DISLIKE BUTTON

[Armani Rouse]

I think everyone would agree every network should have a dislike button, simply put without creating a long post NING IS NOT FACEBOOK SO TO PRACTICE EVERYTHING FACEBOOK DOES IS BACKWARD! Not to mention if your going to follow facebook then allow NCs the ability to pull data as facebook does like showing our members their friends that are on FB as well as our networks without the use of FB plugins! Bottom line is REALISTICALLY you dont "like" everything you see, read or hear.

WE NEED A DISLIKE BUTTON AND IMMEDIATELY, I CAN ALMOST GURANTEE IT WOULD CREATE MORE MEMBERS THAN WE ALL COULD IMAGINE, THE FACT THAT FACEBOOK DOESNT HAVE IT IS PRECISELY WHY NING SHOULDVE BEEN DID IT!

[DTM]

I agree FaceBook is in some serious need of upgrading, they have no functionality like Ning. I'm not so sure about a dislike button, could cause some hard feelings on some sites, however, it could be made optional.

All features should have the ability to turn on/off as desired by the creators.

[Trieu Thanh Tuan]

I love a THANKS button, too. LOL.

[Patrick Chappelle]

It stands to reason that if someone doesn't like a particular post, they won't click "like". The whole concept of the "Like" button is actually brilliant, in a Disposable Society sort of way. I would much rather people discuss what they like or don't like about a blog they've read or video or photograph they've viewed. Unfortunately, we live in a fast paced and overwhelmingly busy society. Who has time to get into lengthy discussions about anything online with our jobs, families and other responsibilities that require much of our time. This is why the Like feature was the Like feature was created in the first place. When I wake up in the morning and have my cuppa joe, I'm rarely in the mood for commenting on anything, though I may find a a post either interesting or amusing. Clicking "like" is my way of thanking the poster for his/her comment, photo or video, or a nod of agreement. So you see, it's not at all "juvenile" as Scott suggests, it is a matter of convenience. 

Keep in mind there are two different types of Like on Facebook, there's the Like for posts, and the Like for Pages. The latter is extremely useful as it allows me to keep track of bands or business I want to follow. This is the same way our Ning Like (or Favorite) works as well. Each time you "like" (or favorite) a post, it is bookmarked and you can access all of your favorites from your profile. 

Other than the Ning Like, your accusations of Ning "following Facebook" are completely unfounded. There are some features that other sites have (not just Facebook) that work well with Ning, and that's basically how technology works. One borrows or innovates something created by others. If it were not so, we would only have one automobile manufacturer. 

Unless you have lots of money to advertise your network, using Facebook to build membership is ideal. Were it not for Facebook, my network would not exist (my first Ning network years ago was built from Myspace friends). The same can be said of many other Ning networks. I love the simplicity of Facebook (which is why many are there in the first place), but I don't care for it beyond what it can do for me and my community. 

By the way, I do realize that I'm simultaneously responding to both you (Armani) and Scott, but I am pressed for time.

Auf wiedersehen, gentlemen. 

[Patrick Chappelle]

It seems you have not thoroughly read Armani's post, because you are responding to comments I have addressed to him. You may notice in the last paragraph, I state that I am responding to you both. It was my hope the two of you would be able to discern which points I was addressing to whom.

I should also add that I was pointing out the practical reasons for the "like" buttons creation, which is simply logical. Debating opinions is pointless, and I don't engage in that kind of discourse. I stated a few facts, and that is all. You also missed my opinion of the "like" button, which is far from favorable.

Your Ning Like button can be configured to be more professional by changing the icon and wording. Since our Like button functions as a bookmark, I would argue that it is useful to a business environment. Discussions we don't have time to read at the moment, or would like to revisit at a future date can be easily accessed from our profiles. Just the other day I noticed we no longer have the ability to "favorite" discussions here on Creators. This is unfortunate, since it was a convenient way for me to bookmark hacks and tips. Now I'm forced to bookmark said discussions in my browser.

Perhaps Ning should add "Bookmark" to their list of "like" configuration options, along with an appropriate icon. Would that then be "professional" enough to your liking?

You keep saying the "like" button is "juvenile", and for a business oriented online community, I would agree. For an entertainment network like mine, it's practical. If I'm watching a Family Guy video clip, clicking "like" is sufficient (though I could throw in an added "LOL" to drive home my appreciation for the post). Whether something is "juvenile" (which, following your definition in context means "useless"), depends upon individual need. But just flat out saying it's juvenile period does not take into account its practicality to non-business (or non-educational) online communities. Armani does not run a business or education Ning network.

[Patrick Chappelle]

Who mentioned arguing? Certainly not me, nor am I arguing. Implying that I am trying to "win" here is preposterous. I am simply stating facts, nothing more. 

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

The like button is hardly ever used on my network. It's not taken off at ALL like I thought it would.  I'm glad, actually. We're a writing network, and authors would MUCH rather have an actual review (with WORDS in it!) of what the reader liked about it, instead of one dumb "Like". LOL

[Patrick Chappelle]

Now hold on, Diane. I seem to recall your discussion on the same topic. It's amusing to see that you've paraphrased my response to your discussion here in Armani's discussion. Have you had a change of heart?

Look, if having a "like" or "dislike" button doesn't interest you, why harangue someone who does wish it? Are you and Scott genuinely perturbed that Armani has posted this discussion, or has he somehow offended you? Why the hostility and vitriol?

(I believe you meant "stupid" rather than "dumb", by the way.)