Use of Flags in G2G

Question

What is the correct use for the "Flag" next to reply or comment?

Comments

Lol, I read this thinking it was about flags (the ones you fly on poles). Which in itself might be the reason people associate the term "flag" with marking something for future attention as it waves hello at you!

But no, in blogs and forums, flagging has a bit more of a serious connotation. At WikiTree G2G it is in relation to inappropriate material or abusive comments.

But elsewhere (on the www) it can also be a signal for maintenance, deletion, additional research etc.

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I added "G2G" to the heading for this question.

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I originally asked this question because I wanted to Flag up what I considered a relevant and important comment on another G2G question. I am glad I did not carry that out as I would obviously have been wrong..

However as you can vote Up or Down on a Question why not on a comment?

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The third-party forum software that Wikitree uses  isn't configured for voting on comments. But we can add comments endorsing another member's comment.

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I second Ellen's comment.  :D

Answer 1

It should be used for spam (advertising), or for totally inappropriate questions/comments. Personal attacks are an example of when I would use it, or perhaps extremely inappropriate language or subject matter.

Comments

The name "flag" is confusing. I think some new users assume that this is to flag something they want to be able to find later and do not understand that it is a reporting function.

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Or that it is the same as the 'like' button on Facebook.

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When you put your cursor on the link, it says "Flag this comment as spam or inappropriate." On the other hand, people would probably be less confused by it if it said "Report."

I work in social media and part of my job is moderation so I "get" the need to be clear about these things. ;)

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But the hover box takes too long to appear.  People just go "click" before it has had time to pop up.  If it was a tooltip box, it would appear instantly.  Then the flag itself would not have to be renamed.

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This is confusing.  I flagged 3 comments because I wanted to get back to them and now I can't find them.

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Flags are not like bookmarks.  Flags are to alert the team/leaders/Rangers that there is something wrong, inappropriate, spammy, rude...you get the idea.

Once one of these team members have looked at the post, they may remove the flag once they have dealt with it.

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Good to know, but how do you add a bookmark?

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Allan, To bookmark a thread use the plus sign at the top right of the post. It will then be added to your favourites list which you will find as a tab when you are in the menu option G2G profile.

Answer 2

Maybe 'Flag' should be renamed 'Report'. That would be a clearer indication of its use.