How to write a good and effective Note
Written By Scrivs on Dec. 18, 2006.
14 Comments
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Notes have been up for a couple of months now and although the discussions have remained on topic there are many times where they could be a bit more insightful. Often I find that the responses usually follow the pattern of the original poster so I figured I would give some tips on what I think will help you get the answers you are looking for and facilitate a quality discussion.
- Everyone loves to ask questions, but even more so they love to read your answer to your question. Now we can't always answer our own questions, but that doesn't mean we can not give an opinion on them. Too often do I see "what is your favorite color" type questions and the person asking is not giving the other Notes users their answer. When people see you are willing to take the time to answer your own question, they are much more inclined to answer your question as well.
- Develop a reputation. Whether you know it or not, many of you have already developed a reputation for what type of responses you are going to give. I know there are times I skip over a Note because I see who the original poster is. You may think this is cruel, but there are only so many minutes in the day and my mind has to pick and choose what I am going to read and some people I enjoy reading over others. If you are known for leaving thoughtful responses to other people's notes, when they see your name they will more than likely take a glance to see what you have to say.
- Tag it. Some Notes can remain timeless and one of the ways they can do so is by leaving relevant tags. In the future all Notes will be connected through tags so if you want yours to show up more often, make sure to tag, tag and tag.
- I know with proper editing capabilities things will be easier, but take the time to proofread your Notes. Use proper capitalization in the titles. Try to sound intelligent or at least that you care about what you are writing. If you can't look like you care enough about your Note then why should others?
If you have some tips feel free to add to the list.
Mike
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
Use bullet points in your note to sound more authoritative.
JPhill
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
I'd say look to see if the topic was already started in a previous Note. Not sure if you want repeat topics popping up often.
veronique
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
These are good tips Scrivs. They should come handy. :)
Tyme
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
If you start a note, subscribe to it as a reminder to check back and respond if necessary.
JustinKistner
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
I like Notes that use links to substantiate a claim or provide important background info.
Scrivs: Be honest, do you skip over my replies?
Scrivs
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
I don't skip over replies once I'm in a Note, but I do see who starts a Note on the homepage and on occassion have skipped over it. You are still fresh so you have no rep in my mind yet.
Now nobody ask me that question.lol.
Scrivs
Written Dec. 18, 2006 / Report /
Oh, and I have to support Tyme's tip. Nothing more irritating than having someone not following up on responses for their own Note when they are looking to get them in the first place.
SCarter
Written May. 31, 2007 / Report /
Found this oldie, but goodie and figured it could use a bump next to Mr. Rundle's recent addition.
CMarshall
Written May. 31, 2007 / Report /
Similar to Tyme's tip but when you ask for help and the advice sorts the problem TELL PEOPLE.
Don't let this become like so many forums (which I know it isn't but bear with me) and leave other readers wondering if the advice worked or not! See that really really frustrates me - I am trying to sort something, I search forums, I see lots of advice, but I don't actually know if it worked or not!
Scrivs
Written Oct. 12, 2007 / Report /
Figured this would be good to get back to the top for all the new people visiting 9rules.
NoelKingsley
Written Oct. 12, 2007 / Report /
Thanks for all these tips. :-)
RightOn
Written Oct. 12, 2007 / Report /
If you start a note, subscribe to it as a reminder to check back and respond if necessary.
OMG, Tyme you hit the nail on the HEAD here... I HATE it when someone comes in and stirs up crap and starts a 2-3 page note only to never come back and back up their stance.
Grrrrr.
Also, one liners are REALLY annoying.
Scrivs
Written Oct. 12, 2007 / Report /
With your own stream in the dashboard it is even easier to keep track of all the discussions you have going on across the site so be sure to check it out.
Scrivs
Written Mar. 26, 2008 / Report /
Coming back to your Note is definitely just as important, if not more, as writing a good one in the first place.