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.
A hundred times yes!
I couldn't agree with you more@Roadie
Well said @Roadie! Thanks so much for pointing these things out and for being so supportive of other listeners!! **hugs**
Thank you for a much needed kick up the backside @Roadie :) I've just spent a little time upvoting, and I intend to do some proper responses later, when I have more time
I completely agree with this @Roadie. I have noticed a little loss in balance as far as public and listener forums go. This post not only reminds us about the true spirit of being a 7cupslistener it also highlights how a small gesture can make difference. Make it a personal goal to read a post by someone , to reply to someone's question in the member side. While we all are here cheering for one another...lets add some cheer and enthusiasm on member side too!!
The love and support here in the listener's forums should definitely be spread to the members' side. I agree!
Your words come from the heart, but are spoken from the soul @Roadie
i always try to spend some time on the members forums, I alwayslove to support them with all my words and love.Couldn't be grateful enough for this beautiful thread.
What a great thread & discussion.
You make an excellent point @roadie. We have many members posting every day and if we all can offer support, even by way of an upvote, that is very magical!
Thank you for sharing this observation, Roadie!As a new listener, I am still learning about the features of the site, and I wasn't aware of the situation in the member forums. It truly sounds upsetting when I try to imagine how invisible these people may feel... However, what would you say about threads that have a single message only, like, the introductions people post in the icebreakers forums? I feel it would be worth replying to them, putting our support into words to give a warmer welcome than by just upvoting. By the way, are all listeners welcome to participate in these member forums, or we have to sign up for a support team? I am sorry if it's already been discussed somewhere, I still have so much to learn, including how to navigate through the forum.
Anyone with an account can post in the public forums :)
Thank you @Roadie for the idea. If we don't have time to respond at the moment, it only takes a click for an upvote and that might mean the world to a member. Great post. Thank you.
You know, I never considered upvotes from this perspective. It does give comfort to know that someone has read what you wrote and that they appreciated it. Upvotes all around!
