Yes.
It was longtime etiquette on this site since before I first lurked the forum that you ping people you mentioned.
Once upon a time it was considered bannable if you didn’t.
Regarding Ping etiquette:
The etiquette on FR to PING people when comment #50 was made
https://freerepublic.com/focus/news/4217507/posts?page=50#50
and my response was in Comment #51
https://freerepublic.com/focus/news/4217507/posts?page=51#51
This is not a lack of comment etiquette.
LACK of using Comment Etiquette would be considered when a Freeper is NOT active on a thread and NOT PINGED: especially when being discussed negatively. This has occurred more than once. Instead, I became aware of these and other negative comments thru freemail sent to me by other Freepers.
EXAMPLE:
Both these abusive personal religious insults were made against me and the practice of my faith on this Post/thread that of which I was not active in discussion.
1. Comment #2 I wonder if the holy mother RevMom is praying for his family’s peace?
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/4210008/posts?page=2#2
2. Comment #40 >I wonder if the holy mother RevMom is praying for his family’s peace? Zeeper creepers incoming!<
Oh she’s praying alright, but it isn’t to the God of the Bible.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/4210008/posts?page=40#40