Why do we "rec" a post? I can only state why I do---

[Atticus]

Some posts are just like "Dayum, everybody! Read this!" It may be profound, startling, heart-rending or hilarious, but it "grabbed"
me and I want to share the experience.

Some posts say what I feel and say it as I wish I had.

Some posts disagree with me but set out arguments or facts I hadn't encountered and made me think and reconsider.

Some relate some personal crisis or tragedy and I rec in hopes that doing so makes the poster feel less alone.

Some ask questions that I can't answer but I hope someone else can.

These are some of my reasons to rec.

Yours?

[rampartc]

1. is a "rec" a stronger endorsement than a "like? "

[Atticus]

2. How long is a string? nt

[rampartc]

6. the question may be answerable

"If string theory is to be a theory of quantum gravity, then the average size of a string should be somewhere near the length scale of quantum gravity, called the Planck length, which is about 10-33 centimeters."

[tblue37]

12. Is it better under water if you stand there in the rain? Is it shorter to New York than it

is by train?

Inquiring minds want to know!

[lunatica]

7. A recommend and responding to a thread will keep the thread

At the top of the column so more people see it. If no one responds to a thread and no one recs it the thread will quickly sink down the column and soon disappears.

[hlthe2b]

3. Sometimes because I strongly agree, but more often because it should get more attention.

Given how fast GD moves, it is a given that unless a thread makes an "early splash" with responses and recs, it rapidly fades away.

[lunatica]

4. I rec for all the reasons you do

I really like sharing knowledge and there is plenty of that in DU. And funny. I love spreading funny around!

[patricia92243]

5. No ''like" button so I use rec button instead. Wish we had "like" button on responses.

[erronis]

13. Agree. "Rec" is just to keep the thread alive. But Like/Hate/Vote/etc. are much more nuanced.

As others have said, I'll Rec a thread because it seems worthy of being read.

Frequently I'd like to give a Thumbs Down/Up because I don't agree with the OP.

However my biggest wish is to have a way to give a kudo/+++ to a particular poster in a thread who is saying what I want to say. Seems silly to add a new post with "K&R" just for that porpoise.

[lame54]

8. I always feel weird rec-ing a post of personal tragedy...

"My mother just died." - rec

[The Polack MSgt]

9. I rec a lot of threads

because I believe that folks want to know that their thoughts are appreciated. If I smiled or thought or saw appoint of view I'm unfamiliar with - Click the rec button

If I believe it should get a wider audience I'll do the "K&R nt" or "Kick for visibility" reply.

In general though, I probably rec 7 or 8 times more OPs than I reply to.

[SCantiGOP]

10. Reasons I never rec:

All caps, or BS clickbait in the title like Boom!, or Read This Now!, or (fill in the blank) Of The Day, etc.

[gratuitous]

11. One criterion, really

A post has to say what a swell guy that gratuitous chap is.

[erronis]

14. --- (Never used that before but now's the time.)

Actually like your comments and am covetous of gratuitous.