The art of the subject line

[Droopy]

I have 2 serious, thoughtful and well written posts on the front page of the lounge. One has about 8 responses to 160 views and the other has about 12 responses to 120 views. 20:1 for the first one and 10:1 for the other.

That leads me to believe that if you want to get people to look at your thread then a catchy subject line is the way to go. But how does one define a "catchy" subject line? What is the formula for a great subject line that will get people into your thread?

One obvious answer is to ask a question. I have another thread that is almost on fire, but I wrote very little for it and put very little effort into it. Other than that I just don't know what will catch people's attention. It's just the luck of the draw for me.

Please enlighten me.

[Shell Beau]

1. But both had a lot of views. So the question is, how do you get one to post in your thread?

BTW, I read both and you are a great story teller (even if the subject happens to be true)! :)

[Droopy]

2. Thank you Shell

I appreciate anyone who takes the time out to read one of my posts and I doubly appreciate it if someone feels moved enough to post a response. And I appreciate the compliment on my story telling. I am of the opinion that all of our lives are deeply interesting and that we all have stories whether we choose to tell them or not. True stories that are more interesting than any work of fiction could be because they are interactive. And, of course, we all have wisdom. I never cease to learn from other people no matter their age.

[billyskank]

3. You can put an inflammatory subject line, BUT there is a caveat -

many people will come in and flame away without reading the rest of your post. I have done this before myself. :blush: So if you write a really thoughtful post but give it an inflammatory title to attract attention, it can sometimes be for naught.

[billyskank]

4. BTW, 10:1 is flvegan's ratio

He noted that the average number of views per post was around 10. So your second thread is doing about right. ;)

[auntAgonist]

5. Good question Droopy

I get tired of posting new threads only to see them sink into oblivion. LOTS of views most of the time. SO, I guess my threads don't appeal to folks.

:shrug: I dunno friend :(

Your stories are great though. I have the privilege of reading them here and -> there !

aA
kesha

[trof]

6. Must be an art. I tried the 'question'.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x6265105
1 response

[Droopy]

7. Oh, c'mon trof

That thread is still young. Besides you didn't ask a direct question in the subject line or ask for someone's opinion. That will get you at least 10 responses every time. :)

[Xipe Totec]

8. A perfect post needs no replies n/t

[trof]

9. Wow. I'm perfect. Who knew?

Thanks.

[Xipe Totec]

10. I did

:hug:

[trof]

15. Awwwww...thanks.

:hug:

[havocmom]

11. Well, as close to perfect as is comfortable

trof rocks!

[Shine]

12. I think you're exactly right, Droopy.

it's just the "luck of the draw", as you said.

Plus, I think the collective mood of the lounge changes throughout the day, so I think that makes a difference in terms of what captures its attention.

It's been interesting for me, as well, noting what sorts of threads light up and what ones don't.

Sometimes the rather deep and profound ones sink like a stone and other times they're constantly kicked.

It just depends. It's a crap shoot.

Sorry, I don't have any other startling insights to offer....just a :hug:

:hi:

on edit: For what it's worth, I think you're a wonderful storyteller and I always enjoy reading them. :D

[Droopy]

14. Thanks, Shine

I'm the old guy sitting close to the fire and slurping down free beer at your next party. Sometimes I'm just there for the beer, other times I might offer my thoughts on reincarnation. You just never know. :D

[Shine]

19. heheh. I'd drink a beer with you anytime, Droopy.

:pals:

Have you ever heard of "Reintarnation"? That's when you come back in your next life as a hill-billy. :rofl:

[AmyDeLune]

13. Well, I'm a Thread Killer so I'm...uh...oops...

Sorry :(

[Droopy]

17. Hey Amy

If anyone kills this thread it will be me. I'm a serial thread killer and I've been known to eat my own. What else would you expect from a crazy guy? This thread will resolve itself peacefully or I will destroy it. :nuke:

[Callalily]

16. *blushing*

I read both your stories and didn't respond to either.

Don't think that there's a perfect answer to your question. Maybe it's just the mood of the reader.

Please keep writing and sharing. You are a great storyteller.

[Droopy]

18. Thanks Fugue

I will keep writing if you keep reading. :)