It used to be I would read every post on every thread. I'd fall behind during the week but catch up on the weekend. (It is my impression that people post more frequently on weekdays, but I haven't bothered to check.)

These days I "subscribe" to threads that interest me and concentrate on those.

But I also scan the "Last Post" column for familiar names. If a friend has posted on a thread it might be worth a look.

I seldom look beyond the third page of threads, because I've already seen (or ignored ) the older threads.

Because I've already read or ignored the older threads because I've been here a while (and lurked for quite a while before that), I also just look at threads that have started or gotten replies since the last time I was on -- generally the first two pages. Sometimes if I've been away awhile, I will search certain people's names to be sure I haven't missed something important in their lives. Stopdog would be horrified to hear that I have gotten "attached" to certain people, including her, on the forum. hahahaha. [and note that I used "hahahaha" instead of an emoticon in your honor, stopdog.]

I read the first page. The title has to catch my eye. I also look for posts by members I tend to "keep up with".