Feature request: ability to like an article or user rating

[PinotNoir]

Sometimes I read an article and don't see any comments, and I don't have anything to comment myself. But, then I'm thinking, "This is a fantastic article! Am I the only one that has read this?" Also, I think the authors feel the same way. I know you guys spend a lot of time writing the articles, and you're probably wondering, "Did I help anybody? Did anyone like this?" And if the article is good enough, there's really nothing to comment on!

This got me thinking that it'd be nice to have the ability to Like an article, or to even give it some sort of rating (if abuse can be prevented). Then users can view most-liked articles (even if they don't have a lot of comments), and the authors get some appreciation/feedback. For example, the "don't pay for dates" article has tons of comments and shows up in google searches first, but I don't think it's the best article! It's just the most controversial for outsiders.

Currently, the only thing that has "solved" this problem is the Best of 2013 article and all of the "Best of Chase" articles on the right side pane. I guess a "Best of the Month" article at the end of every month could also solve this.

Just a thought.

Thanks,
PN

 

[lanseri]

I think that's a brilliant idea.

I was thinking of the same while browsing the forums. I mean, the general level of response to a post on this forum is a detailed, well-researched, well spoken packet of information gold. At least I feel a bit silly to follow that up with a mere "nice post" or "cool article". It'd be nice to have that option without cluttering the thread or article comment section. =P

Or is rating threads a bit too reddit?

 

[AsianPersuasion]

I'll support this! This way you can sort of thank people for their advice without saying thank you over and over. Not that I don't like thanking people, but I figure people would get sick of seeing thank yous every time someone comments.

 

[Ross]

There's ways of knowing if an article is popular besides comments.

I feel as though a rating system would bring people to critically evaluate each article, rather than read through it and learn. An article can appear good, yet teach you relatively little. The opposite scenario is also true. In addition, it would bring up scenarios of articles talking about completely different subjects being competitively ranked against other articles, even though there is certainly no reason to even try to make a comparison. Each article holds its own place and talks about its own subject.

but I figure people would get sick of seeing thank yous every time someone comments.

Oh, trust me, we don't get sick of it! Reaffirms that we are doing well. In fact, in psychology, it is rare that someone would not want to be rewarded after working towards their goal, even if it is multiple times. Makes us listen to you that much more when you comment with questions or concerns.

 

[PinotNoir]

Ross, those are good points. Still, I like the idea of a "Like." Actually, GC could call it "Cheers" (to differentiate it from other sites), as I really don't want to write "Thank You" on all of the articles I read, and even if authors say they like it, if everyone starts doing that, that will be a lot of emails going to them (e.g., "blah replied to your article" or whatever). But, maybe you're right, a rating system is bad, as it will be hard to prevent abuse.

On a related note, I read a post by Chase where he would like to publish a "Best of GC" book. I think that would be awesome, like a coffee table book filled with insightful seduction articles. Then I can just read a couple before I go out, etc.