Do you rate responses in topics that you don't start?

Yes, I do rate other responses on other discussions. That is what the rating system is for. Some nut job can go around giving negative ratings to one person's response, but a hundred others can give it a positive and the negative will mean squat. It is important to be honest when rating. I even rate responses to discussions that I don't even respond to. I will read the discussion, rate some responses and then realize I have nothing to add. It helps everybody.

I do. Not often, but if I'm reading a topic and the following discussions and I come across some that I think are really good, I rate them. Not necessarily people who have the same point of view as me, either. Just posts that I think are well thought out.

I do when I come across a discussion where I think the people deserve to be rewarded. I only hit the negative when someone richly deserves it, like the jerk of the day. And I report the more ugly spammers.

I always rate whatever I'm responding too. I also rate everyone that responds to me. Sometimes if I'm reading responses to someeone elses topic I do rate them as well. I don't do it with every one, but a good bit of them.

I haven't rated any responses, yet. Something I just haven't thought about, I guess.

I am new here, so I don't know. But, my friend who gave me word of advice about this site, told me that it is always good to give rating to the discussion or response you like. This helps myLot to determine reputation of that user and their contribution to this community.