When adding comments to an HN post do you go over all the posted comments to make sure you're not repeating anyone else, and that you're actually contributing something to the discussion. I find myself doing this all the time, and I end up not adding anything at all because it feels redundant.
That's called "lurking," and I consider it the correct default position in discussions of any sort--especially threaded ones. But you needn't lurk forever, and if you have something to add that isn't redundant or vacuous or--if you're particularly discerning--vapid, then you should feel welcome to comment.<p>If you think of something clever, and someone else beats you to the punch, you should feel vindicated that a total stranger thought your idea was clever too.<p>Beyond that, move on. Allow your clever surrogate's comment room to breathe, and if further discussion inspires some new idea in you, you can begin anew.
Hell no. I just start typing. It turns out I usually have no idea what I'm going to wind up writing until I write it. I subscribe to the 'writing is thinking' theory and this comment reflects that after the first short sentence.<p>That said, it doesn't mean that I don't edit my comments. Often I edit them out of existence (aka 'delete') and sometimes that's after reading other comments. Most of the time it is after reading my own comments (and often while they are in progress).<p>I guess I also subscribe to the theory that what hasn't been written cannot be edited...and the theory that 'writing in in my head' isn't writing. I guess I have a lot of theories.<p>Anyway, the muse comes and goes and when the muse is present, is when to write. That's another theory but only if theories can depend on the existences of muses.<p>Good luck.
Usually. And like you say, I often find that what I was going to say has been said (at least once) before; or I realize that the comment that first sprung to my mind isn't really necessary at all. Either way, I save myself some typing and some other people some reading ;-)<p>Although having said that, if it's a long discussion I won't read every comment, just the ones on those subthreads that interest me especially.
Mostly.<p>But sometimes mid-scroll there is a comment which seems like it deserves a reply I might post one immediately - usually in a new-tab so I don't lose track of what I've read.
Depends on the number of comments. Sometimes I write something and I find the same idea further down the page. I usually edit my comment and point to the other one.