Reay JespersenMar 8, 2023

*PLEASE BOOST*

I’m an English major and a writer.
Old habits die hard.
But I’m always trying to learn new things, including communication nuances.

All of which is background leading up to this poll:

Should I stop adding periods at the end of texts that are intended to be open-ended and invite a reply (i.e. where I don’t want to appear offish or as if I’m trying to end the discussion)?

No. Punctuation matters.
33%
It doesn’t matter. Stop overthinking things.
51.8%
Absolutely. Get with the times, old man.
15.3%
Poll ended at .
Show threadDavid W. Jones
@reay Also an English major and writer here. Maybe try adding a question mark? Or a phrase like "Ideas?"
Mar 8, 2023 at 10:34pmAndStatus
Show threadReay JespersenMar 8, 2023

@dancingtreefrog Oh, if I’m actively looking for feedback, I’ll let it be known, for sure.

Just recently starting to understand that, at least to some, my ending a text with a period, while just finishing what I need to relay for me, may to the other person imply there’s nothing to discuss and I’m trying to end the discussion, which has never been the case.

Show threadDavid W. JonesMar 9, 2023
@reay I think that adding a question mark invites an anwser. But that may also be determined by the tone of the post. If it comes across as giving orders or demanding, or telling the reader what to do...I don't think adding a question mark would help.
I used to end emails in my work days, when I wanted feedback or thoughts from recipients, with "Ideas?" I figured it was more inviting than other ways.