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.

[Colin]

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. JMHO.

Best regards,

Jake

That's a good rule. It's always nice to listen to what someone is saying rather than blocking them out by thinking of your response and missing half of their comment.

It's also nice to feel like someone has really been listening rather than thinking of what they want to say and missing the point.

Man, do I sound married.........

[Ayin McFye]

Man, do I sound married.........

Like I said... Old Timer

J/K, you're only 2 years older than me.

[Colin]

Oops, I voted before reading everything.

Having said that, I love checking out old threads, but still laugh when we get a strongly opinionated post in a thread that is 2+ years old (not talking about the recent one). My favorites used to be the Kilt Newbie threads where new members used to welcome people that had been on the site for years.

[herminator]

You should always try to read a whole thread before responding!


I don´t always succeed ...

[kiltimabar]

I always try to read the whole thread--usually somebody has already contributed what I was about to say, and said it better, accounting for my low ranking for having been around as long as I have; I try to add someting substantive instead of a "me too" so the discussion stays fertile and concise.

I don't mind old threads being resurrected when someone has new information to offer--they may not have been around at the original discussion, and it shows their interest that they root around for all our previous wisdom. In fact, would that more people did such research before bring ing up a question that has been thoroughly beaten to a pulp.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Old professor speaking here: I look upon these threads as group discussions. One of the first rules of good manners in such a situation is that you LISTEN(in this case read) what the person(s) have to say before responding. If you have nothing to ad, then just "second" what is said, or say nothing at all. So yes, read the entire thread before replying. (Just use good sense, however, some threads take an entire evening to read through)
Just my tuppence worth.

[Spc. Scott]

I voted yes as well for the same reasons that have been stated.
The only exception to this is a greetings thread I think.

As far as how it makes me feel...
Well I don't get upset by a poster not reading a whole thread. Generally if a thread has been active for a fair bit it is pretty easy to spot when someone hasn't read the whole thread like Monkey@Arms said.
I guess being active on a few different forums I'm pretty desensitized to it.

[Panache]

The only exception to this is a greetings thread I think.

Even then there can be some problems...



Kilted Big Boy writes: Hi all I’m a proud kilt wearer from Ohio and just found your site. I look forward to being part of this group!

Kilty writes: Welcome

Off Kilter writes: Greetings!

Highlander II Forever writes: Whatsup!

Kilted One writes: Hi There! How long have you been wearing kilts?

Kilted Big Boy writes: Since Hector was a pup! I’ve got true Scot’s blood pure in my veins unlike those idiots out there that don’t and think they can wear a kilt!

Super Kilt writes: Hi there from the Great Boll Weevil State!

Off Kilter writes: Err, excuse me? What "idiots" are you talking about explain yourself?

Kilted Big Boy writes: Oh come on you have seen them. Those guys that have the wrong skin color to wear a kilt. The kilt is part of White culture, Darkies need not apply! LOL

Off Kilter writes: Is this some sort of joke? Anyone can wear the kilt!

Kilted in Lima writes: Salutations!

Kilt Lifter writes: Welcome to XMTS! Hope you are wearing your kilt properly, we have ways of finding out!

Kilted One writes: We don’t allow racist remarks here on XMTS! This is totally inappropriate and you are out of line!

Kilt King writes: Is this guy for real? Where are the Mods?

Kilt Buddy writes: Thanks for joining come in and enjoy the fun!

Kilted Big Boy writes: I think you are the one that doesn’t have your head screwed on right! Let’s face it, guys that don’t have Scot’s blood in their veins are a bunch of pansies that are trying to work their way up to cross dressing!

Kilty writes: I can’t believe you are saying this. Any man or woman can wear a kilt. XMTS is a place to celebrate kilts for everyone!

Kilted in Bilgewater writes: Welcome!

Kilted Big Boy: Listen Bub, and listen good. If you aren’t the right color and your people didn’t come from the right place then it’s just a skirt no matter what those morons call it! And women! Don’t get me started. The little women make the kilts, the men wear the kilts . That is how it goes.

Kilted Blue Meanie writes: Welcome to XMTS!

The Flying Kiltie writes: Welcome! Tell us about yourself!

Kilty writes: Matt Newsome, Rocky, Pete, Robert, Steve, and a heck of a lot of us make kilts you big weenie!

Kilted Big Boy: Then they aren’t real men. Now I’m a real man. Anyone who tries to get in my face and questions me about being a sissy is liable to be eating a couple of rounds from my .45 and cop killer ones at that. Gotta keep prepared in case the Fuzz try and break into my Green Houses. Those cannabis plants are worth a whole lot kilts and sporrans! LOL I can see that I’ve got a whole lot of educating to do round here.

But as a believer in the one true religion I’m just the kind of guy to do it! By the way I run a little business selling the finest quality male sex enhancers . I’ll put up some threads in a while for you all to check it out. Trust me gents your ladies will thank you By the way I hope you are all voting for the right guy in November, I hate to think we had a bunch of political idiots wearing kilts!

Highland Fling writes: Welcome to X Marks the Scot!

starbkjrus writes: Everyone please stop responding to this person. There isn't a Moderator on duty right now but as a member of the staff (and the only non-fictional character in this example) I ask you to please not respond to anymore of this nonsense.

DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS THREAD UNTIL THE MODERATORS HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO DEAL WITH IT!

The Sporran Man writes: Welcome!

Kilted Elvis writes: Greetings from Vegas! Uh huh




Cheers

Jamie

[BobsYourUncle]

Voted yes, should read the whole thread. Didn't dare vote otherwise after Panache's second post. Powerful stuff.