The Protocol of the 'Like' Button

[rdprdp01]

When I started writing this post I thought the 'Like' button was just another of the many legacies of the odious Facebook. As so often happens I was mistaken. In fact, it apparently first appeared on Vimeo where it was seen as an iteration of the 'digg' feature from digg.com. See here.

There are occasions where being able to click 'Like' is an easy way to say you appreciate something without having to write about it — for example, alprider's never-ending stream of photographs of motorcycles in beautiful places for which, so far as I'm concerned, there are no longer any useful superlatives.

But there are other occasions too.

In June pdedse set off for a big ride across the country. A couple of days in, his back started to give him merry hell and he made the decision to turn for home. See this post. It seemed very sad to me that a dreamed-of adventure came to a premature end, but I noticed that a number of members 'liked' the post. I make no criticism of that choice, but I it made me wonder what were they 'liking'? That he was injured? That he had to turn tail and retreat? That Cormanus would be denied the pleasure of a vicarious ride? Or did they just like that he had posted an update on his adventure even though there was nothing to like in the content?

It made me wonder exactly what 'like' means in the online contest. Is it the content of the post? Not for me in this case. I didn't 'like' pdedse's news at all; I felt very sad for him. So, how could I click 'Like'? Or is it a simple way of acknowledging one's read a post? That's not 'liking' something in the normally accepted meaning of the word. On this occasion it just didn't sit comfortably with me so I wrote and posted words expressing my sadness at his news. Other members 'liked' my post and that makes some kind of sense. It's easier and probably uses less forum storage than a post saying "^^+1" or writing words similar to mine.

The purpose of this post is simply to try to garner some views on the protocol of using the 'Like' button. I strongly support rdprdp01's decision not to have a 'dislike' option and I'm really happy not to have the option to insert one of a range of emoticons.

Thoughts? Witty, frivolous, serious, I don't mind. A conversation helps to pass the time.

For me, the “Like” button serves three purposes all governed by an implied protocol that with this Thread will become explicit:

1. Demonstrating Affirmation: When a Member has made a choice or an assertion that I find particularly or uniquely compelling, I will use the Like button to affirm his choice. It is the digital equivalent of “Me, too!”
2. Showing Interest and a Willingness to Engage : When a Member introduces a subject I find worthy of exploration and requires Forum Members to collaborate or enter into a discourse to reach a resolution as a Crew, I will “Like” the Thread or Post. I want us to move beyond the shallowness of a typical Forum and engage deeply on a subject that matters to us. It is the shorthand for “I like this Post. How about anyone else? Let me share my thoughts.”
3. Recognizing Courage: Motorcycle riding is a dangerous activity. To remain safe, it requires discipline, investments, maturity, and a willingness to act. In the example you referenced, I found pdsdse’s post to be inspiring and courageous. Why? Because the easy thing to do would have been to continue forth under the influence of some kind of pain killer, put himself, his motorcycle, and others he shared the road with in harm’s way, and defer his judgement to a misplaced since of “I must continue or be the less for it” manifestation of male bravado. I found his turning back to be courageous and inspiring. At a personal level, it reminded me that when I face a challenge in life, it is okay to defer to another day. It is a lesson I still struggle with at 61. pdedse helped me to become a better man not by lecturing but just sharing his details and choices. Peterbaron has done the same. There are other examples, too. It is why I serve this Forum.

I was asked if I would consider also adding a “Dislike” button to the Forum. It is possible and relatively easy to do. It will never happen as long as I am entrusted with being the Caretaker of this Forum. Why? Because I want the “Like” button to bring us closer together and not serve as a vehicle from which we judge one another. We can disagree and do, constantly in Threads and Posts. But when we find ourselves at opposing views, it is import to our relationships to actually be forced to explain our differences. But when we Affirm, Show Interest, or Recognize Courage, the Like Button will do nicely. That is why I Liked this Thread.

My two cents, for what it is worth. David