The Uses of "no"?

[Spaztick]

I know that "no" is used for possesives, but they also use it as a question marker (like "dou suru no?"), and I can't quite figure out when to use it. Is it a "softer" question marker than ka?

[clay]

I guess it is softer since it is used more by women or when talking to children. "doko iku no?" Where are you going? "nani o shiteiru no?" Whatcha up to? But men do use NO in this way.

[chousenjin]

actually, i was taught that no makes it stronger.

Since it makes it stronger, it sort of asks for justification for your action rather than just a はい or いいえ.
And I'm pretty sure that men can use it with no problem... though i wouldn't bet my soul on it.

[sakura]

Well Im guessing 'no' can be used as strong and soft enders. I guess it just depends on who you're talking to or what the topic's about. But just stick with using 'no' for possesives for now until we know exactly what its for just so we dont get confused.