[NevadaY]

Where is the ethical point at which to drop out of the discussion when you still have more to say but don't have time to keep going on it?

[dts32041]

After the second reply I freepmail, and expand comments there.

[Jambe]

Where is the ethical point at which to drop out of the discussion

If the person doesn't get the point after your 2nd response - their probably NOT a FREEPER! More likely it's a DU lurker!!

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

you sound like a liberal to me!!!!!!!!!!!

[dts32041]

After second reply using send freepmail

[SJackson]

About the time that thought enters your mind.

[Cultural Jihad]

tpaine is our own local Miss Manners. You should ask her.

[Johnny Shear]

Here is exactly where I draw the line...

When a freeper replies to a post, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again, and then is replied to, and then s/he responds again, and is replied to again. I don't respond again.

But that's just my personal preference. Hope that helps.

[Physicist]

Where is the ethical point at which to drop out of the discussion when you still have more to say but don't have time to keep going on it?

That's your lookout, I'd say. You have to decide how much it's worth to you to invest your time.

If it's the other person you're worried about, here's what I do. If I want to bow out of an unfinished discussion because I've run out of time, I make one last post stating my position as clearly and completely as I can, and then end it with, "Have the last word." It's as polite as it is final.

[FITZ]

There shouldn't be any rules at all to follow. You should only respond if you have time, if you have something you feel like saying, if you feel like it, if you're still into the thread. Sometimes what one person said was good enough that I think they should have the last word.

[mdittmar]

Do this,bbbbblhhh,I win,you lose.

Works for me.

[Mark]

JUST pick an excuse:

"Sorry- gotta go NOW because":

(1)I've got Ted Kennedy on my other phone line and he's been drinking again

(2)My dog just pi**ed on my leg

(3)EARTHQUAKE just hit!

(4)I gotta take my meds

...........you got the idea....

PS- don't respond to this response.

[InvisibleChurch]

you stop when you have nothing to say

[Osinski]

You respond if and when and for how long you want. Just drop out or keep going, your choice.

[Ward Smythe]

I usually drop out about the time either side says "Bite Me." That's a pretty good sign the conversation is over.

[Ken H]

Hit and run, I say.

[Khepera]

Right after your first reply is acceptable. Make one acid statement and I'm outta here is the proper attitude.

[tet68]

This all applies if you are just a Freeper replying to another freeper. If you posted the article you have somewhat of a responsibility to keep replying.

Having said that, there is NO reply required for obscenity or rudeness.

[McGavin999]

If you are having an intelligent discussion and each is making valid points, continue to reply. If someone is just arguing for the sake of arguement just let the discussion drop. There are no real rules.

[Ben Bolt]

I'm not certain what ethics has to do with it , but how about this ? Just do what you do in society , you have a conversation with people and perhaps you walk away having offered or learned something . Its no big deal Nevada !

[CIB-173RDABN]

Depends on the reply. Sometimes it is just a quick I agree or I disagree. Can't argue with that. Sometimes the reply doesn't make sense. I will ask for clairification. Sometimes I see the error of my ways and am just to embarrassed to admit to all and I slink away.

and sometimes the reply is too stupid to waste time on.

and sometimes it is a flame, see stupid above.

and sometimes it is a well thought out response, at which point I feel honor bound to at least acknowledge it.

but in the end, reply, don't reply, the current is moving so fast on Free Republic that it will not be noticed if you do or don't.