Idea + Example = Better Topic - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Lhunardawen · 10-01-2004, 08:31 PM

You mean that was originally just an example? An example???

Lindolirian · 10-20-2004, 03:52 PM

In view of this sudden rush of topics calling for higher quality posts (i.e. A Call by Imladris, Redundancy on the Rise by LePetiteChoux, Estelyn's Rant, and this thread), I found it the perfect time to add my two cents

. "Here's my two cents" has become a very hackneyed phrase and its meaning usually lost, but to those readers who still hold on to it, the writer is seen as setting themselves up to fail by implying that their input isn't worth two pennies, much less a second or two of our time that the writer would want us to take to read it. It is that very phrase or some variation of it (Including "Well, I searched for something like this and didn't find anything, so please don't shut me down, Mr. Wight.") that almost every thread is being started off with these days. It is a very ineffective attention-getter that I'm sure you all know is crucial to a good introduction that will attract people to read your topic. If you seriously feel like your say is not worth 1/50 of a dollar you need to rethink why you are posting, or if you have indeed searched thoroughly enough. If you do think your post will pass, then stand behind it and be confident. Don't second-guess or youself, or others surely will.

Indeed, BW "Idea + Example = Better Topic", but I say "Idea + Example + Confidence = Even Better Topic.

Imladris · 10-20-2004, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Including "Well, I searched for something like this and didn't find anything, so please don't shut me down, Mr. Wight."

I do this because I don't know how to work the search engine (ie, I know how to use it but I have bad luck finding anything on it -- sort of how my brother can find what he's looking for on Google and I can't) and I don't want to be beat on the head (no matter how gently because I have a huge ego problem) for making a duplicate topic along with a gentle chide to use the search function. I use it as a sort of indirect apology and an acknowledgement that I did do my homework before posting.

However, I totally agree with what you said about confidence.

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-20-2004, 06:44 PM

Lindolirian, good point! I can remember a thread on the "two cents" issue; I think it was called "The Phantom Finance" and was started by Rimbaud, but I can't locate it at the moment.

Imladris · 10-20-2004, 06:53 PM

Phantom Finance

Estelyn Telcontar · 10-20-2004, 07:04 PM

Why thank you for finding the link, Imladris! See, your search was successful this time - for whatever reason, mine wasn't...

Imladris · 10-20-2004, 07:08 PM

You're welcome -- I just went under Rimbaud's name and clicked "Find all threads started by Rimbaud" -- fortunately (should that be unfortunately?) he has started few topics so it was relatively easy to find...I didn't use the search because I couldn't remember if it was under Mirth or the Downs...

Lindolirian · 10-20-2004, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imladris

Phantom Finance

Ha! Indeed, see what I mean? Thank you so much, that's a great thread!

10-20-2004, 03:52 PM	#2
Lindolirian World's Tallest Hobbit Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Where the view is long Posts: 2,117	In view of this sudden rush of topics calling for higher quality posts (i.e. A Call by Imladris, Redundancy on the Rise by LePetiteChoux, Estelyn's Rant, and this thread), I found it the perfect time to add my two cents . "Here's my two cents" has become a very hackneyed phrase and its meaning usually lost, but to those readers who still hold on to it, the writer is seen as setting themselves up to fail by implying that their input isn't worth two pennies, much less a second or two of our time that the writer would want us to take to read it. It is that very phrase or some variation of it (Including "Well, I searched for something like this and didn't find anything, so please don't shut me down, Mr. Wight.") that almost every thread is being started off with these days. It is a very ineffective attention-getter that I'm sure you all know is crucial to a good introduction that will attract people to read your topic. If you seriously feel like your say is not worth 1/50 of a dollar you need to rethink why you are posting, or if you have indeed searched thoroughly enough. If you do think your post will pass, then stand behind it and be confident. Don't second-guess or youself, or others surely will. Indeed, BW "Idea + Example = Better Topic", but I say "Idea + Example + Confidence = Even Better Topic. __________________ 'They say that the One will himself enter into Arda, and heal Men and all the Marring from the beginning to the end."

10-20-2004, 06:44 PM	#4
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Lindolirian, good point! I can remember a thread on the "two cents" issue; I think it was called "The Phantom Finance" and was started by Rimbaud, but I can't locate it at the moment. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-20-2004, 06:53 PM	#5
Imladris Tears of the Phoenix Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Putting dimes in the jukebox baby. Posts: 1,453	Phantom Finance __________________ I'm sorry it wasn't a unicorn. It would have been nice to have unicorns. I'm your huckleberry.

10-20-2004, 07:04 PM	#6
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	Why thank you for finding the link, Imladris! See, your search was successful this time - for whatever reason, mine wasn't... __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

10-20-2004, 07:08 PM	#7
Imladris Tears of the Phoenix Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Putting dimes in the jukebox baby. Posts: 1,453	You're welcome -- I just went under Rimbaud's name and clicked "Find all threads started by Rimbaud" -- fortunately (should that be unfortunately?) he has started few topics so it was relatively easy to find...I didn't use the search because I couldn't remember if it was under Mirth or the Downs... __________________ I'm sorry it wasn't a unicorn. It would have been nice to have unicorns. I'm your huckleberry.

10-01-2004, 08:31 PM	#1
Lhunardawen Hauntress of the Havens Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: IN it, but not OF it Posts: 2,538	You mean that was originally just an example? An example???

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