Noticed today that individual posts have an option at the bottom to "like" them. And it also appears that the forum keeps track of the number of likes a member has received (listed under their username under their post count). Did this just begin and I missed the memo?

Yesterday, around 3:30pm Pacific. It was unannounced, but I had discussions with the mods before rollout.

Let it forever be known that I gave Cardsfan111 his first ever like. Don’t make me regret this!

I like how it looks in mobile layout way more than how it looks in desktop layout. Can't do screencaps just now, but... compare the likes in this thread, and you'll see what I mean.

(just my input. not sure if others care, and it's fine either way, I guess)

Unfortunately, this is the only display option for desktop we have at this time. Changing it will require development time from our core team.

Now I wonder how many people are going to go back historically and like ancient posts or threads.

I'm not a big fan of "like buttons" in forums, but if you must introduce the option here, why exclude the political forum?

I am curious as to why no likes in politics, it's certainly no more contentious than any other activity there. In fact it's way more passive.

Oh, it is obvious as to why this is not an option in the political forum.

Actually, perhaps I'm being obtuse, but it's not obvious to me. It would be different if there were a "dislike" button, in which case members could pile onto someone who posts an opinion the majority finds affronting. "Likes", though I find them superfluous and ultimately little more than a popularity contest, don't foster controversy.

This is why I think it makes sense to keep them out of that subforum, if I'm taking an honest stab at it.

Low-effort jabs and memes, elsewhere of course, tend to draw likes more than honest discussion.

​​​​​Just my $0.02 CAD.

I see it as a means to easily bookmark posts that have info that I might want to revisit (you can view a list of everything you "like").


It makes me feel sad that I can't like myself.

Sorry, we no longer have 2¢, Dan. You should know that. You can't go cheaper than a nickel up here.

This forum is so moribund, I think any new feature that makes it easier not to communicate with text is detrimental. So now, instead of adding an "I agree, and furthermore..." or some similar comment, one can just take the easy way out and click "Like". It's reductive.

lol
This was meant to be a satirical 'lol' by the way.

We have a general rule across all sites to not have the Like button in politics. We also consulted with the moderator team to get their thoughts on it and with them, we determined to keep the rule intact.

Thanks for providing a thoughtful answer, Dan.

I remember when mods had to hide post numbers because it sowed competition. Now we’ve got likes. Crazy.

^ Click addiction is real.

I asked the same question as the OP in the CATS thread on Movie Talk and TomOpus directed me here, my very first visit to the Feedback and Support forum.

Hopefully this will add some traffic to this forum so I don’t hate it. That was a different time but you are right, post padding was a thing.

This is a good place to check if something is different or acting weird. Chances are you're not the first. And, sometimes, we'll get a heads-up about some changes.

I like the like button.

I hate the like button and even more, I hate that they get counted up like on most of social media (which I hate and have left completely). Got enough pressure in my life without having to worry about people liking what I say.

Still don’t have too.

You're right, of course, but I still hate it.