Why do you reply to threads?

[HaggisTheGreat]

I’ve found myself, more than once, starting to reply to a thread only to then think “what am I adding that lots of other people won’t say/haven’t said” and then deleting the post. So, unless it’s something on a niche subject, why do you reply to a thread; when would you reply and when would you just read and not add your views?

I reply if no one else has.

I'll answer. like now, if there are no or few other answers. Any more than about 20 posts and I don't bother it is quite clear that many people don't even read the Ops thread accurately never mind later ones so why waste time.

I only reply on short threads, and only if I can add something to the answer/conversation.

Well indeed, what's the point of saying anything all. We should all just shut up. Who even needs discourse!

When I feel particularly empathetic and usually if I feel I can give a personal example for advice. I know nobody else has the exact insight I have in that circumstance. Not all issues are so black and white and even if my tuppence worth is generally along the same lines as a few other people there might be just a tiny aspect of what I say that may not have been considered before.

Loneliness and wanting to interact.

I'm at home with young kids and not a social butterfly so if people post wanting interaction I give them that.

It's not school, you're not being graded and there isn't a final report done on your interactions at the end. I always feel a bit rude reading and not replying, it feels like standing next to a conversation listening....then walking away without saying anything

My contributions are always outstanding, and well received all over the board.

As others I reply to short threads. Or if I feel I can add something which I admit is rare. I Often write a response (or compose one in my head), but never post it. Very nearly did the same to this thread…

Mostly if I think I can help; more likely to post if few responses or if most responses have opposite view to me or if I feel very strongly about the subject. Sometimes I just want to share a story as either there’s no one else to tell or my family or friends have heard it all before.

If it's a new thread-just a few minutes old-then I may post if I have some advice or anything interesting to say. By the time a trending post is a few hours old, anything I want to say has already been said😏 I read the first twenty or so posts and skim through to see what the OP's response is. Then I'm done ( unless it's a parking issue 🍿😁)

@WalkersAreNotTheOnlyCrisps ‘if I do say so myself’ 😂

Because I like to join in on threads where I have some experience or knowledge, or where I think I can offer a bit of support.

And sometimes just because it’s fun.

I don’t.

Hang on.

I sometimes reply if all of the other replies seem a bit strange / one sided. If one or two people have said what I'd say, I might not bother.

@WalkersAreNotTheOnlyCrisps

My contributions are always outstanding, and well received all over the board.

😂😂

I usually relate to the topic and share experiences.

I do sometimes find myself typing a reply then going hang on what I've said adds nothing and pressing back before post.

If I can add something useful, germane or sympathetic remark, I will.

I try to add useful links if the OP had asked for advice, or try to counter incorrect posts.

I rarely reply to big threads where lots of people have already given input, the notable exceptions being if I see people being incredibly wrong and it winds me up, or big threads of anecdotes

If I've been in or know of a similar situation and feel I can add something to the thread.

If someone has posted something completely wrong and no one is questioning it.

If I think the poster needs to hear something positive or encouraging.

To try and gain an insight into the situation if I don't understand what's driving it.

i seem to get caught by the ones that disappear... which is a bit galling.

hello. is this still here.

Because I'm nosy and interfering.

It's rare I reply and if it's a long thread I usually just seek out the OP replies/comments to the thread because I can't be bothered to read repetitive replies and I can't be bothered with the people who like to rip people apart. I'd never post about a problem I was facing or ask for advice on here either.

Either short ones without much response, or where I can particularly relate and feel probably wrongly that I can add some wisdom

I’m lonely and don’t get to talk with people other than DH for days at a time.