Should you read an entire thread before responding?

[Big Mikey]

This is what I use as a guideline:

If a thread asks for OPINIONS, I'll read the entire thing to see if someone else has replied similarily to how I feel. If so, then I usually will forgo posting to avoid repetition.

If a thread asks for advice AND I have the knowledge AND no one else has posted a suitable answer, I'll reply.

If I think a thread may benefit from an injection of my "off-kilter" sense of humour, then I'll reply. I enjoy nothing better than bringing smiles into our forum.

I try to remember that reading requires less brain power than forming thoughts and then writing them out. If I'm going to strain my mental capacities, the result should be of value.

I'm going for a nap now.