This turned into one of our more interesting experiments in doing reader polls. We began by creating a "generic" survey asking general questions about what you would advise on playing in multiple seasons or for multiple teams, especially at the younger ages. But after the first week - based on something we came across in a book - we decided to change the "tone" of the survey...

Tom Hanson is one of the leading sports psychologists specializing in baseball, and an expert on the mental challenges of the game. His works from "Confidence Conditioning" to "Success Secrets" are the best there is. But now Tom faces a dilemma. He has a 6 y.o. of his own. And he's confronting the same decisions you go through - how much baseball is too much? Yes, he knows 6 is early to worry about this stuff. But he wants to start on the right path.

So rather than a generic version of the questions, we made them specifically about Tom and his situation. For instance...

When the generic survey asked this: "Which factors are important in choosing the team played on during the most important season?" The personalized survey asked this: "What should Tom look for in choosing his son's team for the most important season?"

And when the generic version asked this: "Do you stay with the same coach/team for several years?" The Tom version asked: "Do you think Tom's son should stay with the same coach/team for several years?"

So know we can learn what you think on three levels...  

1. What general/generic advice people give
2. What you might tell Tom about his own situation
3. How those two survey versions compare.

In fact, the Tom version out performed the generic version more than 2-1 in total responses. To be exact, the personalized version generated 227% of the generic version vote count. 

Even more startling, each version - in addition to specific multiple choice questions - gave voters a chance to comment directly on the topic in written form. During the generic voting only 9.1% of respondents bothered to add a comment of any kind. However, when the survey was about an individual and his need for help, we received comments for Tom from fully 66% of all voters and what amazed us was how many voters were willing to share their own personal experiences ...right from the heart. There was little of the "pontificating" that happens sometimes when we ask for advice. It was heartfelt, specific, and sincere. So, thanks everyone who participated.

• Results tabulated and charted
• Comments directly to Tom from many voters