There are usually 2 reasons that I write a comment but don't post it:
1. In a debate, I am refuting/counter-pointing the prior argument, but otherwise not moving the debate forward. I sometimes have to remind myself that on-line debates are not the same as verbal debates. If you say something, then I refute what you're saying, but someone in the audience doesn't hear/understand, then there is value in repeating myself. However, on-line the discussion remains for any interested party to review. Almost always a simple point->counterpoint->rebuttal discussion is sufficient.
2. I realize that I'd rather keep my opinions to myself. I have this odd feeling with on-line forums that I'm occasionally shouting into the wind. In person, a discussion/debate serves to strengthen a interpersonal bond. On-line, where identity is less defined and quite often others could care less who's saying what, my contributions to the debate serve the debate, not myself. I realize its selfish, but it's also a subtle reminder that I should probably be channeling my energies into something that I can hold up at some point in the future and identify as "my work".
1. In a debate, I am refuting/counter-pointing the prior argument, but otherwise not moving the debate forward. I sometimes have to remind myself that on-line debates are not the same as verbal debates. If you say something, then I refute what you're saying, but someone in the audience doesn't hear/understand, then there is value in repeating myself. However, on-line the discussion remains for any interested party to review. Almost always a simple point->counterpoint->rebuttal discussion is sufficient.
2. I realize that I'd rather keep my opinions to myself. I have this odd feeling with on-line forums that I'm occasionally shouting into the wind. In person, a discussion/debate serves to strengthen a interpersonal bond. On-line, where identity is less defined and quite often others could care less who's saying what, my contributions to the debate serve the debate, not myself. I realize its selfish, but it's also a subtle reminder that I should probably be channeling my energies into something that I can hold up at some point in the future and identify as "my work".