views minus replies = ?

[Ginny Jones]

views (in any forum here) minus replies = ?

Hugs Ginny x

[SilverLady(SO)]

Hi, Ginny -

I'm not sure what are you asking.

Many members (and guests) read the posts but may choose not to reply to them (and guests cannot reply ). Additionally, the search bots read the posts, too, and that may skew the counts (number of views vs replies).

Personally, I read (and have read) every single post made here, but I don't reply to all of them because I just don't have the time (and most do not 'involve' me); however, I always welcome the new members.


- SL

[Ginny Jones]

Wow that was responsive! I guess I am wondering about the degree of difference between the two figures. We could come up with lots of reasons for it (the dreaded bots certainly have a lot to answer for! ) - but it still seems to me that it is worth thinking about that difference. If there are structural reasons (and you have already outlined some) - then it would be worth us as a forum understanding what they are. Equally, if there are cultural reasons, well the same is true.

Hugs Ginny x

[Carol Ann]

Ginny,
I with SL, if it doesn't interest me I don't reply but I do read them

[Ginny Jones]

Hey Carol! I'm the same! But - for example, I have already learned that some of those figures are accounted for by bots "reading" the posts. I hadn't really thought about that previously. Nor had I really thought about non-members only being able to read posts. The stats are right infront of us every time we access the forum - so understanding what they really mean is kind of interesting.

Hugs Ginny x

[Leeza]

I haven't read every post, but have probably read all the post since I joined and a number of the older ones.

I only answer if I have something to say.

Leeza

[DonnaT]

The stats are right infront of us every time we access the forum - so understanding what they really mean is kind of interesting.

I agree, it can be interesting.

However, some people take the stats the wrong way and get upset. They wonder why so many reads, but no replies?!

So it's also helpful to know some of the possible reasons for the skew, so the upset can be knowledgeably informed

[Karin]

I find this interesting also...

For me, I read some threads and find that unless I have something new to add I don't reply to it. That's not to say I'm not interested or disagree. It's moreso to avoid sounding like a parrot? Sometimes posts are ongoing and on a level way above that of mine, so it's nice to watch a conversation go back and forth too. Ive learnt a lot this way and I think that accounts for a lot of unanswered 'views'. Is there any kind of 'thankyou' tag or 'I agree' tag that people can use of this forum? Those provide a way of seeing which people have read the post and that they like it, even if they have nothing to add?

[Ginny Jones]

Thanks for your post Donna

However, some people take the stats the wrong way and get upset. They wonder why so many reads, but no replies?!

So it's also helpful to know some of the possible reasons for the skew, so the upset can be knowledgeably informed

So when someone posts and they have, I don't know 8 views after a week - chances are that might mean nobody has looked other than google.


Your responses are really helping me to formulate my thoughts more.


I don't want to be disingenuous here - so now that I understand the question I'm asking - I'll just ask it!

Q. Why shouldn't people with a history of hiding in a closet / not being seen feel upset about so few replies to their posts here?

I ask this out of concern - not malice or anger. Incidentally - my experience of the posters so far is that they are notorious for being supportive - it feels important to acknowledge that!

Hugs Ginnyx

[Ginny Jones]

Thank you karin - your post speaks to the heart of the issue that I'm fumbling to raise! One of the main issues on this forum is acknowledgement - paying attention to how we acknowledge each other here is important!

BTW I loved your idea about a thankyou tag!

Hugs Ginny X

[DonnaT]

I don't want to be disingenuous here - so now that I understand the question I'm asking - I'll just ask it!

Q. Why shouldn't people with a history of hiding in a closet / not being seen feel upset about so few replies to their posts here?

I ask this out of concern - not malice or anger. Incidentally - my experience of the posters so far is that they are notorious for being supportive - it feels important to acknowledge that!

I wouldn't say people shouldn't feel upset, but I'm the type to "feel curious" instead of upset.

And sometimes, posing the question such as, "Wow, 25 views and no responses, any comments?" can elicit comments.

But, if it seems to be happening to every post, that no one comments, then I can see getting upset, because it would feel like nobody likes you. Then I'd look for another forum.

I've not seen that happen to anyone, however, on the 4 forums I am on.

[Anita]

Hi Ginny--
It used to upset me more, especially on a 'scroll' forum where if people didn't answer, my carefully thought-out post just disappeared in a day, 'poof,' gone! This is so much better than that was!

That said, it still gets me sometimes. But I know the reasons, too. It takes little time to scan a post, but it can take a lot of time to reply. I just don't have that kind of time, many days. A dashed-off one sentence reply sometimes seems worse than no reply at all. Facebook at least lets a person click, "like," and I see that many times--72 'likes,' and one or two replies. We have the , but it's not quite the same. It takes time to even do that.

There is no rhyme or reason to it, in the end. Some threads will catch fire and have a great discussion built around them. Some will smolder for a few days, and wink out. It happens to all of us. As Donna pointed out, if it looks like all of a person's threads are going unanswered, then it may be time to look at the issue more closely.

[Karin]

Heehee.

[Paula G]

Again I try to visit everyday and check through all the unanswered posts. When I have something to say then I say it, if don't, I don't.

It is nice when you have something to say and you get lots of replies, it is a sort of affirmation.

[Latanya]

good topic! i read most of the posts that i subscribe too cant always answer or know what to say tha would add to the discussion
so like karin a thank u click would be great! so this will have to do for now