Wouldn't it be great if online question answering services allowed you
to instantly give a tip (even a buck or two) to someone who posted a
really helpful comment on a question, as well as an answers?

An opinion in either direction to this question is welcome, or a
discussion of pros and cons.  I'm only offering $2, as I offer this
question more for the public good, rather than because I really care
about it so much.  It just suddenly came into my mind and i'm curious
to here what others think.  Comments also encouraged.

Wow, what a Clever Ponderer you are.

Of course, it could be VERY humiliating for someone like me when I
didn't earn any tips.

It's the sort of thing that could shatter one's ego.

Interesting. I am sure that the designers would discuss this when
setting up an answering service. I?m not privy to their thought
processes, but personally I would have dismissed the idea. Mainly on
the ground of the cost implications of sending the money to the
commentator. I?m sure it is hard enough keeping track of all us
researchers, let alone possibly hundreds of commentators, some of whom
may only post a comment once or twice in same number of years.
answerfinder-ga

probonopublico-ga: lmao.  yeah thanks man, it's touching to know
someone understands how tough it is to be this fabulously talented. 
In saying that though, perhaps I should be more mindful of how tipping
might crush the self esteem of mere mortals.  cheers for the comment.

answerfinder-ga: hmm you are right, but many commenters are answerers.
 For those that were not the option could be greyed out, or
alternately the tip could credit towards future questions asked. 
Or... since GA has everyones credit card details, they could probably
do a reverse charge.

"Mainly on the ground of the cost implications of sending the money to the
commentator."

Send the money to the organization of the commentator's choice!  Take
the tax writeoff, too!

http://famm.org/rs_mission_strategy.htm

How would extending the offer of using a system like paypal greatly
increase the cost of running this place? Sure if they were to mail me
a cheque it might get expensive, but I am sure there is some type of
online solution that could be worked out. I think this is a very
viable situation.

forge