Should we have a 'like' button?

[MrMoonyMan]

Just reading another thread in Website feedback and a poster mentioned having a 'like' button for threads.

Whilst this place is a long way being from Facebook, thankfully, it is something I've thought a fair few times when I have read a good thread but not had anything to add.

I tend to get this a fair bit in Readers Rides where I have enjoyed a write up that has obviously taken some time but don't really have much I could add.

So, seeing as those at PH towers are planning upgrades this year, what do you think?

[SS2.]

MrMoonyMan said:

..what do you think?

Deja vu.

And no.

[0000]

+1

[Kinky]

Been discussed many times in the past and the answer is always no. Won't change anytime soon

[MrMoonyMan]

Sorry - hadn't realised.

MODS - feel free to delete the thread. No offence will be taken!

[Kinky]

But you never know ... the answer this time could be 'yes' or 'maybe'

[Vaud]

Kinky said:

Been discussed many times in the past and the answer is always no. Won't change anytime soon

Which is a bit at odds with the discussions proposed at the board meeting in the closed forum, kinky... Or is that just a waste of time?

[mrtwisty]

No.

In the sea of overly complex interfaces, gimmicks, and change for change's sake that is the internet, the PH forums are an oasis of clarity and sense (mostly). Long may it continue.

No like buttons, no wacky themes and NO BLOODY DANCING AVATARS! (God those things piss me off!).

[0a]

Kinky said:

Been discussed many times in the past and the answer is always no. Won't change anytime soon

I used to think this was the right approach and I like how clean and 'neutral' Pistonheads is currently.

However since using the Guardian comments section (I know!) I disagree. Their subtle method of upvoting allows a post to be 'flagged' by users as one that's useful to read. And it doesn't impact the overall reading experience. I think a similar system would be worth at least exploring for Pistonheads.

I find it really useful to know what posts people like, and it would allow PH to pull out useful posts as examples of great content created by your community.

Random example - the "like" functionality is the number and arrow to the right hand side of the posts. Subtle and unobtrusive, in my opinion.

[Hoofy]

Always liked the idea. Don't see the problem with it nor why people object. You don't have to use them.

[0a]

Kinky said:

But you never know ... the answer this time could be 'yes' or 'maybe'

Go on give us a maybe

[Don]

Opinion is more divided than in the past.

Personally I love PH for being what it is. That might be fashionably retro these days but IDGAS.

[zarjaz1991]

Opinion is divided on the issue.

Some people say it's a bad idea.
Others say it's a really bad idea.

[Vaud]

zarjaz1991 said:

Opinion is divided on the issue.

Some people say it's a bad idea.
Others say it's a really bad idea.

So probably (relatively) easy to present the content in 2 ways depending on skin.

1 / with "enriched" interface", likes/upvoting, enhanced WYSIWYG interface, etc
2 / vanilla - original

The underlying content and database calls are the same, just 2 different ways of presenting the data.

[0a]

Vaud said:

So probably (relatively) easy to present the content in 2 ways depending on skin.

1 / with "enriched" interface", likes/upvoting, enhanced WYSIWYG interface, etc
2 / vanilla - original

The underlying content and database calls are the same, just 2 different ways of presenting the data.

Indeed, and it could be really subtle in any case.

As per my example above, it could be a light grey arrow and number to the right of the posts on this thread.

Miles away from a big facebook style blue thumb.

[HammyUK]

Makes perfect sense - far too many NIMBY's in this place that need to step away from the mahogany veneer....