What is the magic formula for generating responses to questions

[admin_exported]

Hi everyone. I have posted a few requests on the forums that have generated really very few (ie zero) responses, but fortunately other posters have asked similar questions through which I have found the answers to my conundrums (and I say thank you, thank you, thank you for this).

This speaks volumes about the value of these forums (ie its significant), but it got me wondering about what tickles the sense of respondents? I clearly haven't got it right yet in terms of Subject and Content...

So what works?

Controversy obviously (eg cables)

Equipment familarity (=personal experience)

Open questions/topics (some great ones recently - Next Big Thing...., 2010 Best Upcoming BluRay releases, 3D-Consumer Pull or Manufacturer Push....)

Any other magic parts of the equation you can think of?

(By the way, based on past performance, I expect 0-1 responses.....)

Love you all anyway....

 

[Pistol Pete1]

It's all about having a subject that a lot of people will be interested in at that time, in my opinion.......

Didn't see your previous posts, but not been on here for a while.....

 

[Anonymous]

I agree, however I posted question about satellite/receiver set-up that were essentially identical to other posts, which resulted in really helpful responses that solved my problems, albeit through 3rd party replies. I really think that is the fundamental value of the forums - so my question wasn't posed as a frustrated poster, it was really like it said on the box - what makes the fish bite?

 

[John Duncan]

I can feel some statistical analysis coming on...

 

[nads]

maybe as you are not UK based your problems are not something that has been something found by other users?

 

[Anonymous]

Pistol Pete 1: I agree, however I posted questions about satellite/receiver set-up/communication that were essentially identical to other posts, which resulted in really helpful responses in other posts that solved my problems, albeit through 3rd party replies. I really think that is the fundamental value of the forums - so my question wasn't posed as a frustrated poster, it was really like it said on the box - what makes the fish bite?

 

[Anonymous]

Nads - I'm intrigued - how could you tell I'm not UK based? I am expat, but all my kit has been purchased in the UK and personally baggaged to where I'm working, except the TV and sat box.... maybe you read my posts about the Thomson HD satellite receiver?

We exceeded my expected responses rate anyway - aren't statistics wonderful?

Separate question - how can I attach my current equipment portfolio in my account?

 

[Anonymous]

apart from the ones that people are interested in , i think people generally look at a thread that has had a few replies , and are thus often at the top of the list , if you see a thread youve started dropping down the list without replies , just bump it , once a few pick it up , we all crowd in ..

or just include cables or outrage in the heading...

 

[nads]

WW it is called reading your posts.

another Expat.

 

[Andrew Everard]

No, please don't bump threads - that's a bit naff, really...

The best way to get an answer is to think hard about your topic headline, and make it of interest to those who may well be able to answer.

It's amazing how many threads are still headed 'Question' or 'To the team' or 'Can I?' or whatever...

 

[Messiah]

Or moan about the use of an apostrophe and get at least 5 pages of response!

 

[Anonymous]

Andrew, I'm with you - but by trying to be specific, maybe this alienates readers. This could be why the open question about a specific topic could work well....

 

[Andrew Everard]

The magic formula is... there is no magic formula.

All you can do is fire out a question and hope someone bites.

 

[Anonymous]

Nads - you read it! Cheers! And as I mentioned in my replies - Pindi, if you are out there somewhere - you helped me solve my problem with the BatPig post.

Andrew - I have read a stack of OPs and the responses, and still I can't figure how one should market the question.... That was the inspiration for my suggested subjects for success.....

 

[Anonymous]

and by the way Andrew, John, Clare etc - I think the forums are really great, mostly really constructive contributions from people sharing what they can. Powerful stuff!

 

[Anonymous]

I like to think of each thread start as a fishing expedition. Usually there has to be a fairly good bait for the fish to be interested. This really is essential, I can't stress this point more strongly, as without an attractive enough bait, the fish will swim right on by. So lesson 1, is to take appropriate care in selecting the bait (topic). Secondly, one has to determine the number of fish in the sea, lest you start your thread whilst the fish are elsewhere. So lesson 2, would be to select the right timing to dangle the bait (see lesson 1). Finally, as with everything in life, you need a measure of luck and good fortune. Sometimes, regardless of how appealing the bait is, and how many fish are in the vicinity, the catch sometimes remains elusive. So lesson 3, would be to persevere, and to not give up in frustration. Posting a thread which will attract lots of response is more of an art than a science, but with time, I am confidant that you will learn the way this business works. I hope the information contained in this post has been helpful. For further tips on internet posting, please see my self help book on internet posting and fishing volume 2 available in very few bookshops as a free gift if and when you find it.

In the meantime, happy posting, thread starting etc

 

[Andrew Everard]

Of course, one can overthink these things...

 

[laserman16]

Well at least the op is getting plenty of replies...

 

[Andrew Everard]

So he's discovered the solution to his problem then! Moving on...

 

[Big Aura]

Messiah:Or moan about the use of an apostrophe and get at least 5 pages of response!

In fairness, I'd prefer if my "musings on iPlayer/Freesat" got a bigger response - ho-hum; give 'em what they want!

 

[John Duncan]

wingedwonder:and by the way Andrew, John, Clare etc - I think the forums are really great, mostly really constructive contributions from people sharing what they can. Powerful stuff!

You're very kind, but those names are definitely in the wrong order...

 

[John Duncan]

Andrew Everard:Of course, one can overthink these things...

I can't.

 

[jokerpaulonline]

well you getting plenty of replies on this thread lol

 

[Big Aura]

JohnDuncan:wingedwonder:and by the way Andrew, Clare, inanimate carbon rod, etc, John, - I think the forums are really great, mostly really constructive contributions from people sharing what they can. Powerful stuff! You're very kind, but those names are definitely in the wrong order...

Happy?

 

[Sorreltiger]

1 A thread title that indicates the problem/question - I'm with Andrew on this one!

2 A question that isn't simply the result of someone being too lazy to look for previous questions and answers. I must admit, this is my personal bugbear!

It has to be said, however, that there occasionally questions which are so esoteric and specialized that they baffle even the combined brains trust on these boards!