I don't know the answer to the like button at the moment but I'm going to play Devil's advocate for a minute. If we click Like instead typing thanks, does that keep more relevant content in a thread rather than diluting it with Thanks? I do see what you're saying and I will look at whether we can remove it or not but we're going to need to think about whether it's useful. Let me know what you think.
It can be taken any way, dependent on the individuals psycy. but in general it will be seen as something positive. And dish out a positive feeling to the poster. And therefore is more likley to garner, a reponse. It should increase familiarity, friendships, like minded people to come together. And greater conversation. Its a nod, or a wink, or an I agree. Whatever it is its positive. I read a lot of things and think um yeh yeh, but dont type anything, because thats un-needed. Because I already know it. But If I agree with it. I'll tick it. Reinforcement, always strengthens a persons confidence, and we must remember there no 'tone' on the internet.
Its just obviously a welcome addition to anyones post to receive some form of positive reinforcement.
That should be obvious. And in the end, may result in less moderation required.
It just makes communication clearer. Between peoples.
The alternative is dont have it, and people who put effort into, i dont know , making a sheath, then post pictures, see its had 100 views and no responses , is demoralising. and that happens quite a lot actually. Its so much easier for whaterver specific reason to go OOOO! Like that. Click, tick, done. The alternative is despondency.
Trust me, its a good thing for the site. And it needs it frankly.