The 'Thanks' is an 'add-on' modification which uses part of the vBulletin 'reputation' (Karma) system, so technically for a given post, you can only do one or the other. Thanking someone does add Karma points just as the Karma button does. The difference is if you give someone 'Karma' it allows you to add a comment. Personally I like the idea of being able to add a comment.

There is a software upgrade I have to do soon. It may end up that the Karma button will disappear and will be replaced by the 'Thanks' button which will allow people to leave a short comment. But - That's up in the air right now.

You don't see any because no one has given you any yet. If you participate and help others, usually sooner or later someone will give you Karma (or Thanks).

Right Sir,but in my posts karma power is showing 1,so I am confused.

Pankaj :confused:

I'm a little confused as to how the "Thanks" mechanism works. Do I need to just say the word "thanks" in my posting, or do I need to include some particular icon?

I'm a little confused as to how the "Thanks" mechanism works. Do I need to just say the word "thanks" in my posting, or do I need to include some particular icon?

Look at the bottom right corner of any post and you will see a "thumbs up" icon. If you wish to thank someone for the post, just click on that icon. That will automatically place a "Thanks" bar on the bottom of the post showing your name as having thanked them. When people like what you have written or wish to thank you, the same applies. They simply click on the icon in your post.

Dave

I'm a little confused as to how the "Thanks" mechanism works. Do I need to just say the word "thanks" in my posting, or do I need to include some particular icon?

I appreciate you asking the question. Many different discussion forums operate differently, thus it's very fair to check out about such things.

In the end, the "thanks" is available to every Cover to extend to every other Cover, for whatever the motivation is. Here are a few that I have observed:

1. Someone posted a question (or a problem), and a post contributed to a solution. The "thanks" may come from the OP (Original Poster, of the question), a moderator(s), and other members.

2. A "thanks" may be given when an individual took the time/effort to attach a document, or take the time to make a suitable search on the Internet for material.

3. It is also useful when someone takes the time to write a good post. A good post is professional, courteous, persuasive, authoritative, and enjoyable/ thought-provoking. I have been persuaded many times to change my belief on something, simply due to a great post someone made here, backing up their position. To me, that time/effort deserves a kudo.

4. Many times one of the Covers will adequately answer a post/question. Instead of me feeling I need to repeat the same thing and make another post, I will give a "thanks" to the one who initially made the post.

5. There are some Covers with some extremely valuable experience/ knowledge in certain areas. They are willing to offer valuable assistance for free here. That deserves a tip of the hat.

6. This is my own here. Any of the statistical-analysis responses should always get a nod, as they generally are more time-consuming than opinion type questions.

7. Some of the contributors have been here a long time, contributing when needed, moderating when necessary, and basically, behind-the-scenes helping develop the feeling here to be as excellent as it is. They too, deserve recognition.

In the end, I enjoy reading every single person's posts, whether it is their 1 or their 10,000 post. Each are taken at their merit, and regardless of the karma, title, degree, etc. of any Cover, if you enjoyed someone's post, or they helped you in even a little way, it might not be a bad idea to throw them a thanks.:)

This is my own here. Any of the statistical-analysis responses should always get a nod, as they generally are more time-consuming than opinion type questions.

You are not alone, Brad. I noticed that too. They often took the trouble to key in the data, analyse it, proposed solutions or new angles to look at the problem, post their findings and then do the necessary follow-ups.

Hats up to these people. We all know who they are - if not, just look at the relevant forum: Gage R&R and MSA (Measurement Systems Analysis) (http://elsmar.com/Forums/forumdisplay.php?f=91). SPC Monitoring and Statistical Analysis Techniques (http://elsmar.com/Forums/forumdisplay.php?f=19)