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What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 21 May 2026, 01:52
by desertman
When I give someone a thumbs down and click on the option 'Everyone should know about this,' I can select a reason for why I think everyone should know about it. See attachment.
I sometimes give someone a thumbs down when they quit a game deliberately because they are angry that it is not going their way. However, I'm wondering whether selecting "quits or abandons on purpose" has any effect.
I have never seen anybody who joined one of my tables with a tag on their name indicating that they received a downvote and that others think they should be known for it. Has anyone else ever seen such a tag?
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 21 May 2026, 02:36
by Meeplelowda
desertman wrote: ↑21 May 2026, 01:52
When I give someone a thumbs down and click on the option 'Everyone should know about this,' I can select a reason for why I think everyone should know about it. See attachment.
I sometimes give someone a thumbs down when they quit a game deliberately because they are angry that it is not going their way. However, I'm wondering whether selecting "quits or abandons on purpose" has any effect.
I have never seen anybody who joined one of my tables with a tag on their name indicating that they received a downvote and that others think they should be known for it. Has anyone else ever seen such a tag?
When you give a reason for the red thumb, it used to be called a "public" red thumb. Not because anyone else could see it, but because it was used to give a karma penalty if you got too many. That effect was removed because it was being abused.
But they are still used to give a private warning visible only to the recipients if they get a high number.
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 21 May 2026, 03:01
by desertman
Meeplelowda wrote: ↑21 May 2026, 02:36
But they are still used to give a private warning visible only to the recipients if they get a high number.
Do you know that for sure?
Early in my career here, I received a notification that more than 10% of the players I had played with had given me a red thumb. However, there was no explanation as to why they had done this. There was also no warning accompanying this notification.
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 21 May 2026, 03:08
by Meeplelowda
desertman wrote: ↑21 May 2026, 03:01
Meeplelowda wrote: ↑21 May 2026, 02:36
But they are still used to give a private warning visible only to the recipients if they get a high number.
Do you know that for sure?
Early in my career here, I received a notification that more than 10% of the players I had played with had given me a red thumb. However, there was no explanation as to why they had done this. There was also no warning accompanying this notification.
If by "notification" you are referring to a banner on your profile, that *is* the warning. I didn't say anything about an explanation.
See this thread, which includes a post by the former BGA community manager explaining the change to the banner:
https://boardgamearena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32481
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 22 May 2026, 22:52
by desertman
Meeplelowda wrote: ↑21 May 2026, 03:08
If by "notification" you are referring to a banner on your profile, that *is* the warning.
I didn't perceive this as a warning. It also didn't lower my Karma points.
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 22 May 2026, 22:57
by Meeplelowda
desertman wrote: ↑22 May 2026, 22:52
I didn't perceive this as a warning.
Then I don't know what message you thought was being conveyed by a notification telling you that you had an abnormally high amount of red thumbs. But you are entitled to your perception.
desertman wrote: ↑22 May 2026, 22:52
It also didn't lower my Karma points.
Go back and read what I wrote about the karma penalty. Or here, I'll quote it for you: "That effect was removed because it was being abused."
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 22 May 2026, 23:35
by desertman
Meeplelowda wrote: ↑22 May 2026, 22:57
desertman wrote: ↑22 May 2026, 22:52
I didn't perceive this as a warning.
Then I don't know what message you thought was being conveyed by a notification telling you that you had an abnormally high amount of red thumbs. But you are entitled to your perception.
A warning has consequences, if being ignored. This notification had no consequences; therefore it was not a warning (to me).
What is wrong with you? I was asking an honest question, just because I wanted to know, and suddenly I'm the target of your ongoing unfriendliness. Not nice.
Re: What are the "thumbs down" options good for?
Posted: 22 May 2026, 23:52
by Meeplelowda
desertman wrote: ↑22 May 2026, 23:35
What is wrong with you? I was asking an honest question, just because I wanted to know, and suddenly I'm the target of your ongoing unfriendliness. Not nice.
I went out of my way not only to answer your question, but to go dig up an almost three-year old thread with a post from a BGA admin that provides further details about what I said. That is time I did not have to invest. You're welcome.