Can we get a "MINUS" button to vote Down a post?

Question

Every once in a while (like just a minute ago) I see a post that is condescending or a below the belt hit. I would like to see right beside the "+" button to vote a post up, a "-" button to vote the post down. 10 points upâ€¦10 points down. What do the other members of BP think of this idea?
Bill

Bill Patterson · Answer

Dang it! I could use that negative button right now! :lol:

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

Guys - Sorry but we're not going to be adding any kind of negative voting anytime soon. We debated this long and hard when the influence system was first implemented and the decision is pretty much final. Thanks.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

How about something where the negative vote needs to be corroborated by others to count as a vote? In other words, you need something like 3 "negative votes" to trigger loss of points. This would keep individuals from solely voting others' posts down out of spite.

Joshua Dorkin · Answer

Steve - Good suggestion. I've certainly thought about implementing something like that, and believe that it is very different than what others are advocating. In other words, it is something on my list of possible to-dos . . . add another one to the list!

Steve L. · Answer

Josh - have you ever seen the system on digg for comments. You could have a "-" button, if a post gets enough "-" clicks it is hides the post. People can expand it if they want to see it. You wouldn't have to publish the number of negatives... just hide it after enough people dislike it. Might be a good idea, might not be.

Bill Gulley · Answer

LOL! PEACE :)

Bill Gulley · Answer

Well, that does sound just but I really don't think many members could refrain from ganging up on others as there are clicks in all social groups, there would be some who have a social or even a personal influence over others that could easily turn one vote into several very quickly, especially now that we can see who voted a post up. There is also the aspect of positive votes which makes the same point. If the party guilty of making any comment that was not acceptable in any thread, everyone can voice their displeasure by voting up the other posts making it obvious that the zero vote stands alone unacknowledged, don't you think? If any of my posts were taken in such a light with Jackie, it was not meant that way and not directed personally and I appoligize. I realize that some of my comments may have collateral damage, after I post them. This is usually because I'm in a hurry and hate to type so short and to the point is more my style. As Josh pointed out in another thread (and many times) that commenting or posting enables people in the business to get to know a poster and that it can generate business. Most everyone here on BP has a business agenda. Some found BP as a way to work the forums diligently and increase influence points rapidly together with various awards. It's all about the money, Bill. That's the motivavtion for many, to influence others to gain a business opportunity. I'm not doing business with anyone outside of my area and won't be. When I engage in something with someone here or from other sites, it's free, no money. I have no agenda except to squash bad information so that newbies don't get in trouble or at the very least, understand an issue from a perspective that is difficult for any member here to match in several areas. Now that's pretty arrogant, but it was just the quickest way to make a truthful statement. Many have told me that I am arrogant, but I have good reason to be. (LOL) Drilling a little deeper.......Now, if we had negative votes, I'm sure this would be a leader. People need to look at the motivation of the person making comments, IMO. Anytime money is involved, in anything, people usually say things that promote their position for financial gain. Nothing wrong with that, but people need to recognize motivations. And those who might be preceived as a threat to their agenda will certainly be scrutinized and discredited if at all possible. Negative votes could certainly further other agendas in a positive light. OTH, it's just natural for the young bucks to challenge the old ones! LOL Appology accepted?

J Scott · Answer

In Josh's defense, I worked at eBay for a couple years, and believe it or not, this part of feedback system (which they essentially pioneered online) probably added more work and risk for the company than nearly any other feature of the site. While the company couldn't get rid of negative feedback completely (the customers wouldn't allow it), they did their best to completely discourage its use. If Josh were to allow negative feedback, it's safe to say that he'd spend an extra 8 hours/day dealing with the repercussions...

Bill Patterson · Answer

Bill, Don't try to read too much into this! It is not what you said something to offend Jackie...(unless I missed something!). I know that she can take care of herself and all of us need to be challenged every once in a while. That is how BP works! Don't get me wrong, I may want to do business with some of the BP members and am doing so now. In fact it was a BP member I was working with that told me about this site and suggested I join. Wanting to do business though does not influence how or what I post. I guess that you and I are a lot alike. Both been around for a while and are comfortable where we are at! I enjoy your posts and appreciate your help for the less experienced members as well as your challenges to all of the members! Keep it up! I started this thread on an impulse. I did not care for the tone of a couple of posts (not just yours!), so I threw my first idea out to test the waters. Thank you to everyone that gave me some input into why it may not work. I'm sure that in the future, I may stir some controversy, but...What the heck! Scandal sells...not just money! Bill

Nick J. · Answer

low blow or not, none of it is untrue and the low blow has been delivered to me for the last 8 months. I feel I have the right to voice my concerns. In voicing my concerns, I certainly wouldn't appreciate people voting down on those posts. The low blow would be getting sued and getting voted down, wouldn't ya say?