With all due respect to the Moderators, I believe that they don't fully appreciate or comprehend that being forced to click on a button marked "Thanks" is a bit of an imposition. If I wish to offer thanks, that should be my freewill choice. If link protection is desired, there are lots of ways to do that without hiding behind the Thanks........if this is a simple way to protect links, than relabel the button.
I have, in past, moderated several large groups, although not with the same subject matter as this one. One thing I learned from those experiences is that forcing anyone to do stuff that they are not freely willing to do simply chases them away. I feel that the choice to relabel the button or to stop using hidden script operators would be a better move than hiding behind words that seem to impart the idea of 'big brother knows best'. Perhaps Synned and I are the only ones who are willing to commit words to the screen to describe our displeasure - but I am certain many more out there are equally miffed at this forced thanks issue.
Perhaps if this need to protect links was clearly explained when one joins the group - along with the compelled use of the Thanks button, I would have known what was expected and could have then made a decision to join or not join. Since I have other avenues by which I can obtain some of the video material of interest to me, that is a consideration I am looking at.
Petty and picky? I don't think so at all. I merely would like the option of offering thank you's when I choose to; not as part of some scheme to conceal links when that can be done in a better way.
