I've looked in FAQs & tried Search & don't know where else to try.

In stats the last is "Referrals?" What does that mean?

Each post we read gives us options to Reply or Thank. I've noticed that some people Thank a lot--almost like saying "Yes, I read this." Others hardly ever. What is this "Thank" option intended for?

When posting we're invited to include tags. Is there a Short Course somewhere for how to do this wisely?

[Chemar]

It is entirely up to you whether or not you wish to use any of those optional features

Referral is when someone joins who was referred here by another member.

As you have noted, some people use the Thanks feature to indicate they have read a post, while others use it to indicate their approval of the content of the post...again, your choice.

Tags help the search engines (both our own and the others like Google, Bing etc) index the thread/post. So including keywords in the tags will notify the searchbots what it is about. Again, optional.

[mrsD]

I use the "thanks" button mostly to show I've read the post.

When a specific thank you seems to be needed, I will actually post that! I find it is impossible to post to everyone...so the thanks button is helpful to me to just let them know I am reading and appreciate their post. If I have any comments to add or whatever I will create a new post in that thread. ( I also try to keep a low profile and let the members help each other etc.).

I think thread starters who make threads use the "thanks" button to reinforce those who are replying to them. And remember some people are impaired and find typing or posting difficult. The "thanks" button is only one click. Easier for them.

So I agree with Chemar....it is really up to the person how to use it. I find when I visit other places that use vBulletin, the "thanks" button is often not enabled. I rather miss it. I think it is a very useful feature, myself!

[Chemar]

This would be a good example of a time to use the Thanks button BlueCarGal...to acknowledge that you have seen the replies to your question ( in the absence of posting that you have.)

Thanks so much. I puzzle about these things. I don't know why. Having "for real" answers let's me move on to other mysteries.