A different approach to likes

I’m confused, do I like the original post or not?

 

I am going to leave an I.O.U. Like here because I have depleted my account...hope that is cool

 

I see the central like bankers got to you too

 

If I run out of "likes" I can just reply to everyone's post letting them know I like it then hope to get "likes" on those posts to earn more "likes" to give. Seems kinda like Bitcoin mining. Maybe we should get rid of "likes" altogether. But then how would I know if people liked my post?

 

I don't know if I am supposed to like this post or not

 

I ran several special interest forums in the early 2000’s and we had the concept of reputation in a few variations over the years, some similar to what you described. We found that it nearly always turned into a popularity contest and cliques formed. In more than one case we turned it off because people started farming for that over really engaging with the site the way they used to. I assume this is why they keep Karma a bit opaque. There’s Karma farming here for sure, but as long as its not distracting you’re ok.

 

.... Like a pyramid scheme, but with beer ?

 

I'd give that a like, but......

 

I like that.

 

Has the topic of just removing likes all together crossed anyone's mind? Just throwing this out there, I'm pretty sure it won't be a popular idea but it has crossed my mind, wondering if I'm the only one.

I'll add that the main benefit for me in "likes" is it is sort of like saying hi I guess, which is nice. Ever since I've been trying to post a little more in WBAYDN though I have turned off like notifications, it has definitely helped with time wasting skimming through them..."do I need to respond to a quote? or are all these notifications just likes from WBAYDN?"

 

Everyone has different emotions for their own personal reasons. Put a lid or a governor on emotions and freedom becomes thin and fragile.

 

Hmm, might as well remove likes altogether then, no?

If likes were to become valueless, I'd stop giving them.

When folks make forum contributions that I enjoy, I envision my likes bolstering their respective karma ever so slightly in return.

I'd be curious to know if "farming" is a widespread issue on BA.

I am only aware of one such account, which I've long "ignored".

 

You mean you don't just "like" a post because you like it?

I guess I've missed the concept all this time. I never thought of them as a gift or some sort of value exchange.