Make your topic title, posts more attractive

[tranthidung]

Objectives:
(1) To name your topic title shorter
(2) To better express your ideas and catch more attention of readers

Notes:

• The guide only help writers to construct their ideas, sentence; choose good keywords, hooks, etc. and make their topics, or posts look more attractive at a blink of eyes.
• It does not change general quality of topics/ posts.
• Determinant things are creative ideas, and details, examples to support/ expand/ explain core ideas.

Sources:

• Theymos' guide: Topic title style guide
• Book: How to write and illustrate a scientific paper, 2^nd edition, Bjorn Gustavii

Avoid
Tags within brackets or abbreviations

Some people like to put "tags" in the title within brackets. Like "[GLBSE] [ANNOUNCE] ASDF: Generic asset". I personally don't like this style. I prefer to include the tag info within the sentence, like "Announcing ASDF, a generic asset on GLBSE". When tags are really necessary, it may indicate that a new subforum should be created.

Newspaper capitalization

Use normal capitalization, not "newspaper capitalization". "Thread title style guide" instead of "Thread Title Style Guide". Capitalize the first letter of the title unless it a trademark like "eMachines".

Timepoints

If the title is composed of only one sentence, don't include a period at the end. If it contains two or more sentences, put a period after each sentence, including the last. Questions must end with a question mark.

Unnecessary hedging
Don't overuse hedges, because your sentence will become more difficult to understand

Remote verb
Keep your key words and verb stay as closely as possible because remote verbs will blurr what you want to say.
"Merit system, after its about 2 years history, and few adjustments, has reduced spam"
This one is better:
"Merit system reduces spam, after two years"

Respectively
In case you present a long list of things (>= 4), with figures, you should avoid using respectively, because readers will have to backwards read objects you mention and compare with figures you present. It certainly cost readers lots of time and give them a bit uncomfortable feelings.
Personally, if I present data with four objects and above, I will avoid using respectively.
Example: (Figures used in this example are not real data)

There are three boards that have most non-sense posts, gambling discussion, altcoin discusssion, trading discussion, and bitcoin discussion with total non-sense posts per day at 10000, 20000, 25000, and 30000 respectively. ⁽¹⁾

There are three boards that have most non-sense posts, gambling discussion (with total non-sense posts per day at 10000), altcoin discusssion (20000), trading discussion (25000), and bitcoin discussion (30000). ⁽²⁾

The (2) style looks better.


Should
Key words/ hooks

• To catch attention of readers
• Should be put at the beginning of title.
• Key words immediately disclose what you want to bring to readers

"Users were affected to rank up"
There are so many reasons, so if you want to point out exactly merit system as a cause, you should use this title
"Merit system affects rank-up speed of users"
I use two keywords: merit system, and rank-up speed (to emphasize that the effect is on rank-up speed, not de-rank speed).

Active is better than passive sentence
"Merit system affects rank-up speed of users"
"Rank-up speed of users was affected by merit system"
I do believe the first one is better

Questions: question mark and question words (what, why, when, how)

• Only use question mark if you ask for something
• Use declarative title to say what you found, rather than question mark (?)

"Does merit system affect rank-up speed of users?"
With this one, readers don't know what you will present in your thread. They will easily think that you ask for reasons, rather than present your findings and things that you think are reasons.

Condensation of your title

• Keep it as short as possible (to save reading time of readers, catch more attention, and to satisfy character limitations)
• Omit all needless, superfluous words (includes useless adjectives): they obscure meanings and distract readers to main points
• If your thread title is not interesting, not attractive (lack of keywords, hooks, too long), they will ignore your thread

"Merit system over its two year history possibly affects the general rank-up speed of users"
This one is too long. If I am reader, I will ignore it.

Use declarative rather than a neutral title
Let's compare two titles
"Influence of merit system on forum users" (Neutral)
"Merit system reduces spam, restrict spammers to rank up" (Declarative)
The second one is much better, because it directly emphasizes which sort of influence of merit system writer will discuss.

Tense
Using simple present or simple past

You can apply those things for your posts, to make your topic sentence more attractive, and more informative. I usually ignore posts that written without topic sentence.
There are more important things to make your posts not only attractive at first glance, but also informative and have above-average quality
Bitcointalk posting etiquette

[Vod]

bump

Do you think you could build an algorithm to score based on preset rules like these?  I'm sure a lot of industries would benefit by a system introducing automation to post quality.  For example, I want to write for your blog and I present the last 100 posts I have made, along with the quality score you develop.  You don't even look my my resume, only my quality score.   

If you collect a database of messages for example, you could sell services based on the writing skill of profiles.  By proper indexing of their posts and subsequent meta data, you could sell an "author to website" service on a piecework and bid basis, with higher scores receiving higher payment. 

[BALIK]

bump

Do you think you could build an algorithm to score based on preset rules like these?  I'm sure a lot of industries would benefit by a system introducing automation to post quality.  For example, I want to write for your blog and I present the last 100 posts I have made, along with the quality score you develop.  You don't even look my my resume, only my quality score.   

If you collect a database of messages for example, you could sell services based on the writing skill of profiles.  By proper indexing of their posts and subsequent meta data, you could sell an "author to website" service on a piecework and bid basis, with higher scores receiving higher payment. 

The ability to follow correct grammatical rules does not necessarily indicate that somebody is an accomplished, or even a good writer.

Writing to convert, convince or educate is a skill that can be demonstrated even without absolute mastery of the fundamentals of the English language.

Look at most of those websites that sell guides, e.g. The Brit Method and similar. These guys don't have complete mastery of grammar or even lexis, but they still manage to convert. Therefore, such a tool would only indicate that a person is capable of following the basics, rather than completing writing that people want to read.

[tranthidung]

The ability to follow correct grammatical rules does not necessarily indicate that somebody is an accomplished, or even a good writer.

Writing to convert, convince or educate is a skill that can be demonstrated even without absolute mastery of the fundamentals of the English language.

Look at most of those websites that sell guides, e.g. The Brit Method and similar. These guys don't have complete mastery of grammar or even lexis, but they still manage to convert. Therefore, such a tool would only indicate that a person is capable of following the basics, rather than completing writing that people want to read.

I did not mention anything about English grammar in OP, because English grammar is not the determinant factor for your post quality.

• A post is not a good or understandable one if it was written by broken-English (includes both grammar and vocabulary).
• A post is not a good or high quality one if it was only written in perfect English, with correct grammar and superfluous words. Quality mostly come from ideas behind posts. Grammar and vocabulary are only tools that support to express your ideas better, and more easily understandable.

There is no reason to use un-common words because the forum is an international, and not all users use English as their first language.
In my opinion, sharpen English grammar and knowledge on crypto are better than try to learn un-common words, but users must not be proficient in English to make helpful or high quality posts here

When trying to write quality posts, a lot of people act as though they're writing a book report for school: putting facts that we already know into their own words. Nobody wants to read that, and you will not get merit for it. Moreover, the length of your post and the quality of your English are only minor factors. In trying to write a quality post worthy of merit, you should offer new ideas, personal experiences, or perspectives that other forum users will actually find new and interesting.

If you look at my topic title, it is written as " ... more attractive". Practicing those steps well does not make your posts become higher quality if you don't put any creative ideas inside.

[actmyname]

Do you think you could build an algorithm to score based on preset rules like these?

The canvas of language cannot be captured by that of rigid means: quality hooks itself around the mastery of semantic and syntactical manipulation.

[The Sceptical Chymist]

Theymos' guide: Topic title style guide

Wow, nice find on that link!  I used to browse really old threads (some of them are fascinating) but never came across this one, and it's a great idea to make it visible again.

There are some seriously bad thread titles in sections like Economics and Bitcoin/Altcoin Discussion.  I don't know how many I've come across where the title is "Bitcoin" or something extremely vague like that.  I think I've even reported a couple of threads because the title was waaay too vague.  Then there are threads in the English section where it's blatantly obvious the thread starters know zero English--some of them are almost laughably bad. 

Newcomers to the forum should definitely be schooled in how to write a nice, concise thread title which also makes it clear what the thread is about.  I'm hoping this here thread gets some views, because it's pretty useful.  Props, OP.  It's one of those forum issues that never really gets addressed because it's more of an annoyance than a major problem.

[Upgrade00]

Wow, nice find on that link! 

In my opinion, that thread by theymos should be a sticky thread on the beginners and help board or should be added to the HELP option of the forum as a hint for users seeking help on how to properly use the forum posting options.

[tranthidung]

Theymos' guide: Topic title style guide

Wow, nice find on that link!  I used to browse really old threads (some of them are fascinating) but never came across this one, and it's a great idea to make it visible again.

I knew about that topic by one of prominent users, months ago. As I answered below, it has actually been mentioned in Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ, but something like buried in the mud.  Consequently, there is very little readers notice about that point.

There are some seriously bad thread titles in sections like Economics and Bitcoin/Altcoin Discussion.  I don't know how many I've come across where the title is "Bitcoin" or something extremely vague like that.  I think I've even reported a couple of threads because the title was waaay too vague.  Then there are threads in the English section where it's blatantly obvious the thread starters know zero English--some of them are almost laughably bad. 

Newcomers to the forum should definitely be schooled in how to write a nice, concise thread title which also makes it clear what the thread is about.  I'm hoping this here thread gets some views, because it's pretty useful.  Props, OP.  It's one of those forum issues that never really gets addressed because it's more of an annoyance than a major problem.

It is same as one thread I saw yesterday, Bitcoin Beginner Question / PLEASE HELP. A real newbie (not spammer) asked for help, but if we simply look at topic title, we don't know what that users need. I gave him/her my advice, but it seems s/he did not care about it. I also have a feeling like only good posters care about their topic title.

In my opinion, that thread by theymos should be a sticky thread on the beginners and help board or should be added to the HELP option of the forum as a hint for users seeking help on how to properly use the forum posting options.

It has already mentioned in one of pinned threads: Unofficial list of (official) Bitcointalk.org rules, guidelines, FAQ
If one is lazy enough to ignore that thread, s/he will be lazy enough to ignore another pinned thread if there is a special thread for Topic title style guide.

Q: How should I name my thread? / Are there any guidelines to naming threads?
A: A post from the admin, theymos, explains it pretty well. See: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=102944.0

[Upgrade00]

If one is lazy enough to ignore that thread, s/he will be lazy enough to ignore another pinned thread if there is a special thread for Topic title style guide.

I totally missed it on that thread, although I have seen the post quite a long time ago on the actual board it was posted in.

I also have a feeling like only good posters care about their topic title.

Some others care, but in the wrong way, some use it as click bait to attract other members to view their project's information offering bogus promises, while some use it to attract users tk their threads (possibly for merit gains).

[Welsh]

Do you think you could build an algorithm to score based on preset rules like these?  I'm sure a lot of industries would benefit by a system introducing automation to post quality.  For example, I want to write for your blog and I present the last 100 posts I have made, along with the quality score you develop.  You don't even look my my resume, only my quality score.   

If you collect a database of messages for example, you could sell services based on the writing skill of profiles.  By proper indexing of their posts and subsequent meta data, you could sell an "author to website" service on a piecework and bid basis, with higher scores receiving higher payment. 

You certainly could. Very much like the way common SEO checkers check for headings you can add keywords which are usually not suited for titles, and give them a score out of 100 with common factors that make titles more attractive. Integrating it as an extension or within the website software itself would likely benefit some people. For smaller websites might even be worth including SEO while keeping the titles attractive to further rank the website.

[Vod]

Do you think you could build an algorithm to score based on preset rules like these?

The canvas of language cannot be captured by that of rigid means: quality hooks itself around the mastery of semantic and syntactical manipulation.

True,  but useful query information is in demand.

She types at a speed 99% below norm
He uses simple sentences fives times more than most
It uses an adblocker
etc...

Advertisers would love vetted viewers.   People using a service like that would make their money back by increased advertising rates.

Invasion of society/privacy you may think?  It's already happening - we are simply leading the masses, like we did with bitcoin.  Much better to build a open source solution

[BITCOIN4X]

I dont often make threads, but for every thread making, the title is the most important thing to think about in order to make it more interesting.

In addition to an interesting title, the purpose of the thread made must also be considered in my opinion. Good grammar to read, adapted images and sources are also included in the important points that must remain in the thread.

Below are some of the threads I have made so far, I think it is good for my efforts to achieve quality posts. But are there any other inputs for me?

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5199291.msg53003802#msg53003802
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5198306.msg52970867#msg52970867
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5197013.msg52920569#msg52920569
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5146244.msg51175721#msg51175721

[tranthidung]

I dont often make threads, but for every thread making, the title is the most important thing to think about in order to make it more interesting.

In addition to an interesting title, the purpose of the thread made must also be considered in my opinion. Good grammar to read, adapted images and sources are also included in the important points that must remain in the thread.

In my opinion, contents are the most important things of one topics, letters, articles but without good topic titles, writers or threads' creators will lose his or her opportunities to catch attention of readers, then lose traffics for their threads.

But as I said, a good topic title is not enough because one can stop by because an attractive topic title but he or she will stop reading if contents are boring (they might read a few first lines before leaving your boring threads).

Applying those tips, to build up attractive, contentful and succint topics' titles and contents will do help your threads' traffics.

Below are some of the threads I have made so far, I think it is good for my efforts to achieve quality posts. But are there any other inputs for me?
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5197013.msg52920569#msg52920569

I am sorry but only this one was written in English so I can understand this one only.
With this one, if I was you I will rename the topic title as "The latest human innovation: Bitcoin - Pros and Cons". However, I am not sure that you did mentioned about Cons in your topic. I scanned it and it seems you only talked about Pros.

[Jet Cash]

Obviously, I'm completely out of touch with modern forum usage. I looked at the OP, and I didn't read it, as I considered it should be a web page article, and not a forum post. I still think of a forum as a venue for discussion, and thus it should contain links to external sources where detailed or complex issues are to be referenced.

[azmirihaque]

To write a constructive post, those instructions are very fruitful. I think, if any one follow the rules described here, he/she will be able to introduce a meaningful, constructive and dramatically error free post. Anything little but meaningful is understood easily. Generally people feel boring to read large passage and thereby avoid it. So, attractive short post is very much important for all. The title is the synopses of all the written in the passage. So, should be short and representative to the post.   

[Onuohakk]

Many of a time in this forum, I have seen many post that has the same details explanation but different topic title that has the same meaning. Post like ''India ban bitcoin, bitcoin is illegal in India, India government declares bitcoin illegal etc.
It's will be quite okay if posting a web news, share the link of such information for better understanding of the story

[GeorgeJohn]

I seems that to make a tangible and understand topic is based on personal intelligence because everyone wishes to compose a topic that will elevate him / her in forum and make the user influential in the community, because someone can't decide to portrays a negative point that will bring it's reputation down, i think nice topic attracts good reaction of comments and from my views i comprehend that another criteria that can make someone to create a discussion topic is based on research and observation from the forum, That is the reason some people have to reframed topic title but exactly the same but slight difference.

[tranthidung]

I seems that to make a tangible and understand topic is based on personal intelligence because everyone wishes to compose a topic that will elevate him / her in forum and make the user influential in the community, because someone can't decide to portrays a negative point that will bring it's reputation down, i think nice topic attracts good reaction of comments and from my views i comprehend that another criteria that can make someone to create a discussion topic is based on research and observation from the forum, That is the reason some people have to reframed topic title but exactly the same but slight difference.

In brief:

• Topic title is a hook. A better hook, a better attraction, a higher traffic.
• Don't abuse hooks.
  
  • Topic title is a start but no one will read all of your thread if it is unnecessary sketching to be as lengthy as possible.
  • First time, viewers can read your topic/ thread but for the second, third, ten time, no viewer minds to read yours.
• Shorter is better.
• Your post: Look, please! It is too lengthy (unnecessary -- 107 words in total, no dots). You should learn to use punctuation, grammar structures, linking words and please keep it short.
• Hook (topic title) - Contents - Success/ failure
  
  • Nice hook - Good contents - Increasing potential success
  • Bad hook - Good contents - Likely failure
  • Bad hook - Bad contents - Definitely failure
  • Writing a succinct and attractive topic title is very difficult. The art of writing

My post is not written to hurt you. It is about basic rule of writing skills. If you feel I am hurting or attacking you (you are wrong).

Cheers  

[GeorgeJohn]

I seems that to make a tangible and understand topic is based on personal intelligence because everyone wishes to compose a topic that will elevate him / her in forum and make the user influential in the community, because someone can't decide to portrays a negative point that will bring it's reputation down, i think nice topic attracts good reaction of comments and from my views i comprehend that another criteria that can make someone to create a discussion topic is based on research and observation from the forum, That is the reason some people have to reframed topic title but exactly the same but slight difference.

In brief:

• Topic title is a hook. A better hook, a better attraction, a higher traffic.
• Don't abuse hooks.
  
  • Topic title is a start but no one will read all of your thread if it is unnecessary sketching to be as lengthy as possible.
  • First time, viewers can read your topic/ thread but for the second, third, ten time, no viewer minds to read yours.
• Shorter is better.
• Your post: Look, please! It is too lengthy (unnecessary -- 107 words in total, no dots). You should learn to use punctuation, grammar structures, linking words and please keep it short.
• Hook (topic title) - Contents - Success/ failure
  
  • Nice hook - Good contents - Increasing potential success
  • Bad hook - Good contents - Likely failure
  • Bad hook - Bad contents - Definitely failure
  • Writing a succinct and attractive topic title is very difficult. The art of writing

My post is not written to hurt you. It is about basic rule of writing skills. If you feel I am hurting or attacking you (you are wrong).

Cheers  

Thanks for the information, because we are here to learn positively and accept corrections and also it's obvious that know one is encyclopedia of knowledge, I really appreciate the directives

[Upgrade00]

I am not sure it's allowed or not.

Creating a constructive post without putting a source others can verify the information from is not a problem, except the text was copied directly from that source and duplicated on the forum. We should all make the effort to verify our posts, but not doing so is not explicitly breaking any rules.
I can have come across a piece of information online and took it to be factual, if I were to repeat that on the forum, that would not be a forum offense, other members would likely correct me and I'll unlearn the wrong information.

About the second point; Copying content and duplicating it without putting the source is plagiarism and results in a permanent ban. It doesn't matter if the text is spun or if it's translated to another language.