How do you read Forum Threads?

[GrizzlerBorno]

I know that sounds dumb, but what I mean is: How do you go about reading the forum threads on the Escapist?

Learn by example? I almost always read through the first page of comments, all the way to the end and then, If I have something to say, I post the comment, scroll up and read all the comments in the page MY comments is in.

So how do you do it? Do you skip all the non-OP comments and just give your comment? Do you read each and every page? I'd really like to know. I know "It varies from thread to thread" seems like an obvious common response, but please don't say that. I'm sure you have a general pattern to your posting habits with a few exceptions.

Also: Where do you enter threads from? The forums homepage? The Hot threads box on the other areas of the site?

 

[Jonluw]

I enter threads from the forum homepages, and do pretty much what you do.
I read the OP and as far down the first page as I can be bothered to. Then I post, and go looking through a few of the other pages to see what other people have to say.

 

[DasDestroyer]

I use the "Latest Threads" to find, well, the Latest Thread, and then I read as far as it still holds my attention, and if I have something to say, I usually say it. That's a about it.

 

[Marter]

Depends on if it's an opinion based thread, a list based thread or a discussion based thread.

If I'm just giving my opinion, then I'll just go and do that, possibly reading some of the thread beforehand.

If I'm listing things, then I'll go straight to post.

If it's a discussion, I'll read it all and then decide whether or not to comment.

 

[Monkfish Acc.]

I read everything. Sometimes I miss parts because I'm tired, though.

I enter them from the Latest Threads area on the homepage, only really entering the topic area when I've seen one that caught my interest and accidentally refreshed or navigated away.

I don't post if it would essentially be a "this" post or if I'm too tired to come up with the words. Which, for the latter, is often.

 

[TheGuy(wantstobe)]

Depends. Mega-threads (those with about 20 or so pages) I'll read the last 3-4 pages along with the OP to see what the current discussion is and then comment.

Anything less than 10 pages I just read through everything

 

[Nimzar]

First 2 pages... then work my way backwards from the last page until I pick up the thread of the current discussion.

 

[Kris015]

I don't.

 

[El Poncho]

I read the first few pages(if the thread is interesting) then I'll post and read the thread backwards.

 

[Scorched_Cascade]

I read everything. If its a particularly big thread (7 pages plus) I read the first page and form an opinion of what to write and then scan through the following pages with cntrl+F searches to see if anyone has typed along the same lines as me.

After posting I then read the page that my comment was posted on to see if anyone has said anything quote worthy. I also read from my comment onwards at various intervals for a day or so.

If I'm here for a lot of hours I use the forum index but if I'm just here reading articles or comics or watching videos I just pay attention to the hotbox thing.

 

[FamoFunk]

If the tread is small I read all pages. If we start going 5+ pages where there seems to be more than one sentance being said, I read the first and last page. Once I've posted and randomly skip through pages to read and try and get through everyones posts.

EDIT: I'll also take note if someone is being quited a lot, could make for a good discussion.

 

[blankedboy]

Read title. If I'm still interested I click and read the OP. Then maybe the first few replies. Then I post.

This but I usually read about half a page to a page to see if any shitstorms went down via quote pyramid.

I remember the good old days of legit 40+ quote pyramids back on the SRB2 forums about four or five years ago.

NOSTALGIA

 

[The Wykydtron]

With my eyes

Usually from the latest threads box or from the forum homepage if i'm that bored

I usually only read the OP's post and the first page. If there's over 3 pages of comments then i don't bother posting.

No point posting my hilarious wit and charm if noones gonna read it.

 

[GeorgW]

It ENTIRELY depends on the thread. If I like the thread and think it's thought provoking I will read every comment. If I'm just sort of fleetingly interested or just checking a poll result I most likely won't post, and if I do, I'll probably only read maybe 10 comments on the first page.

 

[Throwitawaynow]

I go by latest posts, click on interesting title name, read the first page, if any of the comments on the first page are interesting I'll maybe go for the second page. Then I'll post, or type what I intend to post then delete it without posting.

 

[GeorgW]

Read title. If I'm still interested I click and read the OP. Then maybe the first few replies. Then I post.

This but I usually read about half a page to a page to see if any shitstorms went down via quote pyramid.

I remember the good old days of legit 40+ quote pyramids back on the SRB2 forums about four or five years ago.

NOSTALGIA

Escapist is the only forum I've been to that has them at all. Every other forum runs VB, so the quotes only go back one post.

Well, the quotes are cut off at 3 or 4, right? I know that's a recent development, I remember the good old days. But there aren't any pyramid quotes anymore.

 

[GrizzlerBorno]

I read everything. If its a particularly big thread (7 pages plus) I read the first page and form an opinion of what to write and then scan through the following pages with cntrl+F searches to see if anyone has typed along the same lines as me.

After posting I then read the page that my comment was posted on to see if anyone has said anything quote worthy. I also read from my comment onwards at various intervals for a day or so.

Ctrl-F'ing? That's an interesting approach. Sounds like a lot of work though

I usually only read the OP's post and the first page. If there's over 3 pages of comments then i don't bother posting.

No point posting my hilarious wit and charm if noones gonna read it.

This is a point of contention I hold as well. I generally get on threads fast enough to be able to post on page 2, but any later and I know too few people will read my post, so I don't usually bother. I mean, I never read page 3-onwards; Why should I expect anyone else to do so?