Poll: Do poll threads attract more attention than non-poll threads?

[Tanner The Monotone]

I've been on this site for a little while and I have written a few threads. I have noticed that threads that I write that have a poll attached to it seem to get more attention. Is this just me or does this happen to you too? If you think so, why do you think that is?

 

[Tanner The Monotone]

So far, by this thread, the answer would be no.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

What was the question? I was too distracted by the poll.

 

[drbarno]

Some people would think so, otherwise we would't get threads that started with "Poll:" which don't actually contain polls.

 

[RedEyesBlackGamer]

Because I can contribute to a thread without posting. That is like a Lurker's dream.

 

[Lord Beautiful]

I'm not drawn more toward poll threads. Can't speak for everyone else, though.

 

[Radeonx]

I don't really care if it has a poll or not, but I'm sure that some people will just answer the poll and leave.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

The polls are probably more popular, because you don't need to write an answer.

 

[Lectori Salutem]

I'm more interested in an interesting topic than a poll.
I wouldn't be surprised if polls are more popular though (probably due to pre-written answers or something)

 

[drbarno]

Some people would think so, otherwise we would't get threads that started with "Poll:" which don't actually contain polls.

That's not necessarily the OP editing the word 'poll' in the title. There are times where you might create a thread with a poll, fill in the options well, and for some reason the poll fails to appear at all when you post the thread-but nevertheless the thread title will still contain the automatically inserted 'Poll:' title.

Or (I think I have seen this once so far) someone decides to put a poll into there thread, sticks "Poll:" onto their title so you end up with the thread starting with "Polloll:"

 

[Zaverexus]

Yup

They did for awhile but have fallen victim to lurkers who'll do the poll and leave.

For exactly that reason. You get many more votes than posts

 

[Tanner The Monotone]

So, I'm getting yes because:

1. It says poll and has an icon, so it catches your eye
2. It's easier just to click an answer than to write one down

Did I get the jist of it?

 

[Zantos]

Do SCIENCE! See how many people respond to this thread, then when it diappears ask the same question but without a poll. Yeah that's totally science.

 

[Tanner The Monotone]

Do SCIENCE! See how many people respond to this thread, then when it diappears ask the same question but without a poll. Yeah that's totally science.

I'm not sure if science is the right category for it, but yeah, that will work.

 

[Ultrajoe]

Do SCIENCE! See how many people respond to this thread, then when it diappears ask the same question but without a poll. Yeah that's totally science.

It's been done a few times over the years in various forms. The results were always that polls get a huge surge of immediate views and, if the question is provocative, possibly a long series of choice declarations. For true staying power, however, you can't beat the power of a straight, solid opening post. Polls have tendency to replace that OP in terms of relevance, and because of their placement people vote long before they read.

 

[Paksenarrion]

Goddamn! This polled thread is like that one character from ME1, but with boobs!

I am of course talking about Wrex.

 

[Tanner The Monotone]

Goddamn! This is polled thread is like that one character from ME1, but with boobs!

I am of course talking about Wrex.

Boobs? Where?

 

[Sterling|D-Reaver]

Yes and no. I click on more polls but I don't comment or even read many of the comments unless Im really interested. But I find if I click on a non poll I usually respond.

 

[Sightless Wisdom]

I'd say so, I often go to poll threads. I'll admit that it's because I'm lazy and answering a question is easy. It really depends what mood I'm in though, sometimes I feel like actually reading a well thought out post and responding in a similar fashion.

 

[Bobbity]

It certainly seems like it

And yes, I think it does, because I like being able to contribute to a discussion without necessarily having to write something, as I imagine would be the case for most people.