TL;DR

[srbNYC]

This probably won't be popular (and hate risking being called a "hall monitor" or some such), but just expressing a wish that folks would read through threads before posting. So often, a comment or question (and its answer) is just a few posts up—and then it makes the problem worse and worse as the thread gets longer and longer...and less likely for anyone to pore through.

Then there are the folks who say "Don't have time to read this whole thread, but has anyone [insert oft-repeated comment or question here]. You realize you're saying your time is more valuable than everyone else's, right?

OK, rant over. Thanks for listening.

Also, I don't have time to read this whole forum, but has anyone ever complained about people who don't read threads before posting?

 

[usagora]

This probably won't be popular (and hate risking being called a "hall monitor" or some such), but just expressing a wish that folks would read through threads before posting. So often, a comment or question (and its answer) is just a few posts up—and then it makes the problem worse and worse as the thread gets longer and longer...and less likely for anyone to pore through.

Then there are the folks who say "Don't have time to read this whole thread, but has anyone [insert oft-repeated comment or question here]. You realize you're saying your time is more valuable than everyone else's, right?

OK, rant over. Thanks for listening.

Also, I don't have time to read this whole forum, but has anyone ever complained about people who don't read threads before posting?

Let's start with people just reading the OP (not just the thread title).

I agree with you if the thread is small, but if it's like 50 posts over multiple pages, it's a bit impractical to expect everyone to read the entire thread before commenting. This is why if I'm the thread poster, I like to add edits to my OP to clarify any major points that came up during the course of the thread, so as long as people read the OP, they'll be informed.

 

[srbNYC]

That's what "Search" is for, especially with "This thread" as a drop-down option.

And the threads are so long because of innumerable repeats, so it's self-fulfilling.

 

[fwmireault]

I agree with you that we should read each other more before posting, it would avoid annoyance, repetition and frustration. I do think that when the thread is too long, it’s difficult to read everybody, even with the search function, because you have to wear ça for specific keywords.

also, I find it funny that you say that people should search and read more before posting, but that you didn’t look on the forum if similar threads have been posted recently. I don’t intend to be mean, I just find the irony funny!

 

[velocityg4]

I think it depends on the thread. If it's a news article. I certainly don't expect people to pour through. What can be hundreds of posts. Just to make sure no one else made the point they're making. Most people just want to quip or vent anyways. They aren't looking for followup.

Same goes for interest threads. With hundreds or even thousands of posts. "Hey on page 538 someone already said they liked Frankenstein!"

Help threads are a different matter. People aren't posting to be chatty. They have a problem or question they're looking to get answered. But many people seem to ignore this and it is quite annoying. Just post solutions you think might be helpful or probative responses meant to gather pertinent information. Suggestions for options already explored does get annoying.

Search is only so helpful. As it depends on someone else using the same word or phrase. I might think logicboard while someone else thinks motherboard. We'll give similar responses with different words.

Then there are the folks who say "Don't have time to read this whole thread, but has anyone [insert oft-repeated comment or question here]. You realize you're saying your time is more valuable than everyone else's, right?

I spend a lot of time here. Let's face it though. Our time here isn't paid. Thus our time here is technically of no monetary value. I'm spending time here because I feel like it and it entertains me. If someone doesn't feel like reading everything. I don't begrudge them of that either. I could be doing something else too. I'm just more willing to procrastinate here.

 

[usagora]

also, I find it funny that you say that people should search and read more before posting, but that you didn’t look on the forum if similar threads have been posted recently. I don’t intend to be mean, I just find the irony funny!

I'm 99.99% sure he was being facetious

 

[fwmireault]

I'm 99.99% sure he was being facetious

I love it then!

 

[millerj123]

OK, rant over. Thanks for listening.

Also, I don't have time to read this whole forum, but has anyone ever complained about people who don't read threads before posting?

If I don't post fast, I'll never get access to the marketplace.