new thread
When people take the time to say encouraging things and nice compliments whenever replying to someone's hair updates, it is considered common courtesy to at least acknowledge that you've read their reply, and better yet, to eventually say the words "thank you" somewhere. This is especially true for frequent posters that have been a part of this community for awhile.
I'm not singling out any one person in particular right now, just making a general statement, because I've noticed a definite decline in thank you's as of recently.
It's a simple thing, and yet the side benefits are amazing:
1) it often starts a more interesting dialogue, sometimes even a deeper conversation;
2) it helps build a feeling of community, rather than just all of us showing off our hair individually, as if some kind of a contest.
3) it shows greater mutual support, rather than just an empty one-sided sort of feeling afterwards.
If you have the time to post a pic of yourself, then by all means you certainly must have the time & curiosity to read any replies to that pic.... Doesn't it also make sense to at least eventually follow up with a simple, "Thanks for all the nice replies!" to the group as a whole -- or something similar to that? Extra points go to those guys who reply to each comment individually; but I realize most of us don't always have that much spare free-time to do that...
Just for fun, I'm not going to reply to anyone who posts to my thread here. I'm feeling too lazy and too disinterested to comment back to anybody at the moment; plus, I have to go to work now (LOL)....
A little food for thought!
- Ken in San Francisco
Thanks for the thought! ;-}
Hi Ken,
Thanks for yet another insightful post! You make some excellent points. I for one have plenty of time to reply to many posts here since I am on disability. I always check here for new updates and posts, especially when I am on dialysis at the clinic. The computer and internet helps greatly to pass the required 4 hours it takes me to get through a dialysis treatment. I thank everyone greatly for their posts here and look forward to each and every one. So, thanks for the food for thought, Ken!
Take care everyone, Ted
Hi Ken in San Francisco:)
I understand what you are saying as I've noticed the same with some participants on this board.I realize people are busy and may not have the kind of spare time to write replies.However if you have the time to post a new thread,then you should respond back to people who've taken time to comment to that thread.I normally make it a point to do that as I appreciate those who comment on my posts:)Also your point about expanding on conversation is valid as I've seen that happen a lot in the past.You get to know the members better and learn about their other interests.I like it when I find another user having similar interests to mine.As a final point, conversation has resulted with me meeting many board participants in person as I feel more comfortable doing that once I know a person well through conversation.Obviously that reflects on me meeting you Ken some years ago after getting to know you better through mlhh:)Thanks for the post Ken.Cheers
Mârk
Well put Ken,
Thanks for stating what you did on this matter. It's something that has annoyed me from time to time.(non-response)
peace, jonalbear
Hi Ken,
I really have to give you a big cheer, and a hearty "thumbs up", for making this post, and saying something that really needed to be said. There is absolutely nothing that can replace common courtesy or good manners, and yes, things like this DO get noticed.
In fact, I can think of someone who really has excellent hair, who posts frequent updates, but I simply don't feel like replying to his updates anymore, mainly because he never thanks so much as one person, not even a "generic" reply. In fact, there was an instance where he even asked for advice about something relating to his hair, by starting a thread, and did not even acknowledge those who took the time to give him some useful advice. Naturally, I don't want to "single anyone out" either, as you said, but some people do pop into my mind right away after reading your post.
Generally, people who are courteous and take the time to thank those who reply to their updates will find that more people are willing to support them in the future.
Thanks again, Ken!
David
and may I add a hearty Amen!