they'll tell you right away.

 

[efle]

There is more than enough disagreement on this site. At least half my posts someone quotes and has something to say about or add/complain(hell the over under on times this post gets quoted is probably 2.5). Adding the "thumbs down" function serves next to zero purpose; if someone doesn't like something you say or disagrees with it, this is the type of site they'll tell you right away.

I disagree, I think people wait a while before telling me what they dislike

 

[GrapesofRath]

I disagree, I think people wait a while before telling me what they dislike

So would you rather have more people disagree with you and do so sooner from when you post something? Not sure what you're trying to get at here.

 

[steelersfan1243]

I disagree, I think people wait a while before telling me what they dislike

Your hair, your avvie, and your pompous attitude

 

[efle]

So would you rather have more people disagree with you and do so sooner from when you post something? Not sure what you're trying to get at here.

I'd rather people catch jokes

 

[GrapesofRath]

I'd rather people catch jokes

Lol I'll admit that was pretty bad on my part there.

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

I'm not a fan of likes as genuinely helpful posts rarely get any likes.

Nah. Whenever mimelim drops one of his gems, he'll get at least 6 likes, sometimes 20 or 30. Goro's guide to interviews must have like 100 likes. Wedgedawg's helpful algorithm also generated a bunch of likes.

And there was that one time when efle enlightened everyone on the properties of dichloromethane

 

[fancymylotus]

Nah. Whenever mimelim drops one of his gems, he'll get at least 6 likes, sometimes 20 or 30. Goro's guide to interviews must have like 100 likes. Wedgedawg's helpful algorithm also generated a bunch of likes.

And there was that one time when efle enlightened everyone on the properties of dichloromethane

Or when I post a selfie in the lounge. KIDDING

 

[allantois]

Nah. Whenever mimelim drops one of his gems, he'll get at least 6 likes, sometimes 20 or 30. Goro's guide to interviews must have like 100 likes. Wedgedawg's helpful algorithm also generated a bunch of likes.

And there was that one time when efle enlightened everyone on the properties of dichloromethane

Goro just gets likes cause he's a cat

 

[Neutropix]

I like the idea of dislikes.

Some people, regardless of being objectively wrong, will argue to the ends of the earth to prove their point(s). Instead of arguing with these people it seems it would sometimes be better to give a silent dislike. Sometimes statements are so stupid they're unworthy of a response; once again, a perfect time for a dislike.

 

[gyngyn]

I like the idea of dislikes.

Some people, regardless of being objectively wrong, will argue to the ends of the earth to prove their point(s). Instead of arguing with these people it seems it would sometimes be better to give a silent dislike. Sometimes statements are so stupid they're unworthy of a response; once again, a perfect time for a dislike.

I prefer the ignore function.

 

[Meeehai]

If you go look at old threads you'll see what I was talking about. People post totally empty stuff like "this!" and "quoted for truth!" and "agree". That has a much more groupthink impact and also makes it harder to read for interesting nuggets

This.

 

[Neutropix]

I would also like a dislike feature for the memes and gifs that fall face first.

 

[Neutropix]

This.

+1
in
agree
concur (personal favorite)

 

[Meeehai]

I would also like a dislike feature for the memes and gifs that fall face first.

 

[Neutropix]

The real question is, when are we getting more SDN layout options. The totally white background is gettin' old.

 

[Neutropix]

*dislike*

 

[Psai]

The real question is, when are we getting more SDN layout options. The totally white background is gettin' old.

I'm on oldschool which is 2008

 

[Neutropix]

I'm on oldschool which is 2008

This is much better. Thanks bb.

 

[mimelim]

I'm on oldschool which is 2008

Ya, I switched to 2008 a while back, thank God they kept it...

 

[Mad Jack]

The reason SDN doesn't have a downvote function is that it is against the general spirit of the site. The Like function essentially exists so that people can quickly say they approve or agree with a post without adding a post themselves, which aids in the flow of a thread by keeping it uncluttered (back in the day threads would be cluttered with and +1s). If someone disagrees with a post, however, they should justify their disagreement, as just saying you disagree without adding a reason why is not constructive.

You could always use the emoticon if you're feeling like you dislike or disagree with a post but don't feel like being constructive about it.

 

[Mad Jack]

I'm on oldschool which is 2008

SDN Blue>2008>>>>SDN Universal

2008 just looks so... Cheap. I feel like I'm on Allnurses when I use it.

 

[fancymylotus]

I don't use SDN on a computer so I have no idea what the difference btw these colors is...

 

[fancymylotus]

Also the founder of allnurses killed his family and then killed himself like two days ago in Missouri or Mississippi or some other such state

 

[Mad Jack]

Also the founder of allnurses killed his family and then killed himself like two days ago in Missouri or Mississippi or some other such state

Holy ****. I got an email from them about the founder dying, had no idea that was how he went...

 

[Mad Jack]

I don't use SDN on a computer so I have no idea what the difference btw these colors is...

If you aren't using the app, it looks the same. If you are using the app, what is wrong with you?

 

[efle]

Nah. Whenever mimelim drops one of his gems, he'll get at least 6 likes, sometimes 20 or 30. Goro's guide to interviews must have like 100 likes. Wedgedawg's helpful algorithm also generated a bunch of likes.

And there was that one time when efle enlightened everyone on the properties of dichloromethane

Yeah I got 100 likes and probation...

If you aren't using the app, it looks the same. If you are using the app, what is wrong with you?

The site is terrible on mobile phones, double-loads pages all the time and it's impossible to hit "alerts" without zooming in a bunch first...

the app is bad but it is >> site on mobile

 

[Neutropix]

Let me ask you this, MJ. Is there something you really think that should be changed about SDN?

Yeah I got 100 likes and probation...


The site is terrible on mobile phones, double-loads pages all the time and it's impossible to hit "alerts" without zooming in a bunch first...

the app is bad but it is >> site on mobile

I remember when you were probe. Wasn't it because you called someone out for faulty chemistry or something? Link would be appreciated.
EDIT: or PM me the the sentence that got you probe

 

[Cyberdyne 101]

Yeah I got 100 likes and probation...


The site is terrible on mobile phones, double-loads pages all the time and it's impossible to hit "alerts" without zooming in a bunch first...

the app is bad but it is >> site on mobile

I like the site better. I guess I've gotten used to the microscopic font

 

[steelersfan1243]

Nah. Whenever mimelim drops one of his gems, he'll get at least 6 likes, sometimes 20 or 30. Goro's guide to interviews must have like 100 likes. Wedgedawg's helpful algorithm also generated a bunch of likes.

And there was that one time when efle enlightened everyone on the properties of dichloromethane

I am officially derailing this thread to figure out who has the best "likes: posts" ratio with a minimum of 250 posts on SDN
I believe we will all find the results surprisingly:

Current Leader:
@Chipster. 3.68
@hellanutella 2.87
@breakintheroof 2.59
@NotASerialKiller 2.11

 

[Neutropix]

Also the founder of allnurses killed his family and then killed himself like two days ago in Missouri or Mississippi or some other such state

some irrelevant state

 

[Mad Jack]

Yeah I got 100 likes and probation...


The site is terrible on mobile phones, double-loads pages all the time and it's impossible to hit "alerts" without zooming in a bunch first...

the app is bad but it is >> site on mobile

Works fine on my Galaxy S5. Only downside is my paste function doesn't work since the last update to my phone, my root files are corrupted and I'm too lazy to reinstall the OS.