tropic summarized it well, I think I do for just about same reasons.

If I may add to pet peeves: question similar to ...what is wrong with my plant?... without any id and no photo. I also believe that giving general location helps...

I will sometimes comment just to give encouragement, even if I don't know the answer. I don't know if this is bad or not.

Tropic makes a good point about making sure to check for replies. Sometimes it is a few days before I get back here, bc I don't use a smartphone. So depending where I am ... I may have to fire up a desktop. It is rare though that I don't come back around to see what people have to say. There is a lot of knowledge here and I tell all my plant friends about these fora, esp this one.

tropic's a and b are familiar. I also like to encourage newbies to hang around or be patient while others get to their question, or try to motivate someone to take the good advice they've been offered.

My big failing IMO is that many times I've run on and on about whatever comes to mind, which might put people off or overwhelm them.

Pet peeves:

--old timers got so involved with arguing about their competing theories that they ran roughshod over a new member who just needed a little help. It's the kind of thing that happens in online forums, and I always feel bad when someone runs away before they learn about all the good stuff.

--members who get angry and even aggressive when someone doesn't or can't take their advice, as though it were mostly unconscionable to live any other way.

I agree with the others :-)

I'm most likely to respond if I like the presentation of the Poster - polite questions or well-written information, clear and useful images, and engagement with those offering responses.

I'm also more likely to respond if I grow the plant (or have experience with the topic) in discussion, and if I'm able to offer sound information. If excellent information has already been given, I'll often simply throw my support in agreement with the previous comments.

Pet peeves: lack of images, unclear images, or improperly oriented images.

Josh

I respond if I am super sure of the answer or if I'm kind of sure an no one else responds.

I also help out if someone is really worried or sad.

pet peeves: when people write incoherent messages or don't break things into paragraphs.

Al, pretty little plant my friend!

Tropic has my vote along with everyone else..

My biggest pet peeve is when one gives bad advice and is determined to ruffle a few feathers as if they enjoy doing it...Then they disappear only to repeat and offend again down the road after peace and harmony have existed for a while here. Then too there is the lack of proof, pictures, support from those who like to push their own agenda not in harmony with great growing practices..

I do post when I can see that someone is encouraging others to have bad growing practices or preach old wives tales, to many to mention..

What I think is rude is when one asks for advice and gets it, and can not take the time to say thank you, acknowledge your help, or never comes back..

I can see the genuine ones here that really do want to learn, that really do care, and that love to help others and this draws me into conversation or helps me stick around..

What bothers me too is when there is disagreement or difference of opinion, and the parties can't learn to forgive and work in harmony with each other...Some even give up these forums entirely over a stupid misunderstanding...

I love the commonality we all share. Each of us is at a different place on our journeys and can really learn from one another. Of course, my mistakes tend to be my biggest educational experiences. But if you can point out a miscue, and save someone else a similar learning curve, I think that might be helpful. Often times it is … gee, I was thinking of doing that … and later come to the conclusion that what may have been easiest for me is not the same as what is best for my plant ...

Tropic said it perfectly...

I also like to help if I feel I have the information they are looking for and I can possibly help in any way..

Most people are kind and those are the ones I like to help when they want to learn.

Pictures help greatly and again, it's the way they ask for help that catches my eye!

We all remember being new and I certainly remember all of the help that I received and continue to gain from these forums... I like to give back and it makes me feel great when others finally get it!! It's the feeling of giving that really makes me happy..

My biggest pet peeve is when some posters think they know it all and constantly attack others that have sound useful advise. Some think they are the " only ones" that know anything about growing.. When someone makes another person feel bad because they ask a silly question, I tend to want to help them feel better.

Al.. You are a great example of one that continues to give of yourself daily and never tire of giving information.. Even if you have said it thousands of times. When you address someone, it's like you are telling it to them for the first time on the forums.. That my friend, is most impressive!

Laura