Lol—I’ve clapped comments from the time I joined Medium as a reader two years ago. I still do. I especially clap comments that say what I know I can’t say any better and I want that comment to be pushed up to be the most relevant when the section is opened. I also clap my friend’s comments when I read it and they make me laugh—I’ll even clap the author’s response, especially when an author is addressing an “attack” and I want to encourage the author that they handled it so well, or to say: I’m with you!

Didn’t realize others don’t clap comments!
Thanks for sharing your perspective!!!