Are you the spark that lights the fire?
By Jekca
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
Centralia, Missouri
November 8, 2015 12:32pm CST
On mylots often times we see trends in discussions. Someone posts something, which inspires other's to write something similar. Oh, notice I did not say the same! No, I mean they took that concept, or idea, and ran with it. It inspired them to weigh in, or go off on a tangent, or completely disagree.
I think this keeps our community healthy. We give and we take. We share, and we commiserate. We open up, and we offer.
Being that spark is, what I realized I have been urging newbies to do when I respond to their posts. I need a hook, I need a bit of personality, a reason why, something that gives me an opening to jump in the conversation. Taking that a step further, I want to be inspired by the things I read to head off and find other things to discuss!
What kind of ways have you found help light the spark in those who respond to you? What techniques have you found that inspire others to either comment, start discussions of their own, OR what works to get you to do so?
[Credit where it was due, meant to add this and forgot, @boiboing inspired me!]
11 people like this
12 responses
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
I do that too! I start reading and something rabbit trails me into something interesting. This post was inspired by one written by someone else!
2 people like this
@valmnz (17097)
• New Zealand
8 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt it does make it fun, reading different points of view. Btw, what time is it where you are? It's 7.45 a.m. Monday here in New Zealand.
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
@valmnz 12:54pm Sunday. I used to be able to do the conversions, had a good friend over there somewhere, but lost touch years ago.
2 people like this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
8 Nov 15
Sometimes I see a post or even just a few words can give me the idea of things to write about. I'm loving Mylot and really enjoy the company here, the comments the interactions.
3 people like this
@kevin1877uk (36988)
•
8 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt I know same here, good company indeed :)
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
They really help me, keep me from being so lonely.
3 people like this
@Juliothemadpoet (90)
• Bangalore, India
8 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt lonely? Loneliness most of the times is the trait of the strong minded. I am a very communicative and open person, but I tend to find my best ideas and inspirations when lonely and sad. I think that these states of mind exist to give you a sense of humanity, the compassion that is being lost with the times. With loneliness we can actually understand what love is about, what life is about, why are we here, why do we live, only because we ask questions to the world, and get the answers that we would not receive if we were in a crowd of people.
It hurts, but it's better than being surrounded with people that are not worth it. Only when you are lonely you can see the ones that really care.
(i think i will use this in my next article)
3 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
8 Nov 15
I am the spark that lights my husband's fire and that's the only fire I worry about!
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
8 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt Should I go now? LOL!
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill before everyone starts blushing or covering their eyes, maybe, 
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
@AbbyGreenhill yeah I kinda want to know now too!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (218450)
• Walnut Creek, California
9 Nov 15
I'm not sure how I inspire others. I'd LIKE to insire others to write about their hobbies, since I like posting about my hobbies--music, woodworking and such. I'd like to learn more about interesting things that I DON'T do--hunting, knitting, etc. But I admit that those posts aren't big earners, at least for me.
1 person likes this
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
10 Nov 15
I guess if people like to knit they don't want to put down the needles and write. And if they love to write they do not pick up the needles.
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
11 Nov 15
@TheHorse that certainly puts some variety into your day. Better for your body too as you do the wood work standing up and the writing sitting down.
@TheHorse (218450)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Nov 15
@41CombedaleRoad Nah, I can do my woodworking, take a break, write on MyLot, and then get back to woodworking and hope there will be interesting comments on my comments and posts when I get back.
1 person likes this
@sueznewz2 (10409)
• Alicante, Spain
9 Nov 15
Yes I try to do that too..., I think it helps to get things going.... 
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
9 Nov 15
I try to experiment and surprise as well as using regular recurring themes
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
9 Nov 15
I am inspired when I read a post from someone who is getting on a bit, hasn't written anything before and then discovers the pleasure of getting some thoughts down and getting a response. It is also inspiring because the responses come from all over the world. I love getting a world view on so many subjects
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
9 Nov 15
I like that as well, the different cultures really do bring a better over all discussion and concept on things!
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50179)
• United States
8 Nov 15
Can't say that I have been much of a spark on Mylot, but my fellow mylotters have been kind.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
8 Nov 15
Honestly, I am glad that's the impression of here, I've heard people saying otherwise this morning and was like... naw!
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
9 Nov 15
It just takes some thinking you come up with something.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
9 Nov 15
I just need to sit down and get the rest of the plot arch worked out
@softbabe44 (5816)
• Vancouver, Washington
9 Nov 15
@Jessicalynnt You'll do it we have faith in you.
1 person likes this
@Juliothemadpoet (90)
• Bangalore, India
8 Nov 15
@Jessica Lyn is actually the first person that gave thumbs up to my first article in mylot, and she has been a really awesome supporter, she is an example to follow. She makes the difference. I really hope that she keeps up with the good job.
1 person likes this
