By the way, please note that I did reply to this question once Adelene asked it. This is because I have Tim Tyler labeled as hopeless, but not Adelene.
Well, your purpose in replying to comments, which might be a combination of several things including enlightening yourself, enlightening others, or entertainment of yourself or others. Even if your motives were entirely based around yourself and others being less wrong, you would still be wise to look at who is asking when considering whether to reply.
In general I wouldn’t set out such criteria out loud, but if it were me in these particular circumstances I’d be very tempted.
By the way, please note that I did reply to this question once Adelene asked it. This is because I have Tim Tyler labeled as hopeless, but not Adelene.
Thomas != Tim Tyler
[Relevant Link]
I take it you talk to people and not ideas/arguments?
I do exactly the same; you can’t answer everything, and it’s effective to let who is asking help you decide.
Effective—trying to effect what?
Well, your purpose in replying to comments, which might be a combination of several things including enlightening yourself, enlightening others, or entertainment of yourself or others. Even if your motives were entirely based around yourself and others being less wrong, you would still be wise to look at who is asking when considering whether to reply.
In general I wouldn’t set out such criteria out loud, but if it were me in these particular circumstances I’d be very tempted.