When you read a post, here on Active Rain or elsewhere, one that has bunches o'comments on it... do you bother to read through the comment stream before plopping down a comment? I know, I know... there are some who don't even read the entire post... but this isn't about them.
I have seen several posts, recently, especially some of the featured posts... where many of the comments say the same things that were said just a few comments above them.
Sometimes, I understand that you want to make a comment without reading the comments, so that you don't taint your opinion in advance of your comment... but many times, it can be truly edifying to read the comments, if for no other reason than not repeating something that's already been said, and sometimes it's been said better.
I'm one of those that reads through the comments (most of the time) before commenting. Sometimes my opinion is swayed by a clever comment. Ocassionally, I get even more worked up after reading some audacious commentary.
And now and then, I read a commenter who says it perfectly... and I just want to say "yeah... what SHE said!"
So, pick up those bifocals, and read the commentary... it may enlighten you... it may anger you... it may really pi$$ you off... but it'll likely be worthwhile to read first, and comment later.
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