Do you give a comment a 'GA' or 'great answer' if you think it's a genuinely 'great answer' or is there another reason?

I do it when it perfectly answers the question…or it really makes me laugh

I do when it perfectly answers the question, makes me laugh or is a really cogent well argued point. I will never GA a badly written answer.

I give them if I agree with the answer and I feel it was the first time the thoughts were given.

I will also if they really make me laugh. Really hard. Some people make jokes way to often and some are just chuckles. I need to feel it in my chest.

Also, when I am debating someone and they show me my thinking is wrong and why it is so, in a polite and mature manner I will give them as well.

I give GA’s with some thought. Originality, humorous humor, clarity, new info for me.

This very topic was discussed only five days ago here.

I do it when it teaches me something or really makes me laugh

@Marina My apologies. I should have investigated similar questions which have been asked previously before asking my own.

@Nially_Bob don’t worry, it happens to everyone and people will understand :)

@Nially_Bob no problem, questions cycle. It’s just when the same questions are that close together that it may impact the kind and amount to responses you get. Also, I though you might want to read some of the responses on that thread.

I do it when I feel like it and my reasons vary.

I do it when I lurve their answers

*When another commenter says what I would have liked to then I don’t write anything

*A point of view I’d not considered but see being very beneficial

*Something too hilarious to pass up

*A comment by someone I’m not necessarily in agreement with but who is making a great argument without being an asshole.

*Poems

daloon’s rump

sometimes i feel that people who have been using this sort of site for a long time stick together and it can be hard to get in…a bit like a clique…people who are used to seeing certain others post, or others who also have lots of points already….
i’m not saying that that’s what happens at fluther…but this sort of site….and forums in general…sometimes i wonder….and then i think i must be imagining it…hard to tell really…

but i do like the points system here….mainly only points awarded if people specifically single your posts out….and the possibility of repeated points if lots like the same post….

one thing i’ve noticed…easier to post a funny reply than it is to post a funny question…in fact i was told the question i tried was too simple…...but that’s fair enough, rules is rules….

I mark the great answer of nearly every Q & A to show my appreciation of the participation of the other users, but when I particularly like an answer, I comment with a “GA”.

What’s the problem with giving out a GA because you agree with the answer? Surely that shows a perspicaciousness not normally found in other people?

I suppose I might give someone a GA whose argument I didn’t agree with, but almost was moved by, but in general, I’m not in the habit of rewarding people who don’t see the world the way I do.

@daloon It only shows perspicaciousness if the person and yourself are correct, otherwise it’s just misplaced conviction.
Only rewarding those who agree with you is a rather naive and myopic way to approach the world no?

@applesaucemanny @Marina Thank you for your encouragement. I am indeed interested by the replies that have been shared on the previous question.

@Nially_Bob; Only rewarding those who agree with you is a rather naive and myopic way to approach the world, no?

Aye.

@Nially_Bob And you would hold incorrect opinions because…..????

@daloon You are unaware that they are incorrect or are determined to keep them regardless.

You have to be unaware they are incorrect. If you knew they were incorrect, you would change to the correct point of view (assuming opinions can be said to be correct or not).

My point is that if someone said something to make you change your mind, you would then agree with them, and be giving a GA to someone you agreed with. If you don’t agree, then you must think their thinking is faulty, and if that’s the case, how could they possibly write a GA?

This is not like grading papers where you give people points for effort. This is about real ideas that people really believe (unless they are making fun of something or being sarcastic). If you are serious and you write something you don’t believe, what’s the point?

I sincerely apologise @daloon. Whether it is due to my following a link and then not proceeding to scan the information therein or some other reason I was not aware of your reply.
What I am attempting to explain is that an answer you agree with may not display the perspicaciousness of its author because you, as well as they, could be wrong and to be perspicacious means to have keen mental perception and understanding. Believing something that is wrong does not strike me as being particularly perceptive nor understanding.
You could give a GA to someone who you thought was incorrect in their beliefs for various reasons. The civility and eloquence of their approach, the respect they offer, the valid evidence that they put forward for their argument etc. It’s possible to appreciate a well formed argument even if you believe its conclusion to be incorrect.
A person could be serious and write something they don’t believe to get a basic idea of the “opposite side” of the argument thus assisting them to better develop the defence of their beliefs.