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Trying some new thread ideas

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17 replies

by smorty71

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.

You may have noticed that we are experimenting with different ideas for starting threads. The first tests have been "Ten words or less" and "Fill in the blank." Here are the first two:

https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-11183-0.html?forumID=9&threadID=193917&start=0

https://www.techrepublic.com.com/5208-11193-0.html?forumID=4&threadID=193986&start=0

The idea here is to try and draw in all of those users who are only reading threads by making it very quick and easy to respond.

Another benefit of this format is that, if a thread has 100+ posts, a new user doesn't have to read all of them to catch up. They can post their answer and then read whichever ones they want.

Let us know what you think? Is it too gimmicky? How else would you try to draw in the "lurkers?"

BTW, we encourage you all to give them a try. Use "Fill in the blank:" or "Ten words or less:" as a prefix in the title and then tag "blank" or "tenwords."

Thanks.

17 replies

by hal 9000

And I like it although I didn't see the second one about the biggest threat to your network till just now.

But I need more monitor wipes after reading what's been posted.

Smorty do you have some form of Commission from the hardware suppliers world wide? ;)

Col

by jdclyde

make a form that people can easily fill out.

What are they interested in professionally?
(technology/software/hardware)

What are they interested in for fun?
(gaming/browsing/side jobs)

What do they have to deal with at work?

What is the life of a tech like when not at work?

Who has the coolest toys? Show and tell time!

I even remember SOMEONE even had some cool links about modding out common objects, like couches and such. ;\ Even though many wouldn't do it, most would find it interesting.

Just some thoughts. Good to see your always working on getting more people involved AND making TR a better place to be. :D

I still think there should be a discussion category for humor. ALL geeks love humor, and I KNOW it would be a well hit place. Get them to come for the humor, and they will stay around for the rest.

===============================

Oh yeah, I guess I can actually answer the questions you asked.

I don't see a problem with them. Anyone that does would just choose not to partake in them.

And after knowing the REASON for them, even the people that don't partake would at least understand.

by sleepin'dawg

Especially those of us who are jet lagged up the wazoo!!!

Either idea isn't bad and are worth further exploration.

[b]Dawg[/b] ]:)

by sleepin'dawg

Right now I am sitting in what is arguably,"The Biggest Little City in the World", waiting for Monday AM when I'm supposed to do some work. I've got one b1tch of a headache which has only been eased somewhat by playing some poker. So far, that has been helping a little bit. Thank God Canadians tend to head for Las Vegas so I haven't had to put up with any touristy types from back home and all the Americans I've been meeting have seemed nice; all cool and laid back. The choice in food is amazing and remarkably cheap and the facilities in my hotel are very accomodating. I just found out, this afternoon, my accomodations are being upgraded to a suite and will be comped for the rest of my stay.

Isn't that nice but I wonder why. They did mention it would be nice if I played a few hours everyday. Do you think they're trying to get the little bit of money I've won back??? Nah, they couldn't be that mean now, could they??? ;) I only won a couple of hundred on craps and blackjack and made a nice reasonable little score at baccarat. I've done fairly decently playing poker but that isn't casino money; win or lose the casino gets its cut.

Anyway I'm just chillin' waiting to get to work on Monday. They can't blame me if I pick up some pocket money while waiting around.

[b]Dawg[/b] ]:)

by jaqui

a real good way to get an anti microsoft list ]:)

but it's actually more fun to watch George put his foot in his mouth over and over again.
When is he going to wake up is the current pool topic, and the most popular bet is on never. ]:)

by deepsand

This really seems like a "dumbing down" in an attempt to induce those who, for whatever reasons, chose to be passive participants to become active ones.

The question that comes to mind is "to what gain?"

by jdclyde

Getting the lurkers active keeps them around longer, with more people viewing ADs. It also gets them to hit the pages more often if they are involved in the discussion.

TR [b]IS[/b] a business, ya know.

Selling memerships and placing ads are the life blood. Ads need to be viewed.

by stargazerr

People dont have to worry about putting in something that has already been discussed at length (unless of course, you consider the broader subject of Microsoft Rants).

And it is always easier to think up one word than a whole paragraph.

How about a separate (more visible to newbies) section for such discussions? Maybe on the home page. That way they can be introduced to TR before they attempt to navigate through the rest of the website.

]:)

by sleepin'dawg

don't dicount the subliminal effect. Regardless of what you do or think, that does come into play and has an effect; as to whether it will be for the negative or positive, who can say???

Don't tell me you thought CNet put up TR out of the kindness of its greedy little heart. The fact that it is useful, helpful and a lot of fun to so many is an added bonus, not its raison d'etre.

[i]edited to put space in do or instead of door. 5/21/06

[b]Dawg[/b] ]:)

by rob mekel

I hear jd talking. :D
But y're right. It is not out of sheer kindness that TR is here for us to enjoy. But I really do like it :)

Rob

by jaqui

to be working.
I'm seeing posts by people that I haven't seen post before, and they have been members for years. :)

by rob mekel

It is getting people out in the open, what I think is a good thing. Otherside, as there allways is, you can get short, funny, not to the point remarks as well. What will take away some of the discussion that could be possible.
But then again that can be mere a question of asking ppl what they mean by "a remark made" to explain their thoughts.

Rob

by jaqui

and by mentioning it here, if Smorty hadn't noticed that it was working he has now.

I'm all for people participating, I used the ideas for some of the threads that drew them out. :)

while I might not agree with their comments, that is the point of a discussion, to air different opinions and explain your own. I know I read far more than I posted when I first joined TR, and I learned a lot from that reading. I am not going to knock people for taking the time to read content before they post, it can actually reduce friction.
[ you learn the "unspoken" ettiquette of the place before you stick both feet in your mouth. ;)

by hal 9000

I want to [b]Buy the hardware, Rent the floor space and Share the software[/b] though I'm sure that not what it's all about. :D

Col ]:)

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