I definitely agree it seems important to create a community atmosphere that’s appealing in itself, tricky as that is likely to be.
As you say, the compliments need to not just be sincere, but the kind that come across as sincere. Being really specific seems like a good way to do that. It might also be helpful not to think of it as a ‘compliment sandwich’, which sounds kind of insincere, but rather as showing appreciation for the person. Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, and thinking about the fact you would like to be appreciated, and then trying to do the same, might help get into a frame of mind that will make showing true appreciation easier.
I’m actually not such a fan of smilies—I think they can come across as patronising, or as a bit fake—like you’re saying something mean and then trying to nullify the offence. But I imagine it just really depends on the person!
I definitely agree it seems important to create a community atmosphere that’s appealing in itself, tricky as that is likely to be. As you say, the compliments need to not just be sincere, but the kind that come across as sincere. Being really specific seems like a good way to do that. It might also be helpful not to think of it as a ‘compliment sandwich’, which sounds kind of insincere, but rather as showing appreciation for the person. Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, and thinking about the fact you would like to be appreciated, and then trying to do the same, might help get into a frame of mind that will make showing true appreciation easier. I’m actually not such a fan of smilies—I think they can come across as patronising, or as a bit fake—like you’re saying something mean and then trying to nullify the offence. But I imagine it just really depends on the person!