More consistent usage of thanking and liking posts

[Bram Vanroy]

Hello

I realise that I am new here and that my opinion might not be as highly valued as others', but I'd like to share this little thought:

Yesterday, I posted an introductory message and it was received quite well, I liked it. Members responded and liked the post. I find it strange, and a bit frustrating, though, that some people thanked me for that initial post - what's to thank about it? Moreover, some people liked and thanked the post or a reply I made in that topic. I know that this might sound like a silly critique, but I simply think that this completely nullifies the point of these two different buttons.

I think that "Thanks" should only be used when someone makes a post that actually adds to the topic at hand, or helps someone. NOT when something is funny. For that case, the "like" button is there. A lot of people, though, seem to just use the two interchangeably. Maybe it's just me, but that completely defeats the purpose. Some people might, then, have a lot of funny posts that aren't really helpful, but members may thank them for it. Subsequently that poster has a high "Thanks" rating, which is displayed on his profile, even though he didn't really add something nor helped the community in a remarkable way.

In some cases both options are applicable, I understand that, but definitely not always.
I do not know how to make members aware of the proper use of these two radically different buttons, but it should be a good start to let all board administrators and ambassadors put each button to its respective use.

Please discuss. If you think that this is an idiotic futility, let me know. If you agree with me, post that as well. Whatever your opinion is, don't be rude.

 

[James Falconer]

I like the last line of your post 'whatever your opinion is, don't be rude'.

Think you'll fit in here nicely

I hear what you're saying, but for members that have been here for some time, I can see why both 'like' and 'thank' would be applicable. Many members do not take the time to introduce themselves in the intro forum. So some may be inclined to 'thank' you for doing that. At the same time, if the intro is particularly awesome, a 'like' may apply.

Whatever the case, the important thing is you're here. WPCentral (and Mobile Nations) welcomes you! Let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns!

 

[hope4wp]

basically thank you for introducing yourself? we are just being polite!

 

[Guytronic]

Also it means people are reading and paying attention to input that was helpful or valid to them.

For this user seeing a thanks or like reminds me to return to some threads to see how that conversation is going.
If a member has liked a post of mine then commented or quoted below then I can thank them as a way of promoting on-line courtesy.

 

[Bram Vanroy]

I like the last line of your post 'whatever your opinion is, don't be rude'.

Think you'll fit in here nicely

I hear what you're saying, but for members that have been here for some time, I can see why both 'like' and 'thank' would be applicable. Many members do not take the time to introduce themselves in the intro forum. So some may be inclined to 'thank' you for doing that. At the same time, if the intro is particularly awesome, a 'like' may apply.

Whatever the case, the important thing is you're here. WPCentral (and Mobile Nations) welcomes you! Let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns!

Thank you for the warm welcome!

basically thank you for introducing yourself? we are just being polite!

Also it means people are reading and paying attention to input that was helpful or valid to them.

For this user seeing a thanks or like reminds me to return to some threads to see how that conversation is going.
If a member has liked a post of mine then commented or quoted below then I can thank them as a way of promoting on-line courtesy.

I know that it's all meant in good heart, but it just seems to me that such usage of these two buttons make them equal. As if they are meant for the same purpose. Just look at this topic right here (maybe it's on purpose to tease me, you silly peeps!): the twe posts above are liked and thanked by the same persons. I find it strange. I like it, because it shows that the community respects each other - but it just doesn't feel practically correct. But if that's how things go around here, I'll accept that.

But thanks for the welcome, I'll just start liking and thanking everyone as well then!

 

[hope4wp]

Go with the flow! we don't bite!

 

[hope4wp]

oh wait we also thank and like on posts because it imbalances like to thanks ratio it looks uneven!

 

[Guytronic]

Thanks everybody!
I like this :excited:

We should discuss under\over use of emots :winktongue:

 

[hope4wp]

Thanks everybody!
I like this :excited:

We should discuss under\over use of emots :winktongue:

Make a thread

 

[Guytronic]

Make a thread

:sweaty:
Nuh-uh...you do it...:angel:

 

[hope4wp]

:sweaty:
Nuh-uh...you do it...:angel:

Mr. scaredy cat I'm putting it under the off topic lounge lol