"Thanks" Button Paradise... A Sanctuary

[Valley]

I would like this thread to be a sanctuary where the Sacred "Thanks" button is never used. So, please... Nobody Use the "Thanks" Button on this thread, Ok? If you want to thank someone, just do a post telling them personally, if you feel strongly enough to do so.

I'd like to see what a thread would be like without using that button, and I'd like to discuss how you all have been affected by this "Thanks" button, and how you think it is affecting the Avalon site overall... and how do you think the site would change, or not change, if there was no more "Thanks" button.

Thanks for passing by... : )

EDIT: OK... I give up... I can't hold back the floodgates of Thanks pouring in... Go ahead Thank away everyone. : ) Thanks All for joining the experiment/conversation. Your welcome to thank me, or anyone to the limit... one click per post, as usual. :flower: Hey, what if we could click the Thanks button as many times as we wanted for each post...? I wonder how that would be?
:inlove:
EDIT#2: Some have decided to stay with my original idea to see if they can refrain from using the button on this thread, so I'm going to stand strong with them and my original intent. Feel free everyone else to do whatever you like.

FINAL EDIT: (copied from my post #50 from this thread, after I refined my thinking on what I want to do with the thread)
Just want to make my intentions clear, now that the initial "storm" has settled here, and I have clarified my own thinking for this thread...
1) I want everyone to feel welcome coming on and posting anything that's on their mind, and Thanking anyone they want.
2) I want this to be a kind of a sanctuary where anyone can feel free from ever thinking about hitting the Thanks button.
3) A place to talk about giving and receiving thanks of any kind, whether we choose to use the button or not.
4) A place to talk about the thanks button and everyone's experience using it, and their observations or speculations of anything to do with it.

I can see that it's not really the button that is so important to most people, it's the fact that they are being acknowledged by others and feeling a deeper connection to others... the button just makes it easier to do that, without having to type out a message. I'm not against using the button... I just wanted a place where we can be free from ever thinking about using the button because I think it has become overly fixated upon by some, as can be seen by some posts where one's Thanks statistics are looked at almost like their bank accounts... and if they have a higher number, or quotient... then somehow what they say has more clout than someone else with a lower statistic. There are several ways to manipulate one's posts to get higher thanks statistics and it has become a competition to some. I think it wouldn't be like that if one's thanks statistics were only found on one's profile page... but because those numbers are always posted next to their name, on every single post, they become overly fixated/identified on that.

So I want this basically to be a sanctuary where one doesn't ever have to think about using the button... and we can feel free to post without having to consider how many thanks we might or might not get, or give.

[Joey]

Funny, this came to my mind the other day. Noticed how i was checkig if i received any thanks.
It can easily become an ego thing.

[Carmody]

FT4YbO_1mvA

NITBfc1EOBo

[Agape]

World without thanks is thankless world :bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing:

[Carmody]

48TyDnakXZE

There's no thanks button in emails, but I get along just fine...

When in Rome....

[the_real_dave-id]

Interesting. I think it would nice for you to state your opinion and start out the thread with more than just "no thanks."
.
How do YOU think it's affecting Avalon? Why do you think it's affecting Avalon to such a degree that we need to talk about it in it's own thread?

But to answer your post, I've always kinda liked it myself.

Honestly though, that's without giving it much thought. I don't ever think about how it might be affecting me or Avalon as a whole.

I usually hit it when someone posts a video that I actually watch, or a pfd that I download. Seems like a pleasant thing to do, saying thanks for offering something that I used or was useful to me. I rarely hit it to say I agree. In that case I would post and say why.

As far as getting thanks on a post, I also think that's kinda nice. I don't wear it like a badge of honor or anything, but it's nice to see with a quick look that others are appreciateing what I said in a specific post. So seeing thanks on specific posts are sort of important to me, but the accumulated thanks under the avatars, not so much.

Anyway, both those things would be lost without a thanks button. Although in that case, I would probably go ahead and make a post to simply say "Thanks" to someone who offered something I watched or read or listened to.

I can imagine a lot of others might as well, making any thread a lot longer for readers who will see a lot of posts with just the word "thanks" over and over. Not very fun to scan through.

But it's hard to say if it would really make a huge impact one way or the other.

Just one man's opinion. Thanks for asking! :bigsmile:

[jc71]

Thanks very much

[Valley]

Interesting. I think it would nice for you to state your opinion and start out the thread with more than just "no thanks."
.
How do YOU think it's affecting Avalon? Why do you think it's affecting Avalon to such a degree that we need to talk about it in it's own thread?

But to answer your post, I've always kinda liked it myself.

Honestly though, that's without giving it much thought. I don't ever think about how it might be affecting me or Avalon as a whole.

I usually hit it when someone posts a video that I actually watch, or a pfd that I download. Seems like a pleasant thing to do, saying thanks for offering something that I used or was useful to me. I rarely hit it to say I agree. In that case I would post and say why.

As far as getting thanks on a post, I also think that's kinda nice. I don't wear it like a badge of honor or anything, but it's nice to see with a quick look that others are appreciateing what I said in a specific post. So seeing thanks on specific posts are sort of important to me, but the accumulated thanks under the avatars, not so much.

Anyway, both those things would be lost without a thanks button. Although in that case, I would probably go ahead and make a post to simply say "Thanks" to someone who offered something I watched or read or listened to.

I can imagine a lot of others might as well, making any thread a lot longer for readers who will see a lot of posts with just the word "thanks" over and over. Not very fun to scan through.

But it's hard to say if it would really make a huge impact one way or the other.

Just one man's opinion. Thanks for asking! :bigsmile:
Thank you, dave-id... I didn't want to start out with my own opinions so the thread would build it's own momentum, and if there wasn't any interest I'd be just blowing hot air into the breeze.

I like the button in some ways too, but feel it has become a fixation and distraction from the actual subject matter of threads many times. I think there are folks who don't respond to threads, even though they feel like it, because it is very slow with very few thanks shared and they know they won't get many thanks, or maybe none at all. So I think it stops perhaps many threads from getting into deeper discussions.

I think it makes things less personal too, perhaps keeping folks from developing more meaningful friendhips/connections by not speaking to them directly.

Of course, I'm just speculating... so I wanted to try this experiment here in this thread, and see how it would be different without using the button, and see how everyone else feels about the subject, and see how attached they may be to using the button in question.

Peace...

[Valley]

Thanks very much

Welcome... Thanks for stopping in JC... I see you couldn't resist hitting the button several times... maybe it has become an automatic response for you when you like a post, but can you please remove all your thanks you gave to everybody? I want to see what it's like here to Not use the button... a kind of sanctuary from it... OK?
Blessings. ..

PS...Can you say why you've thanked the thread with the button and with words also? Are you trying to disturb me perhaps? It doesn't bother me but I'd like to hear your reasoning.:pop2:

[ZooLife]

I could not help but hit the 'thanks' button, especially with the perfect use of the Ren and Stimpy clips.


I was powerless, please forgive me. :)

[Project_Buggy_Beach]

If you don't use the Thanks button you are either very selfish or totally unobservant (I've had these unrealistic thoughts)!

[Tesla_WTC_Solution]

Carmody, haha, my former boss's boss loved Ren and Stimpy.
It's hard not to push that button.

[Valley]

World without thanks is thankless world :bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing:
Welcome Agape... Consider yourself officially thanked... : ) Some have a compulsion to use the button, and/or be the recipient of the use of it... as I would have suspected.
Blessings...:tea:

[Matt P]

I like the thanks button. In fact, sometimes I wish there were levels of thanks buttons (thanks, super thanks, holy crap thanks, etc) or that I could hit it 30 times. Of course, if I feel that thankful I usually just send a private message of personal thanks. I think it's a wonderful habit to get into of being thankful and expressing it. When I see people who have been here for months or years who have never thanked or thanked very little, I admit I have a negative reaction. I think "if they're not thankful for the amazing stuff they find here, why do they come?" I am frequently overwhelmed with thankfulness by the things I read on this site and I cannot imagine not being able to express it. I have to admit I also like to be thanked though I am not consumed by it at all. Actually, I find it has influenced my commenting because it makes me want to contribute something meaningful, instead of shooting off emotional responses (which I do still do occasionally) and not waste peoples' time. I also use it when I really agree with a comment. And I am mindful to thank the few who I have had disagreements with when they make very rational or positive comments. Are there some negatives with it? Perhaps. I do sometimes check a thread even though there's been no new posts to see who's seen and appreciated it. I guess there's a little ego with it. I do judge a little those that don't thank and even some who over-thank (sounds like a Seinfeld episode). But I very much feel the positives outweigh the negatives. I suppose I'll have some tomatoes thrown my way after some of this but I'm just being honest for some reason.
Great thread question, btw. I'll honor your request and just say thanks personally.

Matt

[grannyfranny100]

:ROFL:OMG, The Almighty zebra-striped God of the green poke-a-dotted Avians will punish us. Now could you ask us to sin like that.

[Dennis Leahy]

In Faceboog, the only button to acknowledge is "Like", so (for example) when I see a photo of a dead Palestinian child, and I want it to be "viral" on Faceboog so that the sickening reality is inescapably painted across the zeitgeist, I have to hit a button completely mislabeled as "Like."

"Thanks", on the other hand, can be "thanks for offering your perspective" (which I may not agree with, or 'like' either), or just "thanks for sharing that" - and is not necessarily any sort of endorsement or agreement.

If you've ever spent time on a forum without a 'thanks' button or similar functionality, you may see a post, then 7 more posts basically saying 'thanks' (but they are each a post, with an avatar, taking up lots of space and forcing you to keep scrolling to the next substantial post.) The "thanks" button is therefore very functional in keeping the database smaller, and the forum pages loading faster.

[Agape]

World without thanks is thankless world :bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing::bowing:
Welcome Agape... Consider yourself officially thanked... : ) Some have a compulsion to use the button, and/or be the recipient of the use of it... as I would have suspected.
Blessings...:tea:

That's what the art of vipassana meditation is good for, I suppose .. one can sit upon your thread and watch the neural tic towards the Thanks button .
I remember times before this button was released and social experience on forums was comparatively less social for me .
Much has changed thanks to the tiny thanks button .

There were/are still people who can't appreciate or stand certain items , for example smileys , there are guys who hate Ms Kitty pictures , and pictures of Cats in general ,

and what else ..

they probably get fits on visiting the web as we know it now because it's not as wild as they hoped for .


It's an experiment after all, thank you for participating . Thank you .



:bowing::sun::bowing:


Oh but wait , you see ... Dennis came and I totally lost my awareness ... it's Alzheimers on the way .

[DaRkViPeR]

We as members of Project Avalon are a unique family tied together by the fact that we are different in comparison to he crazy sleeping world out there.
Here we search for truth.
Here we share our knowledge
Here we sometimes share our deepest beliefs, secrets and fears.
The "Thanks" button is our acknowledgement of not being alone, but being part of something bigger than we are.

[the_real_dave-id]

I can't believe how many people have ignored the concept of OP and pushed the "thanks" button in this thread anyway. :facepalm: Ah well.....

[ghostrider]

We as members of Project Avalon are a unique family tied together by the fact that we are different in comparison to he crazy sleeping world out there.
Here we search for truth.
Here we share our knowledge
Here we sometimes share our deepest beliefs, secrets and fears.
The "Thanks" button is our acknowledgement of not being alone, but being part of something bigger than we are.

very well said ...

[Valley]

I see that many are under the compulsion to keep hitting the button still... it doesn't bother me at all, but it's interesting to observe. From now on though... please respect my wishes for the thread and everyone refrain from using the button... I'm trying to do an experiment here. If you can't help yourself, please move on to another thread. If noone else responds, that's ok too.

I have no problem myself with using the button, but just wanted to try this as an experimental thread to see how things would be different without it and discussing their thoughts on it.

[Matt P]

Dennis, you're my new hero of the moment. Your first paragraph makes perfect sense. Your last paragraph nails it. I never even considered that and it makes so much common sense. Game, set, match.
Thanks!
Matt

(and without the thanks button you have to endure this message! ;) )

[jagman]

I see that many are under the compulsion to keep hitting the button still... it doesn't bother me at all, but it's interesting to observe. From now on though... please respect my wishes for the thread and everyone refrain from using the button... I'm trying to do an experiment here. If you can't help yourself, please move on to another thread. If noone else responds, that's ok too.

I have no problem myself with using the button, but just wanted to try this as an experimental thread to see how things would be different without it and discussing their thoughts on it. Every time anyone uses the button, they have directly disrespected my wishes for this thread I created.

Valley, I do understand what your trying to do here on this thread but
people seem to really enjoy thanking and giving thanks. It's like peoples
compulsion to slow down and look at wrecks on the highway. It becomes
forbbiden fruit, The BIG RED BUTTON, that has a sign behind it DONT PUSH! lol
Thank you for your thread Valley and I have to confess,I fought myself on
pushing the button several times. lol Watch? Please do not thank my post Please!

[grannyfranny100]

Boo hoo, now I don't know if anybody agreed with my post and that they are afraid of revenge from the zebra striped God of the Avians , too, and I have risked punishment. Maybe you are the Satan of the Avians and will be the one who punishes me if I don't start worshiping you. Maybe that is why Catholics have confessionals so they don't get punished. Can I go there to escape revenge. Boo hoo.

[Valley]

Valley, I do understand what your trying to do here on this thread but
people seem to really enjoy thanking and giving thanks. It's like peoples
compulsion to slow down and look at wrecks on the highway. It becomes
forbiden fruit, The BIG RED BUTTON, that has a sign behind it DONT PUSH! lol
Thank you for your thread Valley and I have to confess,I fought myself on
pushing the button several times. lol Watch? Please do not thank my post Please!

Right, Jagman... it's a good opportunity for self-reflection/self-control. I was beginning to feel an energetic backlash from the people who don't like the thread idea... you've brought some welcomed relief, my friend. I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone here, just offering another experience which had not been done before... and see how it would go. I enjoy using the button normally like most everyone but this is just another option.
Glad you are enjoying it buddy.

[Valley]

Boo hoo, now I don't know if anybody agreed with my post and that they are afraid of revenge from the zebra striped God of the Avians , too, and I have risked punishment. Maybe you are the Satan of the Avians and will be the one who punishes me if I don't start worshiping you. Maybe that is why Catholics have confessionals so they don't get punished. Can I go there to escape revenge. Boo hoo.
It's a new experience GrannyFranny, and I'm glad you've joined the conversation... nothing to worry about, but a good opportunity for self observation and trying something new. If you're not comfortable here, there's plenty of other 'familiar' threads to choose from.
Thanks for sharing your unique perspective.

[Valley]

In Faceboog, the only button to acknowledge is "Like", so (for example) when I see a photo of a dead Palestinian child, and I want it to be "viral" on Faceboog so that the sickening reality is inescapably painted across the zeitgeist, I have to hit a button completely mislabeled as "Like."

"Thanks", on the other hand, can be "thanks for offering your perspective" (which I may not agree with, or 'like' either), or just "thanks for sharing that" - and is not necessarily any sort of endorsement or agreement.

If you've ever spent time on a forum without a 'thanks' button or similar functionality, you may see a post, then 7 more posts basically saying 'thanks' (but they are each a post, with an avatar, taking up lots of space and forcing you to keep scrolling to the next substantial post.) The "thanks" button is therefore very functional in keeping the database smaller, and the forum pages loading faster.
Good points Dennis... and I agree with them. I see that more and more people are showing up to keep using the button like they're used to doing. It's a hard habit to break, I guess. I wanted to try this experiment, but I see I haven't gained enough respect around here yet. You could probably get away with a post like this with not a single click of the button by anyone... but of course you would never try such a thing.

Many people are just too attached to the button, I see, to try a different approach. Go ahead... click away everyone.:ballchain:

[Selene]

If we as a community could meet in person – or even over the phone or skype – there would be an abundance of informal feedback signals that would accompany our conversation: nods, smiles, glances, umm-hmmm’s, shifts of posture, etc.

An internet forum lacks this natural mechanism, but we still need to say: Yes, I’m here. I’m listening…. It’s an important part of being a human community, a set of human relationships and not merely electronic circuits.

We don’t always feel the need – nor have the capacity – to contribute a well-thought-out comment. (And my so-so ones probably aren’t worth posting.) But a nod of thanks, ‘I hear you’, ‘I’m here’, ‘I read this’ ‘Keep writing and commenting’…. We need to express this to our fellow humans.

Without feedback of some kind, we would have an uncanny sense here of speaking into a void... into silence... into 'nobody cares...nobody is listening....'

And this would ultimately squelch good conversation.

Saying thanks works for me.

Cheers and – yes – thanks Valley, :sun:

Selene

[PurpleLama]

Funny, this came to my mind the other day. Noticed how i was checkig if i received any thanks.
It can easily become an ego thing.

You just have to up your game. (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Up+my+game)

[PurpleLama]

I like the thanks button. In fact, sometimes I wish there were levels of thanks buttons (thanks, super thanks, holy crap thanks, etc) or that I could hit it 30 times.
Matt

Yeah, but every now and then, wouldn't it be great to have of button that said f-you? Or, you're crazy? Or hmm, I don't think so, you need to do more research before posting about this topic?

[Bluegreen]

Thank you, Valley, for addressing this seemingly innocuous subject, it's been surprisingly educational. I think this is an opportunity for me to thank Cidersomerset for keeping up (among others) the Jimmy Savile thread; this is important information but I can only take so much at one time (see Dennis' post #16). And Tesla_WTC_Solution, whose thoughtful, funny, and extremely entertaining posts I always seem to find when it's "too late to thank".
:yo:

[johnh]

I've noticed "thanks" works well here in the forum, but not after sex :o Got just about boiled alive for that note of appreciation in the distant past.

[Valley]

I'll be back tomorrow to see how it's going... Enjoy!
(Don't think I'll try that again... : )
Thank Away, Everyone... feel free...
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=30098&cid=1&stc=1

[gripreaper]

I wouldn’t dismiss the thanks button so quickly without looking at all of the implications. I’ll use myself as an example.

I have 25,896 thanks in 3,362 posts, which gives me a thanks to post ratio of 7.70. Now, you might ask, what does that mean? Well, try doing the thanks to post ratio of other posters, and what you will find, is that a 7.7 is a relatively high ratio and hard to achieve. You will find out who the other posters are that have similar high ratios and you will notice certain patterns emerge with these posters.

Many of the high ratio posters have very distinct and very erudite posts, and are revered by many others, and this gives you an idea of how the general forum membership feels about certain topics and the posters who have the best grasp on the subject. It helps to look at this angle.

Next, if you look at who the posters are who are thanking your posts, you also know who is interested in the thread and the discussion, and you will notice patterns over time of those who continuously thank your posts. This tells you who the like minded souls on the forum are, and it compels me to also seek out their posts and read them. What I have found, is that there are hidden gems I would have not found otherwise, had I neglected to take advantage of the resource of the “thanks” button.

Then, over time, certain energies begin to converge, as well as ideas, and it is all due to the prevalence of the energy behind the thanks button. I will say, that the thanks button, in my opinion, is the number one resource on the entire forum, for coalescing energies and developing an emerging synthesis for the new paradigm which is emerging and awakening among those who post and thank here at Avalon.

I would be totally lost without it, and I would strongly encourage those who want to see change, those who want to develop the synergies which foster change, to please continue to use the thanks button and treat it with the reverence and respect it so rightly deserves.

Without it I see no hope at all.

[PurpleLama]

I wouldn’t dismiss the thanks button so quickly without looking at all of the implications. I’ll use myself as an example.

I have 25, 896 thanks in 3,362 posts, which gives me a thanks to post ratio of 7.70. Now, you might ask, what does that mean? Well, try doing the thanks to post ratio of other posters, and what you will find, is that a 7.7 is a relatively high ratio and hard to achieve. You will find out who the other posters are that have similar high ratios and you will notice certain patterns emerge with these posters.

Many of the high ratio posters have very distinct and very erudite posts, and are revered by many others, and this gives you an idea of how the general forum membership feels about certain topics and the posters who have the best grasp on the subject. It helps to look at this angle.

Next, if you look at who the posters are who are thanking your posts, you also know who is interested in the thread and the discussion, and you will notice patterns over time of those who continuously thank your posts. This tells you who the like minded souls on the forum are, and it compels me to also seek out their posts and read them. What I have found, is that there are hidden gems I would have not found otherwise, had I neglected to take advantage of the resource of the “thanks” button.

Then, over time, certain energies begin to converge, as well as ideas, and it is all due to the prevalence of the energy behind the thanks button. I will say, that the thanks button, in my opinion, is the number one resource on the entire forum, for coalescing energies and developing an emerging synthesis for the new paradigm which is emerging and awakening among those who post and thank here at Avalon.

I would be totally lost without it, and I would strongly encourage those who want to see change, those who want to develop the synergies which foster change, to please continue to use the thanks button and treat it with the reverence and respect it so rightly deserves.

Without it I see no hope at all.

You know, I went a couple of years without thanking any of your posts, after the (first?) Hitler dub. It was funny, to me, to not thank you after that. I had to unthank quite a few of your posts, catching myself inadvertently thanking your typically splendid posts. But, I did stop not thanking your posts about a year or so ago, and now I have to start again.

[Fellow Aspirant]

You have posed an interesting question, one that goes to the heart of what many members of this forum often refer to as a "community". Avalon is a site to share views and news about our world in a long distanced way, as we almost never meet face to face. Your reference to the "Sacred "Thanks button", which seems to imply, at best, irreverence (I like irreverance) but at worst a belittling (I don't like belittling), so I would like to weigh in here with some thoughts about the act of "Thanking", at least as it applies to "us".

The ease of clicking on a wee button belies the importance of the act itself, so it is tempting to see it as a meaningless twitch. In fact, it may have several meanings, none mutually exclusive.

First, it's a quick way to supply feedback to those with whom we agree or those who have brought to our attention something worthwhile. If we don't agree or appreciate, then we withhold our thanks; we don't necessarily have to type out and post an objection. The "sacred button" therefore is part of a sliding scale of engagement, one with very few increments as it is. Perhaps we should have some other response options, like "I couldn't agree more" or maybe a number from 1-5.

And do it in the form of a thumb count::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

And by the way, I shall never need permission to thank anyone, ever.

Secondly, it can help shape the discussion(s) here on the board. If I use the "Thanks" count to gauge how many members have 'hit the button', I can see which kinds of things "resonate" with others, and presumably post similar items, or, conversely, I can get a better idea about which things have hit a dead spot, and not bother posting any more. Everybody wins.

Thirdly, it can and should be used to offer direct encouragement. Posting to this forum is always, for me, a positive act, but it takes time and effort in a busy and precarious world and I like to think that those who have posted have done so in a spirit of helpfulness. As such, hitting the "sacred button" is a way to let the poster know that their effort is appreciated. I have a couple of items that I intend to post, but have not gotten up the energy actually follow through on - posting requires effort to introduce and frame the "thing" being presented, at least it should. I sometimes see posts that have very little information along with them; invariably, someone will ask for an introduction so that the reader can gauge whether the video or program is worth the investment of time required to get its message. They don't get so many "Thanks". Encourage the energy, I say!

Fourthly, it helps the forum's spirit. Positive vibes, man! As far as it being used as a popularity contest, I like to think that it forms a small part why I post, although I DO like to think that many of those that I trade "Thanks" with are friends. This aids in a worthwhile communal feeling.

Speaking of communal feeling, as a Canadian, I do notice how citizens of many other countries refer to us as being overly polite ...
(although we don't hold a candle to the Japanese! :bowing:) I take it as a compliment, and would like to think that most Avalon members are simply showing their respect for one another.

It is, in its most basic form, simply a way of being polite. Public discourse needs such gracious behaviour.

Lastly, showing respect and giving "Thanks" form the basis for gratitude, a sentiment that beings who are awake and aware should always aspire to.

Namaste Folks! (and let's not get started again on the misappropriation of THAT word! :flower:)

Brian

[gripreaper]

I did stop not thanking your posts about a year or so ago, and now I have to start again.

Purple Lama, I see your thanks to post ratio is 8.59, which is very respectable and higher than mine. I've always read your posts and find that your contributions to the forum are very good and well received. Keep doing what you're doing cause its working!

[PurpleLama]

I did stop not thanking your posts about a year or so ago, and now I have to start again.

Purple Lama, I see your thanks to post ratio is 8.59, which is very respectable and higher than mine. I've always read your posts and find that your contributions to the forum are very good and well received. Keep doing what you're doing cause its working!

You'll get not thanks from me.

[gripreaper]

You have posed an interesting question, one that goes to the heart of what many members of this forum often refer to as a "community". Avalon is a site to share views and news about our world in a long distanced way, as we almost never meet face to face. Your reference to the "Sacred "Thanks button", which seems to imply, at best, irreverence (I like irreverance) but at worst a belittling (I don't like belittling), so I would like to weigh in here with some thoughts about the act of "Thanking", at least as it applies to "us".

The ease of clicking on a wee button belies the importance of the act itself, so it is tempting to see it as a meaningless twitch. In fact, it may have several meanings, none mutually exclusive.

First, it's a quick way to supply feedback to those with whom we agree or those who have brought to our attention something worthwhile. If we don't agree or appreciate, then we withhold our thanks; we don't necessarily have to type out and post an objection. The "sacred button" therefore is part of a sliding scale of engagement, one with very few increments as it is. And by the way, I shall never need permission to thank anyone, ever.

Secondly, it can help shape the discussion(s) here on the board. If I use the "Thanks" count to gauge how many members have 'hit the button', I can see which kinds of things "resonate" with others, and presumably post similar items, or, conversely, I can get a better idea about which things have hit a dead spot, and not bother posting any more. Everybody wins.

Thirdly, it can and should be used to offer direct encouragement. Posting to this forum is always, for me, a positive act, but it takes time and effort in a busy and precarious world and I like to think that those who have posted have done so in a spirit of helpfulness. As such, hitting the "sacred button" is a way to let the poster know that their effort is appreciated. I have a couple of items that I intend to post, but have not gotten up the energy actually follow through on - posting requires effort to introduce and frame the "thing" being presented, at least it should. I sometimes see posts that have very little information along with them; invariably, someone will ask for an introduction so that the reader can gauge whether the video or program is worth the investment of time required to get its message. They don't get so many "Thanks". Encourage the energy, I say!

Fourthly, it helps the forum's spirit. Positive vibes, man! As far as it being used as a popularity contest, I like to think that it forms a small part why I post, although I DO like to think that many of those that I trade "Thanks" with are friends. This aids in a worthwhile communal feeling.

Speaking of communal feeling, as a Canadian, I do notice how citizens of many other countries refer to us as being overly polite (although we don't hold a candle to the Japanese! :bowing:) I take it as a compliment, and would like to think that most Avalon members are simply showing their respect for one another.

It is, in its most basic form, simply a way of being polite. Public discourse needs such gracious behaviour.

Lastly, showing respect and giving "Thanks" form the basis for gratitude, a sentiment that beings who are awake and aware should always aspire to.

Namaste Folks! (and let's not get started again on the misappropriation of THAT word! :flower:)

Brian

Brian, I wish I could thank this post more than once. Very well written. :)

[ZooLife]

EDIT: OK... I give up... I can't hold back the floodgates of Thanks pouring in... Go ahead Thank away everyone. : ) Thanks All for joining the experiment/conversation. Your welcome to thank me, or anyone to the limit... one click per post, as usual. :flower: Hey, what if we could click the Thanks button as many times as we wanted for each post...? I wonder how that would be?
:inlove:

An attempt at ego manipulation, that was the real experiment wasn't it?

Don't push the button, push the button.

Reminds me of the Song: Sign Sign, Everywhere a Sign. "Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?"

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/22/d4/20/22d4209ad7f40025aff1202b96005bd5.jpg

(Okay, guys, I see you looking for the remote. :P )


http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/343804/22944660/1371667848117/AirPigz-Bacon-Party-2013.jpg?token=6kH%2BMC6PtQf7A%2BJhN02ezWIkI6Q%3D

[PurpleLama]

Every thread starts off a spell. To make it or break it, that's a good question?

[Wind]

If it wasn't obvious already, I'm thankful for the thanks button!
Besides being someone with minor OCD (or being a V like Virgo - I'm half joking here) the thanks button is a good way for me to let others know that I've seen/appreciated their message. Or likewise that my friends have seen some of my messages and aknowledged them. In short, it's great to be thankful.

http://www.finishercreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/red-button.gif

a5K3IRMFj1M

[Iloveyou]

For me the topic of this thread is the question of listening to somebody. To turn off the roundabout of thoughts in one's own head while the other person is speaking. People are used to frame an answer already although the other person has not stopped speaking yet. It is an automatism.

So if somebody asks: Please do not push the thanks button on my thread, I don't. Nothing easier than that. In this case I understand the meaning of the experiment, but also if I hadn't understood, I would do what the person is asking for, just because he is asking (as long as what I'm asked for is acceptable for me, of course).

This great conversation could also have taken place without anybody having hit the button. And the benefit of having a thanks button is out of the question anyway, I agree with all the above said about it.

Just listen :)

[jc71]

Thanks very much

Welcome... Thanks for stopping in JC... I see you couldn't resist hitting the button several times... maybe it has become an automatic response for you when you like a post, but can you please remove all your thanks you gave to everybody? I want to see what it's like here to Not use the button... a kind of sanctuary from it... OK?
Blessings. ..

PS...Can you say why you've thanked the thread with the button and with words also? Are you trying to disturb me perhaps? It doesn't bother me but I'd like to hear your reasoning.:pop2:


Hi Valley,

Ok I will come clean. I did it on purpose because I am usually a law abiding, people pleasing person, but I have a streak in me and I was having a nightmare day and I just thought "no I am not just going to do what someone tells me to".

I feel a different space today and out of respect for your wishes I have removed my thanks. I will now read the rest of the thread with interest :-)

All the best,

JC

¤=[Post Update]=¤


I can't believe how many people have ignored the concept of OP and pushed the "thanks" button in this thread anyway. :facepalm: Ah well.....

Hi Dave,

You really can't believe it? There are lots of reasons why people might press a button when requested not to do so. I think it is quite interesting.

JC

[earthdreamer]

I used the thanks button just now since the original poster "Valley" relented and gave 'permission'. I am not present here everyday, (am not an internet junkie but more a binger), and I'm sure I miss lots of terrific threads on which I'd be giving thanks.

At first, I wasn't too sure about the thanks button but I also have come to really appreciate it for all the great reasons presented by everybody. I think the request to not use the thanks button inspires the rebel in us too.

I noticed an intelligent poster who'd joined years ago with 0 thanks, which is almost admirable for her/his tenacity to abstain, like a moral (if stubborn) stand to refrain from that 'ego' thing.

Anyway, Avalon's web designers and collaborators deserve 'thanks' for providing the option.

[Valley]

Thanks very much

Welcome... Thanks for stopping in JC... I see you couldn't resist hitting the button several times... maybe it has become an automatic response for you when you like a post, but can you please remove all your thanks you gave to everybody? I want to see what it's like here to Not use the button... a kind of sanctuary from it... OK?
Blessings. ..

PS...Can you say why you've thanked the thread with the button and with words also? Are you trying to disturb me perhaps? It doesn't bother me but I'd like to hear your reasoning.:pop2:



Hi Valley,

Ok I will come clean. I did it on purpose because I am usually a law abiding, people pleasing person, but I have a streak in me and I was having a nightmare day and I just thought "no I am not just going to do what someone tells me to".

I feel a different space today and out of respect for your wishes I have removed my thanks. I will now read the rest of the thread with interest :-)

All the best,

JC

¤=[Post Update]=¤


I can't believe how many people have ignored the concept of OP and pushed the "thanks" button in this thread anyway. :facepalm: Ah well.....

Hi Dave,

You really can't believe it? There are lots of reasons why people might press a button when requested not to do so. I think it is quite interesting.

JC
Hey JC... Nice to see you back, my friend... and sharing your reasoning. It doesn't really matter at this point about the removal of your Thanks, as the thread quickly was filling with thanks after your first 'defection'... but thank you. I'm cool with it all... as it has developed abundantly, with many people getting a chance to share on a little spoken of, yet very common practice here, which has great meaning to them.

It's interesting to me, your explanation and your life situation and how it was kinda a perfect setup for you to appear just in time to be the first 'stand-out' on the thread. Somehow this seems magical to me... so no harm done... I'm actually thinking you kinda gave the thread a big jump-start when you did that.

Now I'm wondering how this may have affected your perspectives on life, if at all?

I really appreciate you coming back with your reasonings.
:first:
Peace...

PS... Another very 'magical' thing... Just as I came back to look at the thread today, you had just posted your response.

[Valley]

I like the thanks button. In fact, sometimes I wish there were levels of thanks buttons (thanks, super thanks, holy crap thanks, etc) or that I could hit it 30 times. Of course, if I feel that thankful I usually just send a private message of personal thanks. I think it's a wonderful habit to get into of being thankful and expressing it. When I see people who have been here for months or years who have never thanked or thanked very little, I admit I have a negative reaction. I think "if they're not thankful for the amazing stuff they find here, why do they come?" I am frequently overwhelmed with thankfulness by the things I read on this site and I cannot imagine not being able to express it. I have to admit I also like to be thanked though I am not consumed by it at all. Actually, I find it has influenced my commenting because it makes me want to contribute something meaningful, instead of shooting off emotional responses (which I do still do occasionally) and not waste peoples' time. I also use it when I really agree with a comment. And I am mindful to thank the few who I have had disagreements with when they make very rational or positive comments. Are there some negatives with it? Perhaps. I do sometimes check a thread even though there's been no new posts to see who's seen and appreciated it. I guess there's a little ego with it. I do judge a little those that don't thank and even some who over-thank (sounds like a Seinfeld episode). But I very much feel the positives outweigh the negatives. I suppose I'll have some tomatoes thrown my way after some of this but I'm just being honest for some reason.
Great thread question, btw. I'll honor your request and just say thanks personally.

Matt
Welcome Matt... And thanks for being so honest and sharing your keen Insights here. I think your response is one of the deepest self-explorations on this subject so far, which was one of my main reasons for starting the thread... so folks can look more deeply into a very common practice and see if they can discover something new about themselves.

All the Best...

[Matt P]

Thanks Valley. Much appreciated.
It was pure torture not to hit the thanks button on yours and many of the other posts. I held true to your original request and I'm heartbroken you caved. ;)

Matt

[Valley]

Thanks Valley. Much appreciated.
It was pure torture not to hit the thanks button on yours and many of the other posts. I held true to your original request and I'm heartbroken you caved. ;)

Matt
Sweet, Matt... Ok, now you and JC have inspired me... I'm going back and removing all my thanks, so that I will remain true to my original intent, and stand strong with all those who choose to 'obstain', if only just for this one thread. If anyone else wants to keep thanking away here and join the 'festivities', that's ok too.

[Valley]

Just want to make my intentions clear, now that the initial "storm" has settled here, and I have clarified my own thinking for this thread...
1) I want everyone to feel welcome coming on and posting anything that's on their mind, and Thanking anyone they want.
2) I want this to be a kind of a sanctuary where anyone can feel free from ever thinking about hitting the Thanks button.
3) A place to talk about giving and receiving thanks of any kind, whether we choose to use the button or not.
4) A place to talk about the thanks button and everyone's experience using it, and their observations or speculations of anything to do with it.

I can see that it's not really the button that is so important to most people, it's the fact that they are being acknowledged by others and feeling a deeper connection to others... the button just makes it easier to do that, without having to type out a message. I'm not against using the button... I just wanted a place where we can be free from ever thinking about using the button because I think it has become overly fixated upon by some, as can be seen by some posts where one's Thanks statistics are looked at almost like their bank accounts... and if they have a higher number, or quotient... then somehow what they say has more clout than someone else with a lower statistic. There are several ways to manipulate one's posts to get higher thanks statistics and it has become a competition to some. I think it wouldn't be like that if one's thanks statistics were only found on one's profile page... but because those numbers are always posted next to their name, on every single post, they become overly fixated/identified on that.

So I wanted this also to be a sanctuary where one doesn't ever have to think about using the button... and we can feel free to post without having to consider how many thanks we might or might not get, or give.
http://projectavalon.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=30109&cid=1&stc=1
It was a magical day today, where I was here on the west US coast... this is the evidence : )

[grannyfranny100]

Valley, are you a social psychology PhD. candidate? Remember the shock experiments? Or perhaps an MBA student doing a thesis on influencing people?

[Valley]

Valley, are you a social psychology PhD. candidate? Remember the shock experiments? Or perhaps an MBA student doing a thesis on influencing people?
Thanks GrannyFranny... for giving me enough respect to think I could be an MBA or PhD student of some kind... But, no... I actually dropped out of all official school systems after going to a couple years of Junior College. I did graduate Valedictorian of high school and was voted class president at one time. I dropped out of the corrupted and 'cookie-cutter' school systems after realizing how restricting they seemed to be. I've chosen to do things my own way and live a lifestyle that is outside of the 'phony' system, as much as possible. This thread is kind of an extension of this same theme... a place to get away from the 'standard', conditioned ways and have a little sanctuary of sorts, where we can forget about using any restrictive/containing labeling systems.

I do admit that I didn't explain my reasons very well for creating the thread, at first... so it was easy to misunderstand me. I will also admit that I did want to 'shake things up' a bit about our thinking of and use of the button and all dramas and attachments to using it, and being the recipient of it.

I still have no problems using the button or receiving it outside of this thread, but I wanted to see what it would be like to have a thread that didn't use that 'system'. I quickly saw that it wouldn't work that way for many, so I altered it to not be restrictive for anyone.

I appreciate your coming back to have a few more words together.

All the Best...

[Iloveyou]

Valley, you did (and you're doing) an amazing and astonishing job outside the box. I very much enjoy your way to address issues (you know that :)) Thank you. My daughter and two of her friends also dropped out of the school system at age 15 without any official graduation and all of them are doing very well in life now and in creative jobs. Your loving and respectful attitude towards everybody warms my heart. ILY.

[Valley]

Thanks for the respect/encouragement ILY... It's kinda like a dance to me, as I continue to 'skip-step' around without stepping on too many toes. There seems to always be some who feel like I want to step on their toes, but I only really wish the best for everyone. Glad you're getting on the 'glow' effect... feeling it today also. :sun:

Sounds like you're doing a fine job in your mother role... congratulations...
Much love & respect...

[Valley]

I wouldn’t dismiss the thanks button so quickly without looking at all of the implications...

I would be totally lost without it, and I would strongly encourage those who want to see change, those who want to develop the synergies which foster change, to please continue to use the thanks button and treat it with the reverence and respect it so rightly deserves.

Without it I see no hope at all.

Welcome Grip... I have no intention to try to convince anyone to stop using the button outside this thread, or to try and have it banned. Like I said, I just wanted to try it for this one thread here, to see how it might be a different experience... but I see that most just want to keep using it as normal... and that's fine with me too. Consider this just a place where it doesn't matter whether one chooses the button or not... and for those that just want to 'take a little break' from it.

Thanks for the well thought out reply...

Peace...

[PurpleLama]

Every thread starts off a spell. To make it or break it, that's a good question?

I wonder, how many appreciate how much consciousness is changed, even sometimes permanently affected, through the written (posted) word.

I expected more from my intended audience.

[the_real_dave-id]

Hi Dave,

You really can't believe it? There are lots of reasons why people might press a button when requested not to do so. I think it is quite interesting.

JC


Hey jc71,

Yeah I really can't believe it. As you say there are many reasons someone might push a button after being asked not to... but I figured that was only in the outer world, not here on Avalon where I thought we held ourselves together a little differently.

It's no big deal really, but I was surprised. Usually when someone asks us to do something for them on the forum (send light, say prayers, or just generally help out) folks jump in and give them exactly what they are asking for. But when asked to refrain from something as a way to give, especially as an experiment, we can't comply?

It truly struck me as odd, and I did have a hard time believing it. For some strange reason I actually expected no thanks to be given with the button, and all thanks to be written out, just to help the OP intent.

Maybe it seemed too inconsequential to matter, or maybe folks felt it would be funny.

While I think the thanks button is important and should remain an integral part of the forum, a single thread without it seemed like an interesting idea and I for one, was a little bummed out that it simply seemed impossible for us to do.

But to be clear, I'm just a little bummed out. I'll get over it. It does make me wonder though. :whistle:

[Innocent Warrior]

Sorry Valley, I caved...PurpleLama.

Still a success, a highly educational thread. I left university in my final year btw, for the same reasons, you legend.

Edit: K, removing it.

[Valley]

Wow... 9 of last 10 comments with no button pushing (one detraction : )... maybe we're getting somewhere here?... Hard to tell now where this thread will go, from here on out... There are new 'thread dynamics' going on this thread we've not seen with 'normal' threads... but I'm still working on a couple more responses to a few other great posts, to put up shortly.

InnocentWarrior... Yeah, I think it's been great overall, so far... challenging for me especially,... But you know I just had another idea... I'm also turning off my little signature message that usually appears at the bottom of every post... It's been looking rather 'redundant' lately for some reason. : )

That's interesting how you dropped out during your final year. There must be a good story behind that... maybe I'll hear about some day.:secret:

[Krist]

Ha ,
Never have been good at doing what I'm told to do,dangit.

[Valley]

Ha ,
Never have been good at doing what I'm told to do,dangit.
Welcome, Krist... I know what you mean. Thanks for participating.

Now I'm not sure how to interpret why everyone hits the button... to try and rebel from my asking for a sanctuary... or to say it means so much to them that they couldn't resist hitting it... or that they are just doing what they normally would do. Also it's not always clear now why anyone doesn't use the button... to practice self-control... out of respect for my request... or because they think a post doesn't deserve a 'thanks'. The 'thread development dynamics' have changed completely, it seems.

I'm enjoying stepping out into 'unknown territory'... what do you all think?

(Still have more replies to post later today.)

[Valley]

Funny, this came to my mind the other day. Noticed how i was checkig if i received any thanks.
It can easily become an ego thing.
Thanks for 'coming out of the woodwork', and choosing to make one of your rare posting appearances here, Joey. : )

*Also, very synchronistic... "Joey" is a username I used on another forum/site I used to go on a lot. The 'Universe' is really lining up in special ways here on this thread, it seems. Your being the very first response to this thread is simply amazing to me.

Happy Trails...

[Valley]

Thank you, Valley, for addressing this seemingly innocuous subject, it's been surprisingly educational. I think this is an opportunity for me to thank Cidersomerset for keeping up (among others) the Jimmy Savile thread; this is important information but I can only take so much at one time (see Dennis' post #16). And Tesla_WTC_Solution, whose thoughtful, funny, and extremely entertaining posts I always seem to find when it's "too late to thank".
:yo:
Cool, Bluegreen... thanks for being objective and appreciating the thread and my vision... and for taking the time to spread the thanks out in several directions. Your post is a fine example of how to 'take the ball and run with it'. Very productive use of the 'sanctuary'.
:thumb:

[Bluegreen]

Why did the kids put jam on the cat?
K5ATQsqjrLQ

[Mike]

It can be such a a slippery thing ...

To "thank" or not to "thank"...that is the question.

Problem is, "thanks" means different things to different people. To some its a wholesale endorsement of a post; to some its a partial endorsement; some withhold it to make a statement; some use it because poster x has "thanked" them consistently and now they feel they must return the favor; some people "thank" everyone in an attempt to take all the politics out of it but unknowingly take all the meaning out of the gesture; most pretend they don't care about the "thanks" button but refresh their computer every 2 mins to see who's the latest to "thank" them...etc

When I first signed up here at Avalon, the "thanks" button was a source of fascination to me. You could learn a lot about people by their "thanks" habits. In the beginning I really wanted my "thanks" to mean something, and I withheld it like a stubborn mule...thinking that handing it out liberally would lessen its value. This began to backfire when I noticed the same people "thanking " me day in and day out and I began to feel this nagging guilt because i wasn't "thanking" them in return. So I began doing just that, which only created a sense of phony comraderie and increased the "thanks" neurosis I was trying to lessen.

Then, I thought I'd just "thank" everybody. I went thru that stage. But that of course reduced any meaning that the gesture might have had in the first place, so I found it to be an unsatisfactory solution. Plus, its a letdown when you notice that a poster you respect has not only "thanked" you but also just about everyone else in a thread. It reduces the gesture to meaninglessness.

What killed me, especially in the beginning of my Avalon career, was when I was sure I'd dropped a one liner for the ages, and very few people would "thank" it....and yet, right below me would be one of lord siddeous' painfully unfunny carrot jokes emphasized with 5 trillion "thanks" ...and I couldnt help but wonder: what the f#ck is going on here??? I was sure I was hanging with the wrong crowd. But that was a lesson in forum politics - I was just a new member; people saw no value in "thanking" me, so they didn't. Instead they "thanked" the more popular member. It was quite revealing to me. It made me realize early on that "politics" are unavoidable, even in a feel-good environment like Avalon.

I've found myself in all sorts of "thanks" pickles over the years (wait a second, this guy has "thanked" me for ages...and yet he's arguing with so n so, who I've become friendly with...). I was joking about this with one member way back when, and he made the hilarious statement that he was going to fake his own death and return as someone who doesn't thank anybody! I thought it was a great line.

Nowadays I notice who "thanks" me, and I appreciate the gesture, but it doesn't mean a whole lot to me, and I don't feel any great need to return the favor (although sometimes I still do). What I find particulary interesting nowadays is when I make what I know will be an unpopular post and my fan club suddenly vanishes:ROFL: see, the "thanks" button connotes all sorts of different things. I've seen respectable members stop "thanking" me because we've had a disagreement. Just stop cold! LOL. And I've seen other respectable members actually retract a "thanks" from me after it became clear I wasn't going to "thank" them in the same thread! I'm not kidding! ;)

Anyway, its all very interesting..

[Matt P]

Dying...to...hit...the...thanks button...Mike. Aaaaaaarrrrgh..........

:bump2:

[Mike]

Dying...to...hit...the...thanks button...Mike. Aaaaaaarrrrgh..........

:bump2:


Uh...thanks?:)


P.s. this thread is really messing with my thanks to post ratio:wink:

[Valley]

Dying...to...hit...the...thanks button...Mike. Aaaaaaarrrrgh..........

:bump2:


Uh...thanks?:)


P.s. this thread is really messing with my thanks to post ratio:wink:

Lol... You guys are crackin me up . You think your 'ratio' is taking a hit... what about mine? I'm still trying to get established here, and now I'm stuck. I'll be lucky if I get any more thanks in the 'main field' after questioning the button itself. : ) I think I'll just hang out here in the 'sanctuary' for a while longer so I won't have to think about how much I'll have to over-thank everyone, just to get back on their good side...:unsure:...Nah, just kiddin'.

Your previos post, Mike, was quite revealing... thanks for giving us a candid 'rundown' from an experienced 'thanker' perspective. It kinda reminds me of high school 'clicks' and peer pressure and the upperclassmen picking on the Freshmen newcomers. You know, that's probably the roots of a lot of that mentality. I think the public school systems have probably impeded kids development more than helped in many ways. But we are ahead of the curve here on Avalon, right? We are deep thinkers... we just need to break free from that old shallow-minded mentality that's been ingrained into our characters from an early age, by a brainwashed society.

We should be extra welcoming to new members and help them 'learn the ropes', instead of trying to belittle 'em. With knowledge and guidance from posts like your lengthy one above, the 'yearlings' will be 'running with the pack' in no time.
:clapping:

[RunningDeer]

Lol... You guys are crackin me up . You think your 'ratio' is taking a hit... what about mine? I'm still trying to get established here, and now I'm stuck. I'll be lucky if I get any more thanks in the 'main field' after questioning the button itself. : )
Done. To help with your ratio, Valley, I’ve hit the thanks on all your posts in this thread. {joke}

Mike: And I've seen other respectable members actually retract a "thanks" from me

I thanked Mike’s post (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?82662-Thanks-Button-Paradise...-What-If-We-Don-t-Use-It&p=967457&viewfull=1#post967457) so I could go back and retract it.

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/thanks_zpsixefprdb.jpg

RunningDeer <3

UPDATE: modified because subtle humor was tooooooo subtle. Also deleted those thanks in favor of Valley's initial request.

[gigha]

Thanks.......

[Valley]

RunninDeer... It's cool, I really don't care about the ratio thing, especially for this thread... Was just making a joke off Mike's post. All the thanks politics are just silly to me. I'd rather just keep the slate clean here in the 'Sanctuary', but I appreciate your concern... I can just earn 'em regularly in the open forums. It was just starting to get peacefully button-free... : )

Thanks for dropping in... I'm sure we'll have plenty of chances to thank each other down the line.
Blessings...
------------------------_

Gigha... Welcome...

[Carmody]

My thanking is random and tied to nothing more than my will to take the time, or remember, in the given moment.

Heck, half the time, when I'm speaking with people, if not more than half the time, I never use names.

Name not important, person is. 'Tis a natural thing, not a consciousness directed thing.

Perhaps I don't like labeling people.

That labeling people is a form of denigration, a form of control. (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?82764-Kerry-Kicking-Some-Butt...-Interesting-Interview-with-a-Freemason&p=967675&viewfull=1#post967675)

That old saw..that if you know a demon's name.... then you have access to the control of that demon. That they CAN be summoned. No name --- no access, no summon, no potential for control.

And, for the sake of following the logic...if...in this place, that be true for the thing called a 'demon'....what does that mean for labelled human/avatar symbiotic systems that are called 'people'?

Perhaps that is why the use of formal names...always feels so inherently wrong and uncomfortable, to me.

[RunningDeer]

RunninDeer... It's cool, I really don't care about the ratio thing, especially for this thread... Was just making a joke off Mike's post. All the thanks politics are just silly to me. I'd rather just keep the slate clean here in the 'Sanctuary', but I appreciate your concern... I can just earn 'em regularly in the open forums. It was just starting to get peacefully button-free... : )

Thanks for dropping in... I'm sure we'll have plenty of chances to thank each other down the line.
Blessings...

Oh drats, Valley. Either you missed the subtle humor or maybe because it sounded funny to me when I wrote it 3:00 this morning.

If you've missed it, others will. Rather than offend, I've modified my post and as Mike says 'retract the thanks' in favor of your initial request.


I'm sure we'll have plenty of chances to thank each other down the line.
Blessings...
Absolutely. Blessings to you, too.

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/thanks_zpsixefprdb.jpg

RunningDeer :heart:

[Valley]

While I see many benefits... I also see the thanks button in a similar way as putting a label on someone, and as has been stated in some posts here, it can be used for several different reasons... and definitely overly fixated upon or identified with. It seems to have become a manipulation game and/or a competition to many... some of the main reasons for my starting this sanctuary here... so everyone can have a place to go on the forums where it is relatively free from that system and all the dramas that go with it.

Thanks for sharing your viewpoint, Carm.

------------------
RD... It's cool...thanks

[Valley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rALVgdoMHk

[Mike]

So we're all thanking now??

Sheesh! Now I have to go back and thank everybody!;)

[Valley]

I'm asking for a sanctuary of no button pushing, but everyone doesn't seem to like the idea of a Sanctuary. Perhaps everyone still 'pushing' can explain their reasoning?... I'd like to hear... as I'm just speculating. Not everyone is 'pushing', but do whatever you feel is right for you.

[Mike]

Sorry Valley, no disrespect - i got carried away with frivolity there....no more button pushing for me. I'm cool with it.

[RunningDeer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rALVgdoMHk

‘Return To Innocence,’ by Enigma is on my top 10. Two more that are similar in effect:


The Power (I’ve got the power.)
nm6DO_7px1I

The Warrior's Prayer - Stuart Wilde
HlLpl8L3h8E

http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii610/WhiteCrowBlackDeer/thanks_zpsixefprdb.jpg

[mojo]

It would be cool if the names on thanks could be anonymous instead of who is saying the thanks (like an audience applause) such as using tick marks or an asterisk for the thanks.

[Cidersomerset]

This has come up before and I looked at a couple of threads and its the
same basic discussion, as you would expect. I use the Thank you button
for various reasons as has probably already been said.........

The links are below of the two previous threads I found , if you want to
see what was said then and read some members previous thoughts/posts.I
seemed a bit grumpy about it at the time , LOL..I'm more chilled about it now ,
though I still use it for basically the same reasons. Its upto the individual member
whether they want to use it and it does not bother me , as its seemed to back then...LOL


MjnkmNyArNg

A wonderful song by the band of Paul McCartney's brother Michael McCartney (Mike McGear). It released in 1967.


===============================================
===============================================


Re: Can we eliminate the "thank you" button - or at least rename it?



I like the Thankyou button.... but tend to use it for several reasons.....

Thank you ....For a putting up the thread...if I've read it ...not 100% of the time...

" " ...General greeting 'Hello'/Hi.....'cheers'

" " ...Acknowledging someone for a answer to a question or query you may have raised.( Paul found a old thread for me yesterday)

Some use it alot, some not so , and some have been on here and not used it at all which I find arrogant, as if 'I know everything already'..
like our illuminatti friend Edward Alexander from Norway ( thanked 1 person ??) and others, but as Paul says its up to individual how they wish to use the tool......

It would be nice to have a hello button, but they may get overused...LOL...generally nice people on Avalon...

'Allo Allo'....'Good Moaning'

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGNVU5ZjlgA

Please & Thankyou costs..'Nowt'...Thanks Alekahn thats something my
mother taught me when I was very young !!!!

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?40168-Can-we-eliminate-the-thank-you-button-or-at-least-rename-it/page3

=======================================================
=======================================================


Re: The "Thanks" Button



This has been discussed before and it really winds me up !!

As far as I'm concerned a thank you has many meanings ...A polite hello, an acknowledgement of a thread, a high how are you...What ever mood you are in its nice to acknowledge
someones efforts....

Ok you may feel its unworthy of your efforts to acknowledge the posts of lesser members ,thats your prerogative !!! I don't thank everyone but if I read a post I usualy acknowledge
with a thank you whether I agree with it or not, to acknowledge their efforts.....Unless of course I don't agree with the thread !!! Then I don't....

There are members on here that have hardly acknowleged anyone and I feel sorry for them for being so 'closed minded',,,,

Just say thank you and acknowledge the efforts of everyone ....Cheers Steve

http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?45052-The-Thanks-Button/page2

[Bluegreen]

Oh goodie
More music always
PjbaHlTl86Q

[Valley]

Welcome... and Thanks for the references Cider... there are similarities, but this thread is quite a bit different with many other personal stories/experiences. The scope of nuances has branched in many different directions after my request for this thread to be a thank-button free zone.

I'm not suggesting we get rid of the button on the whole site like the other thread, just on this one thread, so that we can have the experience of what a (somewhat) button-less environment might look like. There seem to be many other dynamics going on here on this thread.

It seems that some feel like I'm trying take away the button from them, but I'm just asking for a sanctuary from it and all the dramas and decision making that go with it, only on this one thread. A place where we don't have to feel obligated to push it for anyone, and where it's completely fine if your post doesn't get any 'thanks'... it's actually a good thing here, so nobody needs to be discouraged by that.

So it's a very new and unpredictable experience for everyone... and I think many are enjoying the opportunity to speak their mind without having to wonder how many approval buttons might be pushed, or who they should 'push' for.

It's also divided among 'pushers' and 'non-pushers', so everything is all different now on this thread... It's a brand new experience for everyone to be a part of and I think people like a change of pace and the unpredictability aspects.

There is one drawback... one's 'thanks' statistics will be affected... but that doesn't seem to be a big enough reason not to post, for most.

-----------------------
Thanks... Mike : )

[waves]

I'm glad this has been brought up. It appears I'm one of the few who from day one years ago decided not to ever use the thanks button after past experience in other forums, and I'm glad I did. I'll tell you why. It's a number of things, no particular order, and similar in many ways to what Mike wrote of the dilemmas he felt it put him in.

- I can't get past how the unspecific nature of it feels like lying. The grey areas are very frequent where I kind of agree but don't want my name to insinuate I wholly agree.

- If I've put my name in agreement on one post in a thread, it feels to me like I'm shunning or dissing the ones I haven't thanked when I don't mean that. To not feel like I'm lying, being arrogantly selective or stating membership in some prejudicial club I would have to 'thank' every post I don't wholly disagree with anywhere once I've started, then your name popping up constantly loses significance. There's no way out of that conundrum.

- I'd much rather say thanks by saying so or replying in agreement in a post and specifically explaining why.

- I don't need to play the taking sides game or see my name over and over.

- I think some balance is missing with the absence of a disagree button too.

- I'm so not a joiner and especially don't like being expected to behave any certain way or play by some rules... especially when negative assumptions start flying just because I don't want to play. Someone recently finally very much took offense and negatively characterized me here for not being the player he thought I should be for having never thanked him.... ignoring the fact that I wasn't singling him out to 'not thank'.

- That greatly confirmed the ego trip about the thanks button that I knew was lurking, and reaffirmed that I'm glad to have decided to never participate.

I'm used to being the black sheep for sticking to my principles, so I don't mind being criticized for it. More than anything, I'd rather just say specifically what I mean if I have something to say.

So... thanks! for this little refuge from what can also be an expectation and false interpretation button.

[Valley]

It would be cool if the names on thanks could be anonymous instead of who is saying the thanks (like an audience applause) such as using tick marks or an asterisk for the thanks.
Yeah, I think that would be interesting too... then it could just list a number, would say "Received 25 Thanks", instead of taking a much larger chunk of data and page space to list out all the individual names. But I think people like to see who thanked their postings. Maybe if the 'thankers' names were only visible by the poster, and the rest would see just a total thanks number... that would be another option. But people seem to like to have it like it is, where you can see who everyone's followers are and find new like-minded connections... that part seems to work well to me.

I think if one's lifetime thanks statistics were only to be found on a person's profile page, and not right next to their name on every single post... that would help take away most of the drama, would help folks to not make such a big deal about the statistics/averages/ratios etc.

As it is now, it seems that many are in a sort of 'thanks race', thanks per post average, or 'ratio race'. There just seems to be way too much concern on those numbers, and there seems to be underhanded manipulation games of withholding thanks, overthanking to get more 'thanking' followers, retracting thanks, using the thanks button to push someone else's buttons... It just seems so silly to me.

It has become a big stumbling block for the sight's spiritual development, I think... and the main reason it has become such a big deal like that is because those statistics are pasted right next to everyone's pic/avatar/name, on every single post... they can't 'escape' those statistics... it kind of becomes a second identity that one must protect however they possibly can. But those statistics are not us... they are the results of many "thanks pickles" (good one , Mike), overthanking, underthanking, thanks retractions, thanks boycotting, etc... they are not really us at all... just numbers on a screen.
:behindsofa:

[Valley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrkwgTBrW78

[gripreaper]

Dying...to...hit...the...thanks button...Mike. Aaaaaaarrrrgh..........

:bump2:

Uh...thanks?:)

P.s. this thread is really messing with my thanks to post ratio:wink:

Ah Mike, your thanks to post ratio is respectable, ya know what I mean? We have had so much fun with this topic over the years. Remember this thread (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43278-Goodbye-Avalon) Mike? Now, remember how may did not catch that it was a parody?

The joke might be on us this time :)

[Mike]

Dying...to...hit...the...thanks button...Mike. Aaaaaaarrrrgh..........

:bump2:

Uh...thanks?:)

P.s. this thread is really messing with my thanks to post ratio:wink:

Ah Mike, your thanks to post ratio is respectable, ya know what I mean? We have had so much fun with this topic over the years. Remember this thread (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?43278-Goodbye-Avalon) Mike? Now, remember how may did not catch that it was a parody?

The joke might be on us this time :)


Indeed sir. That thread was a gem. and no doubt contributed heavily to your very respectable thanks to post ratio (bastard!:)


I'll admit here: after that thread had gone on for a while and we hadn't heard from you on it again, I thought to myself "wait a second, he *is* kidding....isn't he??? LOL

P.S. I have an inspired idea: a thread where members can go to improve their thanks to post ratio. Simply arrive and post whatever you like, and members that are moved by the spirit of the thing will line up with their thanks. (Note: I will only officially declare this a joke until after I've acquired a sh!tload of thanks and surpassed both Grip's and Purple Lama's all star ratios:bigsmile:)

[PoetFirst]

my right brain sees the living breathing heartfelt truth in a simple thank you...
my left brain gets a instant shot of dopamine by mechanical reward system...

what's left of me gets the right idea!

[Rich]

Nice thread Valley, there are some members that do not give any thanks. Everyone is free not to play this game if they don't feel like it.
I think its a good option to have but you dont have to participate.

[ulli]

This thread has got to be the anti-dote to the Here and Now thread as far as the 'thanks' button goes.

Let's hope any Here and Now visitors who feel pressured by the unwritten law of using the thanks button there can get a little relief here...like a valve.

[Valley]

Welcome, All... (sorry for delayed response... don't always have the time to be online much and wanted to take little break)

What an amazing 'line-up' of thread-works! A beautiful spectrum of posts... that last handful. Thanks for those heartfelt and educational contributions to this particular 'chain-reaction attraction'. Also, a Big Thanks to Everybody who made contributions from the beginning to the thread. I feel it has all led to a much better understanding of the Thanks button and how it can be used and interpreted in many different ways... also, an excellent glimpse into all the dramas, traumas and manipulation games that revolve around the use, abuse, and non-use of the button. I feel there is still much to be learned here, and many more folks out there with their personal stories to tell. I see that there are many different reasons to use, or not use the button, and I feel that many may still struggle with how to use the button most 'appropriately'. Please continue to share, so that we can help 'clear the air', and find a more balanced perspective, respectively speaking.
==============================
Wonderful, Waves... Our first 4 1/2 year veteran non-button pushing member. What a sound case you make for never having felt comfortable pushing the button. Thank you for coming forward with your 'story'.
==============================
Interesting idea Mike for that new thread... maybe you could call it The Thanks Button Testing Thread, or maybe The Thanks Button Exchange Center. : )
==============================
Welcome back Grip... It's a fun trip, ey?
==============================
Welcome PoetFirst... I enjoyed your beautifully 'balanced' and perceptive perspective. Nice to have you 'aboard'.
==============================
Thank you, and Welcome EmEx... I agree, it's all a personal choice here on how, and if, one uses the button.
==============================
Welcome Ulli... glad you could join us. Your coming by for a visit is so nice to see/feel. It sounds like you're aware of some of the difficulties some have around the use of and acceptance of the button. Perhaps you could elaborate a touch more on your well-seasoned experiences and understandings of this topic?
=============================
Blessings All Around...

[Valley]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34jgZMIuR_s

[amor]

I think the thanks button is a wonderful idea. When someone posts at 3:00 a.m. an idea classified in phylosophy which has taken a lifetime of careful original thought to develop and there is absolutely no feedback from anyone, either to add, subtract, criticize it one way or another or develop it further in other original directions, it is disheartening. Literally, "The Light Shineth in Darkness and the Darkness Comprehends it Not." We share information to improve the world's mind and ways, not to be ignored!

When I am directed to an interesting, informative video on You-tube, I am truly grateful to the person who so directed my attention, and I regularly continue on to other you-tube videos which are along the same subject. The Thanks button should remain. In addition to Thanks, we should comment more on ideas which seem original or which move us to our own speculations. This is the true value of Avalon and it should be better developed. Also, original ideas should be given a showing longer than 12 hours in order to stimulate ideas and exploration of all kinds.

[ZooLife]

Thanks for nothing. Of course, what use does nothing have with thanks?

http://certificateofnothing.tripod.com/images/1005_rich.GIF

Since this is not a nothing thread (what thread is?), thanks is in order.

http://www.makingdifferent.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thank-you-cartoon.png

https://otterlover58.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/thanks.jpg

http://media.giphy.com/media/igB2Th9e4nW6s/giphy.gif

http://jokideo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/427047_10150751120908465_129446698464_11576061_1269374352_n.jpg

[Valley]

I think the thanks button is a wonderful idea. When someone posts at 3:00 a.m. an idea classified in phylosophy which has taken a lifetime of careful original thought to develop and there is absolutely no feedback from anyone, either to add, subtract, criticize it one way or another or develop it further in other original directions, it is disheartening. Literally, "The Light Shineth in Darkness and the Darkness Comprehends it Not." We share information to improve the world's mind and ways, not to be ignored!

When I am directed to an interesting, informative video on You-tube, I am truly grateful to the person who so directed my attention, and I regularly continue on to other you-tube videos which are along the same subject. The Thanks button should remain. In addition to Thanks, we should comment more on ideas which seem original or which move us to our own speculations. This is the true value of Avalon and it should be better developed. Also, original ideas should be given a showing longer than 12 hours in order to stimulate ideas and exploration of all kinds.
Welcome amor... thanks for sharing. Responding relevantly to more threads is a good way to get noticed... but because many seem uncomfortable posting to new threads that may seem unpopular, for they will likely get very few 'thanks'... it can be tricky to get responses. I also agree with your sentiments in second paragraph.

All the Best...

[Valley]

You're welcome Zoo... you do... things differently, with multiplicity

Thanks for pitching into this thank think tank...

[giovonni]

In face to face life ...

I've gotten to prefer using the American term ...

Why, Thank You !

Always gracious ... But not expectant.

Now that would be a great forum button !

[ulli]

Welcome Ulli... glad you could join us. Your coming by for a visit is so nice to see/feel. It sounds like you're aware of some of the difficulties some have around the use of and acceptance of the button. Perhaps you could elaborate a touch more on your well-seasoned experiences and understandings of this topic?

I try to thank everyone who posts on my thread, simply for making a contribution.
A matter of courtesy.
This is not about judgement....whether I like or dislike what they say.
I do feel guilty if I slip up. The habit was established early on in 2011,
and I would not dream of changing anything.
There are other systems out there which are more in need of change, like electoral systems of governments, or antiquated traditions.
But I commend you for running this experiment.

[Valley]

Welcome, Giovonni... Yeah, I think it would be refreshing to see some more experimentation with different Buttons and/or site formatting... like maybe an area where all members' names and stats are invisible... or maybe a place where no words are used, just images, videos, etc. Maybe there are other ideas out there for additional site features???
Thanks for dropping by.
------------------------------------
Right, Ulli... I normally now like to thank all contributors also to a thread I start, but don't really like using any rules when it comes to giving thanks... everyone has different reasons for using the button. I'm sure I probably missed thanking a few here by name on this thread, when it was really busy at the beginning... but it's a little more work here for me where I'm not using the button. I'm still using it elsewhere on the site, and everyone please feel free to 'thank' me outside the sanctuary, if inclined. It may not be a perfect system, but it is useful to and appreciated by many.
:thank_you2:

[Valley]

Happy 100th reply...
To All for passing by
In this game we have played here
With a 'rule' we need not fear

Responses have been rich
Confrontations few
Tickling that old itch
Molding something new

Opening up to the sky
Taking back in reply

Looping back around
Turning up the shine
Feeling what we found
Digging in the mine


-Thank you... to Everyone who posted, thanked, didn't thank, and viewed
:clap2:

[ZooLife]

One needs not be consciously thankful to be thankful. Even those with a bad disposition in the end, if given the opportunity to review their life will be thankful for living it.... even the most miserable part of it.

I will continue the use of the 'thanks' button but if I should not use it does not mean I am not thankful for every member and what they have to express on Avalon.

Zoo

[Valley]

One never needs to worry if they should hit the button, or not. You can always consult an 'oracle' if you are unsure...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puZm-cN2heQ