The
asterisk(*) is used as shorthand after 'anyone' or any other
indefinite pronoun to clarify that you're speaking ONLY to the persons present on whatever social media platform you're posing the current question, which avoids constantly having to specify "anyone ON HERE" and thus avoiding
smart-arse replies.
Q "does anyone think that
David Moyes is a great managerial appointment?"
A "I'm sure some people (like his mother and his wife) think he's a genius; I, however, think he's fucking clueless"
If we correctly use the
asterisk, we should expect the following, much more concise, response:
Q "does anyone* think that David Moyes is a great managerial appointment?"
A "Nope, everyone* thinks he's
fucking useless"