I noticed yesterday that my last blog post, A Homecoming, did not receive as many comments as I am used to. No conversation was started; and no personal experiences were shared. Looking back on the post, I realised that I had not posed a question to my readers as is my usual habit.
Question mark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
It has been my custom, since I began this blog, to end each post with a question. My question aims at encouraging the reader to reflect on what they have read; or to share the connection they find with their own experience and thoughts. At times I ask readers to share a bit of their knowledge; or to share an opinion they have on the topic of my blog post. I pose the question in the hopes that a conversation may be started by the readers so that it is not only my voice that is heard in the post. After all, one of the best experiences of blogging is the conversation that it encourages.
I have found that the responses to my questions have often added value to the post. There have been times when readers have shared a link; or have shared their own experience. At times readers add their own knowledge in a comment thus enriching what myself, and others, will read on the topic under discussion. There have been times when a different dimension is added to the post by a comment that raises a point I had not even thought of.
I have grown to enjoy the responses to my post and the question that I ask. I look forward to reading responses and to finding the gems that I uncover in them. A blog post without a question at the end does not seem to illicit the same number of responses from readers; and does not seem to encourage others to share their thoughts.
I hope not to forget again this important part of my blog post recipe. If I do, my post will be missing an important ingredient.
Do you like to pose questions at the end of your blog posts?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2012
There is always that little voice asking me if I have the time to handle responses to questions. The answer is always no.
You make a good point. When you pose a question you need to be ready to respond to the answers
Thank you for answering mine newsferret.
I will pose a question sometimes but not with any expectations of an answer. I do have a tendency to answer if I have one though.
By not having any expectations of an answer, one is then pleasantly surprised. I know that I always feel honoured that someone has taken the time to write, not only a comment, but also to share their own thoughts. Thank you for sharing yours with us
I don’t always pose a question only because of the time available to reply is limited. If questions are asked about my post I try to answer. Often I spend the majority of my time reading and responding to others blog that I don’t have much time on my own. I hope this year to remedy that. I do a lot of research for my post that can consume a lot of my time.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Your posts are also so interesting Francine. I enjoy the photos too and, together with the information, I am often encouraged to comment even though you have not posed a question.
To question or not to question, that is the question …
It is a good way of making readers feel involved, as long as it is posed in such a way as not to seem contrived.
I agree – it needs to flow from the context of the post. That may be why my last post did not have a question! I had none in my mind
So there is no question that there should have been no question!
I can’t say I ever have posed a question but it’s a great idea and one that I shall look into.
I find that it is a good way to start a conversation: in real life and online.
I always pose a question, because if not it is just me talking to myself LOL! It is really good you noticed this.
I noticed that you also asked questions
It is not often that I see bloggers do this. Do you find that it helps to generate conversations?
Very much so. It is the only way to get to know your followers. Like yourself☺
A very good point
I don’t always pose questions on my blog though I notice when I have people do respond more then other blogs. Thanks for giving me something to think about, have a great day!
A mix of posts may be an idea: some with questions, others without. The decision may depend on what the content of the post is.
I have never tried it, but it is a good idea. I love to get comments on my blog, and that might be a way to generate some. Thanks for the tip.
Lets us know if using a question at the end of your post does help generate comments. It would be interesting to know.
Often. A sentence I usually include begins with. ‘So, the question I ask is…’ and I generally include it in the body of the blog post somewhere. Sometimes it sparks comment. Sometimes ‘trolls’ The blog is somewhat controversial and upsets some people so I would expect some people to be angry when commenting, especially when they can be anonymous.
I wish it would spark a passionate debate! But, it usually doesn’t ;(
The trick would be to attract the right type of visitor – one who is able to look at a topic objectively and comment on it. But don’t give up. The more questions we ask, the higher the probability we may experience that passionate debate!
You are quite right that asking questions in a post is a great way to generate conversations
Well done Colline with all the comments you receive here 
Thank you Christy. When I read the comments at the end of the day they tend to make me smile as most people have something positive to say.
Interesting question you have posed Colline. I would have said no, a closing question does not trigger additional responses. But perhaps most of my followers are not encouraged by my questions or perhaps my questioning technique is not as good as it could be! I have tried questions a few times, but I feel a bit silly when no one posts an answer
I had not consciously noticed that you used questioning, but it seems that other respondents agree that it is a good technique. I will take this on as a deliberate strategy and will count some responses!
It will be interesting to know if your comments increase.
I do not always have responses to my questions – but many times I do and I enjoy reading what other people contribute.
Sometimes questions like an answer, sometimes questions having any answer… sometimes they are just being a resonance in our mind,…. but question is the way of thinking, it is a gate for the mind voyage. Philosophy starts within…. and I love to visit and to read your posts… But I now sometimes I can’t catch them on time… but be sure your questions work in my humble world, Thank you, with my love, nia
What you say is so true Nia. By asking questions, but begin to think on the topic and we may arrive at the answer maybe a few days after the question has been asked.
I like the questions, but sometimes I feel I am being to selfish and then only talk about myself, see I am doing it again.
Ah, Leanne but isn’t that the way to start a conversation? I enjoy the comments and the thoughts that people leave – no matter what they are