10 Flags, 1 Reply - Solutions?

I have noticed that many threads receive an abundence of flags without the appropriate amount of replies. Now, if you're like me and you tend to mostly stick to the 'Recent Posts' page you may easily miss some great threads because they aren't being consistently discussed meaning they don't show up on the recent posts page.

I have come across a couple of great threads this week - purely by luck - that had many flags but no comments. They were obviously worthy of being flagged but not worthy of commenting on - doesn't make sense to me.

As a discussion board shouldn't we be promoting users to actively take part in thread discussion?

If I ever star/flag a thread I always leave a comment. Maybe a system could be implemented that only allows you to star/flag a thread after you have taken part in the discussion by leaving a comment?

This would surely get more people involved in good healthy debate and reduce the amount of threads we see that have an odd flag/star to comment ratio.

Just a thought

We had a system like that. It was a point system based on threads you started, and threads you replied in. Mod applause gave you extra ponits. I honestly don't know why they abandoned this.

Occasionally I S&F a thread and don't leave a comment. Sometimes, there is simply noting more to add. I think it worse to leave one-liner that says "Great Post S&F" than to just give the recognition the thread deserves in the appropriate manner; which is Stars & Flags.

I don't think you should have to post in a thread to star of flag it. There are many great threads which I star and flag to show my appreciation, also when I don't have anything to contribute or add to the thread. And it wouldn't be very productive if I had to say something pointless just to be able to flag and star, in my opinion.

And there is nothing wrong in giving a good thread a little bump if you think is has been forgotten and deserves more views. I have done it a lot of times.

Bump away!

Originally posted by LiveForever8




If I ever star/flag a thread I always leave a comment. Maybe a system could be implemented that only allows you to star/flag a thread after you have taken part in the discussion by leaving a comment?

This would surely get more people involved in good healthy debate and reduce the amount of threads we see that have an odd flag/star to comment ratio.

Just a thought

That is a very solid suggestion even though I am on of those that sometimes
am very liberal with my flag and star presentation, without commenting if I read something that piques my interest but I don't have anything to add to the discussion.

At least I'm not one of those that reads the headline, a paragraph or 2, then skips 5 pages to add a comment that has absolutely nothing to do with the way the thread has progressed.

and the comment "I haven't read all the thread but...."

Read the damn thread

I often flag a thread that i think is great, informative and that needs to be seen, however i may not post in it because i don't have the level of subject knowledge to add any substance to the thread.

CX.

I barely get any flags and more comments... What am I doing wrong? could we implement a system demanding one to flag and star a thread when one comments in a thread?

I want flags

hehehe... pun intended

I understand and agree to a certain point from where you are coming on this issue. However, sometimes there are threads with such well-written, clear and self-explanatory openings that replies are not really needed. Also, there are times when somebody else has already replied in a way that is very similar to what you intended to say, and thus you would just be repeating their comments.

It would be unfair to penalise authors of threads containing the above two examples just because the number of replies is lower than the flag count. I do see the merit behind what you are saying, though. Would be hard to find a happy medium.

It would be nice to have a"bump for justice" button.
and to back up my statement I am bumping this thread for justice!
(also flagged it )

reply to post by ziggystar60


And to add to this, we discourage one line posts that simply say: I agree. Many times a member may not have anything to add - or the person's post they are flagging/starring, says it all.

Please read: One Line Post.

Many times a flag or star is away to say: I agree because I simply do not have anything to add


[edit on June 12th 2010 by greeneyedleo]

reply to post by greeneyedleo
I have the solution...ready?
ok here it is,
WHAT IF A STAR OR FLAG AUTOMATICALLY BUMPS THE THREAD!?
this way you don't have to add a silly comment just to bump it.
yes?

Hiya Live, it's sometimes hard to make a post on a thread worth starring and flagging. Either it's all been said already or I plan to come back and post at a later date. Sinter and Raist's recent threads are examples of this.

A lot of members flag and star from sympathy and support too. They'll flag a first-time poster of threads or maybe one they don't agree with, but appreciate the effort.

I agree with you too. I spent months using the 'recent posts' page and got tired of coming late to threads. It's a bummer posting in the middle of page 8. The 21st Century attention span rarely reads past page 3!

reply to post by Kandinsky

So what other option is there to just reading the 'recent post' page?

Maybe we could have an extra button that takes us to -threads started today- threads started this week- threads started this past month...

That would bring up the good ones we've missed that are passing into obscurity.

Originally posted by IcarusDeepSea
reply to post by greeneyedleo

 

I have the solution...ready?
ok here it is,
WHAT IF A STAR OR FLAG AUTOMATICALLY BUMPS THE THREAD!?
this way you don't have to add a silly comment just to bump it.
yes?

How about instead of adding a silly comment you (in general, not directly) add something that contributes to the topic and at the same time it causes the thread to be bumped.

Any further suggestions take it to the ATS BTS What would you like to see in the future thread.

Any comments or complaints use the ATS Complaint/Suggestion Form located in the Member Center and get the full attention of the entire Staff.

Seems this has now been addressed.

This forums should be used to post questions regarding site policies and respond to announcements from ownership. This is not a place to post complaints.

Closed.


[edit on June 12th 2010 by greeneyedleo]