I am writing this as a "post", and not a front page story.  It is my opinion as a member, not as a staffer, and I haven't consulted with other staffers about it.  It is my idea, and mine alone.  So here it is...

You know how folks often compliment a comment by typing "+1" or something similar?  It is a very nice gesture, and it is always appreciated by the person who gets it.  But may I suggest a different tack?  Please consider going to the comment you appreciate, clicking the "actions" link, and clicking "rec" (for "recommended").  This is really the "official" SBN way to appreciate a comment, and does much more.

For example, after enough rec's, the comment turns a bright green color.  You can still type "+1", or type "rec'd", or anything witty or grateful that you come up with.  But let's use the rec'd button a little more, and take thanking fellow members to a higher level.

We should always rec a good post or story if we like it, and we each have (and should have) our own individual standards for such.  I'm an older guy, and I don't get the whole "Tweet", "Face", etc stuff you can do.  (Heck, I don't understand Tweet, so how in the heck am I supposed to understand "RE-Tweet"?)

But let's give those comments we like a rec here and there too.  If you type "+1", why not go ahead and tip the comment towards a colorful reward while you're at it?

Just sayin.

:  )