Running out of fun ways to spark conversation in your pottery community? These This or That templates make it simple to get everyone sharing their preferences and stories. Refresh your posts and keep your group lively with quick, easy questions that anyone can answer.
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This or That prompts work because they lower the barrier to participation. People love sharing their personal preferences, especially when the options are playful and relatable. By keeping choices simple, you invite even the shyest members to jump in without overthinking.
For pottery communities, this approach draws on members' shared love of creativity while inviting lighthearted debates and friendly banter. These quick-fire questions can uncover hidden trends, spark deeper conversations, and help members connect over shared tastes or surprising differences.
Most importantly, a steady stream of casual engagement builds trust and comfort. As members get used to responding to simple prompts, they become more likely to participate in bigger discussions and share their own projects.
Wheel throwing or hand building? Which do you prefer?
💡 Example: "Wheel throwing or hand building? Which do you prefer? I love the control of hand building!"
Glossy glaze or matte finish? Which one catches your eye?
💡 Example: "Glossy glaze or matte finish? Which one catches your eye? Matte for that soft look!"
Mugs or bowls - which would you rather make?
💡 Example: "Mugs or bowls - which would you rather make? Mugs, because I love making handles."
Earthy tones or bright colors for pottery?
💡 Example: "Earthy tones or bright colors for pottery? Earthy tones are my style."
Functional pieces or decorative art?
💡 Example: "Functional pieces or decorative art? I prefer functional pieces."
Textured surface or smooth finish?
💡 Example: "Textured surface or smooth finish? Smooth for me."
Throwing large pots or tiny miniatures?
💡 Example: "Throwing large pots or tiny miniatures? Large pots challenge me!"
Sgraffito designs or underglaze painting?
💡 Example: "Sgraffito designs or underglaze painting? I love sgraffito for the detail."
Pottery as a hobby or pottery as a business?
💡 Example: "Pottery as a hobby or pottery as a business? Hobby for the fun of it."
Kiln opening day - excitement or nerves?
💡 Example: "Kiln opening day - excitement or nerves? Always excitement for me!"
Carving clay or adding slip for texture?
💡 Example: "Carving clay or adding slip for texture? I prefer carving clay."
Porcelain or stoneware - what's your go-to clay?
💡 Example: "Porcelain or stoneware - what's your go-to clay? Stoneware all the way."
Throwing in silence or with music on?
💡 Example: "Throwing in silence or with music on? Music helps me focus."
Making plates or pitchers? Which do you find easier?
💡 Example: "Making plates or pitchers? Which do you find easier? Plates for sure!"
White clay or speckled clay?
💡 Example: "White clay or speckled clay? I love the look of speckled clay."
Pottery wheel at home or in the studio?
💡 Example: "Pottery wheel at home or in the studio? Studio for inspiration."
Handmade handles or thrown handles?
💡 Example: "Handmade handles or thrown handles? Handmade feel sturdier to me."
Firing electric or gas kiln?
💡 Example: "Firing electric or gas kiln? Electric for convenience."
Making planters or vases?
💡 Example: "Making planters or vases? Vases are my favorite to make."
Glazing - dip or brush?
💡 Example: "Glazing - dip or brush? I always brush for control."
Imperfect wabi-sabi or perfectly symmetrical pieces?
💡 Example: "Imperfect wabi-sabi or perfectly symmetrical pieces? I love wabi-sabi."
Apron or no apron while working?
💡 Example: "Apron or no apron while working? Always an apron for me!"
Making your own glazes or buying premade?
💡 Example: "Making your own glazes or buying premade? I mix my own for fun."
Sculptural forms or functional pottery?
💡 Example: "Sculptural forms or functional pottery? Functional, I love to use what I make."
Morning or evening pottery sessions?
💡 Example: "Morning or evening pottery sessions? Evenings when it's quiet."
Minimalist or intricate designs?
💡 Example: "Minimalist or intricate designs? I lean minimalist."
Pottery inspiration - nature or architecture?
💡 Example: "Pottery inspiration - nature or architecture? Nature inspires me most."
Gift your pieces or keep them?
💡 Example: "Gift your pieces or keep them? I love to gift them."
Participate in pottery classes or self-taught?
💡 Example: "Participate in pottery classes or self-taught? Mostly self-taught."
Pottery podcasts or YouTube tutorials?
💡 Example: "Pottery podcasts or YouTube tutorials? YouTube, so I can watch techniques."
Keep it rustic or go for a modern look?
💡 Example: "Keep it rustic or go for a modern look? Modern for me!"
Handles on cups - yes or no?
💡 Example: "Handles on cups - yes or no? Always yes for comfort."
Try a new glaze or stick to your favorite?
💡 Example: "Try a new glaze or stick to your favorite? I love experimenting."
Pottery for your kitchen or for your garden?
💡 Example: "Pottery for your kitchen or for your garden? Kitchen all the way."
Mixing your own clays or buying ready-made?
💡 Example: "Mixing your own clays or buying ready-made? Ready-made for consistency."
Inspired by classic pottery or modern trends?
💡 Example: "Inspired by classic pottery or modern trends? Classic always."
Display your work at home or sell at markets?
💡 Example: "Display your work at home or sell at markets? I love market days."
Pottery books or online courses for learning?
💡 Example: "Pottery books or online courses for learning? Books for sure."
Slab-built or coiled pots?
💡 Example: "Slab-built or coiled pots? I like coiling for the meditative process."
Apron splattered with clay or spotless after a session?
💡 Example: "Apron splattered with clay or spotless after a session? Always splattered!"
Pick a template that matches your community's vibe and current interests. Post it as a standalone question or in your story feed, and encourage members to reply with their choice. Add a follow-up like 'Why did you pick that?' to deepen the conversation if you wish. Use these prompts regularly to create a sense of routine and make participation a habit. Rotate topics to keep things fresh and relevant.
For all platforms, use eye-catching images of pottery pieces to illustrate each option when possible. On forums and Facebook groups, pin a This or That post weekly for ongoing engagement. On Instagram Stories or TikTok, use polls or stickers to make voting easy. Always reply to answers and highlight interesting responses to encourage more participation.
Highlighting the differences between wheel throwing and hand building resonates deeply with potters, as many have a strong preference or experience with one method. To boost engagement, pair high-quality images of finished pieces made with each technique, and ask members to share tips or stories about why they favor one approach over the other. This also opens up discussion about tool choices and skill development unique to each method.
Since many beginners are unfamiliar with the properties of stoneware and earthenware, use This or That posts to visually compare the clays, highlight their firing temperatures, typical uses, and glazes. Encourage experienced members to share their results with each clay body and the reasons for their preferences. This not only sparks engagement but also helps demystify material choices for newer potters.
Glaze mixing versus using commercial glazes can be a divisive topic due to safety, consistency, and creative freedom. When facilitating these This or That posts, invite users to share their favorite recipes, sources, and safety protocols while also respecting the appeal of ready-made options. Consider setting clear guidelines for respectful discussion, as technical debates can become heated among passionate potters.
Absolutely! By observing engagement rates and comments on posts comparing functional items (like mugs) to decorative ware (like vases), you can gauge what your community is most interested in making, gifting, or purchasing. Use this information to tailor future content, workshops, or even group challenges. Sharing insights from sales or art show experiences in these threads can further deepen the discussion.
Frame your post around common challenges or milestones in each firing stage, such as troubleshooting bisque cracks or achieving the perfect glaze finish. Ask members to share their firing schedules, kiln types, and firing problems they've solved. This approach not only sparks engagement but also creates a valuable resource for potters struggling with similar issues.
Advanced decoration techniques like carving (sgraffito, incising) and slip trailing are popular for showcasing artistry. Encourage members to post photos of their work, share tools they use (like loop tools or slip trailers), and even link to tutorials. This fosters a culture of learning and mentorship, as advanced potters can showcase their expertise while inspiring newer members to try new techniques.
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