[friendociate]

I normally regard these discussions as 'comments on OPs' (the original poster asks a question or says something you want to comment-on, and THE ENTIRE CONVERSATION starts with "one's own comment on the OP" ... going into their response to that, to your response on their response, and so-on).

Sometimes I 'chance to see' someone else's response, and might respond on THAT---I did that on one of the discussions at this forum, and the responder (who's an admin on that forum) got onto me for "intruding on his discussion with the original poster."

But if you see me responding to another OP, you're welcome to chime in- or disagree-with me right there in the thread ... if I wanted the discussion to be private---well, isn't that why they're called "private messages"?

[sabtra]

It depends on the length of the thread. I try my best to read as many comments as I can, if not all, to make sure I won't repeat things that have already been written in case I'm planning to reply.
I will reply to specific comments if I feel like it, I think it's fair as long as I stay in-topic.

This is a forum, it comes from Ancient Rome where people would meet at the city square and discuss. Everyone can intervene, and comments are public. I think it's a fact, but I will call it "my opinion".