Developing a Discussion
@pgiblett (6524)
Canada
March 14, 2016 9:44am CST
What is MyLot? This is a question that crosses the mind of many who come to this site. Let's be clear MyLot is not a writing site, well not in the traditional sense where you write a fully thought out article for people to read (and perhaps comment on). MyLot is about developing the art of conversation, but in an on-line forum, and through that discussing an idea or theme in writing.
The idea doesn't have to be complete to start a discussion.
How do you develop a discussion? This is am important question in my view and it is not about mentioning everything that needs to be discussed, it is about putting out enough of an idea to attract people's attention, let them add their thoughts, add their ideas. Sometimes it is even necessary to withhold some crucial information, telling people about points A, B, and C, but holding back point D, which may be added later as a discussion develops.
Would you agree that MyLot is more like holding a conversation and building a discussion?
30 people like this
26 responses
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
I see this more as a method than defining what the site is. I agree though you got a good one there. I notice in giving out information which in my circles is sometimes called layin' your cards on the table depending on the discussion, you just might not get all the responses you hope for if that is what you hope for. What do you mean you have a need sometimes to run and hide?
7 people like this
@Bluedoll (16774)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
@pgiblett foot in mouth you made me laugh. I think you are right. Too much info and people can stop. I sometimes will need to go and refresh myself but don't mind if I make a fool of myself in the sense that someone brings in something valid. I do feel foolish however if I think I've been played. Of course all discussions are different so.. I liked the one we had on robots but you left it?
3 people like this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
Yes you have to lay your cards out on the table during the discussion, but in doing so you hope someone else picks one up, plays with it and either lays it down again or puts a new card down. My sometimes need to run and hide reference relates to the fact that sometimes we do have a tendency of embarrassing ourselves as well (foot in mouth syndrome) or where we light the touchpaper on something then run and hide before it goes bang
4 people like this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
But you take part in these discussions all the time - I see you.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
15 Mar 16
I fully agree with you
that through a discussion (sometimes we call it a thread also) we give some ideas/thoughts for others to contribute on it and an opportunity is given to other users to share their views/experiences on the issue mentioned in the discussion.
It is not a writing site and one does not need to be an accomplished writer to write a response/comment or to start a new discussion.
Users come from different backgrounds and different countries so it is not expected that they would be perfect in English. Which means that even if there is some imperfection in use of language that is also allowed here to make a user feel at ease.
that through a discussion (sometimes we call it a thread also) we give some ideas/thoughts for others to contribute on it and an opportunity is given to other users to share their views/experiences on the issue mentioned in the discussion.
It is not a writing site and one does not need to be an accomplished writer to write a response/comment or to start a new discussion.
Users come from different backgrounds and different countries so it is not expected that they would be perfect in English. Which means that even if there is some imperfection in use of language that is also allowed here to make a user feel at ease.1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
16 Mar 16
@pgiblett Yes, when we discuss something we get different perspectives on it, we may or may not like all the perspectives, that is another matter.
Yes, you are very right that those who wish to learn English, this is one of the best platforms to learn English.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
Alternate views and experiences are a vital part of the thread in my view, you may have one answer in mind, but get given an alternative approach, which may make you think about your question again.
On imperfect English, agreed it doesn't have to be perfect, but it should be considered a place to grow knowledge and skills, by understanding how native English speakers use the language.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
16 Mar 16
@dpk262006 Liking or disliking perspectives is something that is difficult to control, but I think we must learn to respect the opinions of others even if we dislike them.
There is nothing like writing English to help you learn it, but, sadly, there are some people here that fail to learn.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
15 Mar 16
Putting everything down in a post will stifle a responder. One should leave the matter such that people get ideas to put into that post.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (130066)
• India
15 Mar 16
@pgiblett There are only a few here who can prolong a conversation.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
@allknowing I know. It is something that traditionally I have been poor at, but last year I listened to a lecture about holding a conversation and I was surprised what I didn't know about the art of conversation.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
14 Mar 16
@pgiblett Yes I agree.It sums up what a discussion in mylot should be.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
14 Mar 16
@pgiblett Like,this one,perhaps?This one,I see is developing nicely.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
@silvermist It is. But then there are times you read "Light blue touch paper, then run and hide," trouble is when you come out the fireworks are over. Do we need instant response?
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
16 Mar 16
I agree but there are obviously many who are using it as a writing site or an earning site like a job. I think that detracts somewhat from what the site is meant to be, a place to discuss things and get a small share of the income.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
16 Mar 16
I am not sure that there are many using it as an earning site I see a few people on a pension using it for extra money, I come here for fun, and some research on opinions, I leve people's opinions on various matters that are discussed every day. I do my serious writing elsewhere, but turn the ideas gleaned into a piece published elsewhere.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
17 Mar 16
@BelleStarr I am normally here for twenty minutes at a time, when I am taking a break from work assignments, one of the advantages of working from home.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
16 Mar 16
@pgiblett I think there are more than you would expect. I see talk about it all the time. Anyone spending 8 -12 hours a day on here is not just lonely. lol Me I am having a good time.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
I like the idea of getting feedback from others on something I am thinking about writing. I did this for one discussion and got a massive response, which I have been using to create something, but it will be much larger than a single article, it is more like a book chapter in length.
1 person likes this
@destimona (1910)
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg
15 Mar 16
I do agree.Mylot is mainly for interacting with others. Interaction matters a lot in mylot.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
I agree, likes also matter, because it helps contributors get paid. Interaction keeps the topic going, enables you to expand a topic and even sometimes turn the tables on those that are taking part. Also it is possible to go off on a diversion, for example asking how things are in Luxembourg?
1 person likes this
@destimona (1910)
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg
15 Mar 16
@pgiblett Yeah...All fine in Luxembourg. weather is better nowadays. bit sunshine today. last week of school for kids. Easter holidays starts from next week.
1 person likes this
@destimona (1910)
• Luxembourg, Luxembourg
15 Mar 16
@pgiblett What else can help to earn more in mylot.?
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
14 Mar 16
I've said from day one it's Facebook-ish but you earn a few pennies. There is nothing 'writing site' about myLot.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
I tend not to hold long, intriguing, conversations on Facebook that go on for days.
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
14 Mar 16
@AbbyGreenhill Discussions on MyLot also tend to be more visible than Facebook.
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
14 Mar 16
@pgiblett I don't either most of the time, but there have been a few that went on for a long time.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
99.9% of conversations here are respectful, some people however seen intent to mistreat others for some reason.
@chooseyourmissy1234 (532)
• , New York
5 May 16
Yes I agree with you. It seems to be a online social site where you mainly engage in conversations.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
6 May 16
Conversations are at the heart of it and of course to hold a conversation there must be a back and forth between parties.
@rina110383 (24495)
•
15 Mar 16
I completely agree!
I like the fact that you used "and" between holding a conversation and building a discussion. Some post discussions that foster exchange of ideas. They are good posts actually. However, they fail to get back to the people who responded to their discussion. There could have been a conversation if they interacted.
To achieve the true meaning of discussion, both requirements that you mentioned should be satisfied.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
@rina110383 Agreed. I just wish there was something you could do about it (other than ignoring discussions by people you don't know).
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@rina110383 (24495)
•
15 Mar 16
@pgiblett Same here. I consider it as futile mental exercise on my part.
1 person likes this
@Cintronwriter (564)
• United States
15 Mar 16
Well said. Your post should be listed as the mission of MyLot.
I'm still understanding the ins and outs of Mylot, and your discussion question and analysis is spot on. I see the interaction as a means to share the "goings on" that can hold or draw a discussion from others, for the purpose of earning a few pennies.
1 person likes this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
15 Mar 16
Another important aspect of MyLot is Liking discussions and comments, because it has much to do with payment here. MyLot has a lot of similarities to discussing your favourite topic with your friends, except here the conversation is multi-threaded and it is not limited to a small group anyone from around the world can join in.
