No, you don’t always have to post the word, “Ping” inside the posting box, if you’re simply making comment to more than one person.
Now, if your intention is to alert a handful of Freepers to a particular thread, that’s the way to do it (although I get pinged constantly by many who don’t).
But, that’s just my take on it. My intention was only to help a fellow poster with the mechanics involved.
I hope Sarah kicks @ss in India, to the consternation of Pollutico.
Cheers!