Perhaps I did misread that part. I was on my way to bed after a sleepless previous night. Not at my sharpest.

I can understand and respect you saying you don’t understand the thanking. It’s a huge leap to say people who do it are fake etc. Unless my sleepy brain missed something, the way you wrote this piece, it was a massive generalized insult to a lot of well-meaning people who want nothing more than to show their appreciation for your time. I don’t recall “some people” or similar comments. It came across like everyone who says “thank you” is full of 💩

If you owned a shop and people came in to browse and bought something, would you not say “thank you”? It’s common courtesy in shops; do you think that’s weird, too? Customers have decided to spend their time and money there when they could have gone elsewhere…isn’t that the same?

Anyway, I’m not here to change your mind. My questions are rhetorical in an effort to say why I thank people for reading. You’re right, we provide a service but I say thank you when I receive services, too. Even services I pay for. It says “I appreciate the job you did.” Or “I appreciate your skill.” It tells people they’re on the right track.

As I recall, your words painted every “thanker” with the same insulting brush. I don’t recall any differentiation. Everyone who thanks is disingenuous. A fake. Black or white. All or nothing. If I got that wrong, I offer my sincere apologies. But I’m pretty certain your message was directed at everyone who says thank you.