Running out of easy ways to get your journaling community talking? This or That prompts offer a playful and simple way to spark quick responses and keep participation high. Use these templates to make engagement effortless for every member.
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This or That prompts work because they remove barriers to participation. By offering a clear choice between two options, members can respond quickly without overthinking or feeling pressured. This format feels approachable, especially for quieter members or those new to the community.
Psychologically, binary choices tap into our natural preference for simplicity, making it easy to jump in and share an opinion. In journaling communities, these lighthearted questions encourage reflection, personal sharing, and a sense of belonging. Over time, using this format can increase overall activity and help members form positive habits around engagement.
Pen or pencil for journaling - which do you prefer?
💡 Example: "Pen or pencil for journaling - which do you prefer? I always reach for a gel pen!"
Morning pages or night reflections - which do you usually write?
💡 Example: "Morning pages or night reflections - which do you usually write? Night reflections for me!"
Lined or blank pages - what feels best for your journaling?
💡 Example: "Lined or blank pages - what feels best for your journaling? Definitely lined for me."
Do you prefer prompts or free writing? Why?
💡 Example: "Do you prefer prompts or free writing? Why? Prompts help me get started."
Digital journals or paper notebooks - which is your go-to?
💡 Example: "Digital journals or paper notebooks - which is your go-to? I love the feel of real paper."
Do you decorate your journal or keep it simple?
💡 Example: "Do you decorate your journal or keep it simple? I love adding stickers."
Private journaling or sharing entries with others?
💡 Example: "Private journaling or sharing entries with others? I mostly keep mine private."
Short daily entries or longer weekly ones - which works for you?
💡 Example: "Short daily entries or longer weekly ones - which works for you? Daily is my habit."
Do you journal in silence or with background music?
💡 Example: "Do you journal in silence or with background music? Silence helps me focus."
Colorful ink or classic black and blue - what do you reach for?
💡 Example: "Colorful ink or classic black and blue - what do you reach for? Colorful all the way!"
Do you use stickers or washi tape in your journal?
💡 Example: "Do you use stickers or washi tape in your journal? Stickers for me!"
Gratitude journaling or goal setting - which do you do more often?
💡 Example: "Gratitude journaling or goal setting - which do you do more often? Gratitude is my favorite."
Write by hand or type your thoughts?
💡 Example: "Write by hand or type your thoughts? Handwriting all the way."
Do you journal indoors or take it outside?
💡 Example: "Do you journal indoors or take it outside? I love writing in the park."
Structured layouts or freeform pages?
💡 Example: "Structured layouts or freeform pages? Freeform lets me be creative."
Memory keeping or self-reflection - which fills more pages?
💡 Example: "Memory keeping or self-reflection - which fills more pages? Self-reflection for sure."
Favorite journal size: pocket or full-size?
💡 Example: "Favorite journal size: pocket or full-size? I like small and portable."
Do you re-read old entries or move forward only?
💡 Example: "Do you re-read old entries or move forward only? I love looking back sometimes."
Prompt books or online prompts - which inspires you?
💡 Example: "Prompt books or online prompts - which inspires you? I find great ideas online."
Do you track moods or just thoughts in your journal?
💡 Example: "Do you track moods or just thoughts in your journal? I track both."
Favorite journaling drink: coffee or tea?
💡 Example: "Favorite journaling drink: coffee or tea? Tea for me, always."
Do you journal solo or with a friend?
💡 Example: "Do you journal solo or with a friend? Mostly solo, but group sessions are fun."
Keep your journal private or add your name and contact info?
💡 Example: "Keep your journal private or add your name and contact info? I keep it anonymous."
Do you prefer a fresh new journal or filling every page before switching?
💡 Example: "Do you prefer a fresh new journal or filling every page before switching? I fill every page."
Use bookmarks or dog-ear pages in your journal?
💡 Example: "Use bookmarks or dog-ear pages in your journal? Bookmarks all the way."
Do you set a journaling timer or write until you feel done?
💡 Example: "Do you set a journaling timer or write until you feel done? I go with the flow."
Favorite entry: list-making or storytelling?
💡 Example: "Favorite entry: list-making or storytelling? I love making lists."
Do you doodle while journaling or keep it neat?
💡 Example: "Do you doodle while journaling or keep it neat? Doodles everywhere!"
Journal alone in quiet or in a busy cafe?
💡 Example: "Journal alone in quiet or in a busy cafe? I love the cafe buzz."
Do you date every entry or skip the date?
💡 Example: "Do you date every entry or skip the date? I always add the date."
Favorite prompt: what made you smile or what challenged you?
💡 Example: "Favorite prompt: what made you smile or what challenged you? Challenges help me grow."
Do you save ticket stubs and mementos in your journal?
💡 Example: "Do you save ticket stubs and mementos in your journal? Yes, I save everything."
Do you prefer a softcover or hardcover journal?
💡 Example: "Do you prefer a softcover or hardcover journal? Hardcover feels sturdy to me."
Journaling for self-care or creativity?
💡 Example: "Journaling for self-care or creativity? Self-care is my main reason."
Do you write in full sentences or use bullet points?
💡 Example: "Do you write in full sentences or use bullet points? Bullet points for me."
Plan your day in your journal or reflect on it afterward?
💡 Example: "Plan your day in your journal or reflect on it afterward? I like to plan ahead."
Do you use inspirational quotes or keep it all original writing?
💡 Example: "Do you use inspirational quotes or keep it all original writing? I love quotes."
Journal with a set playlist or random shuffle?
💡 Example: "Journal with a set playlist or random shuffle? Random keeps it fresh."
Do you prefer minimal or decorative journal covers?
💡 Example: "Do you prefer minimal or decorative journal covers? Minimal is my style."
Do you journal for a set goal or just for fun?
💡 Example: "Do you journal for a set goal or just for fun? Mostly just for fun."
Would you rather journal by candlelight or natural sunlight?
💡 Example: "Would you rather journal by candlelight or natural sunlight? Sunlight for sure."
Journaling challenge: daily streak or themed week?
💡 Example: "Journaling challenge: daily streak or themed week? I am up for a themed week!"
Pick a template that fits your community's vibe and post it as a quick daily or weekly question. Encourage members to answer in the comments or stories, and follow up with personal replies to keep the conversation moving. For extra fun, invite members to add their own This or That ideas. Rotate topics to keep things fresh and make sure everyone has a chance to join in.
Since these templates work on all platforms, adapt the format to each one. Use polls or stories on Instagram and Facebook, simple text posts in forums or Discord, and image cards for visually focused spaces. Always encourage further discussion in the comments to deepen engagement.
To foster meaningful engagement, craft prompts that relate to personal growth, mindset, or creative process—such as 'Gratitude journaling vs. Goal tracking' or 'Morning pages vs. Evening reflections.' Use follow-up questions in your post description (e.g., 'Why do you prefer one method?') to guide members toward introspection rather than quick answers.
Feature side-by-side comparisons that highlight specific journaling techniques, such as 'Bullet points vs. Freeform entries' or 'Collage journaling vs. Doodle journaling.' You can also tailor prompts to common tools and layouts (e.g., 'Habit tracker spreads vs. Mood tracker spreads') to spark discussion among enthusiasts of particular styles.
Design prompts that allow members to choose between solutions or coping strategies, such as 'Prompt journaling vs. Stream-of-consciousness writing during a block' or 'Daily short entries vs. Weekly deep dives for consistency.' This normalizes challenges and facilitates peer support in overcoming journaling roadblocks.
Yes—tying prompts to key journaling dates can increase relevance and participation. For example, during NaNoWriMo, ask 'Word count goals vs. Time-based goals?' or around New Year’s: 'Resolutions journaling vs. Year-in-review reflection.' This keeps content fresh and aligned with members’ current journaling routines.
Alternate prompts to acknowledge different journaling mediums, such as 'Handwritten entries vs. Typing on a journaling app' or 'Decorating with washi tape vs. Digital stickers.' This validates diverse preferences and helps all members feel seen regardless of their journaling tools.
Encourage members to elaborate on their choices by asking follow-up questions like 'What do you like about your preferred method?' or 'How has your choice impacted your journaling journey?' You can also invite members to share photos of their journals or examples of how they use each technique, deepening community connection.
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