How do YOU "typically" read and respond to threads?

[Que]

If I am probably "in" on a topic:

I generally have made a snap-(possibly inaccurate)judgement of the topic by thread title , scan JUST the original post and make an initial post unseasoned with the ingredients added to the thread since. I may, in some cases, as I read the thread afterwards make either a second (or more) post to respond to other points raised in directions I didn't anticipate. I like to do this so I am giving my original thoughts. Feels less "meee-too!" I don't mind acknowledging that someone beat me to the punch. Often my edits later reflect that.

If I parachuted in, climbed through an open window, or got there stalking prey:

I will generally in my initial post be quoting someone..(typically non-prey, no use provoking a startle response). Often the person I am quoting is ALREADY on a tangent or a full-blown mutinous thread-jack. (heh! pirate head!) Often these threads have seemingly nothing to do with the Original Poster, who may have long since abandoned any hosting duties. I feel little remorse at joining a mutiny in progress. I sometimes don't even go back and read the Original Post.

If I am in a mood to rub shoulders in a "cafe":

I will typically browse many random active threads, eavesdrop on the banter, jump in (or not) just as I do in real life.(Cafe being metaphorical...I live in a small town with a greasy spoon cafe. I cook better than they; when I eat there it is for the hum of civilization around my thoughts.)

TL;DR Version:

Its kind of like the pulp fiction quote-
paraphrase: "Do you listen to understand, or do you listen to respond?" I am John Travolta. "I must confess I probably listen to respond but I am trying to do better."

 

[MeekMe]

Typically if the thread is new I read the OP and the comments. If it's incredibly long, I read the OP and skim through comments.

Generally I'm not looking for a fight. When I respond I talk about myself because it's what I know. Or just things that I know have happened. I like to try and see another's POV and usually I can sympathize with someone else's situation.

There are a few threads that I follow but never respond in. Those are threads that give me information and I don't feel valid enough to comment on until I've tried it or been through a similar situation.

Great movie reference, btw (^_-)

 

[leatherleaf]

I try to avoid the first scenario. I generally feel ignored when a further poster in a thread says the exact same thing I just said without acknowledgment.

But I have a habit of treating message boards like a conversation at a party. I assume ill be heard without yelling. Lol

J

 

[Que]

Typically if the thread is new I read the OP and the comments. If it's incredibly long, I read the OP and skim through comments.

Generally I'm not looking for a fight. When I respond I talk about myself because it's what I know. Or just things that I know have happened. I like to try and see another's POV and usually I can sympathize with someone else's situation.

There are a few threads that I follow but never respond in. Those are threads that give me information and I don't feel valid enough to comment on until I've tried it or been through a similar situation.

Great movie reference, btw (^_-)

Thanks... I love dialogue movies.

I"m shocled, simply shocked that meek me is non confrontational.

I try to avoid the first scenario. I generally feel ignored when a further poster in a thread says the exact same thing I just said without acknowledgment.

But I have a habit of treating message boards like a conversation at a party. I assume ill be heard without yelling. Lol

J

See this is what I had growing concern about is that in the effort to be authentic I am NOT following along with shifting or evolving threads sometimes.

 

[leatherleaf]

I'm not sure how much stock I would put in my interpretation though. LOL

J

 

[KoPilot]

I feel like I have a unique view to add to conversations sometimes; what with being trans*and ace and all. I shoehorn myself into topics in the off-chance that someone like me might read it and have it help them. There's a lot that I've learned over the past few years that I couldn't find any information about, so I want to take that and disseminate it as much as I can.

And then there are the times that I snark. I'll snark assumed heteronormativity and assumed sexuality, because both of those things are so ubiquitous in kink that I want to tear my hair out sometimes. Fuck that noise. I'll bitch about it until the cows come home.

Sometimes I'll ask questions when I want to learn or develop a conversation I find really interesting, but usually I just sit back and see where they go without intervening. I read a lot of threads here that I don't ever reply to. I've had my opinion changed about a good number of things that way.

But most of the time I post for the catharsis of it. I post for me, I don't care if anyone reads what I say, agrees with me, or finds it illuminating. I do it because I have no where else to get this out.

 

[midwestyankee]

I used to have a strict rule against reading any thread that had a spelling or grammatical error in the threat title. Eventually I found that adhering to that rule was keeping me from some of the most entertaining train wrecks online, so I dropped it. I don't mind if people think I'm a snob as I know that I am. Better that I'm perceived accurately, right?

As for how I post, I usually try to be a positive contributor to threads unless I sense that the thread starter is just trying to yank chains or get his (and it's usually his) favored opinions validated by all the cool kinksters. Then I do what I can to hold them accountable for their thinking and/or idiocy.

 

[MeekMe]

Thanks... I love dialogue movies.

I"m shocled, simply shocked that meek me is non confrontational.

Tarantino movies always have great dialogue. d(^_^o)

Hehe, my personality on the internet is still much the same as in real life. I just join the conversation more here. Sometimes I think people put on a whole new face and personality on the internet.

 

[Loverskitten]

Meh..
Lately, I just find something snarky to say and move on

 

[Sebastian_Plz]

I must say, it has never occurred to me that there is a policy in play in how to 'respond' to threads. My mentality has always been, if you hear/read something that you wish to comment upon in a constructive manner, by all means, chime in....as that is the point of the thread. Like others have said, I typically read the first page and any underlining instructions, but then just peruse through the postings and respond to whatever catches my attention. I try not to repeat topics or comments that others have posted in earlier sections and really just comment to express my opinion in a friendly, welcoming environment. The only caveat is that I do not post in some threads simply b/c of the people who frequent there. Some folks are simply out to pick a fight or release their own passive aggressive tendencies in an online venue where they do not face physical ramifications for their austere attitudes. And when those folks are lurking around, it can be difficult to engage in a meaningful thread driven dialogue...as folks become reluctant to be honest and open, for fear of reprisal or affronts to their opinions.

 

[txblush]

I confess I listen to understand and rarely, if ever, jump into the fray. I mean, come on, what's the point in picking on someone who's probably ignorant of the facts of life. Not saying their stupid. Not saying that at all! Just that some people don't know any better and they're decision to post may be to widen their horizons and open their mind to other ways of doing things and living their own life.

 

[ecstaticsub]

It all depends on my mood and how much time I have. There are certain issues I feel strongly about so I will jump in when there is conversation about those topics.

I generally avoid snark. It's too much of a waste of time for me. Plus I find on those very rare days I am snarky it just makes me feel worse.

If there has been a huge amount of discussion on a thread I will tend to avoid it simply because chances are I will have nothing new to add.

edited to add...I love the movie quote, too. I may have to steal it to use elsewhere

 

[neci]

i post what my fingers type. sometimes i have read through detail by detail. other times there is no sense to anything, and i am completely off topic. there is no rhyme and reason. just a post sans disclaimer.