I think it   has led to  a decline in dialog.

I am guilty of it.  It's so easy to click the like button and move on.

I think it leads to a balkanization of members. We don't have to  communicate with each other we can just click like and   - - well - - ya can't even buy a  cup of coffee with a million of 'em.

I think it should end.

I can't be the only one.

I'm not disagreeing with your sentiment, but there's often nothing I want to replay to a post, but still want the poster to know I've read it and how I felt about what was said.

It's a valid and good point Cliff. I would like to add as well, if you see who liked or loved your topic, you'll also see that many if not all also replied to the topic as well.

I agree with Fred about letting someone know I looked at their post and enjoyed the content. I wish I had time to write something positive for everyone. 

1 hour ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

I'm not disagreeing with your sentiment, but there's often nothing I want to replay to a post, but still want the poster to know I've read it and how I felt about what was said.

I echo Fred's thoughts. Sometimes it seems adequately appropriate to acknowledge in this matter versus add my words which only expand the thread. JMHO.

Many times I have nothing substantive that I can say in responce to a post but I like to let the poster know that I have read and appreciate the information.   Without the likes, loves, cares, etc. the poster would have no idea who has read his/her post. The dialog is great and appreciated by everyone, but sometimes just an acknologement  is appreciated. Just my take.

 

I very much agree with Cliff that it’s the replies that get the attention from the poster, and gives them feedback on their post. But like a lot of people here sometimes I have nothing to add (I mean who’d take my comments on anything woodworking wise, since pretty much everyone here is more experienced than me.), but I want to let them know I did read the post, and I’m happy they posted it. I have disagreed with some posts, I just didn’t push any buttons. I have tried to make some posts, and replies, to let some of my co-inexperienced  members here see they are not alone. I mean the bar is set pretty darn high here. End result is I agree with Cliff enough to try and up my replies. (Like this one, I’m already doing it! LOL)

I am in Fred's camp here. 

I will also add that I can read most every new post and respond to a couple and like/love/be confused over all of them... or I could read 1/10th of the new posts and respond to each.  I would miss a lot of good info if I chose the latter option, or miss a lot of my day if I spent all day on the computer trying to read them all.