Long long threads

Yep!

Yes, and I go back about 10 or so pages to try and be sure I'm not posting something someone just put up, or to quote them if I'm reinforcing their point.
At least, I try to.

Many people dive in on page 500, read a few posts and respond. Others dive into such a thread, read the first post, and then respond. Usually, the ones who are following the current discussion in a thread (not necessarily the titular subject) are those who have commented since the thread began.

A prime example: the "Evolution? How?" thread is now over one thousand pages, and now has more than 10,000 posts. It is quite common for someone new to pop up, and respond to the original post. The author has not posted here literally in years. The discussion wanders around the topics of religion and evolution, mostly, with a great many side discussions.

Yes.

If I am a newcomer to a long thread, I will always read the initial post and generally read the first couple of pages to see how the conversation started. Then I will read the last couple of pages to see where the conversation is now before deciding whether to jump in or not.

It depends.

If I am really interested, I at least read the first post and skim through the rest of them. Just to check to see what's been said, the general atmosphere of the thread...etc..

To see how many people jump in on a long thread without reading the intermediate posts, check out the "Evolution How?" thread.

It depends on whether the word "orgasm" is in the title.

I typically don't join in long, long threads even if I do read them and try to keep up with what is being posted. I think it is kind of rude because it seems to stall the conversation.

If it really sparked something I will sometimes start a spin off on the topic.

I hesitate to join a thread of more than 25-30 posts, particularly if the thread is playful.

Someone seems to be whispering in my ear, "Ya hadda be there to understand."

No. I have a very short attention span and will not read pages and pages and pages unless I am very interested in the discussion. If a thread is over 30 pages and the title doesn't grab me, I won't read it.

At the same time I am a nosy git and am not inclined to make a comment unless I do read all the posts of a thread.

A long thread, to me, is anything over 50 pages. Up to 50 pages and I am not put off.

or vagina, for that matter...

Gotta coupla questions for folks who're "put off" by "Long Threads" ... #1) How do you suppose they got to be so long? and #2) Why do you imagine that might be?

Anyhow, I think, if you're gonna join a thread-in-progress, it's just good form to read the inititial topic post, a few immedoiately following, and at least a couple pages or so prior to the point you've picked to jump in. Of course, that's just my take; ain't no hard-'n-fast rule, or nuthin'. I figure we're all pretty much here for the entertainment value - do whatever entertains you, and bear in mind, it don't take much to entertain some folks - set your own goals.

I'd answer your questions Timber, but this thread is getting much too long and I'm leaving it.