MyLot Users Figured Out…
By Gitara
@Gita17112016 (3611)
Trinidad And Tobago
February 8, 2018 6:53pm CST
Since I came back to this site I have been wondering how best to stimulate and hold people’s interest. I have come across many people with different approaches…and I have tried to figure out a strategy.
There are those who post quick two liners about ten times a day about trivial things such as weather, lunch or ‘what’s happening on your side of the world”? They don’t want comments longer than a sentence or two and they don’t reply in more than a monosyllable or half a sentence. No thinking required.
There are those who stick to a countdown to music or a critique of movies with the odd blog with some political content. These are the hardest to respond as they are so specific. They hardly have traffic and one-word syllable or sentence seem the normal response. A generic answer will have to do.
At the other end of the spectrum there is a handful of discussion written so perfectly, so accurately, so humorously that it’s hard to comment with anything other than with admiration for the writer. That usually falls flat on its face and there is no room to comment a second time because the article has no flaws. Avoid these as a conversational piece.
There are some scientific and factual discussion but no one seems to be in a thinking or challenging mode. These posts are the most unattractive because people are not into deep thinking. Don’t post these even if it is educational.
The most successful post for discussion seems to be welfare and social ills. The traffic is heavy and the comments are 3 paragraphs long. This topic is the least threatening to readers and they usually have much to say. Mores, norms and morality seems to be easier to comment on. So from all this I have learn to include a welfare element into my discussions with a bit of self-recrimination to catch the interest. The more human failure there is, the more the readers readily make a contribution. I wonder why?
What type of discussion do you write?
And which do you find easier to respond to?
Credited: Picture taken from internet, free domain.
22 people like this
23 responses
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
9 Feb 18
So this one of those well written posts where I admire your observation as I have reached similar conclusions.
I think people are more willing to discuss human failure because its the one thing we all do. Sometimes can't talk about it anywhere, at work, school, among friends or family and for most not even social media. So what better place to share and engage than on a more private feeling social site? Just my thoughts haha.
7 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
9 Feb 18
there are members that share things here they don't share on fb. they use fb and mylot differently.
3 people like this
@taciaelisepeace (1809)
• United States
9 Feb 18
@hereandthere I am one of them, although I try not to post on mylot the way most would post on fb. I try to make it more engaging or share something positive verses just posting about my day or venting.
2 people like this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
10 Feb 18
It is a friendly site like that. I can relate to that.
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (51532)
• Philippines
9 Feb 18
What ever I want 
as long as it sits within the guidelines. But to be honest I tried to avoid as much as I can the ills of society or related to the news.
as long as it sits within the guidelines. But to be honest I tried to avoid as much as I can the ills of society or related to the news.3 people like this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
I don't follow news either. That why politics is hard to follow. But I do try to keep up with scientific inventions. And strangely most people will respond to social problems mostly because they have lived through it. So the sharing become easier.
@DianneN (246906)
• United States
11 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 Thank you! I'm here to have fun! I don't need any more drama in my life.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
I have been to you post and it has always been refreshing and about great family values. So your discussion interest me. Like you i avoid politics or religion but I miss a good discussion without the attachment to one particular viewpoint. Or at least agree to disagree.
I find myself being attracted to great creativity...
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
@DianneN That begs the question 'what drama'? Doesn't it?
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
Spontaneous writing. That's a pretty care free approach. Sometimes I compose a piece or developed an idea right in the middle of commenting on a person's post. I have never tried 'ranting' yet.
1 person likes this
@Plethos (13560)
• United States
12 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 - im currently holding back on my rants. I dont wanna come across as a curmudgeon.
1 person likes this
@josie_ (9763)
• Philippines
9 Feb 18
You make an interesting observation. Many gravitate to posts that are safe to comment and avoid topics about politics, religion or anything that strike at a core belief system. Although I like these kind of posts, I remind myself that everyone is entitled to their opinions and try to keep the discussion in a non-judgmental and civil manner. Humor also help facilitate the exchange of divergent views.
3 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
9 Feb 18
i still read some of them. sometimes the responses and comments help me understand them more.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
At the end of the day I too feel that I have learn something. And I do have more exposure if not better understanding. So I read with an open mind. One of the things that struct me as surprising is the extent to which people 'open' themselves. I had intended to remain impersonal but some posts invite me o share tidbits of myself.
Unlike other sites did you know that these posts circulate freely on the internet and anyone can view them? That can be frightening in itself.
.2 people like this
@snowy22315 (170019)
• United States
10 Feb 18
I personally stick to non controversial topics..because although you may get more "traffic" on substantial ones. I don't like to get into debates with people. I think this site should be about light commentary. Nothing against those who do post those kinds of discussions, and sometimes I do comment on them, but I don't want to get "riled" up.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
9 Feb 18
i don't consider these my blog. i just want conversation. which is what is required here. mine may seem trivial but usually that is the mood i am in. i try not to make mine too long because lots don't read it all if it is. nor too short because that just seems like i have no interest and just making a post for money and that is not all i am here for. hope you get the answer you are looking for.
2 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
11 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 i don't like either of those. i like a post just long enough to open discussion. but if i have a freind that keeps coming to mine, i really have no choice but to try and read and post on theirs, if you know what i mean.
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
I was corrected that there are only discussions on this site.(not blogs) so i edited my discussion. There seem to be two separate and distinct group here: one don't read anything long, and the other don't consider a two liner reading material. Personally I favor a paragraph or two discussion just to facilitate a reader who might return to add to their comment. a little content to stimulate conversation.
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
9 Feb 18
Well-written post! When something comes to my mind I may write about it. Usually, it is in the form of a question so that those who are interested can state their thoughts and opinions. I find that if it is a question then it easier to come up with a response.
2 people like this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
14 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 No doubt that there is more than one way to make a soup and we should always make the soup we like since we will be eating it.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
14 Feb 18
Well, sometimes too people share an incident or an experience when they read a discussion. So a question might have the opposite effect. for me I can think outside the box.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (458230)
• Switzerland
9 Feb 18
I read almost any kind of posts, there are only a few that I skip and those are posts about religion, politics and sport. I can read very few of them if they are not written by "fanatics" who will disagree on everything is against their restricted views on the subject.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (458230)
• Switzerland
11 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 I agree that there are a few users on this site who are great writers and thinkers and we can discuss everything with them. Impossible to discuss with a fanatic, with them you cannot even discuss if you prefer the pizza with or without pepperoni on top.
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
Then we share the same reactions. I like religion and theology but people cannot discuss on the merit of something without offending their sensibilities. So it's a topic I avoid. But for me it is a most liberating topic.
I avoid sports and politics for the same reason too.
There are some exceptional writers and some exceptional thinkers on site. And I appreciate them. I love creativity... even in everyday chores. So there isn't too much boredom for me.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
Me too although i have a hankering for things technological and inventive. I like concepts and principles and the mental exhilaration that comes from matching wits. Sadly, I get humorous witty...which I'll take too!
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40248)
• United States
9 Feb 18
It is interesting, as you note - there are all different ways to use this site, and seems like some writers do fall into the niches you mention.
I tend to write about whatever I feel inspired by. Sometimes that is movie, music review. Sometimes personal situations I find myself in, Sometimes I will see something during my day that makes me think of a topic in specific.... in fact I have a whole notebook with notes of ideas what to write about. I don't know if I'll ever be "caught up" with it.
The "my day", sorts of posts are easy to reply to - as are anything written where I have an opinion or experience....
I can usually find something meaningful to say or question to ask.
On one site I used to write 10 posts a day. It was set up different though. Here I think at 1 a day is quite good enough, for me, I know others do more or less.
Interesting observation that morals etc.... are more popular. :-)
2 people like this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
The more I hear about people writing what ever inspire them the more I like this site. Ah, the bliss. No pressure. I think I feel so much better after raising this discussion. I have learn now to accept people as they are and to try and see what is so important (in the moment) to them . I think this will help me to respond better.
I was from a previous site that posted as many blogs as you can managed but but be posted every 24 hours. Can you imagine the pressure? This site has no such restriction (thank God) so it is just up to me to make the necessary adjustments!
I think I might follow you a bit and do some 'my day' post and see how that pan out.
I think the 'morals' are more a curiouslity of how different cultures clashes. It is easier to say what you do when faced with a similar situation...although there are so many factors that are unpredictable.
I think I might follow you a bit and do some 'my day' post and see how that pan out.
I think the 'morals' are more a curiouslity of how different cultures clashes. It is easier to say what you do when faced with a similar situation...although there are so many factors that are unpredictable.
@Icydoll (36717)
• India
9 Feb 18
Whatever topic it is one has to know minimum knowledge about that topic and should know how to carry away the discussion to next level by asking questions more .so that we can make it more interesting.i post mostly general discussion and see it to be friendly as we talk with our friends in real life.
I just don't like politics and religion based discussions.i try to avoid it but sometimes read to know other views but never respond to it.
2 people like this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
14 Feb 18
I do agree that one should know sufficient on a topic to take it to the next level. It is always a nice surprise when the host reply in such a manner that it allows you to have something to say. Open-ended questions are the best. I like politics and religion but when the views are based on concepts. I hate policies so I avoid them
I always read all discussions just to understand what might motivate a writer that the particular moment. It 's kind of interesting. It's like catching a glimpse into another person's life.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
I just learn today this site is about 'discussion' . I had thought it was a blogging site. I try to observe people and what they are doing. My brain is continually working at super speed!
1 person likes this
@shaggin (71666)
• United States
10 Feb 18
You have noticed many of the same things I have. I will comment on the short few liner posts but I don't care for them as they are so boring. I like long posts about people's day. Some history posts and educational posts I really enjoy. Reviews I usually am bored with too but I do know an excellent reviewer of books here @Maluse I don't write to worry about catching other people's interest. I just write about what I want which is usually just about my day. I don't post more then a few a week if that as the people who post a ton of posts a day rarely say much in each post and don't reply to their comments.
1 person likes this
@shaggin (71666)
• United States
11 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 Never know maybe people with those same interests haven't stumbled on your writing yet. Write what you enjoy!
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
11 Feb 18
I have notices that the two liner writers do not return a comment in your page. I have tried over looking, thinking that they are waiting to see if you are a regular writer but alas! you are right. They have their own exclusive group. Had to break into that.
I like @Maluse book reviews too. Excellent writing You are welcome M.L.
I am going through a phrase where I feel that I am so dumb where the technological world is concern...mostly about inventions. So I have embarked on a self discovery of the latest technology...but there are no takers here. People don't even want to postulate about where we (the world) is heading. Ideas excite me! Creativity excite me ... but no one to share with! 
You are welcome M.L.
I am going through a phrase where I feel that I am so dumb where the technological world is concern...mostly about inventions. So I have embarked on a self discovery of the latest technology...but there are no takers here. People don't even want to postulate about where we (the world) is heading. Ideas excite me! Creativity excite me ... but no one to share with! 1 person likes this
@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
10 Feb 18
I know the situation: you've read a post, feel well informed and/or entertained but for the life of you have no idea what you could write in a comment. Do you know what I do when that happens? I don't write a comment but move on to the next post.
I do this also occasionally if a post ends with a question. I don't want to be forced into a certain way of thinking or rather: I don't want my thoughts to be driven in a certain direction. Can you understand what I mean? I don't know how to explain this better.
I do this also occasionally if a post ends with a question. I don't want to be forced into a certain way of thinking or rather: I don't want my thoughts to be driven in a certain direction. Can you understand what I mean? I don't know how to explain this better.1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
10 Feb 18
Your posts, my dear, I find ' hard' to respond to, because you are so thorough! Also your wit is keen, sharp and incisive. So to be honest I am somewhat afraid to commit myself less you injure my confidence.
As to any post ending with a question...I often view this as an attempt to help people who are somewhat muddled or reply in generic terms..."I am good, and how is the weather today'? . I don't see it as an attempt to 'force me into a certain way of thinking'. I hardly think anyone can do that (to me or you) . But I am not above to letting myself be led because the person is also saying to me that this is their comfort zone.
One person actually told me that if I did not like what he posted, then why don't I 'not read'? And my response to that was until I don't read I can't tell if I 'like or not'. I also said that it is not that I don't 'like' but that I am saying as a 'host' you are 'hosting' a discussion ...so choose one that ,at least, you are 50% informed. There are certain topics I can discuss for days ...and in profound depth. Alas! they belong to the esoteric realm and so far only one other person has shown a grasp of this (I can't find him again though).
So questions redirect a person's thought to a specific area. Also it is my observation that there are many writers here who are some serious 'out of the box' thinkers. And fiercely independent thinkers. No muzzling them, I am sure.
Also your wit is keen, sharp and incisive. So to be honest I am somewhat afraid to commit myself less you injure my confidence.
As to any post ending with a question...I often view this as an attempt to help people who are somewhat muddled or reply in generic terms..."I am good, and how is the weather today'? . I don't see it as an attempt to 'force me into a certain way of thinking'. I hardly think anyone can do that (to me or you) . But I am not above to letting myself be led because the person is also saying to me that this is their comfort zone.
One person actually told me that if I did not like what he posted, then why don't I 'not read'? And my response to that was until I don't read I can't tell if I 'like or not'. I also said that it is not that I don't 'like' but that I am saying as a 'host' you are 'hosting' a discussion ...so choose one that ,at least, you are 50% informed. There are certain topics I can discuss for days ...and in profound depth. Alas! they belong to the esoteric realm and so far only one other person has shown a grasp of this (I can't find him again though).
So questions redirect a person's thought to a specific area. Also it is my observation that there are many writers here who are some serious 'out of the box' thinkers. And fiercely independent thinkers. No muzzling them, I am sure.@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
10 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 I should have added an example concerning questions at the end of a post but couldn't find one. If I find a good example, I'll add it here.
Please tell me what you mean by 'blog' in the question at the end of your post. Is it a synonym for 'post' or 'discussion'?
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
14 Feb 18
I love that photo how interesting you could make a whole discussion up on that alone! I do not really like one line posts and avoid them. I think there are some very interesting posters on mylot some of whom I look forward to reading. I write about all kinds of things.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
17 Feb 18
For an inquiring mind almost anything is interesting. I chose the pic with care because unconsciously it can trigger a lot of messages. But you are the first noticing or even connecting it!
I too am beginning to identify the posts and writers that i look forward to interacting with. Surprisingly there are lot of writers here. I am, myself a versatile writer but there are a few topics I try not to become too involves. Do you have a favorite topic?
I too am beginning to identify the posts and writers that i look forward to interacting with. Surprisingly there are lot of writers here. I am, myself a versatile writer but there are a few topics I try not to become too involves. Do you have a favorite topic?
@JESSY3236 (18923)
• United States
9 Feb 18
I mostly write about books and movies I have seen. Sometimes I write about news articles I have read. I comment on anything that I have to something to say.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
10 Feb 18
Do you feel comfortable enough to share private news too?
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
14 Feb 18
Well it's a great way to have some discussion. I am beginning to think I can't have a system too because I so little time to handle comments. What kind of research are you into?
1 person likes this
@Shivram59 (31790)
• India
14 Feb 18
@Gita17112016 I generally share my day-to-day experiences here.Since I lack time,my posts are short.
1 person likes this
@Gita17112016 (3611)
• Trinidad And Tobago
14 Feb 18
Time poses a problem for me too. I try doing all kinds of post and now settled for one or two paragraphs. I think also I am finding that I can't post everyday (as I had intended) as I cannot handle the comments fast enough)
