I wonder how some people get more number 'responses'

I receive less response with my discussions too thats why i focus on responding instead. There a lot topic about tips on how to increse your response rate. They say that having a lot of friends here helps, others say that posting quality and interesting topics is the key. Why not check those topics out, maybe you could do both. Good luck.

The most important thing is to start discussions about things people find interesting. Like this last one I responded too 'vinyl'. they were talking about records and asked what the first one I owned was and as that is a memory that stands out in my mind I was moved to respond. If you can find niche subjects that will attract someones attention you will at least get some responses. I have the same problem as you. If you go and look at the discussions I have started most of them are rather serious but they don't get a lot of attention. On the other end of the spectrum please don't start any discussions asking my eye color or if I took a bath today or what I use as a password. Those are really bad!

it depends on the prority the people give to the topics in the discussions.

i have the same problem like you have i get very less responses it is very hurting at times but then i really try to get responses but no one responses