I think you guys have missed a point here... what's the point of this site?
Well i think the point is to offer help to DIYers, but in the form of the How To guides, and not solely through the forums.
Well I originally joined the site to seek help, then realised that I was also in position to offer it, as a newbie I joined quite naively without knowing what the site was all about, unaware that I too could give advise. So in that case the site serves at least two purposes, to be helped and to help.
the thank-you count must not be used as a certificate of competance.
No it's not and you would be crazy to think it does, but there is a thanks button which shows a score/rating and without trying to sound egocentric or even selfish, I am quite proud and pleased that someone has found my advise helpful and been kind enough to thank me for it, as I do with those that have helped me.
Whether it be on building, plastering, electrics, plumbing, GDIY or GD etc...
The thing is sometimes the GD is not only used for GD, members ask question that can not be related to the other forum subjects, for instance a forum member is wanting advise say "I am moving house for the first time, can anyone offer me advise on the things I should be doing?" or " I have job interview, what are the right and wrong things to do?"
Why should someone who has helped this member not receive and be rated on the thanks count? Just because it's been posted on the GD forum?