Suggesting more descriptive thread titles?

[EagleEye]

I just wondered if anyone else thinks it would be nice to ask that when creating new threads, the title be a bit more descriptive if possible.  For example "Please help - etiquette question" is un-informative about what the thread is about, and I find it unhelpful when deciding which threads I read - simply because I don't always have knowledge or a strong opinion about some subjects, but there is no way to know until I read the OP.

Conversely, for example: "Dog-sitter payment dilemma" gives me a better idea of the thread topic, so I can choose not to read that thread maybe because I am not a dog owner and don't know the protocol of paying dog-sitters nowadays (just using this as an example, and I am not saying that anyone else who doesn't own a dog can't comment on that thread . . . btw I actually do own a dog!)

I am not proposing it as a hard-and-fast rule, but maybe just a gentle suggestion that may be helpful to other boardmembers as well as myself in navigating the boards?  

[DottyG]

I just wondered if anyone else thinks it would be nice to ask that when creating new threads, the title be a bit more descriptive if possible.  For example "Please help - etiquette question" is un-informative about what the thread is about, and I find it unhelpful when deciding which threads I read - simply because I don't always have knowledge or a strong opinion about some subjects, but there is no way to know until I read the OP.

Conversely, for example: "Dog-sitter payment dilemma" gives me a better idea of the thread topic, so I can choose not to read that thread maybe because I am not a dog owner and don't know the protocol of paying dog-sitters nowadays (just using this as an example, and I am not saying that anyone else who doesn't own a dog can't comment on that thread . . . btw I actually do own a dog!)

I am not proposing it as a hard-and-fast rule, but maybe just a gentle suggestion that may be helpful to other boardmembers as well as myself in navigating the boards? 

I agree with you.

However, be aware that the last time I asked this, it was shot down.  And, not prettily!  For some reason, this can be a little bit of a touchy subject in the forums.

[EagleEye]

I just wondered if anyone else thinks it would be nice to ask that when creating new threads, the title be a bit more descriptive if possible.  For example "Please help - etiquette question" is un-informative about what the thread is about, and I find it unhelpful when deciding which threads I read - simply because I don't always have knowledge or a strong opinion about some subjects, but there is no way to know until I read the OP.

Conversely, for example: "Dog-sitter payment dilemma" gives me a better idea of the thread topic, so I can choose not to read that thread maybe because I am not a dog owner and don't know the protocol of paying dog-sitters nowadays (just using this as an example, and I am not saying that anyone else who doesn't own a dog can't comment on that thread . . . btw I actually do own a dog!)

I am not proposing it as a hard-and-fast rule, but maybe just a gentle suggestion that may be helpful to other boardmembers as well as myself in navigating the boards? 

I agree with you.

However, be aware that the last time I asked this, it was shot down.  And, not prettily!  For some reason, this can be a little bit of a touchy subject in the forums.

Yikes, I had no idea! Thanks for the heads-up Dottyg!

[Dindrane]

It certainly is nice to be as descriptive as possible in thread titles, particularly if the subject matter is one that generates very strong opinions.

But sometimes, it's just not really possible to be descriptive.  If an issue is complex, the poster may not be able to summarize it in just a few words.

I'd hate to see something so subjective and not-easily-quantifiable turn into an actual rule, especially since there are situations where it would be downright impractical.

[DottyG]

I'd hate to see something so subjective and not-easily-quantifiable turn into an actual rule, especially since there are situations where it would be downright impractical.

With all due respect, that's why this poster (and I, the last time I made this suggestion) made a specific point to say

I am not proposing it as a hard-and-fast rule, but maybe just a gentle suggestion that may be helpful to other boardmembers as well as myself in navigating the boards?

No one is asking for an actual rule to be established.  Just that, if there IS a possibility (knowing that this is not always possible) that a descriptive subject line be used, it would really help your fellow readers know what the thread is about.

[Surianne]

I love descriptive titles.  Even something like "Dog-related etiquette question" is better than nothing, because it lets me know if the thread will interest me, or address an area where I might be able to offer advice.  I rarely click on the threads with generic titles.  So count me in favour!

I also like it when posters write "long" in the title, so I know to save those for when I'm drinking tea or eating supper, and want a longer read, rather than during the commercials of a TV show I have to rush back to.

[Lisbeth]

I like it when posters use descriptive titles as opposed to something like "Who was rude?" or "Is this okay?"  I understand why sometimes they do the latter, but having some idea of what the thread will be about going in helps.

[Amava]

And it also helps to find a certain thread back later.

[Ceallach]

I think that more descriptive titles are often a better "selling point".  And I definitely agree that out of courtesy to their fellow eHellions, people should try to give a succint title instead of something vague.

Having said that, I also think people resort to generic titles to avoid being provocative.  e.g. saying "who was rude?" instead of "issues over fertility" or "bringing kids into a restaurant".  Sometimes having people come in without pre-conceived notions on what the thread is about is important, so it can focus on the etiquette issue instead of other hot button aspects of the situation described.

[T'Mar of Vulcan]

I haven't read any other threads on this topic, but I must say, if a thread title does not state what the thread is about, I don't read it. Why waste the time when it might not be something I'm interested in?

[demarco]

I haven't read any other threads on this topic, but I must say, if a thread title does not state what the thread is about, I don't read it. Why waste the time when it might not be something I'm interested in?

I agree.   I'm  not likely to open  threads titled, "Was I rude?" or  "What should I do?"  or "The Neighbor."  Every OP is likely to have key words that can be strung together to compose a title that will pique someone's interest. 

[MadMadge43]

Thank you so much for posting this! It drives me crazy. Sometimes there's a "Jaw dropper" thread that I really like and then another I don't and I have to click on both to figure out which is which.

[jpcher]

And sometimes I click on a thread where I have absolutely no interest in discussing the topic, only to find out that the topic and discussion is extremely interesting.

I have often struggled about my thread title when making a new post.

I try to be clear and concise, but at the same time "clever" enough to draw in readers.

[TootsNYC]

What I love about the descriptive titles is that when I come *back* to read follow-ups, I can recognize it!