A Matter of Curiosity

[James Combs]

In many posts in these forums we frequently use terms like "+1 on your..." or "+(some number) on...". I have been around here long enough to know that it is meant as a positive comment. This and similar forums is the first and only place I have ever seen it. I am just curious on the origin of it. How did it get started, is there some underlying symbolism, or what???:confused: My guess is that what ever its origin, it is going to make me feel stupid when I find out. :eek::rolleyes:

[Bruce Page]

I don’t think there’s any particular history to it, it is just a ditto statement, e.g. you agree with a previous comment. If you’re the first to agree, you’re +1, second would be +2, and so on.

[Susan Kahler]

It might also derive from the bonus point system in school, on tests and quizzes.

[Dave Lehnert]

i don’t think there’s any particular history to it, it is just a ditto statement, e.g. You agree with a previous comment. If you’re the first to agree, you’re +1, second would be +2, and so on.

+1 lol!!!!

[Ryan Mooney]

I think it actually originates from the fact that so many early message board users are also computer geeks who are notorious for using obscure shorthand. x+1 is well, one greater than x so you are just incrementing the count of the agreement I'm just surprised that ++; didn't catch on, but there was probably some argument whether it was pre or post incrementing (its obviously post incrementing :p for(i=0;i<number_in_agreement; i++){printf("me to");}).