Adding a potential feature to the forum system

I have been thinking about an idea to help with the bipolar issues that arise on mountain project. The way the thread system is currently set up it is difficult to see which side the majority is on. My idea is to have the potential to add a single yay or nay vote system within these black and white threads if the original poster sets it up. The commenting system remains the same but on the first page of the thread you can vote one time. Left or right. One or two. Black or white. This would give some visibility as to which way the majority of the community leans.

This could provide some benefits in a few ways. 1) As stated, it provides visibility to which way the majority of the community leans. 2) It removes some power from the troll(s) – sometimes the trolls shout the loudest and the most often and drown out other ideas on the thread and make it appear as though their opinion (often the minority) is shared by many members of the community.

I would appreciate everyone’s thoughts on this, specifically the long term impacts of what this would do to mountain project.

I know that the idea of changing the thread system on mountain project is strongly frowned upon because it is unique to mountain project and makes it different from other forums. In that sense I wouldn’t want to change the thread format fundamentally. But perhaps adding this feature could provide some helpful results.

In summary, this is just an idea. Let me know what you think.

I vote yay as long as the votes aren't separate comments.. and there are no super delegates involved

Votes are not in separate comments, it is one "ballot" per thread if the original poster chooses.

No super delegates, nick wilder doesnt get extra votes!!

Great idea. I think the OP should have the choice to turn on the feature though.

Also I know you were joking Kyle, but it actually got me thinking perhaps some people should have more clout. rgold vs someone that started climbing 2 months ago and thinks they know everything, which there are plenty of. Maybe not though.

Yes, it is at OPs discretion to add it, and create the sides to the vote.

That makes sense Taylor. As a noob I wouldn't be opposed to an extra vote for every 5 years on mp. Edit: We should vote on it. 2nd edit: aleks gets veto powers

I think this would be a good addition. Many forums have the option to add a poll with the thread. I think it may be better if the author gets to create a question and answers, and more than just two answers if needed.

Also, maybe a rule where your account has to have x # of contributions or days or something so we don't have people making tons of accounts to vote multiple times

I think it wouldn't be helpful.

You'd end up with a majority group just saying "see, we are right, leave", and it would turn the community into a one sided homogenous mass after any minority view points were chased out.

Imo.