During class we've been talking about various methods to engage users and encourage dialogue between the writer and the reader. From controversial topics to personal interest in a story, each method has its merits and flaws. Some are more situational than others while other techniques are more universal and can be used in a variety of settings. However, T-Rex from
Dinosaur Comics has
something to say about one of the more common techniques found throughout the medium, asking questions.
T-Rex makes a valid point (even if his point wanders). What's the point of asking "What do you think?" about a topic. Most everyone thinks something about everything, prompting them with a lame question doesn't really help at all. The questions posed by an author should try to be as thought provoking as the article they are about.
Now, time to counter my own post by asking a few questions. What techniques have you found useful for creating a discussion about your topics. How much is too much going beyond the article to try to engage the reader? And most important of all, if you haven't done so already, why aren't you reading the entire archive of Dinosaur Comics?
The questions should not always be "What do you think?" (even though I'm guilty of this). The questions should delve into the subject and ask something that gets the reader to think, really think. Something that gets them to pause and say "Huh, I never thought of it that way." This is of course much easier said than done but I'm glad this was pointed out. I will try to make my questions more meaningful in the future.
ReplyDeleteDo you know the number one problem with students is?
ReplyDeleteThey are too cynical, then you augment that with Physicist and Engineers. Maybe you should ask this cynical/apathetic audience what do they like about themselves that'll make them think. And, if you can relate it to the article maybe it will be relevant.