How much time do you spend thinking before posting [Archive]

Ijz

11-03-2007, 08:28 AM

Having been active for almost a month on this forum (although it seems longer) I've found myself sometimes taking a really long time pondering and responding to threads. There have been times that it took me almost
an hour until I finally found the words to describe my thoughts.

Also, could me being a borderline INTJ/INTP have to do with this?

Perhaps me not being a native English speaker has to do with it as well but I'm not sure.

What are your experiences and thoughts on this?

OneBadMother

11-03-2007, 09:20 AM

I spend the time reading and writing my response to post a response, though sometimes I edit my responses while they're still written out for better wording. Or I'll lurk in a thread until I decide to jump in. I think it might be more of a language barrier thing than a P/J thing.

GOD

11-03-2007, 09:21 AM

Its probably that you are usure of your answer or are learning something in the process...

I just say what I think... and given I've been full on thinking since I was very young... it seems I've thought about most topics...

So, responding to a question is just saying what I've already thought about sometime previous.

The more you write the faster you get at it, I can throw reports together now... and I think blogging has had a great beneficial impact on my writing style/skill.

Jezebel

11-03-2007, 09:25 AM

For responses that require a more detailed explanation, yes, it takes me a while to put my thoughts into words. I especially have difficulty verbally communicating when I'm not given time to think about my answers first. This seems so prevalent in my personality that I will often lock up when forced into these situations.

As it relates to forum posting, it's normal to read more than post. Too many threads that I'm interested in would require an explanation that would take too long to formulate, even though I have a complete "understanding" of my view in my head.

Is it related to MBTI type? I thought this was a P tendency, then I heard it was an Ni tendency... but I've seen people from both types claim not to have this problem.

Ijz

11-03-2007, 09:42 AM

I spend the time reading and writing my response to post a response, though sometimes I edit my responses while they're still written out for better wording.

Thats exactly what I mean, you just put something in words that I had in mind. :)

While writing all kinds of thoughts popup in my mind, but I don't want to make a too long story out of it so I keep editing the text. I also repeat the text a lot and imagine if someone else would actually understand it.

thegnat

11-03-2007, 09:52 AM

I pretty much write what I'm thinking - then I kind of formulate a conclusion out of what I've already written instead of writing the conclusion as the entire response. Like GOD I've thought about a lot of these topics before so it's easy to write my thoughts on them. There's never an instance where I can't respond because I just have no idea what to think - I'm always thinking *something* with a response. The only times I think a little bit are either editing when I see a conclusion that I didn't see before in my thoughts or perhaps change wording for it to be clearer. Sometimes my thoughts aren't that straightforward. Yet I try to be linear when I post. So I try to think more linearly when I'm posting about something - especially when I'm hypothesizing. This takes a bit of thought to linearize. But not too much since I'm pretty good at linearizing - probably due to the linear writing I have to do for lab reports. With reports it takes me a bit to get into starting writing one - coherently. I have all these thoughts and I usually don't know where to start. But once I start, I roll. And I keep going and going and it doesn't take me too much time except for the time it takes me to edit it as I go (because i'm a perfectionist) and cite sources and do appendices with tables that Word apparently hates....

This post is actually unusually non-linear for me. And I'm too lazy to linearize it hehe. But I suppose when I already have an answer - not like say analyzing or asking questions about something - I don't need to be since I've already thought it out and it's already a relatively coherent idea.

Basically I write pretty spontaneously except for editing and linearizing. And I like linearizing. Therefore I chose "a bit".

Firelie

11-03-2007, 10:32 AM

It's fairly spontaneous for me, though I edit almost everything after I write it, sometimes even after I post it. *That's mostly just the wording, though, cuz I usually come off too aggressively if I write down my first thoughts without editing them, and god forbid I should offend someone. (<-- see, that was my first thought there and it came out sounding a little sarcastic and bitchy, am I right?)

Jezebel

11-03-2007, 01:42 PM

It's fairly spontaneous for me, though I edit almost everything after I write it, sometimes even after I post it. That's mostly just the wording, though, cuz I usually come off too aggressively if I write down my first thoughts without editing them, and god forbid I should offend someone. (<-- see, that was my first thought there and it came out sounding a little sarcastic and bitchy, am I right?)
Oh, I do that too. I'm more relaxed here than I am in person, where I either have to constantly filter my thoughts to tone them down or risk people getting pissed at me (which still happens quite a bit). But even here I find myself editing to make myself seem nicer, and thoughts go through my head like "I wonder if they're going to take that too seriously.... should I add a smiley?".

Also, posts like this aren't the ones that take me a while to think about. I'm referring more to the ones that require me to explain things to make a point, or when I'm explaining why I disagree with someone. I may get a sense of what I want to explain right away, but the wording in my head is vague and it takes me a while to formulate everything into complete thoughts. I also have trouble remembering exact details, so if I have to back myself up with facts I usually have to look things up again before posting.

thegnat

11-03-2007, 02:14 PM

Jezebel

11-03-2007, 02:44 PM

well the great thing about the internet is that you don't know anyone so really you shouldn't care *too* much about their feelings and they shouldn't care *too* much about yours. Though of course it's better to be nice...
I think running the forum also changes my perspective on this. I'm more diplomatic and avoidant of unnecessary conflict than I normally would be. At least I'm making an effort to be. I think it would matter more if I offended someone than if a normal member did it. I think this is more out of concern of forum quality than being sensitive to everyone's feelings though.

cielo market

11-03-2007, 04:06 PM

Ideas come quick. Verbalizing them effectively takes time... and proof-reading.

Ijz

11-03-2007, 06:46 PM

well the great thing about the internet is that you don't know anyone so really you shouldn't care *too* much about their feelings and they shouldn't care *too* much about yours. *Though of course it's better to be nice...
I think running the forum also changes my perspective on this. I'm more diplomatic and avoidant of unnecessary conflict than I normally would be. At least I'm making an effort to be. I think it would matter more if I offended someone than if a normal member did it. I think this is more out of concern of forum quality than being sensitive to everyone's feelings though.
You shouldn't be hesitent to jump in. If you wouldn't post something because you think you would offend me.... well that act itsself actually would offend me...

Just speak up and if its your opinion on the matter, just state thats its merely your opinion. Personally, I'd prefer the truth over anything, anytime.....

Ijz

11-03-2007, 06:58 PM

I pretty much write what I'm thinking - then I kind of formulate a conclusion out of what I've already written instead of writing the conclusion as the entire response. *Like GOD I've thought about a lot of these topics before so it's easy to write my thoughts on them. *There's never an instance where I can't respond because I just have no idea what to think - I'm always thinking *something* with a response. *The only times I think a little bit are either editing when I see a conclusion that I didn't see before in my thoughts or perhaps change wording for it to be clearer. *Sometimes my thoughts aren't that straightforward. Yet I try to be linear when I post. *So I try to think more linearly when I'm posting about something - especially when I'm hypothesizing. *This takes a bit of thought to linearize. But not too much since I'm pretty good at linearizing - probably due to the linear writing I have to do for lab reports. *With reports it takes me a bit to get into starting writing one - coherently. *I have all these thoughts and I usually don't know where to start. *But once I start, I roll. *And I keep going and going and it doesn't take me too much time except for the time it takes me to edit it as I go (because i'm a perfectionist) and cite sources and do appendices with tables that Word apparently hates.... *

This post is actually unusually non-linear for me. * And I'm too lazy to linearize it hehe. *But I suppose when I already have an answer - not like say analyzing or asking questions about something - I don't need to be since I've already thought it out and it's already a relatively coherent idea. *

Basically I write pretty spontaneously except for editing and linearizing. And I like linearizing. *Therefore I chose "a bit".
I don't seem to be able to do that. My thoughts are away ahead of my writing abilities...
My typing sux... although when I write C++ code, I can do it blindfolded while speaking to other people and at an amazing pace *:-? :-? :-?

Seriously, I could never write directly what I think. My thoughts are completely non-linear. I guess you just answered my original question *:D

Nomad

11-03-2007, 07:19 PM

I do both. I find myself choosing my words carefully when stating a point, but when posting something humorous (At least I think it's humorous. In fact, I crack me up) it just comes and I don't think very much about it at all.

Then, sometimes I read my own posts, and think "Did I write that? that's good, way more cogent than I thought." and it surprises me. (Again, at least it's cogent to me. Someone else might think me an idiot)

Weird, huh?
-Nomad

TruorTupnm

11-03-2007, 08:19 PM

I am, apparently, a borderline I. N. T. J./P. type of human, and I spend a bit of time before making a post. Mostly because I read through all posts that I might wish to respond to, let responses sort themselves out in my brain while I go do something else, then get around to coming back. Like many, I obtain a gut reaction then attempt to water it down, make it more understandable, or add some new dimension.

BlackMita

11-04-2007, 12:00 AM

I try to read all the replies in a thread before posting my own. I find myself editing what I post at least once, sometimes changing the entire structure or intended "journey" of communication... I'll only think about what to put down beforehand if I've never considered the topic before. When I'm not totally in tune with a thread, I don't post.

Daniel

11-04-2007, 01:23 AM

Posting doesn't take a lot of time (just try to correct the mistakes since I'm russian).However sometimes my posts haunt me later : did I express myself correctly, did I do any mistakes, wasn't the post to personal, how will others react to it ?....

Jezebel

11-04-2007, 08:17 AM

You shouldn't be hesitent to jump in. If you wouldn't post something because you think you would offend me.... well that act itsself actually would offend me...

Just speak up and if its your opinion on the matter, just state thats its merely your opinion. Personally, I'd prefer the truth over anything, anytime.....
*Looks at my post count* Oh, I don't think I'm hesitant to jump in.

I don't mean that I won't say things that I think need to be said, and I don't lie about what I think. I just tone down my language to be less bossy/blunt. In person this is an absolute necessity. If I always said what was on my mind exactly like I thought it, even more people would hate me than already do. I used to be more prone to do that when I was younger and it caused more drama than it was worth. Even now, people read my intentions wrong and think I'm "meaner" than I really am. I don't care enough to sugar coat everything to get everyone to like me, but I do prefer to avoid unnecessary drama if I don't think it will benefit me anyway.

Besides, my initial reaction is often more harsh than what I really think if I give myself some time to think about it.

Ijz

11-04-2007, 10:35 AM

Lumbering Jack

11-05-2007, 04:20 AM

I usually read all posts, then add anything else I think of and try to acknowledge any poster who brought up good points. Giving credit where credit is due seems only appropriate. ... so, uh ... good points everyone! :thumbsup:

In a similar activity, I very rarely blurt things out verbally, and instead rehearse any "talking" I plan to do in my head. Then, once I've said what I was planning for so long, I go back over it in my head to figure out if I should have said it differently or how I could have communicated better. The problem lies with the fact that sometimes I get thinking about "talking" so much that I forget whether I said it or not. I'm always asking my wife if I told her stuff.

chocky

11-05-2007, 04:44 AM

In a similar activity, I very rarely blurt things out verbally, and instead rehearse any "talking" I plan to do in my head. Then, once I've said what I was planning for so long, I go back over it in my head to figure out if I should have said it differently or how I could have communicated better. The problem lies with the fact that sometimes I get thinking about "talking" so much that I forget whether I said it or not. I'm always asking my wife if I told her stuff.

I do this all the time. I can be so sure I've told someone something important, when in fact I've just thought about telling them. My memory of the rehearsed conversation in my head totally substitutes for the real thing.

As to posting. Ponderous. Slow.

Mostly because I like words and take my time with them.

rwyatt365

11-05-2007, 05:25 AM

Typically I will take a bit of time thinking out, then writing my responses. I tend to pause a lot and then write in a flurry. I guess it just takes a few moments for the old synapses to turn over.

Ijz

11-05-2007, 05:28 AM

Typically I will take a bit of time thinking out, then writing my responses. I tend to pause a lot and then write in a flurry. I guess it just takes a few moments for the old synapses to turn over.
Makes sense, they got more information to process ;)

Chainsaw Dundee

11-15-2007, 06:35 AM

cielo market

11-15-2007, 02:59 PM

I usually type the first thoughts on the subject, and refine them later on in the post. Unless of course it is a topic that requires a greater deal of thought. A lot of the time on this particular forum, I end up just discarding my reply, because somebody already said what I was going to say.

Indeed. When I need some time to reply, I keep another tab open to refresh the thread and make sure I'm not repeating something already said :P

stasis

11-18-2007, 09:27 AM

None, I'm very spontaneous.
On most topics of casual internet debate, I formulate opinion based upon argument rather than argue to advance an opinion. My replies therefore are usually contrary, posted for the purpose of exploring the stability and/or the extent of whatever argument has been presented by another. This doesn't take as much thought as defending an idea; the strength or weakness of the logic of what I've posted is revealed over the course of the ensuing debate, and it does not much matter to me whether it ultimately defeats or is defeated. The process is what I enjoy.

Sey.Naci

11-19-2007, 12:42 PM

Not in deciding to post - I do that virtually spontaneously. It's the time spent putting even the simplest answer (like this one) together. It must be

free of spelling errors,
grammatically correct,
concise,
interesting (a tough one),
...

This, for example, has taken me 10 minutes to get to a point where I'm halfway satisifed. Since I type 60 - 80 wpm, I can't use the hunt-and-peck method as an excuse.

Then afterwards, there's angst that the post wasn't QUITE right. Ergo, it's common to see a Sey.Naci post edited and edited and edited...

Sigh.

quest ion

05-13-2008, 05:28 AM

Pretty much alot. I don't want my posts to look dumb.

punkyplatypus

05-13-2008, 06:22 AM

Sometimes I read a topic and know exactly what I want to say, and so I post it. However, most of the time I take my time. There are two approaches I like to take. The first is to just begin typing. I basically type out my stream of thought, which tends to be my more lengthy posts. I usually have to edit it to make it less confusing. By that time, I'm either unsure of what I typed & abandon the post, edit the post more, or I feel content (and probably bored with how much time I spent on this simple task & just want to be done with it) so I post it. The second approach is where I read a topic & its replies and leave it to think. I may get distracted and forget what I was doing. I may not come up with a reply worth posting (usually because others have already replied with what I wanted to say and I don't want to be redundant). However, I sometimes do think of something worth posting and post it.

TheLastMohican

05-13-2008, 06:52 AM

I voted "only a bit." In debates, I carefully read the posts, and then I usually already know what my reply will be. Occasionally I have to go look something up to make sure it is valid, but the thinking time is fairly short. I do spend some time on it, though, depending on how deep the topic is.

In light topics, I spend basically no time at all thinking. I just post off the top of my head, letting my Ni do all the thinking.
So far I have not gotten myself into trouble with this, but maybe it's a matter of time. :scared:

Dreamer

05-13-2008, 11:19 AM

In debates or while making humour,yes yes, I do.

Or rather I type it, then edit it, then type some more,then cut & paste this part here, cut this part there,telling to myself to find something clever later(and sometime forget to plug it in back in,hence the incomplete sentences in some of my posts). I will even save a draft of a post on my harddrive and continue it at a later date if I think I need some more time.I do this until I am satisfied with a post that makes sense.

I have no idea why I engage in such behaviour.

notoppings

05-13-2008, 12:55 PM

Quick responses for most of the light threads and long drawn out time for the more involved threads. Then plenty of editing for either. Like some here I worry about offending even to the point of editing my own response. Then I worry about complete points, did I make my point clear will someone misinterpret my point and so on.

I don't even post in some threads because my position is fraught with emotions and might hurt the thread starter, I don't know why I do this as some have said it's not as if I'll ever meet these people. But I was raised a certain way and it's hard to give up, you know do unto others stuff.

sriv

05-13-2008, 01:14 PM

I am usually spontaneous but I always end up going back and editing so I stopped being spontaneous. Now I'm "only a bit". On deeper threads I do think a lot. I think it is a Te issue as much as an Ni issue. Te is occupied with organizing information and if we may not get it perfect the first time so we end up thinking a long time about it. My forum time gives my Te a break.

I voice my opinions if they provide perspective or understanding to the other side. Otherwise, I may just post it for the survey. On serious debates however, I think for a long time. If I don't think for a long time then it means I have something important to add or I point out something in the opposing argument.

Elfrun

05-13-2008, 10:33 PM

I spend this long -> (short attention span, yawn)

I do have spell check 99% of posts though, part of the spontaneity – It’s shocking!

azelismia

05-13-2008, 10:39 PM

for me it depends on how much time the thread requires or deserves. some threads merit lots of thought, other threads less than a nanosecond and I may or may not edit it later.

Genuine

05-13-2008, 11:17 PM

Not at all. I come here to procrastinate. It's all for fun. I only think about grammar and the caps lock button.
Although I'm not used to using perfect grammar, and the caps lock button is really irritating, I could irritate someone else by not using this oh, so important button on my keyboard. :thinking:That's not nice.

saakeli

05-14-2008, 09:00 AM

I think for sometime before posting, I'm not native english-speaker so I have to translate my thoughts in to english and that can sometimes create a certain "gap" between the actual thought and post itself - which is what I try to avoid the best I can.

Caramel

05-14-2008, 09:46 AM

A lot, I need to formulate my thoughts

I spend so much time thinking about what to post that I usually end up not posting at all.

TheEnlightenedOne

05-14-2008, 12:02 PM

Really I'd say for me it depends on the subject and/or nature of the post. If it's one that I'm passionate enough and fairly knowledgeable about, it doesn't take me long to post something like, "John Doe, your last statement was entirely inaccurate. Adolf Hitler ruled Germany during World War II, not Italy. That was Mussolini."

schwartzie

05-14-2008, 10:49 PM

the first response just falls on paper, then it usually has to be edited--the main goal being to shorten it up. If the post is substantial, about half is unnecessary or icky and gets pitched, normally.

PRBori

05-14-2008, 10:54 PM

It really depends on the question or case formulated. Sometimes I take my time, other times I just write an answer. Sometimes, I go back and edit, other times when I want to go back to edit is too late, but all in all I do my best to provide a reply to the issue.

Antares

05-15-2008, 03:42 AM

I voted 'a long time'. I do extensive research on the subject before I post, in most cases, so yes, a long time. Sometimes when I'm faced with complex ideas, I usually just leave it at that; usually it comes back to me during the day and I'll cut off conversations with my friends and focus solely on this issue. If it doesn't come back to me, and I see the thread again, I think I'd have subconsciously formed my opinion.

eMachine

05-15-2008, 01:52 PM

A lot.

Sometimes I have to do some research before posting, I guess I'm 'self-educated', I don't even have a highschool diploma, so generally I stay away from serious debate unless it's something that I have spent alot of time reading about and contemplating. Most of the time I am reading and re-reading my statements as I type them, choosing my words carefully. It's always difficult for me to verbalize my thoughts. Even in more casual threads I do expect my reasoning to be interrogated.

Language is complicated. Words can have many definitions and generally which definition one likes to use is dependent on their experience and personal understanding. Maybe that's just the poet in me that thinks words have feelings attached to them. I'm sure my reasoning on this matter could be interrogated as well. It's taken me atleast 15 minutes to reply to this question, I'll also read it after posting and possibly edit for typos and/or better wording.

The Real Eagle

05-15-2008, 02:14 PM

On other forums that I frequent, I write and post as spontaneously as possible, but then read and read again after posting to make sure it is appropriate in normals-ville. I then often edit or delete my words. I will try not to edit or delete this post.

But I may feel the urge to...

Eczema Jam Spit

05-21-2008, 11:46 PM

thinking is overrated. I far prefer intuition, when available

Erika Redmark

05-22-2008, 12:32 AM

It depends on what kind of thread it is. I'm pretty sure I won't spend much time looking over this post before I hit reply. Other threads–ones requiring more introspection or argumentation–I care more about whether I've said everything in the best way possible. Although this forum isn't so bad in that regard, since there is an edit button. I sometimes agonise over emails.

Motor Jax

05-22-2008, 06:02 AM

only a bit

just in the intro threads, i have posted minutes after a new member intros themself

but there are topics i have to ponder, so i sit and carefully read over it again and again

and then grammatical and syntax errors

but then there are times that i feel/think so strongly about something that i just need to get it out there and so type really fast, and give it a quick lookover for obvious errors. then posting it

Frag

05-22-2008, 06:46 AM

I was going to reply last time I saw this thread, but needed some time to collate my thoughts. ;-)

zoophilia

05-22-2008, 10:37 AM

None. I do rewrite my posts constantly as I make them and this often leads to spelling/grammatical errors in my posts. It is hard for me to organize the huge amount of material in my head in a coherent fashion and get it out onto the page before I forget it, so I just spew it out and arrange it/add further information later. I am also very meticulous about the way I phrase things. It is hard for me to post something if it "sounds wrong" to me (misleading) or if it is all too obvious that someone will contradict it for some small reason. I often have to resort to out and out lies in order to allow something that I understand in a more complex manner to be comprehensible in layman's terms.