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by mikeash 4308 days ago
I'm referring specifically to the act of quoting and responding to a single sentence. The representativeness of that sentence doesn't come into it. I'm not saying the act itself is inherently wrong, I'm saying that in my experience it's a reliable indicator that someone is no longer saying anything useful.

Again, who are you talking to? These people aren't reading your comment. You wouldn't be telling them anything new anyway. They already know that they shouldn't break traffic rules if they can't afford the fines. I'm certain it's not a problem with lack of knowledge in that area. None of us are under any illusions that it's OK to speed if you can't pay the ticket. So what's the point of saying what you said? All I can come up with is that it makes you feel superior.

1 comments

Who is any of us talking to? There are many comments here on this very thread that are talking to no one (including the top voted one about Finland. We don't make the traffic laws, who cares what Finland does?).

The point of Internet forums is to have a discussion. It would appear we are having a discussion. ChuckMcM even linked me to an interesting-looking book. That's the point of Internet forums.

My point is your comment doesn't make any sense when directed at this community either. It's just a pointless statement of obviousness, phrased to communicate maximum superiority.
I actually have a reliable indicator as to a comment's value as well. If the person says they have a reliable indicator of a comment's value and use that to dismiss anything the person says (yet still finds the need to post a comment in response), in my experience that's a reliable indicator that the person is no longer saying anything useful and just wants to increase their post count, usually so the account has value when they sell it to a marketing company.

So what's the point in commenting if you don't think my post has any value? All I can come up with is that it makes you feel superior.

I had the obviously foolish hope that I might be able to correct your behavior.