I dont mean to be nasty but what do people think of "pointless" posts in reply to a thread? I'm not refarring to my threads in particular or anything, just in general accross the board.
I'm in two minds. Because sometimes i have done it, because i have related to what the OP has said, even though i have no advice to offer, and i think even if someone has bothered to read, and even post a "pointless" post, then at least they have looked at the thread. But sometimes i just feel the person wants their post count to increase, and there is no need for it.
So I dunno really. Obviously there isnt going to be a rule saying "you cant post this because its unhelpful", but i thought thats what the hug feature was there for- to get rid of these " *hugs* take care x " posts????
I think sometimes people post really complicated issues, or one's that not many people have been through. If I see a post like this and I've no idea what to say to the person I might make a post saying "I'm sorry I've no helpful advice for you, but just to let you know I read and I care and my PM box is always open", and I know that when I've had replies like that to my threads sometimes it has been helpful. Sometimes people just acknowledging they've read means something to me at least. I don't think [people do it to get their post count up, if they wanted to do that a much more efficient way would be to just go hug loads of random threads as they count as posts too.
I dont know, usually these posts mean someone has acknowledged their struggling or in need of support, but even though they dont have advice to the whole situation, theyre there for support, and usually have offers of PMs, where the problem could be broken down better, so i dont think their pointless
We’ve got obsessions
I want to erase every nasty thought that bugs me every day of every week
We’ve got obsessions
You never tell me what it is that makes you strong and what it is that makes you weak.
I am guilty of this because there are some posts which have like none or 1 reply and are dropping off the first page because they are really difficult to answer or to think fo anything to say and if I see one like that I would usually post a bit of a pointless post just so that it looks like someone has read and acknowledged it and it gets bumped so someone esle can reply and I know I would like it because it shows that people do care and sometimes just don't know what to say *shrugs* but thats just me =)
You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are.
Eh, they irritate me (but then again I'm very irritable at the moment). I've seen some members repeatedly saying "blah blah, this is a pointless post but I've read what you say" over a whole board, well, what's the point? Great you've read every post on a board, have a cookie. I've seen alot of newer people doing it...
Maybe it's one thing if you know/are close to the poster and want to let them know you're thinking of them, but don't have the words... and it's reasssuring. Hm.
I guess when I post, I REALLY need the help, and pointless posts kind of upset me in a way because I was hoping for help and didn't get it... maybe I'm the only one. I don't necessarily want sympathy from strangers, I want something more constructive.
I dunno, I don't really think there's a way to stop them and maybe some people LIKE having so called "pointless posts" on their thread because I guess it shows more people looking and caring and giving attention over.
Yes, I'm crap with words tonight. Grumpy grump.
EDIT: Though in my head, ones offering PMs seem less pointless. Though does anyone ever PM someone who says that to them? Who knows...
Wake me up before I change again
Remind me the story that I won't get insane
Tell me why it's always the same
Explain me the reason why I'm so much in pain.
When I get a repley from someone even if they aren't giving advice, just relating saying i'm not alone, I find it helpful, just to know someone is there.
I thinks it depends entirely on how the person reacts to it. Obviously you arent going to be able to tell how they will react to a post such as
"Hugs, thinking of you x".
Some will appreciate it, some wont. It definately isnt going to go away entirely. I've been guilty of these sort of posts in the past. Now i'm more if I cant say anything constructive to help, then I wont. I've seen some initiative taken to help increase the amount of constructive/reduce the amount of pointless support posts, I should really get on board with it...
I am guilty of this because there are some posts which have like none or 1 reply and are dropping off the first page because they are really difficult to answer or to think of anything to say and if I see one like that I would usually post a bit of a pointless post just so that it looks like someone has read and acknowledged it and it gets bumped so someone else can reply and I know I would like it because it shows that people do care and sometimes just don't know what to say *shrugs* but that's just me =)
Sometimes I cant think of anything to say so I too am guilty but whenever I get replies like this, Im thankful that people took the time to read my post. Sometimes virtual hugs can really cheer you up!
'Pointless' posts can be frustrating, but people here are of varying ages and have different life experiences. While people can relate to some scenarios and give inspiring, in-depth replies, it's very hard to reply to some posts, even if you can relate. Also, nobody here is a professional, so the 'advice' given is more along the lines of support than anything else. I'd love helpful posts all the time, but i'd rather something than nothing as well.
I think they're absolutely fine... So long as the member doesn't just do it to bump their post count, or posts the same thing on every thread on the first page of serious. Then, it annoys me, from a wider level, not just because of my post.
I am guilty of this because there are some posts which have like none or 1 reply and are dropping off the first page because they are really difficult to answer or to think fo anything to say and if I see one like that I would usually post a bit of a pointless post just so that it looks like someone has read and acknowledged it and it gets bumped so someone esle can reply and I know I would like it because it shows that people do care and sometimes just don't know what to say *shrugs* but thats just me =)
This,, I think they are useful to enough people to be worth doing if you have nothing else to say, it shows you have thought about their issues and its validating, makes someone feel less alone. Id rather have '*hugs*, thinking of you' than nothing, even if there is no advice to give.
L_M_G is my mummy :) inkerman and razorbladedarling are my two non-identical twin sprogs (concieved on same day) Scabette< cos she has the cutest puppy dog eyes and i cant resist!feeling-afraid< my bottle of glitter!! which i just have to have :Pmidnight stars< my gorgeous sister, whom i love to bits ;) Dance With The Fairy< *star*gazing*buddie :] Broken-Fairy is my partner in crime ;) little_miss is my real life saviour PaperClip is my stationary queen
Personally I wouldn't rather have a pointless post than nothing, but I know some people would. And to be honest, you will never be able to change anythingby pointing it out, just make people feel guilty about the fact they do it/have done it when all they were trying to do is be nice.
Who judges whos posts as pointless? That's just ridiculous. Different things help different people. Sometimes people get fabulous advice and don't take it, surely that's a pointless post somewhat too, but let people try their best to help, it will always help someone, if not the OP.
xxxx
How could you become as awesome as you are and still feel like a loser?
Well yeah, obviously i shouldnt have even started this thread as im gathering NO-ONE will reply to any of my problem threads now lol.
But yeah, i have done it and prob still do now. And i was asking if other people thought they were unnecessary, because i thought the hug feature was supposed to reduce the amount of these type of posts.
