Is It Better to Like or Reply with Thank You on Forums?

[Swamp Thing]

If you get a useful answer to a question, would it be considered ok to just click "Like" or "Informative", versus a brief "thank you" reply? On one hand, just clicking "like" may not be noticed, and may then seem lacking in appreciation. On the other hand, some forums (eg stackexchange) prefer that users don't create non-functional responses like mere "thank you" posts.

 

[StevieTNZ]

Both, as an alternative over doing the other, are in my opinion good.

 

[Swamp Thing]

Thank you!

 

[symbolipoint]

If you get a useful answer to a question, would it be considered ok to just click "Like" or "Informative", versus a brief "thank you" reply? On one hand, just clicking "like" may not be noticed, and may then seem lacking in appreciation. On the other hand, some forums (eg stackexchange) prefer that users don't create non-functional responses like mere "thank you" posts.

The original poster's choice. Picking a reaction instead of making a post expressing gratitude IS noticed. Member who received reaction sees a notification count number on the bell icon.

 

[Ibix]

Member who received reaction sees a notification count number on the bell icon.

Unless they've got that turned off - it's an option in settings. I do use "like" as an acknowledgment, but you don't actually know that the other person has received it.

 

[Borek]

OP gets notification that their post was liked, so it is not like the appreciation is lost.

Not sure if they can't switch notifications off, but if - it is their choice (and not my problem )

 

[Ibix]

Not sure if they can't switch notifications off, but if - it is their choice (and not my problem )

In fact, it looks like you can turn off all alerts, for a peaceful browsing experience.

 

[phinds]

If you get a useful answer to a question, would it be considered ok to just click "Like" or "Informative", versus a brief "thank you" reply? On one hand, just clicking "like" may not be noticed, and may then seem lacking in appreciation. On the other hand, some forums (eg stackexchange) prefer that users don't create non-functional responses like mere "thank you" posts.

We used to have a "thanks" icon as an option but it was taken away. I argued strenuously against changing "thanks" to "like" for the very reason expressed in your post. I lost the argument.
https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...like-count-say-about-you.897245/#post-5645840

So now if you want to thank someone you have to do a "thank you" post since the "like" icon MAY mean "thanks" but it may not and you can't tell. "Informative" is good in many cases but not the same as "thanks".

 

[Wrichik Basu]

If you get a useful answer to a question, would it be considered ok to just click "Like" or "Informative", versus a brief "thank you" reply? On one hand, just clicking "like" may not be noticed, and may then seem lacking in appreciation. On the other hand, some forums (eg stackexchange) prefer that users don't create non-functional responses like mere "thank you" posts.

SO and other sites in the SE network are Q/A sites, and they consider "Thanks", "Any advice is appreciated" and similar stuff as fluff, which they encourage to remove by editing. PF is a discussion site, OTOH.

My approach to thank is mixed. If it's for example, a technology question where something wasn't working, and I had asked for help, then I would do a "Like" as well as quote reply to hat post stating that it has solved my issue. This would be a clear indication of what worked in my case for future visitors. This should also be used for HW questions.

For suggestion-type posts, with all the suggestions on equal footing, I would just give a "Like" or "Informative" reaction rather than write a post just to thank.

 

[pinball1970]

If you get a useful answer to a question, would it be considered ok to just click "Like" or "Informative", versus a brief "thank you" reply? On one hand, just clicking "like" may not be noticed, and may then seem lacking in appreciation. On the other hand, some forums (eg stackexchange) prefer that users don't create non-functional responses like mere "thank you" posts.

If I have made an effort to give info to a poster, I appreciate an acknowledgment of it. Whatever that may be.
I do the same when I ask questions and get responses back.
It is polite AFAIC.
I think "thanks" would be a good alert, I suppose 'like' does that job to an extent.

 

[berkeman]

I think either method is fine. I especially like to see when a relatively new poster here takes the time at the end of a thread to thank folks for their help -- I usually "Like" such replies to show the OP that it is appreciated.

Note however that "Thank you" or similar short replies at the end of threads by other than the OP (or any others involved in asking the questions) is often used by prospective spammers trying to increase their post count so that they can post a link to their client's website. The Mentors usually handle those replies differently...