Open-Ended Questions

[Resha Caner]

What is your experience here at CF with asking open-ended questions?

 

[Moral Orel]

What is your experience here at CF with asking open-ended questions?

Yes.


Just kidding, I couldn't resist.

But seriously, it's wide and varied. Sometimes responses are short, sometimes long, sometimes answers, sometimes more questions. I think the most common problem with asking questions (open or closed) though is people don't answer the question, they answer the question they think you mean (as if everything is a trap) or the question they want to answer (strawmen). It usually takes an average of 5-6 posts to get someone to answer coherently and honestly. Maybe I'm just not clear in my questions though.

 

[Resha Caner]

I think the most common problem with asking questions (open or closed) though is people don't answer the question, they answer the question they think you mean (as if everything is a trap) or the question they want to answer (strawmen). It usually takes an average of 5-6 posts to get someone to answer coherently and honestly. Maybe I'm just not clear in my questions though.

I've had the same experience. And after those 5-6 posts when everything is clear, I'm usually blamed for the misunderstanding. The responder rarely takes any responsibility for contributing to the misunderstanding. I don't see any need to lay blame. It's just part of a conversation to spend some time understanding each other. If others are used to immediately launching into a crystal clear conversation on complex topics with a stranger, I have to admit that is largely foreign to my experience.

Maybe I should open every thread by asking about the weather.

 

[Nihilist Virus]

What is your experience here at CF with asking open-ended questions?

Like going through an army training obstacle course where there's grease on the monkey bars, broken glass in the tube you have to crawl through, electrified netting that you have to climb, and then a drill instructor who kicks you between the legs when you reach the finish line.

 

[bhsmte]

What is your experience here at CF with asking open-ended questions?

First of all, open ended questions is how we gather information and learn about others.

My experience? It would depend on the person and how secure they are in their position. Some avoid these questions and evade by either asking you a question, or they act like a politician and answer a question you didnt ask.

Others, will give you an on topic and open response, which helps the discusion along.

 

[Chris B]

All the frustrations above, and I'll add those caused by open-ended questions so worded as to be anything from ambiguous to incomprehensible.
and those employing a term or phrase which is well known to carry alternate senses and usages.
(Here, use the C.E.M. Joad reply: "what do I think about "X"? Well, it all depends on what you mean by "X")

But this still beats being faced with closed and or loaded questions.

 

[Resha Caner]

Like going through an army training obstacle course where there's grease on the monkey bars, broken glass in the tube you have to crawl through, electrified netting that you have to climb, and then a drill instructor who kicks you between the legs when you reach the finish line.

Ha!

 

[Chesterton]

So, whaddya know?

 

[Chris B]

So, whaddya know?

How many beans make five.