Chai break is a periodic feature on This is Lit to discuss concerns that every book blogger has. This is meant to be a lighthearted discussion that you’d have over tea and the only reason for it not being called Discussion Post is that the site’s author thinks that would be too mainstream. Pfft.
Hiya, nerds!
I’m doing a discussion post after a really long time. And today’s topic is very meta–it’s about discussion posts themselves.
Like every other blogger, I understood the power discussion posts have early into the blogging game. Discussion posts:
- Increase interaction with followers.
- Help you understand your audience.
- Boost your stats.
So it’s obviously good to do discussion posts.
But, there’s a reason why I’m not regular with my Chai Break posts. Other than the fact that I’m a lazy old dumpster lookalike. I find it, erm, a little boring. I’ll scurry into my book blogger’s box of shame now.
The key to a good discussion post is finding the right topic. I once did a discussion on book to screen adaptations and said I like TV shows based on books more than movies. It was a great post (obviously 😛 ) and people unanimously agreed to my views in the comments.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with people agreeing with me, but it’s not really a discussion if people just repeatedly say “you know what? You’re right”. This is more something I would appreciate in real life, as opposed to people just cringing and silently backing off at anything I say.
And that’s why I’m never regular with my discussion posts. I need to find the right topic, which will have people giving me their opinion, AND adding more than just the usual “I feel the same way too”.
Let’s discuss!
So today, tell me what you really think about discussion posts? How do you come up with your topics? Or better yet, teach us how to find the right topics. Comment and let me know how you structure your discussion posts!
~ Shruti
Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter
I don’t do discussions much just because finding the right topic is hard. It’s obviously nice to see that people agree with your side, but it’s the people that see things differently that I appreciate. I may not always agree with them, but their different views cause me to look at something in a different light 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I love it when people present their side of things in discussion posts. Really adds perspective. 😊 And you learn new things too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never done a discussion post before (and I should) 🙂
Though, as you said, I think that’s a great way to interact with followers (and I’m NOT parroting you here, Shruti😉). I especially like to comment on these discussion posts (and regular posts, too. But these posts justify my tendency to make LONG comments😁).
In the end, I think these posts should be about bloggers sharing their opinions – whether in agreement or disagreement. And the difference of opinions is what MAKES discussion posts special in the first place; you get to see what fellow bloggers think on said topic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You should do discussion posts! You always have great opinions and you’re an amazing commenter too! 😁
And, yes. Discussion posts are a great way to hear different kinds of opinions. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never done a discussion post because a) I didn’t know they were a thing and b) there probably wouldn’t be much discussion on mine yet! But hey, I do love to debate, so it could be a good time in the future.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, you should try it out! I like participating in discussion posts, especially if it’s a polar topic with a lot of different opinions. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gotta start talking about popular books you don’t like to get the discussion flowing 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would work too! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love discussion posts or rather your “listicle”. The last one about Wanted YA heroine” made me laugh so hard!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks so much, Sophie! And yeah, I figured you’d love discussion posts. Yours are usually thorough and interesting. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I almost never write discussion posts, because I just don’t have any ideas for them, but personally I really like them and want to do them more often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s why my discussion posts are never regular—I just don’t have ideas for them sometimes. When I do think of something, I immediately write a post.
There are of course the usual topics like DNF-ing, book to screen adaptations, book sins like dog-earing… Psst, I’ve done all 3. 😉😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
See, I’m the opposite way. I get too nervous about confrontation and conflict that can be a result of a discussion post. It terrifies me so much. Sometimes, I come up with topics for discussion, but then I just delete the drafts. *Hides in the trash bin, too*
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh no! Discussion posts are less about confrontation and more about just presenting your opinion. Maybe just try it once? If it’s too much for you, you can just not do it again. 😊
LikeLike
I’m like Dina in this and also I’m new .. I might consider discussion posts ..hmmm .. * thinking intently*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh. But the whole point of discussion posts is to listen to different opinions. It doesn’t usually lead to confrontation because the blogging community is extremely nice and supportive. Our conversation right now is how it is—you have an opinion and I have a different one. But we’re discussing it nicely. And that’s the beauty of these posts. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Honestly, I don’t think I have ever done one on my blog. My original focus had been to focus on writing, author interviews, and then, later, it also became about books + community. Maybe I should give it a whirl!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Try it out! You might end up liking it. This feature is not regular on my blog, though. I’m a little lazy. But it might work for you. 😁
LikeLike
I will, though I am a little lazy too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shruti, the only reason behind me not doing discussion posts is because they are very daunting. Not to mention, the time it takes to think up a good discussion topic is simply A LOT. Plus, this might be funny to hear but people just don’t notice my discussion posts. Of course, I do get comments from my close blogging friends but still, it doesn’t get the discussion started.
I think I have ranted enough lol.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ikr, it does take a large amount of time to think up a good topic. Some days, I’m randomly inspired, and on the rest I struggle so hard to come up with a topic. You should still do a post though! You’ll be good at it! 😁
LikeLike
I think discussion posts are amazing, I love reading them and leaving my thoughts in the comments. I struggle majorly with writing my own though and I feel like I’m a bad blogger sometimes because I can’t contribute with them as much as I’d like, haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, SAME, Lauren! Participating in discussion posts is very easy, but when it comes to writing my own, I struggle. 🙈 We should get the other bloggers to reveal their secrets. 😂
LikeLike
Haha right! I’m always so envious of people who have a constant flow of discussion posts 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person