How you do you feel when someone "likes" your MyLot post or comment--but doesn't respond?
By The Horse
@TheHorse (205553)
Walnut Creek, California
November 3, 2015 10:11am CST
I read a post (discussion) this morning asking whether "liking" posts and comments had become a trend on MyLot. It got me to thinking about how I feel when others like my stuff, but don't comment.
I realized that to me, it basically means "Have a nice day." Conversation over. That said, I also realized that I've been making some effort to like posts and comments after I respond, but I'm not sure why.
Given that we're rewarded here for comments on our posts and responses, a like only sometimes feels like "snub" to me. But it's also true that there are times when we simply have nothing to add.
How do you feel when you receive a like but no comment. Is it more like, "Ah, that was sweet?" Or is it more like, "Oh, come on! You must have SOMETHING to say!"?
38 people like this
43 responses
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
3 Nov 15
I think it's important to recognise that people don't always have something to say. Not all posts prompt a response and silence is sometimes better than 'Hmm, interesting' or some dumb comment that shows they didn't understand it at all. If I read something and 'like' it, I'm telling someone 'yes, I popped by, I read your post, I liked it but I don't have anything to say about the topic'. That's all.
6 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
@boiboing That's a tough one. My thought is: Thanks for the $00.02, but if you write nonsense, or miss my irony entirely (or whatever), I might not be able to respond in kind. Conversely, thoughtful responses to my posts are my primary route to others' posts.
@jaboUK (64361)
• United Kingdom
3 Nov 15
I prefer it when people comment as well, but I do understand that not everybody will have something to say. A like is surely better than them moving, on and you never knowing that they were here. It's just them acknowledging the effort you've put into your post.
On the other hand, I can't understand someone leaving a favourable comment, then not bothering to like the post. That happens too.
5 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73326)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Nov 15
@TheHorse When I receive likes but no comments I often wonder if it means that they like my post or if they just politely ticked like. I also wonder where everyone else is and why this happens.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
@RasmaSandra Yep, I enjoy it more when I fancy I've written something interesting enough that others are motivated to comment. A like is just kind of "hello/goodbye"!
3 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
I might use a like as a way of saying "Thanks for responding to my post, but I have nothing to add at this time." I'm sure I've gotten all involved in a comment (like this one) and forgotten/neglected to like the comment I'm responding to. Maybe I'll do it now, to prove my point! (smiley face emoticon)
4 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
3 Nov 15
This has confused me at times. It seems reasonable for someone not to respond to my discussion because it may not appeal to them. However, if they actually claim to like the discussion then it seems strange that they have nothing to add.
5 people like this
@Asylum (47893)
• Manchester, England
3 Nov 15
@PhredWreck Yes, that does make sense.
4 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
24 Nov 15
@PhredWreck That's when I might like but not comment. Actually, another instance is when the post is interesting and well-written, but too dang long for me to get through right now.
1 person likes this
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
16 Nov 15
I like quite a few posts that I don't comment on - it's a genuine gesture, even if it's not worth the 10th of a cent that a response brings in. I usually read the comments before responding, and sometimes there is really nothing new to add. My problem seems to be the reverse - I usually end up with more comments than likes.
4 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
16 Nov 15
@troyburns that's how it was in the old mylot. we were told to read everything first before responding so we don't repeat what others have said. at that time, the responses were divided to 10 per page. there was also a +, - and ! button for each response and comment back then. that's why i'm used to liking (regardless if it got paid or not), but like you said, i can guarantee that it's a genuine gesture.
3 people like this
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
24 Nov 15
@TheHorse - I'm keen to see who has been visiting my discussions, even if they don't leave a comment. Sometimes, there really isn't anything to say or add,and it annoys me when I see posts with screeds of empty,meaningless comments.
3 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
4 Nov 15
Someone liking my post/comments/discussion is alright, after all it is his/her choice whether to post response/comments or not. However, I enjoy more with those users who believe in continuing the conversation/interaction, therefore, I prefer to read comments/counter-comments/sub-comments. I myself keep commenting on a friend's response to someone else's post (not my post) so as to trigger a conversation.
Needless to say that before commenting, I make it a point to press the like button.
3 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
4 Nov 15
@TheHorse It is good to hear that you like conversations.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
5 Nov 15
@dpk262006 It makes this site suitable for my style. And I don't mind digressions. In real life, conversations take twists and turns. But they're still satisfying.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215325)
• Chile
3 Nov 15
For me a "like" means nothing. It sounds as that How do you do that is answered in the same way. I want to say "I´m fine", I´m dying", I´m angry".
Even when we don´t have anything to say, maybe an emoticon will help. There are the "hug" emoticons and the "happy" ones. You name it.
@marguicha (215325)
• Chile
26 Nov 15
@TheHorse Sometimes we want to express biggers ideas or thoughts, sometimes, as you say, it can be something smaller. But I want people to show that they really read my post. If I am not sure at all, I will not seek a relation with them in the future.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
But comments that add no content are frowned upon by the powers that be. That's kind if what like is for. I'd rather a comment that says "Yeah, I've experienced that too. But have you considered this..." Something that makes me think and want to continue the conversation. But even a basic "Good point. I hadn't thought of that," or "I think you're full of beans." is OK now and then, I suppose.
3 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
26 Nov 15
@marguicha I agree with you entirely here. I want to know that they considered what I said.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
3 Nov 15
sometimes other commentators said all that I would have said so my comments would add nothing to the conversation. A polite like is better than nothing.
3 people like this
@valmnz (17099)
• New Zealand
24 Nov 15
@TheHorse I far prefer comments, but if someone has nothing to say, that's their choice. I don't actually take any notice of who has liked a discussion, I'm here to enjoy myself. I interact with those who make comments, so those who don't probably don't see me visiting them.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
5 Nov 15
@else34 i will still like a discussion, response or comment regardless if they are paid or not. but if i keep coming across the same response or comment from someone that they're getting annoyed by it, should i start listing down their names and check that list every time i read and feel like liking something? 
1 person likes this
@NeldaHoxie (1381)
• United States
12 Nov 15
I want people to do what is genuine. If that's their genuine response, then that's fine with me. I really don't worry about stuff like that. I do try and comment on each post I read. I'm so "talkative" that's usually not hard for me to do.
2 people like this
@carexing25 (1818)
• Philippines
4 Nov 15
for me "like" is simply giving acknowledgement to the post, it's a way of some appreciation, I am one of them and my reason is that I simply can't say anything anymore coz it's already been said and sometimes I really ran out of words, and Asians like me, I should admit that some of us are having difficulty with English.. haha! 
I get conscious with my grammar at times coz it might create some misunderstanding..
I mostly get likes than comments and I appreciate it, at least I know that someone took time to read my post. 
I get conscious with my grammar at times coz it might create some misunderstanding..
I mostly get likes than comments and I appreciate it, at least I know that someone took time to read my post. 2 people like this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
4 Nov 15
Good point. In someone else's post, there's a discussion of how little acknowledgement/encouragement there is in the world these days. A like does that, just a little bit. I wouldn't worry about language--people can always ask questions!
1 person likes this
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Nov 15
I haven't paid attention to whether it has happened to me or not. I know, that I, myself, will always like, comment or respond. If I don't respond to a discussion, I won't like it either, even though it has good content. I just have nothing to say to it. I would rather hit like once I cam comment or respond. This is just my opinion though, and others might feel differently. That is just the way I do it is all.
1 person likes this
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 Nov 15
@sugartoes When I see a topic that seems interesting, I will start reading, and once I have read it, if I can post a response I will, otherwise I will move on to one I can respond to. I also like any that I respond to or comment back on. I have some discussions where the comments are off topic, but they have become funny, and I keep commenting back. I think that most times, the comments will take on a life of their own, and will end up off topic, but as long as we interact, and do our part, then it is fine.
@rosekiss (30380)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 Nov 15
@sugartoes Yea, I certainly agree with you on that one.It is like chatting with the family, isn't it? I am so very happy that i have made lots of friends in here. The more friends we make, the more moneu we can make, and I am certainly liking that.
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
3 Nov 15
I want to comment and respond back whenever possible - but my time here is just so limited. I don't mean to snub anyone! As long as it is in the notifications still, I do try to get back to everyone - it's just hard to keep it all up! So my apologies in advance if I do that - I'm trying - I really am! 
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
4 Nov 15
You and me are in the same boat, we love to keep the conversation going. 
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
5 Nov 15
@much2say - Yes, you responded to a post which was few years older. Thanks for your comments and the spirit involved in posting comments.
1 person likes this
@much2say (53959)
• Los Angeles, California
4 Nov 15
@dpk262006 We do! Although it may take a while to get back to each other. I think recently I finally responded to you from a post that was created well over a couple years ago! 
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
3 Nov 15
I would rather a 'like' than nothing! I have liked something a few times w/o leaving a comment - sometimes they just isn't anything left to say and 'ditto' doesn't cut it.
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
7 Nov 15
@TheHorse Believe it or not, I don't always have something to say.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
7 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill Incredible! I thought you ALWAYS had something to say! I'm feeling fairly verbose this morning, so I'm cruising around leaving some comments.
2 people like this
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
27 Nov 15
Without reading any of the other responses: I sometimes "like" as I am skimming my notifications, then come back later to comment. Sometimes, if I don't like what I read, a response goes on , with no reflective "like". So many permutations...
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
3 Nov 15
@TheHorse I wear the letters off my keyboards within a month - I have heavy fingers I guess!
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill At least I know that the "i" is to the left of the "o" now. I never would have thought about it. Do you have fingernails? I notice that my "u" is starting to fade now as well. Another vowel that falls victim to my right hand (the one with the longish fingernails for guitar).
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205553)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Nov 15
Hey, just leave a comment, forget like, and let your other keys wear thin! Interestingly, it's my "i" and "o" keys that no longer have letters on them. Are those commonly used letters? My theory: they're vowels, which are commonly used, and they're to the right, where they experience the wrath of my guitar-picking right hand fingernails.
1 person likes this
