POLL: Longwinded replies

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I've noticed that on occasion people have a lot to say in regard to particular topics. What I'm curious about is the patience of the readers of these posts. How often do you read THE FULL POSTS when they carry on for more than a paragraph or two?

Poll Information
This poll contains 1 question(s). 42 user(s) have voted.
You may not view the results of this poll without voting.

Poll Results: Longwinded replies (42 votes.)

Longwinded replies (Choose 1)
* I almost never read longwinded posts - 10% (4)
* I will read parts or skim really long posts to get the gist - 12% (5)
* I will occasionally read really long posts if the topic interests me - 48% (20)
* I will read almost everything in a thread if I find it interesting - 29% (12)
* If the post is longer than a paragraph or two I won't read it - 2% (1)

 

Wait, what did you say about Chev?

 

Actually I didn't intend to single out anyone with this question. I was thinking more about some of the really long responses in the Dangerous Angles forum when people get on about politics and stuff. I think I've probably written a few lengthy responses myself.

 

Yeah, no. I hardly ever read the full responses in The Alley, because I never go there. Too many people wrapped up in their own opinion. I will usually read the full post if it's written by someone I talk to or respond to often, or well known around the place. Never Chev though. Too much spam, not enough substance.

 

Long replies are boring(If they contain dialogue or come from the CS, they're OK). End of discussion.

 

If I'm bored I might wander into the Alley to look at some of the things, but other than that I don't tend to read long posts. I can't stand the constant long posts in CS, but once again read if I'm bored (or once of twice if asked).
But then the same usualy goes if a topic is grown large before I have had a chance to repsond, just don't, unless (yet again) if I'm really bored.

 

If I find a tread that I want to post on, then I will try to read the whole thing.

Even if chev has added a few of his more "lengthly" posts.

 

I admit, I often skip if I am not THAT intereseted in the topic, or if I am very familiar with the poster's view on things.

Then again, some long posts are just too good to pass up

 

i read all long posts in CS and whatnots, never go to the alley because some of the views of people and the information they put behind them make me feel small and insignifcant

 

I didn't choose any of your responces in the vote becaue none of them apply to me. I will read everything in a thread if I find it interesting, and will never ever post unless I have read everything else that has allready been written (unless my browser has not refreshed yet).

This said, those that I will read are either the majority from AoDA (not all, and not the ones since before I joined of course), the majority of the new editions to CS, but again, not all, those from the gaming forums or booktalk of which I am currently involved or sound humourous, and selected few fom sorcerous sundries, Whatnots (I no longer bother with the Random Babbling), and perhaps the miscellaneous game-realted topics (Dungeons and Dragons for instance). I never skip; if I get disinterested, I will simply cease and desist. I did not realize so many people did this.

 

I especially enjoy when someone, who doesn't bother reading any of the other posters' views, posts his/her "divine" words of wisdom and then leave the thread for good. Ignorance is a virtue right?

 

Like Manus, I didn't vote, for the same reasons he and others have cited. If the topic interests me, and I have the time, I will read all the posts. Otherwise, I'll ignore the whole thread.

Actually, for me, the time factor is a big reason since I do most of my visits when I'm at work, and I don't want to spend half my time at SP.

 

*cough* chevalier *cough*



I'll read the entire post if it's a topic I'm actually involved in, or if someone responds to me directly (with the "@" thingy). In many cases, it depends on the writer. Those who tend to have a penchant for ranting for 20 miles to make a point that could've easily and clearly been made in 2 paragraphs, I generally gloss over. There are exceptions, though - like if the first few lines of a really long post capture my interest, I usually give it a chance.

Also - when people post entire articles from other sites to prove their point for them, rather than displaying the paragraph or so that actually gets the job done and then providing a link for the rest, I tend to scroll right on through those. I noticed a while back that some of my own posts followed this pattern, and have since made it a point to be short and sweet as often as possible.

 

Aw, I've teased chev about this before. He knows he's my special boy. */me gives chev a noogie*

Besides, I was referring to him alone in my first line only. The rest of my post refers to several people, actually. Myself included.

 

I read all the posts before me 'couse i really dont want to come out a fool in the end stating something someone else did before.
But i dont get in the Alley much, so i usually dont see astronomous posts.

BTW, you could've added an option of reading all long posts you come across

 

I usually read lenghty replies only when the matter really interests me, which is to say; not very often. That is why my own replies are often short.

So, "short" is better than "long" in this, one case.

 

The only posts that I read are my own. Those, I read over and over and over and over....

Actually, I try to read everything, especially in AoDA. If I am going to look like a total idiot, I would rather have it occur on my own merits, rather than from neglect.

 

I try to read everything in a thread but sometimes, I only get to skim through before I reply. Sometimes though, I don't even get that much done and may occasionally look the fool.

 

Like Manus, I either read everything or don't reply at all. In fact I even prefer longer replies as they show that someone takes the subject and other people seriously, that he really has something to say and is ready to back it with arguments, proofs, some logic.

When I have little time, I sometimes skim through posts in search of something interesting. But before I reply to someone, I read his posts in full in whole thread and trace his line of argument. It's a matter of basic respect. Too many people ask questions answered a post or two ago or draw conclusions mutually exclusive with part of the text they're concluding. Then the same thing is talked over and over again and half the thread becomes explanations, examples, quotes, references to previous posts and the like.

If people were paying more attention, discussions could be more meaningful and going even quite swiftly. Also there would be much less lenghy replies as there wouldn't be any need to repeat twice over or make misinterpretation-proof posts. At least reading something in full before replying to or asking questions about it is a good idea.

I guess short attention span might be a problem here, but then no one is forced to participate in a thread.