This is a write-up of some advice that was given in the *Factory Floor* chat room. The novice asked about [this question](https://worldbuilding.meta.stackexchange.com/a/4871) ([version 12 at the time](https://worldbuilding.meta.stackexchange.com/revisions/4871/12)). The general template we see here is that of a large dump of information, which may be consistent with the story plot, background, backstory, or details of a [high concept](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-concept); followed by a question that involves that. Typically the question is set off, and may be labeled “…and here’s the actual question:”. Even in cases where the info is exactly relevant to the question, that's still an inferior template. The question should come **first**, and then needed information. Take a [“spiral approach”](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_approach) if needed — I’ll post an example of that eventually. Note that the feedback comments on this post include: > In one sentence, what is your question? So my advice (in chat) started: > Rip it all out. Put that first, without needing to say “oh, here's my real question”. Just start by asking that. Then, follow up with some detail on the chemical in question. Another experienced user, [sphennings](https://worldbuilding.meta.stackexchange.com/users/26175/sphennings), had been presenting the following lesson: 1. start with the question. 2. provide (only) what’s needed to explain and give needed context. So, I continued this plan, working the question text out from scratch. ---------- Start with the question: “How can (these people) make hazmat suits for (some chemical)?” Just trying to formulate the succinct question, you see that (these people) need to be described. This is, in fact, **key** to making the question not be “too broad”. This is not addressed in the original question at all, but it mentioned people on horseback. A *modern* society would have no issues making suitable gear and it’s a non problem. So I guessed — to make an interesting choice — Bronze Age technology. So the question becomes: “How can Bronze Age people make hazmat gear for (some chemical)?” Now the original post is *nothing but* details on a specific chemical, which is just too much irrelevant information. But, is the specific chemical even needed? Consider if the answer is “no” and it’s just some caustic or reactive chemical. Then, the answer would not be possible, as the author can just make up anything. He can proclaim that some specific material is not affected, or some specific treatment does the trick. That might be just the ticket for the plot, but it makes this a non-question. So, I'll stick with the specific chemical. The reader will wonder where this volatile chemical comes from, without modern tech level. So you add “the chemical is produced biologically, just as fruits produce acid or capsaicin …they breed these into weapons that produce a quantity of concentrated chemical” Having the stuff simply grow naturally fails a reality check. So this got revised into natural feedstocks that allows the people to produce it in a suitable simple matter. Note that the high vs low tech problem is *needed* context. Other issues will be raised via comments. But don’t add gobs of exposition and backstory thinking that context is good just because you’re dumping more information. We also need *some* description of the chemical, besides a link to Wikipedia. But keep it a short summary and include *relevant* details such as its problem with the obvious materials such as leather. Working it through, I wind up with [this](https://worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/questions/80155), which I've posted as a new Question. And we shall see if it’s any better received than the original. ---------- I posted the question at what (according to [*site analytics*](https://worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/admin/analytics) and my own experience) is the *slowest* time in WB, in terms of page views as well as activity. Though not especially slow as far as weekends typically get. Even so, the question got 2 upvotes within 15 minutes of being posted, before I revealed this meta post. And [my questions are not automatically well-received just because it’s me](https://worldbuilding.stackexchange.com/users/885/jdługosz?tab=questions&sort=votes&page=3). So, I must conclude that the *lesson* is sound.