I think the silly clap system is the best we have to let someone know that we have read, and appreciated what they have written.

When we used to go to live music, I didn't care if we were the only people or a couple in a crowd, if I liked the act, I applauded.

Clapping is a way of saying "Hey, I liked this.". Clearly if you stop and make a comment, that is also nice. If you highlight stuff, that is also nice.

I think that clapping is just a nice way of aknowledging the effort put in to produce a piece.

I love a really well written piece, but I also love a good story.