With the recent return and departure of a few different members on this site, I've been thinking. In an environment where a small minority are put on such a high pedestal, do they lose their sense of realism? At some point do compliments just become "background noise?" Something that is so ubiquitous that real sentiments get lost in the static. How can you tell if somethings real or just "things that people say when I'm around."
Conversely, if you're complimenting someone because the generally "deserve it" does it have any weight behind it?
Obviously this happens to models and celebrities in everyday life, but can it occur, on a smaller scale, online? I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts on this. Just been running through my mind recently.
A shiny golden apple for the best answer.
