It's healthy to show appreciation, even if it is impersonal. It moves in the direction of goodness. It has the potential to push back the dark, even if it is just the poster's dark.

So while we're at it, you are specifically great! Just for showing up and expressing some thoughts here. and keifermiller is too.

So much to say, so little time. Luckily hubski is great. I am marking final exams and while it's kinda great to see that some of my students actually learned things, it does get tedious.

The question I am marking now is admittedly weird, but sums up so much of my course that I can't help but ask it. Here it is:

Before responding to or criticizing a partner’s suggestion, this course suggests that you say, “Tell me more” or paraphrase the suggestion and add, “Is that it?” Answer each of the three questions below with reference to each of the phrases ("Tell me more." and "Is that it?")

1) How does this phrase affect the interaction?

2) What happens to you when you say that phrase?

3) What is the effect on the other person when he or she hears the phrase?