Thanks button

[minnie]

How do you use it?

I am just interested because I never use it out of principal, but it still exerts an unholy power over me when other people do. It is all tied up in the fact that I obviously still need to seek external validation for the stuff I share. I am working on that, don't worry!!

It still concerns me on a wider scale, that it is used instead of taking the time to compose a response to a post that obviously stirs some emotion. Surely, responses are what keep forums alive?

Don't be shy - share what has helped you in a post, even if it is just a sentence.

[thinkmink]

I really like the thanks button. Reminds me of the f2f meetings. For me, sometimes I'd rather a person's words just speak for themselves rather than try to elaborate or interpret what it meant to me any further. no reason to guild the lily. LOL!

[minnie]

Sorry, forgot to add something. I have found in the past when I have posted a "thanks" type response to someone, that I have found myself writing the answer to my own issue, as well as perhaps helping another.

My growth has come from action, not reading, although I have spent a lot of time with my head in books and on forums.


*edit* I agree, thinkmink, to a point. But if everyone just thanked the main sharer in a meeting, then there would be a lot of silence, no?

[minnie]

Oh, and I know what all of you cheeky ones are going to do.....I remember what happened to Patty when it was first introduced!

[denny57]

I like the thanks button - a lot. I use it to indicate that someone has responded in the exact same way I would have - most times in a way far better than I could have.

I also use it when complimented LOL!

[ICU]

Sometimes 'words and thoughts' just don't come to me, even if a particular post moves me. So when words fail me, the 'thanks' button allows me to acknowledge that I found their input helpful, or that I can relate, or that it spoke to me in some way.

[minnie]

Oh, it's just me, then.

I guess I just like reading what people think. And not about my stuff. Sometimes I see some really powerful stuff posted with few responses but many thanks. It's a shame that they don't spark off more debate.

I'll get back in my box now. ;-)

[liveweyerd]

I use the thanks button quite generously. Often when I read a thread I put a thanks to each post. To me it is an acknowledgement that I have read it or that I am glad that someone took the time to post their thoughts on the topic whether I agree, disagree, feel enlightened or even indifferent.

Sometimes the thanks button does not appear on the screen then I don't use it.
Otherwise I am mostly in the habit of saying thanks to everything I read....or am interested in reading the topic.

[splendra]

I like the thanks button...I like to thank the ones who respond to me threads and I like to thank people for making a really awesome post. I like to debate but, sometimes I get in trouble when I do.

I try to save my coming on strong for when I see someone's life is in danger.

Sometimes I don't have time to make a comment or I want to think about making a comment before I post so I feel okay about using the thanks button just so the person knows I did read their post and of course I would not use the thanks button unless I did actually read the post...

[liveweyerd]

I admit I even use it as a bookmark on long threads. I thank each post and later I know where to pick up the thread.

[cmc]

Hey minnie,
I love hearing how everyone feels about stuff too, even if it's just about when/if/how to use that thankie button!
Of course, like livewired and Splendra, I use it all the time- to each his/her own.

OT...when the button disappears on my screen I find if I exit and return to the page it comes back.

Back to you, Minnie- For me, using the thankyou button takes the place of eye contact, a nod or some concrete acknowledgement of what has been shared. Sometimes it's just a way to say "I hear you" or "I feel the same"

[Pick-a-name]

Originally Posted by denny57

I like the thanks button - a lot. I use it to indicate that someone has responded in the exact same way I would have - most times in a way far better than I could have.

I also use it when complimented LOL!

Denny: that's the same way I use it,too (BOTH ways! ). (I really like it now,also! I thought it was a bit odd at first, but now I really like it!) I also use it when someone says something that makes me see things in a whole new way.

[Pick-a-name]

Originally Posted by cmc

OT...when the button disappears on my screen I find if I exit and return to the page it comes back.

Back to you, Minnie- For me, using the thankyou button takes the place of eye contact, a nod or some concrete acknowledgement of what has been shared. Sometimes it's just a way to say "I hear you" or "I feel the same"

I just automatically hit the "thanks" button when I read this! haha I do this,too.

[minnie]

See, I get why one would post thanks to acknowledge a post, or like cms says, as a kind of virtual nod of the head. I just don't get why a post that causes a shift inside would not warrant a response.

I am not "having a go" at anyone at all, btw, I am just intrigued why so often a "thanks" is given in place of a response. What would you do if it weren't there?

(I know I have posted a lot about this and I am not for a minute starting a campaign for it to be removed, but trust me when I say I was just musing of a Saturday night, rather been overly-exercised about it!)

[MsGolightly]

Originally Posted by minnie

See, I get why one would post thanks to acknowledge a post, or like cms says, as a kind of virtual nod of the head. I just don't get why a post that causes a shift inside would not warrant a response.

for me, it's like the others said. sometimes i thank people for their opinions, differing viewpoints, whatever. i guess sometimes it causes a shift inside (and i usually do respond or add to the person's viewpoint that i'm thanking), but sometimes it doesn't necessairly spark anything that i or someone else hasn't already said... and i guess i just feel it would be redundant for me to say something like "i agree, but can't think of anything else to add!"

(in light of this, i kind of felt a bit awkward "thanking" those above me who responded to this thread, but hey, i like the thanks button! )

[minnie]

This is my point, though. Sometimes it is the things you find whilst you are writing a response which are the most helpful to you and the OP. Just like in meetings when there is no cross talk, it forces us to find something within us to say, rather than always directly respond.

Anyone up for a challenge? Everytime you want to hit the thanks button, write a reply instead. Then delete it and hit "thanks". Then spend a moment with your thoughts.

[FormerDoormat]

Sometimes I use the thank you button when I agree with someone's point of view or found their share useful, but don't have anything to share at the moment. Sometimes I use the thank you button and chime in with my own thoughts as well because I think I have something useful to add.

Sometimes, I use it to thank someone for an online hug or words of support and encouragement. Sometimes I thank everyone in the whole bloody thread (and chime in to say I have thank-you-itis) because I was blown away at the collective wisdom of everyone who responded.

And being a codie who also still has a need for validation (but I'm working on that), I would love to have someone as wise as you and who I respect utterly and love dearly, such as you, to thank me for a post that moves them from time to time.

So, go ahead, Minnie, make my day....

[CE Girl]

I use it a lot to thank others for replyng to my thread. Since I'm always yacking, (NO i didn't say quacking, though I do that too,,,,lol), I appreciate those that take the time to respond.

Which I guess leads me to the other reason I use it. Like you said Minnie, it enspires me to respond. usually, I write my response before I thank those that inspire me.

I rarely use it if I'm in a thread where the "spirits" don't move me to write. Unless its from one of you veterns, who are far wiser than I. Meaning, I haven't gotten to the "level" the thread is about, but I appreciate the "projection" Its what I want to be when I grow up,,,

But as long as we're talking about it, I'd like to see particulary the "lurkers" out there take you up on your challenge. I have noticed some who I've never seen before, post a reply and begin THEIR expereince getting it out.

And since I'm the resident nosy neighbor, I want to know what my new firends think

Good thread Minnie.

Peace