i’m curious to know which forum threads attract readers and which ones don’t? what kinds of topics are readers interested in, and which thread subject lines sound less interesting?
similarly, when reading a thread, which posts do readers read completely, and which do readers skip?
i assume that long threads attract readers just to see why there are so many replies…
I personally skip the rag chewing topics such as the beer barn, teen model and elliots trackside diner. Any thread with that many replys cannot dwell on a single subject. I am here to learn and help when I can. The topic on a layout contest also seems out of what I consider “interesting”.
Among others, I find threads of this nature and threads containing the words philosophy and/or deep thoughts uninteresting.
Generally, those that stand alone on themselves and don’t require the opinion of others to keep it going.
Threads about generally useful techniques, prototype situations and comparisons between traditional and non-traditional modeling/layout building techniques get my interest - and my participation.
Threads with ambiguous titles (Help!!!) get opened, on the off-chance that they might be something to which I can contribute.
Threads which reference specific products that I don’t use (Rapido anything, Big Boy, DCC) remain unopened.
I do like to drop by the (now mostly moribund) Beer Barn - but not very often these days.
Threads which begin to degenerate into flame wars, and obvious trolling, earn a quick trip to the ‘report abuse’ button.
I visit all of the forums (even Garden Railways) and won’t hesitate to put an oar into the water if I feel I can make a positive contribution - or generate a little laughter.
While my own modeling is very narrowly focussed, I have been around the World’s Greatest Hobby long enough to have accumulated a lot of knowledge which might help someone else - and, without tooting my own horn too loudly, I like to help where I can. Where I can’t, I bite my tongue and sit on my fingers.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I like threads that address a specific topic that is of interest to me. I like threads with lots of diagrams and pictures. I like BIG pictures that I can open up full size and see details. I LOVE threads where people with a lot of experience share the knowledge that they have gained over many years.
I dislike threads that turn into arguments, even though I have occasionally participated in those arguments.
Pretty much the same here. Anything asking what you can get around a minimum radius gets ignored. layout design questions like how do you like my oval with one siding, gets ignored. Questions by people who obviously haven’t spent any time doing any research on their own get ignored. People that want a detailed description of a complicated subject that is very broad or unfocused (tell me where every yard and crew change is in the US is and what trains they run out of every yard, or what were the number sequences of every 50 ft boxcar built since 1945). I like stuff on prototype operations but that only comes up once a month or so.
Dave H.
Ditto (with the exception of Big Pictures - I have a very slow internet connection).
I also, I have no love of flamewars or arguments for argument’s sake (even though I have found myself being pulled into these type thread on occasion) type threads.
Another type of thread that I find to be completely useless are the “Is the Hobby Dying” and/or “Another LHS has closed” type of thread.
-George
Since summer has begun, there hasn’t been a whole lot of interesting threads lately.
The one’s that do interest me are related to what I am modeling, ie: Modern diesel era, DCC, scenery, and structures.
People asking for help, something that I can contribute, even though I’m considered a newbie, I have learned tremendous amounts knoledge about the hobby here on these forums.
Things that don’t interest me are the philosophy, thoughts, are sometimes boring, long winded posts annoy me, I usually skip over them.
I also like posting my layout progress and getting feedback from the experienced guys here. I always provide a lot of pictures. People like pictures.
The weekly WPF thread is the best IMHO.
What I find annoying is topics that a simple google search can answer…As a example What was C&O’s GP9 numbers…As far as those “versus” topic I feel like giving a Mike Buffer shout…To many times these topics try to compare a Caddy to a Escort…A useless vanity at best.Another is “my new locomotive doesn’t run”…Why not contact the manufacture? We can’t really help you since anything you do could void the limited warranty.
I do find several topics interesting…
I will open just about anything that promises that it has pictures in it. Or says “American Flyer” on the header. Or is authored by Spacemouse.
In truth, I only actualy read about 10 to 15% of what is posted, less if you count the forums I don’t even bother to venture into. But I’m still in here every day.
I like the threads where I might learn something interesting, and I enjoy hearing people’s opinions on things. I learn a lot that way, listening to others. I really enjoy looking at the pictures too.There are so many great layouts out there and nearly all of them have stuff to appreciate. I like threads that discuss scene and composition techniques, and scenicking techniques. I would also enjoy reading more threads about operations but they rarely get posted here for some reason. I read all of the MRR forums regularly and don’t mind answering if someone asks a question I can help with. Like all the other respondents, I dislike the flame war threads also.
John
I really like the ones where somebody can’t figure out why his trains won’t run. It’s like playing detective and engineer, all at the same time. Even the wrong answers are informative, and it feels good when I nail one on the first try.
I pick topics whose title appeals to me at the moment. My interests are eclectic. At various times I have been involved/interested in freelancing, class 1, narrow gauge, and currently shortline modeling. I have been in HO, O, and currently S with side trips to N, G, and 3 rail. If the first few posts are about something I have no interest is, then I just hit the back button and go on to the next. Otherwise I read through.
I skip posts that are one long paragraph or have atrocious grammar. Really long posts frequently get skimmed even with good paragraphing and grammar.
Enjoy
Paul
I think for all of us it is a little different, depending on where we are in the hobby and what we are working on at the moment. Our interests change as what we are doing changes.
Yes, I prefer short, to the point questions, with the subject line addressing the actual question. However., I understand, especially new folks having many questions and rolling them into one long thread.
I look at some threads because I think I can help, others I look at because I will be coming to that stage or problem in the future. I look at all of them as a learning experience regardless how long a person has been in the hobby. Someone that has been around a long may reserect an old idea that would be a perfect solution. Someone new may bring a new idea or ask a thoght provoking question that brings out a new answer.
Generally I look at most of the scenic, structure building and track laying threads. Operations will become more important later.
Just some thoughts,
I enjoy threads about specific topics and modeling techniques. People asking for advice (with some exceptions – see below) will also usually get a response, or at least a look. Discussions of specific products are interesting only if I own them or plan to get them. I sometimes like ones on the state of the industry, depending on my mood.
Ones I don’t care so much for:
“X” vs. “Y” topics.
Requests for help that could be answered by scanning the last few days’ posts. And really, posting the same question to two or three different categories without waiting for a reply is counterproductive, as well as annoying.
Requests for evaluations of, or help designing, a layout. Really, only the owner can tell whether a given layout, operating style, etc. will suit him.
Anything written by someone who types in all caps, “textspeak” or atrocious grammar / spelling / punctuation (not the occasional error – we all do that – but people who don’t even try).
Dislikes
I avoid the social networking threads like Elliot’s Diner and so on. Threads that say “Help!” but don’t say what they want help with are annoying. Threads that dredge up the same-old-same-old like the LHS versus internet, or which is better - this apple or this orange - are also annoying…as another poster pointed out, the comparisons are often not meaningful. Posts that say “Check out my new engine / pliers / boxcar” and then show a picture of it sitting in a box on the kitchen table annoy me. Flaming of course is a distinct turnoff whenever and wherever it arises.
Likes
I like threads that explain techniques or ask specific questions about construction / repair / detailing / weathering / photgraphy of models, or provide thoughtful reviews of products. Threads that provide links to layout tours / videos worldwide are good, and the WPF is usually good, and sometimes spectacular.
To each his own. Cheers.
double ditto: but fast or slow I like good picts with lots a detail & how I didits are great,my favorite is the weekend photos ,there is some great modeling & photo takers around here …Jerry
Ditto!!!
I like postings about.
That offer pictures as well. I love WFP most of the time. All so like pictures of new bench work being done or tours of ones that are done.
Question from new people that are building a layout. Not crazy about ones from people that over think and cannot get of the stick.
Tips on how to build on the cheap, like tress and such.
New product being offered, and reviews of items.
Conversion questions, like how to convert from Horn Hooks to Kadees.
Decoder trouble shooting questions.