What are the makings of a good thread/topic?

[Wax Frog]

I realize this would fit better in the "General" section, but I expect to spend the vast bulk of my time in I-M, so I'm putting it here.

I've noted that some of my threads are a bit hit, whereas others are virtually or entirely ignored. I thought it would be helpful to me and others to get a feel from various contributors, especially the "old hands", as to what it is about a given topic or post that prompts them to reply.

[pianoperformer]

I try to reply to whatever I can, given that I have something of value to say.

[ciarac]

I think that first off it takes a good title that will intrigue people or otherwise attract them in some way. Writing "a question" as the title is probably not a good move. Then I think that there are people on here who have fans, you know, some people write stuff that may be interesting to a specific person. I personally pretty much always click on Acting Like Godots posts.
Then, of course, some questions which people ask can be answered in one or two posts, whereas others ignite a conversation. For so many newbies, like me, a question which we have to be asked has been asked many times before, and so maybe people aren´t interested in discussing it again.

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by ciarac

I think that first off it takes a good title that will intrigue people or otherwise attract them in some way. Writing "a question" as the title is probably not a good move.

In terms of copywriting, asking a question is one of the top ten forms of a title. Obviously it depends on what question you are asking, but I disagree with you on this one.

Then I think that there are people on here who have fans, you know, some people write stuff that may be interesting to a specific person. I personally pretty much always click on Acting Like Godots posts. Then, of course, some questions which people ask can be answered in one or two posts, whereas others ignite a conversation. For so many newbies, like me, a question which we have to be asked has been asked many times before, and so maybe people aren´t interested in discussing it again.

That's interesting... I tend to look for those that want to learn (and the skeptics), not because I know it all; because they remind me of an answer that I need to hear.

I started to answer someone's post the other day about being a victim, that I didn't end up posting. I wrote this sentence, "On some level you enjoy being a victim. It's comfortable." In that moment, I realized why I am not manifesting wealth. On some level, I enjoy the life that I have. I know poverty. I don't know wealth. I tend to choose the familiar over the unknown (guess we all do), even when it sucks.

It's easier for me to look at someone else's problems and see the solution than it is to do the same for myself. In that way, I think I'm led to certain threads and certain people based on what I need or want.

[mercuryrising]

Originally Posted by Wax Frog

I realize this would fit better in the "General" section, but I expect to spend the vast bulk of my time in I-M, so I'm putting it here.

I've noted that some of my threads are a bit hit, whereas others are virtually or entirely ignored. I thought it would be helpful to me and others to get a feel from various contributors, especially the "old hands", as to what it is about a given topic or post that prompts them to reply.

In terms of IM, I'd say what constitutes a good thread is that you manifest what you want.

There was this one a while back where this dude couldn't manifest the blue feather. He was real frustrated about it. The thread drew a lot of posts and eventually someone posted a picture of a blue feather. Or was it a hat? Can't remember and too lazy to check. Anyway, the guy totally blew off the fact that this thread had brought him what he wanted.

And if all else fails, start a thread about something negative or make an opinionated statement that will be easily refuted but you are too stubborn to accept otherwise. Consider Steve's post about 10 reasons to not join a religion. The thread currently has over 13,000 views and almost 500 posts.
In other words, politely piss people off.

That's my $0.02

[Wax Frog]

Originally Posted by mercuryrising

I tend to choose the familiar over the unknown (guess we all do), even when it sucks.

At the end of my last meditation, I found myself reflecting on an aspect of this. For most of my life, I'd seen it as a sort of war, unwinnable given the limitations I believed I had. My goal was simply to endure it all and suck as much pleasure out of the few meager "good" moments I was allowed as possible. Wow, look at me, the tragic noble warrior - "Poor Waxy, his life was a joke but at least he never gave up!"

If I'm seeing through the "I/M" lens clearly, I cling to the war idea because I cling to my self-image as a warrior. What would I do in a peaceful (dare I even say caring, fodder for a thread in it's own right) universe? What use is a stoic in paradise? Maybe I'm afraid I'd feel even more lost than before, not having my old familiar "program" to fall back on...

[ciarac]

I meant that literally typing in the phrase 'a question' may not draw in so many viewers because it reveals nothing about the subject. Obviously I'm not saying that asking a question in general won't attract interest.