The value of forum upvotes
[Note: Originally posted in Listeners Only forums, but moved to general forum because this is relevant for all!]
There is something that I've notice about the forums while just observing and not actively participating.
If you're interested in supporting people, truly interested in supporting people, I ask you to try this one thing after reading this post. Go to one support forum thread and read someone's story. You don't need to reply but just read.
I think we can all recall times in our lives when we have been hurt, have been spurned, or have felt alone. Have been lost in our negative thoughts, seeking affirmation from others whether it be positive or whether it be negative.
Do you remember those times?
When I read the support forums, I see hundreds of posts made every day by members. And I see hundreds of threads created by those same members.
What are they after when they post?
Are they after a panacea, a magic bullet to cure all of their ills?
Can you think of a time when you've been there?
When you feel as though you're alone, hiding in the dark. Terrified from the
lack of light, all you are after is one spark to inspire. One spark to remind you that you are important. One spark to acknowledge that you're still worthy of someone's time and attention.
So when I see post after post after post unacknowledged, it makes me wonder. If I was them and I had shown the courage to spill my soul out onto the page for others and nobody had acknowledged that it had even been seen. How would I feel?
As a listener community, we give appreciation readily and openly to one another. Community shout outs to listeners are posted every day. Anonymous appreciation messages are sent daily, again to fellow listeners. Acknowledgement after acknowledgement of one another which is so kind and open however why can this not be shared with our members?
Let me just say this.
A man beaten down by society sits on the side of the road, soul destroyed. Watching person after person look away quickly to avoid his gaze. It makes you feel like less of a human being. A smile, an acknowledgement is worth more to that man than all of the gold that has been mined from this earth.
In the support forums, that acknowledgement is easy. It's called an upvote. A simple click of an upvote to show that someone has taken the time and care to read what they have posted.
Please, spend 30 seconds and make a difference to a member's life today because a forum upvote can be all that it takes.
Another idea which springs to mind relates to Community Shoutouts. If you see a member being supportive or positive in the support forums; or a member that is making good strides, perhaps you may wish to give them a shout-out via the forum thread below?
Absolutely agreed, sir.There are so many beautiful souls out there. My heart goes out for them, theirmessages always bring a smile on my face. Like it says, "it's wonderful you can bring sparkle into people's lives without fading away from your own true colour. Keep the hue in you."
You are caring and compassionate and there is always something good to learn from your forum posts. Thank you for being you. @Roadie.
Truly enjoyed reading this post and 100% agree. Browing forums as we speak. <3
I may have said before but I love this thread. What a simple yet ingenious idea. This is so helpful to listeners and members. I love this idea and we can all do it. An upvote does make a difference. No one likes to be ignored. Thanks, @Roadie.
This is such an important reminder! I will try to upvote member's post more often from now on :)
You literally described what being empathetic really means in this post. Thank you, you're right and I'm glad that I came here and read this.
I cannot tell you just how glad I am that I read this. I am scared of the forums (seems a bit like an introvert's nightmare sometimes), but then now that I've seen this, I feel like it's time I got over that. There are people here spilling their heart out and I want to make sure they feel acknowledged, understood, seen. Because like you said, we all know what it feels like to have eyes just gloss over you. Thank you so much for this, honestly. ❤️
This is such a wonderful post and it is so true. All of us have been through that situation where we feel ignored, and as little as that gesture is it speaks a lot of volume and can really affect someone immensely. Thanks for this post. :)
Wow this thread is so old and I never saw it until now. Thank you @Roadie for still bumping this up as it surely helped me today.
I almost cried to your words having in my mind indeed some of my personal memories & also some of the stories I've read here in the forums. There are so many people writing here!!
I always try to do more than just upvoting their post. I try to post something positive and hope it made them feel a bit better. They indeed are not looking for a solution as many might have lost hope a long time ago, but just the fact they are here, sharing what they are sharing - no matter their tone - it means there is still light at the end of the tunnel.
Such a great post, Roadie! Thank you.
