we read posts because we learn a lot from different views.
on the other hand, we read, reply, and/or post new questions because we want to contribute to the discussions. no matter how nonsense we might feel our post is, they contribute a lot.

even jokes within serious discussions can mean a lot through their implied feelings/thoughts, unless the joke is really out of context thus making that joke exclusively an ice breaker in purpose.
we have opinions as persons of different backgrounds and the main objective why an opinion exists is for it to be heard. an opinion not expressed is therefore non-existent and useless and has no place in this forum (actually, they don't take space). that means any kept reaction to a post you've read is meaningless, unless you say it.
posting to get attention or to socialize is inevitable in forums. it should not be the primary reason to post, but at the same time, it is an integral part of the primary reason which is to contribute. they make discussions much more fun to do.
