While it is easy to understand that many posts/threads do not get replies, as they can be announcements, notifications or in general an update. Exceptions to this do apply.Warnock's dilemma, named for its originator Bryan Warnock, is the problem of interpreting a lack of response to a posting in a virtual community.[1] The term originally referred to mailing list discussions, but has been applied to Usenet posts, blogs, web forums, and online content in general.[2] The dilemma arises because a lack of response does not necessarily imply that no one is interested in the topic, but could also mean for example that readers find the content to be exceptionally good (leaving nothing for commenters to add).
Examples:
- A map maker releases a map, but lack of comments may leave one wondering if the map was good or bad.
- Proposal of changes for adding a feature to BZFlag are made, but lack of commentary from users leaves it uncertain if they are for, against or apathetic.
- Overviews, analytics, statistics, and general theories/observations and notes are made. Lack of comments make it difficult to see what players think of them.
Obviously a short sentence or two complimenting a map or artwork and similar have not had issues, but at the same time, a thread of 20 repeat "comments" would not be sensible, even if that is indeed what players are thinking.
Polls may be an option, but polls apply to threads and are limited. (For instance agreeing with a couple of the posts, but not the entire thread or agreeing with one post, but not the rest of them.)
So, this is enough with the overall issues which is currently seen.
Proposed solutions/idea:
A small button near the report/quote buttons, but it provides 7 options for a post:
- The post is good. I have nothing to add to it.
- I agree/support.
- I disagree/oppose.
- The post is bad quality. It should be rewritten.
- The post itself is bad. It should be deleted.
- The post is unclear/vague. It should be clarified or rewritten.
- I don't care.
Thoughts?
-Zehra