Likes given and likes received

[Pablísimo]

I think the "Like" button means different things to different people at different times. For some, this meaning also changes with the context of the post, topic, or thread. I have seen it used to divide, factionalize, and express passive aggressive animosity many times. Yet I have also seen it used to support, complement, and appreciate. Sometimes a like is a friendly pat on the back, and at others its a slap in the face. It's not inherently good or bad in and of itself, it's really up to how we use it. I find the "Like" button at Bring4th is a bit of a microcosm for 3D itself. It's very dualistic, subjective, and ultimately the polarity of its usage is determined by the intention and energy behind it. The intent in any given case of the usage of "Like" is of course is hidden, like so many things, behind the Veil, which complicates successful interpretation.

Given all these variables, I'm not sure what, if anything, can be extrapolated from the ratios of likes given to likes received. There could well be some value, it just doesn't feel personally useful to me.

I was opposed to the introduction of the "Like" button here from Day 1 and have never used it. Though I do recognize the inherent subjectivity of the topic and that it is often used positively, even under the best of circumstances it provides little meaningful information, precisely because it so subjective.

Given that observation, and combined with the many, many times I've seen it used as a tool of divisiveness and discord here, I do not feel it is a valuable addition to Bring4th, and I simply choose to opt-out of its usage. It certainly doesn't mean I don't agree with or am always critical of my fellow posters. It also doesn't mean I don't like to receive a "like". I don't need it, but I certainly don't mind when someone likes my posts -- I choose to see "likes" to my own posts in a positive light. If someone chooses to express their appreciation, or agreement, or whatever to me by using that button, then I am grateful for that and accept that kindness. It just doesn't feel right to me to use such a double-edged sword myself. I totally respect everyone's free will and right to use it as they see fit, I simply choose not to participate directly in something I don't find of value or agree with.

Now, as some here have suggested... give me a LOVE button, and I'll wear that thing out! If a LOVE button were ever implemented here, it wouldn't give us any more information than the "like" button does, but it would provide a convenient and simple way to express our love and appreciation for eachother. Having one more avenue of expression of love would have inherent value even if it doesn't give us any new "information". It also would have no ambiguity as to the intent -- to simply share love with Other-Selves.

That love button is a concept I really 'like'



Love to all