Do you count all the words first - or just read the first 49 words and then reach a decision?
I only read posts with less than 50 words in. Unless it is eloquant rage- then i may read on. If its longer than 3 pages I skip. C'mon people. Edit. Brevity is the key. There is chess to play.
Lines of text are far easier to count. If it's more than five or six lines I'll put off reading it until some appointed time in the future which I seem to believe actually exists but which never arrives.
On long posts I occasionally, when I forget the very specific wording, go back to the first post, it would be practical to have a quick link to the first post, or a window that can be opened showing it.
Or use the handy dandy quote box.
You're all so funny, I might miss something good if I don't read 'em all.
If the original poster broaches a problem that requires a fix from chess.com, I especially enjoy skipping any subsequent posts by Erik or other staffers that might bring the wonderful discussion we are having to an abrupt halt.
Or sometimes I just ignore all the previous posts, and try to highjack the thread turning it towards one of my own pet peeves that has nothing to do with what the other posters are talking about.
Or I may feign interest in the topic to garner everyone's sympathy, but very subtly segue into my pet peeve hoping that the readers won't catch on. 
I do occasionally read artfizz's posts though.
Hi guys,
I read the first 10 and the last 3-4, then reread the first. Then, If I have anything to add, I will post.
Watch your backrank.
what I tend to do, and what I did on this post, was only read the first four or five. If they're really interesting I'll continue all the way through, but that depends on YOU
i read all posts at least twice and do an in-depth profile analysis (birth date, geographical location, sex, relationship status, health, etc.) of any posters that i am replying to. then, i create new database entries for previously unencountered posters and make note of any relevant information (quirks, popularity, potential weaknesses, etc.).
all this is to minimize the chance that i miss an opportunity to make fun of someone (the most worthwhile endeavour)
Aloud - or without moving your lips?
Take care. Before you know it, you'll be admitting to liking Celine Dion's music.
Aloud - or without moving your lips?
aloud, obviously. the vocalization is an important part of the process. i work out accents for everyone and play out the thread like a conversation, interspersed with my own obnoxious sniggering as i think about the moment when i educate them on the finer points of posting on an internet forum.
well u hasn't told me , what the flyin' are the finer points of posting on an internet forum ?? 
well u hasn't told me , what the flyin' are the finer points of posting on an internet forum ??
I think we need to form a committee on this. 
u never gonna get me on a committee last time I checked, somebody formed a committee to design an 'improved' horse, an' now we has got two types of camels
Take care. Before you know it, you'll be admitting to liking Celine Dion's music.
Yes, I can see how people might confuse you, artfizz, with Celine Dion. I've made that mistake a few times myself.
I can understand it -- between her French-Canadian accent of hers and the fact that from time to time 'art will go on.
artfizz wrote: Aloud - or without moving your lips?
essnov wrote: aloud, obviously. the vocalization is an important part of the process. i work out accents for everyone and play out the thread like a conversation, interspersed with my own obnoxious sniggering as i think about the moment when i educate them on the finer points of posting on an internet forum.
Apparently, everyone used to move their lips when they read - until some guy in about 400AD figured out it wasn't necessary. Now just a few people do it.
Huh?