Now I know this may ruffle a few feathers but please know that this is an observation and I'm not criticising anyone.
In replying to a post I always try to address the person, be that the poster or someone who's added their own thoughts, by name. Partly out of a sense of politeness and also for clarity. There have been occasions were I've started a thread, someone replies and I've been left unsure as to whether their comments are to my scribblings or the person who posted the reply previous to theirs.
Hence the title of this thread. There are times when I'm like Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. Is this something that requires my response or not.
Again no criticism intended but there are a few usernames that make addressing the poster personally, on a human, person to person level impossible. Quite rightly we're all free to choose our own user name as long as it doesn't cause offence. As nonsensical as you like, say Ctrupippup. Personally I would love to find at the bottom of Crrupipup's posts a name, Jane, Jill, Freda, I've always liked Helena, don't know why...... that I can use to address that person, personally.
I know we all largely hide behind the anonymity of the screen but each of us is a person, flesh and blood, human. We wouldn't want to be addressed as "Oi you" or "What's yer name" in real life and how often have you, in introducing yourself to someone in the real world said, "Sorry I don't know your name I'm Helen" as a way of eliciting theirs.
People are free here not to pick a "usable" name if they so choose. I would ask however let's all treat each other as well, as politely, in as civilised way as possible.
BTW, if you didn't know, my name is Helen