I am not an expert on posting and such, I see this ping all the time, it is not something I wish to do, I post on interesting subjects to me. if you noticed I did post to Jim just before your post if that helps
It is FR etiquette to ping a poster that you quote or talk about. If you don't, another poster will, and/or a Moderator will "smack" you for rudeness. We don't talk about others behind their backs.
Replies to you, are referred to as 'pings'. A 'ping' is also a notice to a fellow member.
Now, you and I may be talking, and I casually mention Freeper rintense in passing. It's considered good form on this website to 'ping' him to that post, because I mentioned him by name.
Notice at the top of this post that I did that very thing.
Next time you mention someone in a post (especially "the owner"), make sure to ping them to the post.