What usually makes me stop and engage with a discussion is when it’s fun and relaxed. I enjoy joking around and silly threads more than serious debates. For example, we even have a thread called “farts” where people just post random junk and mess around. It’s not serious at all, but it’s entertaining and makes the conversation feel more natural and enjoyable. 😄
I'll only engage with a thread if I have something to add to it, or I'll at least read it if the title sounds interesting. Like, if somebody is asking for an general opinion, and I feel that mine is important to the conversation, I'll post. If somebody got a fact wrong, and I know beyond a doubt that it's wrong, I'll post to make a notice of correction.
Otherwise, if it's a fun post, either a silly game, or a role playing game that I'm a participant in, then I'll post, obviously. 🙂
I try to read everything, but pretty much just in the areas that I am interested in. I usually stay away from off-topic and forum game areas unless the main niche topics are something I know nothing about.
I do try to thoroughly read through the entire post, though, otherwise you miss something, post something and look like an idiot who didn't read the post, LOL.