Should you read an entire thread before responding?

[Zardoz]

I wonder why this poll was created

Like I said in the other thread that I just revived, I do think it's a good idea to read an entire thread before chiming in.

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.

What he said !

[Rex_Tremende]

I voted for reading the whole thread. If I want to respond to an early message and haven't finished reading the thread yet, I usually earmark stuff as I go along and use the quote-plus button, which snags the messages I'm reacting to and assembles them into the editing box when I hit the "post reply" button.

I also have a habit of using the "Preview Post" button to not only see how my composition looks, but to see if someone beat me to the punch.

Regards,
Rex.

[Streetcar]

Welcome Kilted Big Boy!




I mean, er..um......

ah crap.


Nevermind.

[The Wizard of BC]

Welcome Jamie, I hope you like us here.

[Mike1]

It's interesting to see how the moderators have voted in this poll.

[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.

[Arizona Scot]

Now after reading the whole thread I don't feel the need to reply.

[Bugbear]

Guess I voted for the losing answer... And it was the first time I've voted too... Oddly, I usually do read most of the posts before posting...

Sometimes several people post at the same time with the same answer. I usually edit in a note that we all posted at the same time.

[Coinneach]

Both of the poll statements are true. You should always try and you don't need to do it all the time. Like most things, it depends.

[Daibhidh O'Baoighill]

Both of the poll statements are true. You should always try and you don't need to do it all the time. Like most things, it depends.

What to adult diapers have to do with any of this?



Sorry, I couldn't resist!

And yes I try to read the entire thread before posting.