skip to main content

Building a Home

Deciding on a subject title for your post

16 years ago

OK, maybe I've had too much caffeine this a.m., but I'm on a roll so here goes:

How do you decide on how to title your post here? I see many posts that don't give me a CLUE as to their content. I just pass them over for the most part, unless I have a lot of free time. But sometimes, the title is real catchy, even though it doesn't hint at its actual content. Like a catchy advertising slogan. Then I'll bite to see what it says. Or sometimes I know the poster and I'm curious about what they're up to, so I'll check it out.

OTOH, it's more of a sure thing that I will read your post if you name it appropriately. Maybe I'm not typical (well, that's been said before). And, I will admit, that in trying to write out a subject line it's hard to be clear in my own mind just what it is and how to describe it in the space allowed.

Is it worth the effort?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

green-zeus
16 years ago
You must have a complex mind. That's a compliment, not a bash.

I like subjects that get to the point in a few words. The KISS principle is best. Creative writing is sometimes over the top.
pinktoes
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the compliment, but I think I'm actually simple-minded. In a GOOD way, I hope! I don't like to guess and interpret. I like things really literal. If someone wants to ask about solar siting for their house, just title the post "Solar siting my house" rather than "Which direction to go?"

I did have too much caffeine.
Related Discussions
I am reading post subjects in order to learn something here. It'
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks, all. I've narrowed down my confusion to the question: when does one plant the culinary Allium family and when does one harvest them? Are they annuals or perennials or biennial? Seeds vs. plants? I get conflicting info. Plant Onion seeds in Spring, but plant Garlic bulbils in Fall. I've decided to go to the library and get a good book on the subject, but meanwhile it's an interesting thread. I hope to get a good understanding of the Allium family lifecycle/big picture, so I can weigh my options. For instance, what would happen if I cut the top off a grocery store red onion and planted it? Well, I tried it, and it's growing! Sounds better than planting from seed, but is definately unorthodox from what I've gathered (or not gathered) so far.
...See More
What is your quirk? Of the subject a bit, but fun!
Q
Comments (31)
I will eat almost everything but I have a DH who just has to be the pickyest person in the world. This means I have to cook two different dinners on many nights. DH won't eat anything with onions, garlic, oregano, mayonnaise,salad dressing, cabbage, broccoli, spinach (or any other greens),fish of any kind,and no tropical fruit. He wont eat any type of casserole, pasta or potato salad.He won't eat things where one food is touching another. He will eat hash browns and french fried potatoes only, no other kind of potatoes. When we want to have spaghetti, I have to make two sauces, we like the traditional Italian type while he wants some ground beef, some tomato sauce and some chili powder for spice. He will never try anything new. He lives on chicken, pork chops, beef, peas, corn, green beans, chili beans,french fries and bread. It is such a shame as he is missing so many good foods. I get a headache just thinking about what I can't feed him. If the day comes and we aren't together(after 49 years of marriage), the first thing I will ask a suitor,is what do you like to eat.LOL
...See More
How to receive many replies to your posts
Q
Comments (12)
I don't come over here much ginger, three guesses as to why! and I have only just seen your post. I thought you would have better things to do at this time of year like shuffling papers that you have had laying around since April and sending out invoices and so on. Here is not the place for the kind of forum you are wanting. This is the place for selling stuff and the trivial gossip that appears between the pop-ups is only a filler I have no idea if the right place exists. I wish I did and I would invite you along with ginny and some others who know who they are. While I am here: Happy holidays to you and your family. Tony
...See More
Title your thread to correspond to the facts needed
Q
Comments (6)
It used to annoy me when people put ambiguous titles that would "force" me to open up their threads. But then reality set in: If I'm not the one asking the question then the primary reason I am here is for entertainment. (Under the guise of selflessly enriching others with my wisdom.) As such, the few seconds it takes to click on a thread to see what it's all about is not wasting valuable time, it's wasting time that I've already committed to wasting. Again, we're talking mere seconds. wpdoit has the right answer, and it's so simple: If you don't like it, don't open it. The poster will be none the wiser and unless it's literally going to drive you to drink or cause you sleep deprivation, it won't harm you any either. As for objecting to "cute" or "emotional" titles, I say get over it. Some people just like to have fun, or, heaven forbid, show personality. And while we're at it, I find it extremely pretentious when, ahem, "people" attempt to correct others' posting style. Once again, scroll on by if it causes you not to want to be a part of the conversation. It's rare that I read a long, rambling thread, or one written with all caps, a lack of appropriate paragraph breaks, or excessive bad grammar. But you know what? No one cares! p.s. mojavean - Love it! ISE clogged? "She won't go down!"
...See More
flgargoyle
16 years ago
Titles can be hard to come up with! I usually end mine in a '?' if I want info on something. So instead of writing:"Whatwouldbethebestwindowsizeforaretiredcoupleshouseinsoutherncaliforniawithamasterbedroomfacingnorthnorthwest? I would simple put: "Master Bedroom windows? I also get confused by acronyms, especially in the title line. I actually had to look up 'ARC' (architectural Review Committee). Sometimes I fall for a catchy but vague title: "you won't believe what happened!", but sometimes I'm lazy- it depends on my mood, and how much time I have. Obviously, I have a lot of time today!
rhome410
16 years ago
I'm with you, pinktoes. I'm glad you've said it, because I've thought it for a long time. I want to spend my time reading posts that interest me or that I have a hope of contributing to, and I look to the subject title to help me determine that. Sometimes it takes threads awhile to load and I want to know I'm waiting for something I might be able to help with. When I title a post, I try to get the important words in that will draw the most people who might offer helpful comments, knowledgeable opinions, or answers. Being specific will do this better than being too vague.

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR The Polite House: On ‘No Shoes’ Rules and Breaking Up With Contractors

Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter gives us advice on no-shoes policies and how to graciously decline a contractor’s bid

ART 10 Things Artists Want You to Know

By Laura Gaskill

Inspiration, costs, commissioned work ... 5 artists share on these subjects to paint you a picture of the creative process

HOLIDAYS Houzz Call: Share Your Personal Holiday Traditions

By Becky Harris

What winter rituals mean the most to you and yours? Post your stories and pictures

PETS Houzz Call: Send in the Design Cats

By Sheila Schmitz

Post your best photo of your cat at home, in the garden or with you in your studio. It could be published in a featured ideabook

FARM YOUR YARD Houzz Call: Show Us Your One-of-a-Kind Chicken Coops

By Annie Thornton

Do you have a fun or stylish backyard shelter for your feathered friends? Post your pictures and stories in the Comments!

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Breakfast Bars With Coffee Shop Appeal

Give even a small kitchen a sociable vibe by inserting a stylish seating post

LIFE Surprising Ways to Pare Down at Home

By Laura Gaskill

All those household items you take for granted? You might not need them after all. These lists can help you decide

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Family’s New Style Rises in the Aftermath of a Flood

By Becky Harris

After their damaged walls are demolished, homeowners realize they like the open space and decide to keep it

KITCHEN CABINETS Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors

Can't decide on a specific color or stain for your kitchen cabinets? You don't have to choose just one

Houzz Interview: Iro (aka Ivy Style) from Busy Bee's Blog

Sponsored

The Creative Kitchen Company

47 Reviews

Franklin County's Kitchen Remodeling and Refacing Professional

More Discussions

Anderson Woodwright vs Marvin Elevate

10

Alternative to drywall for garage?

18

Will it be cheaper to build a home?

13

Kitchen Advice Needed Please

16

New Build floors

1