I was thinking about something last night. ZooChat already has the (very much adored) like function. However, I've had an idea. What if we used some of the emojis that ZooChat already provides and use them as 'reactions'? So, for example, if a member thinks something is wholesome, they can react with . If the member thinks something is funny, they can react with or (I wouldn't put both in because they are both very similar in terms of what they represent). I think you get the idea. This was inspired off of Discord's reaction system. However, I still believe the 'like' function can still be used in collaboration with the reaction system to show that you agree with a comment, which is what the 'like' function is most often used for in things like debates and statements.
Great idea! Two buttons we could really do with: Sad/Crying: When an animal death is announced as news. It feels weird to like it, yet you still sometimes want to acknowledge it. Thumbs down: This would be used when either somebody posts something stupid; or reports on a ludicrous decision a zoo makes - like a phase out of species in favour of some animatronic dinosaurs. On a Side Note: New Zealand had these like buttons you could whack in your car a few years ago to give people the thumbs up while driving (to thank them or something). Most of us wanted to raise a different digit to our fellow road users; but I have to admit I got a laugh from my friend inverting his button to give people the thumbs down.
On that note, are you able to provide any update as to how the newer website is progressing? I'm sure many of us would love to hear how it's going
I am not sure if people are joking or being serious about a dislike button, but I think it would not be helpful for two reasons. The first is that it adds negativity and is a way of insulting someone else's opinion. The second is that it might cause confusion when someone posts negative news (say for example about PETA protesting a zoo). It would be unclear whether the thumbs down is directed at the person who posted it or directed at PETA.
I oppose it by joking about it. Because I do believe in things which puts me into the minority within this community therefore I do feel like there could be a deluge of dislikes coming to my posts.
I think a dislike button would just hinder discussion. For example, if I said "San Diego is the worst zoo ever*", rather than someone asking me why, I would probably just get dislike spammed. *It obviously isn't, just making that clear. I wanted to say something that I thought everyone would disagree with.
Technically that functionality will be available. No, I am not likely to implement it - mostly for reasons already outlined by @Arizona Docent