I always make sure I reply to any answer that's been given, just common courtesty isn't it to thank someone for taking the time to answer.

Derek they will have seen them as they get an e-mail when someone comments on their question - I think a lot of folk simply can't be bothered to type 'thank you'. We used to have 'Guest' a 'Guest' could ask one question but not reply - the boys stopped this as it was so impersonal.

I often think this. I have also considered that some people who often ask the same question 2 or 3 times over the course of a few days - maybe don't know how to navigate that site. Therefore they ask the question again as they can't work out how to read their original question and replies.

You're right in your observation Derek, but the same thing happens on other QA sites too. Some people just want the answer, and couldn't care less about anything else. Other people take the trouble to respond, but I have to say, I get quite a few people responding, for some reason, via Private Message and not under the question they've asked. I do wonder whether that's because they're not sure how to respond. I can think of at least 5 in the last 3 weeks without even having a look at my inbox.

Scottish, your observation is very much to do with human nature, I'm afraid. People ask a question and they don't like the answer. That might be because we've asked them for more info, or it might not be good news, or it might mean major work, but whatever the cause, they're looking for a different answer, or one that's closer to what they want the answer to be in their head. So if they've asked something like, I don't want to lift the existing gravel, can I just chuck a bit of turf on top to make a lawn, and someone says that's not a good idea, they ask again. Because what they really want is 'permission' to do what they first thought of, lol!

Thank you for your replies, Astrantia, I aggree, just common courtesy, Mg, yes I had forgotten that people get an e-mail when they get a comment on their question, it must be either a lack of courtesy, or as Scottish says, they,re unable to navigate the site, I don,t know if it,s just me, but it seems to be mostly the american members, although there are quite a few british as well, maybe they just don,t understand how the site works, and think it,s like google, Derek.

Yes I have had that as well Bamboo, although to my mind nothing could be simpler than the way this site works, you just have to click boxes for everything you want to do, Derek.

People will be people I think the sites getting so popular its just pathe of the course.

I filter the site for UK only, sadly this doesn't include pics at the moment or unanswered questions, so I don't bother looking at those any more. I have thought in the past that students are quite good at posting questions and bu@@ering off. This is a good site to get answers but as said before maybe the truth is a hard pill to swallow if it means loads of work. lol

A lot of people ask questions in more than one place then select the answer that most suits their purpose. Most people with any sort of problem solicit answers from several sources. Then sift and select. Many ignore the invite to use the comment box to say thanks and put it up as another question! Any new site is rather confusing until one gets used to the way it is set up. Most web sites evolve with users needs and objections. I recently tried to order plants from a very reputable on line source and failed completely. Went on another one. Done and dusted in a reasonable time, and plants handed over 3 days later.

It annoys me when people don't even bother to say 'thank you'. I agree with the general sentiments expressed here and as for 2ndhand's raising the matter of students, I think the majority of them just can't be bothered to do their own homework research and if somebody else will answer it for them then it leaves more time for other pursuits. In many cases you can actually suss a student asking because they don't even bother to change the question slightly from the formal style that is used by their school or college. So I have made it a policy for some years, across many fora, not to answer them. If they can't do their own research using books and search engines, which is easy but consumes time, then they don't deserve to pass. They can't really be interested.

Your right manners have never cost a thing. It seems common sense is disappearing along with manners.

Oh, I'm with you on that one, the student thing, Sarra. If they can't even manage to rephrase the question so it doesn't sound like its straight off an exam paper, they really do need to be studying more.

Thanks everyone for your comments , I aggree with all the above, especially the students, although I still give an answer if I can, Derek.

Ditto derekm.

Not only do I think there are a lack of manners these days, I think may people are loosing the art of actual two way conversation.

You've a point there Weedpatch - I notice that 'soundbite' speech seems to be common, rather than comment and response these days. As for face to face communication, anyone under 40 is too busy looking at their mobile device to indulge in such a thing these days, by and large.

I'm sorry to see you filter the questions you bother with to the UK only, 2ndhand - you're losing a lot of very interesting comments and some of us "foreigners" are quite good at gardening, too. ;o)
I'm like Bilbo - my e-mail tray would just be inundated if I kept that facility, but since I log on most days, it's easy to see if comments and questions have been followed up.
Common courtesies seem to be regarded as a bit old-fashioned these days, I think, and if that's the case, I'm quite happy to be an old fogey!

My mother taught me to ALWAYS say thank you, I have NEVER forgotten! I've passed this on to my children, it has stuck with them as well. THANKS Derekm for mentioning this!