On Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:06:03 +0530, stakanov
<stakanov@no-mx.forums.opensuse.org> wrote:
>
> Well, it is also a new phenomenon in English speaking countries to avoid
> the word thank you. Especially AFAIK (as far as I know) in UK where the
> wording is apparently retained “too personal” so there was a fashion to
> substitute it with “cheers”. Now whether this is wrong or right as an
> explanation, IMO (in my opinion) it is neither negative nor bad to say
> thank you one time too much. When I take the bus I am always astonished
> about the “loss of the little shell of civilization” that should be
> present, at least spuriously. People do not say anymore: good morning,
> have a nice day, thank you and for whatever sake never say “please”!!!
> Totally “antisocial” of the good urban survival barbarian. You may step
> silently on toes, sit fast before the elderly person can and try
> whatever to get a short-sighted personal advantage. The alternative
> (verrrrry costly) is to behave like a thinking human being with a bit of
> empathy for the other “cohabitants” of the urban jungle.
> So thank you for everybody having the good manner to say thank you,
> still.
> Have a good day, and thank you for asking.
>
thank you – your explanation makes sense, and i agree that a “thank you”
too much is much better than one less than would be required or decent.
still, i also was tempted to write to one senior forum member here
privately, a long time ago, asking about the wisdom of adding “thank you”
to his signature. i thought this would diminish the value of the phrase,
applying it without consideration, in all circumstances.
i don’t have anything in my signature (even though i think i could have
one by now), prefering to add whatever i feel appropriate at the moment.
often it’s “thank you,” more often nothing but my name, like when i’m
answering a question which didn’t bring any new insights for me, but there
are other options, too: “have a nice day” when i’m not particularly happy
with a reply, or “have a nice life” when i decided to plonk someone.
strange thing i noticed though: even if i know that “thank you” has been
added pro-forma, part of someone’s signature, i still feel nice for a
moment reading it! the mind takes whatever comforts it can find,
apparently, and such a pro-forma “thank you” seems to be part of that.
another consideration may be that if you know you’re going to end your
post with “thank you,” you’ll probably take care to remain civil &
friendly throughout, if just in order to not look silly blasting somebody
and adding “thank you” at the end.
so in general, i think it isn’t a bad idea, while personally i prefer to
add whatever i think most appropriate to each post.
–
phani.