Forum:Abstain/Neutral votes

Just a general observation. We've recently passed a motion to not count Neutral votes for consensus. However, some users are still using Neutral or Abstain votes. While they haven't been banned, I want to point out that making an Abstain vote (or similar Neutral vote) achieves absolutely nothing. I'm talking about votes who state, simply, "I don't care" or "I don't want to be involved". The very definition of abstaining is not being involved. By posting, you are becoming involved, thus defeating the purpose of what you are saying. Unlike committees and organisations, not every editor is obliged to vote and thus there is no need to abstain from any voting process. If I see a motion that I'm not interested in or don't care about, I don't post in it.

In short, please stop Abstain voting or using Neutral votes to say "I don't care". I'm personally in favour of abolishing Neutral votes in general, but I'd like to push for pointless votes to be deleted entirely to clean up voting pages. --Scottie theNerd 08:24, June 7, 2011 (UTC)


 * Very well stated Scottie and I'd have to agree wholeheartedly, there is absolutely no reason to post an abstain or neutral vote. Either you support or oppose the discussion. Period. 20PX_SIG.gif  Talk 08:31, June 7, 2011 (UTC)
 * Or you can comment. --Scottie theNerd 10:35, June 7, 2011 (UTC)

I realised a while ago - "abstaining" means "staying out of/away from something", right? So basically, with Abstain votes, you're voting to say you're not voting. What's up with that?

On another note, I always thought Neutral meant a user was undecided on the matter, not necessarily that the user "doesn't care". Sgt. S.S. 15:34, June 7, 2011 (UTC)

Scratch all that, I just read Scottie's explanations. So, my opinions are: I'd rather just get rid of them personally. I find that if you have nothing to say on the matter, don't say anything at all. 15:39, June 7, 2011 (UTC)
 * Keep Neutral votes, as they are meant to be used by user who are undecided on something. We should make sure they are being used properly, though.
 * Get rid of Abstain votes, as they are completely worthless - there iis no point in voting to say you're not voting. Sgt. S.S. 15:38, June 7, 2011 (UTC)

I like neutral votes because they at least illustrate a user's opinion and their ability to possibly change it. Abstaining can also be used to illustrate the same thing except with the added thing saying it's impossible they'll ever change their opinion. Both should be kept, but users should never use them just to use them, but to post actual reasons/comments.  Poketape Talk 00:47, June 8, 2011 (UTC)

I don't really see the point of using neutral/abstain votes because it doesn't really help anything.  RC  ™   05:55, June 8, 2011 (UTC)