If I ask as question, traditionally I give everyone that participates a GA unless an answer appears mean spirited, totally off mark or overly repetitive.
On other questions, I give a lot of GA. Depends on my mood, though…sometimes I’m too tired or bored to read all the responses and I don’t think it’s fair to start in the middle and reward everyone from that point on. I’m less likely to reward whispers, because when I use that feature I don’t expect that everyone will read it.
There’s not a single member that’s participated since I’ve been here that I’ve not given a GA to. I’ll admit to having a half dozen favorites I seek out, but I honestly don’t have a corresponding “I refuse to reward this member” list. I can have words with another member and turn right around and give them a GA on another thread if they say something insightful or make me lol.
I know it sounds hokey, but I’m here on Fluther because I enjoy it, and I try to do what I think will strengthen the community.