Should you read an entire thread before responding?

[davedove]

1. You may say something that someone has already said.
2. It's respectful to not only the thread starter but to everyone that has contributed to the thread.
3. Threads has a huge tendency to dramatically change as time goes on, and the thread may have started one topic, but have grown into an entirely different genre. If you only read the first post, your comment may have nothing to do with what the thread is about anymore.

Posting in those circumstances may give readers the unfortunate impression that the poster is more interested in voicing their own opinion, then in considering the view of others, or engaging in a dialogue.

Jake

I have to pretty much agree with both Ayin's and Jake's thoughts here. Often, when I am reading a thread, there is a comment I want to make, only to not post it because someone has said the same thing later in the thread.

Now, you don't necessarily have to read every word, but you should at least skim through to make sure your response is still valid.