I didn't want to read and run

[Tulipomania]

Is there a more pointless expression on MN?

I think it’s a lovely way to acknowledge a post even though you have no advice to give. And it bumps it for others to access.

i think it's a kind way to bump a thread that might otherwise get lost.
especially kind if the op is upset and can use a hand hold.

I agree with PP. What’s wrong with saying you care about someone but can’t help them - it’s better than someone feeling alone. On top of that, it bumps the thread so others are more likely to see it and offer help/support/advice. It’s the most useful thing someone who doesn’t have the answer could do - much more useful than the very frequent giving of awful advice because people want to feel helpful.

I always take it to mean “I don’t have anything useful to contribute but wanted to say something anyway”.

Not pointless. This one is kind and bumps an otherwise lost thread when the OP needs some support.

Agree with posters above. Nice thing to say when the OP is often alone and worried.

Far better than saying nothing, which is often the way

It lets the OP know they're not shouting into the void and bumps the thread. I like it.

It shows someone cares… even though they may not have experience (or possibly time right now) to reply properly and it gives the post a bump so a better reply is more likely

I also like it. It's just a way of showing you care enough to respond to an often emotional post but don't really have any good advice to offer.

I don't mind the meaning behind this, but I absolutely detest the phrase. For some insane reason it makes my blood boil and gives me the serious ick 😖

This.

I have bumped threads when it's obvious the OP needs help but the thread has dropped down the list and easily missed or has posted at a quiet time.

I don't mind it. It's a short way of saying, "I hear you, I feel for you, but I don't know what to do to make it better, and I wish I did, because I don't want you to hurt."

It's the same as saying, "I'm sorry for your loss" after someone passes. Those words aren't adequate, but the person saying them is trying.

It's rare anyone can make your problems go away, but it can be a comfort to know someone has seen your pain and wishes that they could help.

Agreed

Sorry I have nothing to add but didn't want to just read and run.

Not sure how the vote is almost 50:50 as isn't matched by the comments.

I agree with almost all of the comments.
It is a way of bumping the thread in the hope it is seen by someone who can offer more, or better support, and it is also a way of letting the OP know people are listening and empathising even if they personally don't know how to help.

Odd that it annoys you.

More useless than creating a thread about it? Bore off.

Some people like to express solidarity, and others are comforted by that. I really dislike the notion that a chat forum should be businesslike and only contain directly relevant contributions. It's a conversation not a business transaction.

Agreed OP. It's a self-absorbed comment. No one knows if you read it, so no one gives a fuck if you reply or not.

Read the thread @IAmWomanHearMeRoar1

Not sure how you can get "no-one" from the answers here.

Because some are reading and running and won’t be hanging around to comment…. But will proffer a vote !

Didn’t want to read and run but I’m sure some wise person will be along in a minute to answer your question.

A much more pointless expression is “you do you” - trying to be cool and edgy, but makes you sound like a dick 🙄

But if you say nothing then no one knows if you've even read it. So it's a self-absorbed way of announcing you've read it.

Yes.

'watching'.