Katalin Horváth McClure wrote:
Elizabeth Tamblin wrote:
The reason for the sheep comment, Katalin, is that I have seen the Agree feature abused on forums.
Here, on ProZ fora???? I am sorry but if you are referring to ProZ fora, I simply don't believe this. I have been a frequent participant over the years and I do not remember ever thinking this, and can't understand how "Agreeing" with a post would constitute abuse. I also don't see how you could draw conclusions and make accusations like that when your Forum participation history is basically empty, aside from the past few weeks.
By the way, if you see any abuse, please do a favor for everyone and report it to moderators/site staff. That could save some - otherwise OK - threads from getting shut down.
You might not be aware, Katalin, that on some forums there are cliques, people who gang up on other posters and Agree with everybody who says hostile things to that person, and withhold their Agrees from people they don't like.
Aaaaand - I am the one jumping to conclusions.... ???
Gangs? Everybody saying hostile things? Withholding Agrees = not liking?
Isn't it possible that people are simply actually genuinely agreeing with other's opinion? Can't you imagine that there are people who feel that somebody already wrote what they were about to say, perhaps even in a better form, so simply agreeing is the best way they could express their views? You do realize that the language of most of the fora is English and there are many non-native English speakers for whom the Agree button is perhaps a function that allows them to participate more often? Try to view the scene through a bit more positively colored glasses and a more open mind.
Also, please re-read what you wrote and realize that while in the literal sense you did not call people sheep, you were repeatedly suggesting that people use the Agree button without thinking (without discernment). I am not the only one took your comments that way. Of course, you are entitled to voice your opinion, but please be aware that others might find them offensive and voice their opinion about that fact.
So while the Agree function would be fine if used for the intended purpose,
I am a firm believer that it IS being used for its intended purpose. I have no reason to think (or assume) otherwise, and I feel I would be disrespectful if I assumed my colleagues would just click the Agree button without reading and considering the merits of the actual post.
it has the potential for malicious use.
So does my bath sponge. And my slippers, too. In fact, just a few minutes ago a squished a bug with my Birkenstocks. I understand it could be considered malicious use, so I guess I should just throw them away now, right?
[Edited at 2019-04-30 15:13 GMT]