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Why do some discussions get more comments than others? How can we get more comments? In this short note, I am trying to describe first the difference between a blog and forum and then, how we can get more comments on MYEC forum.

The difference between a blog and forum:
To express yourself, to explain or clarify something, to share your thrilling experiences, etc, blogs are great place. You can also write about your favourite subjects or whatever theme you like. However, forums are limited to topics and subtopics. And, according to the topics, one is allowed to post his discussion. Right now, there are three sections on MYEC Forum including General Discussion, English help and Technical Help. As its name illustrates, General Discussion is where we can ask questions about various things. If you have problem regarding listening, speaking, reading and writing in English, you can ask it in English Help. In addition, your technical problems would be answered in Technical Help.

Another important aspect of forum is that we are looking for an answer to our questions. As a result, forums have a question-and-answer format. And, on the contrary to blogs, long posts are not allowed. Sometimes, the discussion may turn into a debate, which is really great to be polite and respect different ideas and opinions. These are two important differences of a blog and forum.

How we can get more comments on MYEC forum:
Now, how we can increase the number of comments on our discussion. We have first to ask ourselves if we are at a right place or not. If you post your discussion in other area unrelated to the topic of the discussion, no one would answer you. So, before posting your discussion, check if you are at the right place. For example, if you post your English speaking problem in technical help, it takes a longer time someone answers you or maybe, many members rarely check that area of the forum. As such, it’s significant to post the discussion at the designated area.

Another thing is to ask yourself these questions; “Why should members answer my question?, “Is my question interesting enough?”, “What I am going to ask is a commonplace problem?” “Am I clear?” “Is my title attracts readers? Some questions are very vivid and no one is interested in answering them. For example, “Do you think listening to radio will improve my English? This is not a good question since it doesn’t attract the members. Most learners know that the more you listen to English, the better it is!

Another way to attract more comments is to reply to the current comments received. Answering to the comments on your discussion shows you value your reader and encourage them to engage in your future discussion. So, it would be great to interact with the readers.

Finally, reading comments is one of the most enjoyable activities and one of the reasons for writing. What do you do to get more response from your reader? Do you have a special method?