Successful Topic Titles, And What Not To Do

Hi,

Some of you know me, but most don't. So let me give you some of my background. I have worked, in both the Civilian and Military sectors, as an Interviewer for over 20 years. The job title of "Interviewer" is what most people think of as an "Interrogator". It was changed because of all the negative connotations that have accrued to that term.

My training is mostly verbal, and completely non-violent.

I have noticed a number of Titles that ask leading questions. The most common being "Is this counterfeit".

From time to time, I have taught a basic course in Interviewing. For this course, I created a tape ( Yes, it was that long ago!) wherein I asked the same question 4 different ways.

Each group consisted of 10 students. All experienced Law Enforcement Officers.

All the groups were arranged in a semi-circle.

I handed the first member of the first group a One dollar bill, randomly taken from my bill fold; and said: "I think this is Counterfeit". 10 out of 10, after examining the bill, also declared it Counterfeit.

The second group were asked "Is this counterfeit?" Seven out of ten determined it to be so. With the three dissenters being very hesitant to give an opinion.

The third group was asked: "There is something strange about this bill; do you think it cold be counterfeit?". In this group we had an even split.

The last group was just handed the bill and asked to comment on it. Not one said anything about it being counterfeit. Which, of course, it was not.

The second experiment on the tape were the same questions asked of four different groups. The differences were that each member of the group was in his or her own room, and; were told that they were not required to give an answer if they were not comfortable with answering the question. However they could see the anonymous answers of the rest of the group.

In this study, the first three groups were almost unanimous in their opinion that the bill was counterfeit. With this important difference. More than half, of each group, failed to make any response.

The point is that people like to be experts, and; no one wants to be wrong. The safest path is usually to agree with the group or with someone that has "weight" within the group.

Perception IS more important than Reality. Unfortunately.

I have noticed a number of post that use leading questions such as "Is this counterfeit", or "Is this (insert variety)".

In my experience if you ask if something is counterfeit, the likely hood is higher that you will get an affirmative answer. On the other hand if the first person to respond. really is an authority on the subject; and negates the assumption of the OP, then most will jump on board and agree with the expert.

Second; when looking at varieties or errors, most people take bad photographs. And quite frankly some people viewing these boards might have bad eyesight. When I look, I generally don't comment unless I can really see the coin and the detail being discussed. I do see a lot of people, that will chime in with a negative to the original question;even though they can't see the coin well enough to make an informed opinion. When you have a lot of people make uninformed opinions, constantly, it gives them the perceived status of "expert".

Remember no one wants to be wrong. It is easier to say something is not a variety or error; when it can not be proved otherwise on the face of the evidence provided.

I don't think there is any problem when posting a topic and asking the audience what variety or error they think it might be. If of course you provide clear and defined photographs. Assuming, of course it is not an obvious error or variety such as a 1955 LWC DDO.

There is a lot of latitude when you post an error or variety.

But please if you suspect you coin is counterfeit, don't use the word counterfeit in your subject line. You are only giving the audience a preconceived perception. A perception that will have to have an uphill battle from here on out.