When I post I like the thanks because it lets me know the OP read whatever support I could give them.

I have to agree with the others here that want to make sure that this site is not any kind of "popularity" contest. The "likes and dislikes" that are found on facebook or even in the comments on articles presented by Yahoo, that is something very different than what PC is meant to be, at least what I thought the purpose for PC was. And it certainly isn't a contest on "who has the best post" for someone who is struggling and asking a question either. And it isn't a "voting" site either, which adding up "likes" can seem to mean to some.

Members have a hard time just trying to make sure that new members who start a thread get some kind of support, never mind adding up how many likes might come from an effort to "try" to be supportive.

Dont forget that often members who "try to be supportive" and find the courage to post to someone, well, that can be a "big step" for someone, so we absolutely don't want to make anyone feel "judged" somehow for whatever effort they may be able to muster up.

IMO, in a site with many that can be in a "delicate" state of mind, alot of thought has to go into adding anything that could possibly cause any kind of "hurt". While it is nice for someone to see some likes, because it "can" give confidence, the fact that it can also lead to someone feeling like they are unliked or unworthy somehow, well that is more than enough reason to not allow that to happen.

Simple is better, especially for someone who might be really struggling. I have been there myself and the hugs were helpful to me because I sure wasn't getting that elsewhere at the time.

Open Eyes