Studio Blog
2009 in Review - My Favorite Demand Studios Video
Posted by Ryan Vaughn | December 31, 2009 | Leave a comment
My choice for video of the year goes to a filmmaker who demonstrated his love for improving a video in post. There are a lot of creators who've submitted great work this year, but it's rare that such pure enjoyment of postproduction demonstrates complete involvment on assignment as it does in this Tennis Lessons video from Ryan O'Keeley.
Who shot it: Ryan O'Keeley
What I Like About It: I'm one of those tennis players who does not actually play tennis. I know to look ready by rapidly hopping up and down on the balls of my feet while a server prepares to deliver. And I know that a ball should eventually rebound to the opposite side of the net, the result of my own swing. But when faced with articulating the rules of the game, my vocabulary is reduced to the terms of ping pong. So for me, this simple explanation offered in Ryan's video was a welcome, some might say essential, part of my road to better tennis.
The spare geometrical graphics in "Rules & Regulations of Tennis" compliment the layout of the court and clearly identify dimensions and regions of play. Not only was the information dictated efficiently by the expert on camera, it was also demonstrated clearly by the information layered onto well-chosen footage.
How You Can Copy It:
Give yourself options with alternative angles. How often do you hear an editor complain that there is too much extra footage on a project? Compared to the alternative, it's not a bad problem to have, especially on a loosely scripted production. This filmmaker took note of every situation where additional angles and b-roll would be needed and made sure to capture those moments in detail.
Look for opportunities. Review your video looking for opportunities to enhance its content with graphical elements. Is there something which is not clear? Could it be demonstrated with tasteful animation or text integration?
Benefits of Using a Travel Backpack When Traveling
Who Wrote It: Sabah Karimi
What I Like About It:
Its lean and well-organized content. I love how the writer makes efficient use of the subject in its given format. She gives a great short intro about how applicable the article will be to all travelers and quickly hints at the advantages that come with travel backpacks. The rest of the article then goes on to list each feature individually and succintly describes why it is beneficial.
How You Can Copy It:
This article is a prime example of how succesful List formats can be when combined with a solid title and well-organized content. After reading the article in its entirety, it's hard to imagine it going any other way. The structure is simple but effective. You can tell the writer had full command of the article every step of the way. One way to help you do this is by creating an outline before you begin writing the peice. A building cannot be constructed without blueprints, so create one for your article. If you properly scope out your article, you will have better command of the subject and how it flows which will definitely come through in your writing.
2009 in Review - My Favorite GardenGuides.com Articles
Posted by Melissa L | December 30, 2009 | Comments (1)
GardenGuides.com is still a relatively new site for Studio writers and that’s why we’ve been extremely pleased with the extraordinary response we’ve received from our writing community. The quality of submissions has been superb, which made it all the more challenging to single out three articles for this post. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this site great. I’ve enjoyed reading your contributions and look forward to 2010. The three articles I chose included a special element I felt was worth highlighting.
How to Plant Butterfly Garden Plants
http://www.gardenguides.com/87232-plant-butterfly-garden-plants.html
Who Wrote It:
What I Like About It:
Many years ago I worked to attract butterflies to my garden by using one “guaranteed” type of plant. I attracted exactly one butterfly that summer and I think he was just lost. I like that this article gave me multiple suggestions on the kinds of plants that could be used together to attract butterflies (even down to what caterpillars eat), but I also appreciate the writer took the time to include a few additional tips on non-plant features one could use to keep the garden humming with colorful butterfly activity.
How You Can Copy It:
Make the most of what you’re given. In this case, the title was seeking info on how to plant butterfly garden plants, which could be rather vague given the variety of plants it encompasses and the varied needs of each plant. Since it would be extremely difficult to try and answer in detail how to plant each and every plant individually, the writer chose to include the basics on how to plant these types of plants with specifics whenever possible or applicable. And instead of including the bare minimum to answer the question posed in the title, she opted to include additional information that would be helpful to someone seeking this information. Which leads me to…
Think like your audience. When you get a title, ask yourself what you would want from this article if you were the person searching for the answer. What additional information would make this helpful to you? What steps would make this easier to understand? What practices can you take from this and put into action? Visitors don’t want to read filler (nor do we), but they do appreciate practical advice related to the topic they’re interested in learning about.
Include unique, but relevant info. The inclusion of information on growing plants as food for caterpillars and not clearing the lawn of items that could be home to butterfly eggs was relevant information for achieving the implied goal of creating a thriving butterfly garden. This advice helps keep butterflies in the area through the use of plants and offers usable information for ensuring the reader has the best chance of success with their garden.
Using Fresh Herbs for Thanksgiving Dinner
http://www.gardenguides.com/82836-using-fresh-herbs-thanksgiving-dinner.html
Who Wrote It:
What I Like About It:
Though the title strays a bit from the usual gardening article, requiring a blend of culinary knowledge and gardening experience, the writer manages to keep it informative and on point. The tips are helpful and sprinkled among actionable steps.
How You Can Copy It:
Be thorough. Since the title did not specify which herbs or the number of herbs that should be listed or even which parts of Thanksgiving dinner needed to be covered, it would have been easy to simply give a few examples and say the article answered the title. The writer took the time to breakdown the meal into separate components and included multiple examples using a sampling of herbs. This creates a much more satisfying experience for the reader than had the author simply provided a basic list with a general suggestion or two.
Be clear. Each step is clearly defined and simple to execute. She included recipes, as well as general techniques that can be applied to dishes one might already be planning to make. The information is not intimidating for the cooking novice, nor is it condescending to the experienced chef. It’s the perfect balance between the two, like advice from a friend who happened to discover a few kitchen secrets she’d like to share.
How to Grow Caraway
http://www.gardenguides.com/70281-grow-caraway.html
Who Wrote It:
What I Like About It:
Though it seems very straightforward on the surface, this article is what I would consider to be the perfect “How to Grow” article. Many times these articles are almost perfect, except for the exclusion of what seems like one minor piece of information. But sometimes that little tidbit can make the difference between a reader being able to execute the task as is or being forced to go to another source to complete it.
How You Can Copy It:
Include details. If you’re telling someone how to grow something, be specific in what you’re telling them. An article shouldn't simply say “water the plant frequently” or “plant it in the soil.” Explain what frequently means and how deep within the soil the plant should be placed. Every vague comment in an instruction raises another question for the reader.
Answer these questions. If you’re writing a “How to Grow” article, please be sure you include the following information:
Type of soil
Depth of soil
Sunlight requirements
Watering requirements
Time of year
Spacing of plants
Type of food
Kind of fertilizer/how much fertilizer
It feels good to sit back now and see how we all learned from our mistakes and have gotten a better understanding of what is required from all of us to make this work at scale. Our writers and CEs have to learn our formats and we have to listen to their feedback when things are not working as planned and make adjustments when possible.
I think our creators have done a great job this year and I'm looking forward to 2010.
Without further ado, here are my favorites of 2009.
How to Live Healthily Inexpensively
By Lillian Downey
What I Like About It
I like this intro a lot because I can relate to it. I want to make better choices when it comes to what foods I buy, but it's almost always more expensive to make healthier choices. That means the intro did its job, it grabbed my attention and made me want to read the whole article. The article steps also have more than just instructions, they explain why you should do this step or include an example of what to do. Look at step two for example. It would have been easy for the writer to end the step after the second sentence, but she spent some extra time on the article and the end result was great. She also captures the LIVESTRONG voice very well and uses attribution accurately.
How You Can Copy It
The most important question you should ask yourself before submitting your articles is if you think it gives the reader what the title promises. If you're the reader, will you feel satisfied after reading the article or did it just cover the basics? Rachel, who is the editor for Answerbag, calls it the Disappointment Test. If you think the reader might get disappointed after reading your article you should continue to work on it and not submit it yet. Obviously the test only works if you're being completely honest with yourself.
Bankruptcy Rules in Mississippi
By Joseph Nicholson
What I Like About It
We've struggled with these types of titles for a long time now and it was great to find one that delivered what we are looking for. Location titles were often turned into generic articles with very little information that was specific to the actual place mentioned in the title. This article doesn't have that problem. The writer did a fantastic job keeping all the information relevant to Mississippi and included everything from where to file depending on where you live, to all the fees associated with the process.
How You Can Copy It
Go straight to the source and do the research. We often see articles with second hand references, which can be OK in some cases, but it's always best to go to the original source. When information is republished it can be taken out of context or be angled in a way so it fits the agenda of the person or publication that is using it, or even just be misinterpreted. Newspapers print retractions when mistakes are made, but the same cannot always be said about online sources. If a website is updated with edited copy you will probably not notice it unless you're looking for it. A good way of protecting yourself from wrongful information is to go to the original source.
2009 in Review – My Favorite Trails.com Articles
Posted by Soren Bowie | December 29, 2009 | Leave a comment
Top 10 Pieces of Ice Climbing Gear
Who Wrote It: Erika Napoletano
What I Like About It: Erika has taken a vague title and transformed it into a solid, well rounded article. She keeps the information compelling with little hints a reader might not consider while reading it on a computer, but would likely encounter out in the field. “Many climbers opt for harnesses with detachable leg loops, which make both using the bathroom and donning your harness over layers and crampons an easier task.” Here she presents a feature, and then provides the context for why that feature is advantageous.
I also like this article because it feels complete. Ten pieces of gear are a lot to cover, but all the pieces get proper coverage. The equal attention that Erika shows to each is a demonstration of how well she knows the subject, and how important it is to her that the reader know as well.
How You Can Copy It: Rather than selecting titles you think you can answer, select titles you want to answer. I realize it’s not always that simple. Understandably, Studio writers set a number of articles they would like to finish in a day but this doesn’t always allow each writer enough time to fully explore the topic. By selecting titles on topics you know well, you will spend less time on research and more time on adding the little nuggets of helpful information from your own experience. In a list like Erika’s, it’s important to explain what each piece of gear is, give examples and variations, and then explain why it is important. Context is important. Also every section deserves as much thought as the next.
Vacation Ideas for Christmas
Who Wrote It: Claire Taylor
What I Like About It: I love the attention Claire gives to each section, providing ideas that are as general as the title, then digging down to more unique and personalized options in each. A skiing holiday by itself is a self-evident option for Christmas vacation ideas, but Claire offers resorts that are guaranteed to be less occupied during the Christmas season. “Sun Valley, in Idaho, was a favorite in the 1940s but is now less popular and somewhat outdated in terms of facilities available in more modern destinations. The quality of the skiing, however, is still fantastic and Mount Baldy offers not only some of the best skiing in the country, but also some of the best background views.“ The specificity here is key. Whether she knows the areas well or not, as the reader I feel like she knows them well.
How You Can Copy It: The title is about as vague as it gets. There are a lot of these floating around in Demand Studios, and they don’t necessarily have to result in vague articles. Claire gives unique perspectives on each vacation idea that a reader wouldn’t ordinarily think of. She does it by adding very specific options for each along with objective explanations that don’t read like travel brochures. “Squaw Valley in California…is one of the most challenging mountains in the area, so only seasoned skiers head here, reducing the number of skiers competing for lift time considerably.” By taking the time to think about each section of an article and how beneficial it will be for a reader, you can turn a bland article into something site editors are proud to feature on their homepages.
Along with my work as a video production manager here at Demand Media, I spend a lot of time working in recording studios and crafting not only my own music in these environments, but other people’s music as well. I have been producing some form of media for about 18 years and most of my adult working life has been spent in recording studios. So, the gang around here always defer to me when a recording series comes in. This year we’ve been receiving some excellent music and recording series from one of my favorite filmmakers in Nashville. Dimitiri LaBarge has not only been finding us some world class musicians as experts, but he’s also been finding us some amazingly talented and knowledgeable recording engineers and music producers. This series was shot with Frank Green, owner of Digital Master in Nashville. Frank has been working for 24 years as a recording professional and his insight and knowledge in this series really shows. I’ve not only worked in this type of studio, I trained and learned my craft from working with “old school” guys like Frank.
Who Shot It: Dimitri LaBarge
What I Like About It:
I believe Frank. I trust that I’m learning something from someone who has been mastering his craft for years in this series of videos. Dimitiri not only did a wonderful job of finding a true professional, but he found someone working in a beautiful and professional recording environment with state of the art equipment. Frank does a wonderful job of explaining the basics of recording in this environment and our filmmaker gets us enough coverage so that we feel like we are on this session and are truly learning something. In each clip Frank gives us a variety of techniques and historical accounts of different ways to do things. You can only get this from an expert that has been around and has been trying things, experimenting for years and again, has been developing their craft. I like this series for the very simple fact that the expert is truly an expert…. And our filmmaker just captured him sharing his knowledge and experience
How You Can Copy It:
Research All Possible Experts: If a subject interests you and you haven’t found an expert yet, research, research, research. To me, the expert is the foundation of the clip, the central most important piece to this type of production. The right expert can make any production just run smooth. Never settle for someone who dabbles in the subject. They may be passionate about their hobby, but a hobbyist and an expert are two very different things. A true expert gives their life to their passion to their work and either makes a living doing it or at least puts most of their waking hours into what they do. Dimitri did not settle for a hobbyist in his home studio. He found a professional in a state of the art location. Research and search until you find the perfect expert.
Location: Professionals and true experts work in professional environments with interesting and sometimes expensive tools. In the case of this series, Frank was giving instruction in a facility that probably cost close to a couple million dollars to be in business. The type desk that he was mixing on can cost up to $500,000.00 dollars or more, depending on the type. Start your search for experts by researching professional businesses and environments and you are looking in the right place. Experts who use tools always invest in the best tools. In this case a beautiful and professionally built recording studio with thousands of dollars of recording gear is Franks set of tools. He’s spent time and money on them and it shows. I believe anyone who watches these videos with truly learn from them and that is the goal.
Coverage: Shoot, Shoot, Shoot. I’m just going to repeat what we tell everyone. Shoot as much b-roll as you can. This is a visual medium and the goal is to instruct, so we want to see as much as we can about what the expert is talking about. We can imagine it in our heads when we are reading about a subject and we can even grasp the concept if the expert explains it well, but for eHow videos, we need to see what they are explaining and a few cuts of action are worth a thousand words. Again, this is a visual medium, always be looking for the “money shot” or the one visual that will teach the audience. Again, answering the question is the goal and as filmmakers we have it pretty easy because all we have to do is show the viewer the “how to” action.
Yoga for Parkinson’s Disease
Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of lululemon athletic
Who Wrote It: Karen Jean Gaskell
What I Like About It: This article is extremely informative and intuitive, and it contains some of my favorite things: solid references and in-text citations. As we’ve stressed before, references add so much credibility to an article, and in-text citations are even better. Karen uses solid references, and she sources the authoritative experts of the topic. Additionally, I love the way this article is structured. This is an About article, and it clearly adheres to the format. The overview, while long, provides detailed information about the topic. It explains how Parkinson’s disease affects a person, which is directly tied to why yoga might help. Each section flows naturally into the next, first explaining the logistics of why yoga can help Parkinson’s, then explaining the different aspects of yoga that helps Parkinson’s and finally concluding with a well-rounded summation stating that yoga can’t cure or stop Parkinson’s from progressing but that it can lessen its symptoms. The article left me with no additional questions; I know everything I need to know about this topic.
How You Can Copy It: Include in-text citations. Yes, references are required in the References section, but we urge writers to go one step further and add them within the body of the article. It doesn’t take long to attribute your facts within the article, and when readers see this, they know the information is credible. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve researched information, only to come across a writer who didn’t back up any of his/her claims with sources—and as a result, I closed the article and didn’t finish reading it.
Additionally, pay attention to the format. Read our guidelines. I know we have a lot of formats and guidelines, and it can be overwhelming at first. Trust me, I understand. Try sticking to one format for a while and really nailing that down until you have a solid grasp of it. Then move onto another. Once you clearly understand one format, it’s much easier to recognize the differences between the other formats.
Bad Carbohydrates
Who Wrote It: Kevin Rail
What I Like About It: The main reason why I like this article is because it clearly demonstrates the Fact Sheet format. Many of our writers struggle with Fact Sheets, particularly Fact Sheets that can be written as Lists. This article could have easily turned into a List by simply listing the different kinds of bad carbs (which many writers do); however, Kevin correctly executed the format by providing a well-rounded overview of bad carbs. He first explained the physical impact of bad carbs on the human body, then moved into the function they serve. Next he identified the types and features of bad carbs and closed with a description of how to recognize the immediate effects of bad carbs. Though this article could have been improved with references and images, it’s essentially a solid example of a well-executed Fact Sheet.
How You Can Copy It: As I mentioned above, many writers write Fact Sheets as Lists. When you claim a Fact Sheet title that has a plural noun, such as Symptoms, Signs, Types, etc., think long and hard about how to get away from what is most likely your first inclination: to provide a list. Look at our suggested subheads in the guidelines and brainstorm how to write the article using those subheads. As the guidelines point out, a Fact Sheet is a mini-version of an About article. When looking at the title, imagine the word “About” preceded it, such as “About Bad Carbohydrates.” Likewise, if you had the title “Symptoms of Depression,” imagine the title was really “About Symptoms of Depression.” What does the reader need to know ABOUT the symptoms. Some things to think about might be: First, what are the types of symptoms? Second, what is the significance of the symptoms? How do they impact your life? Then, is there a time frame for the symptoms? Do they only last a certain amount of time before progressing into something bigger? Are there any warnings associated with the symptoms? Demographics? Do the symptoms affect a certain age, race, location? Considerations? Can the symptoms of depression be masked as something else? Ask yourself some of these questions, and flesh the answers out into an article that addresses the who, what, when, where and why of the topic.
Why Your Overview Matters (And How to Make it Good)
Posted by Anna R | December 23, 2009 | Comments (22)
Four seconds.
That’s how long social media marketers claim you have to get someone’s attention online. Actual statistics about web reading vary by study, but their overarching message is loud and clear: First impressions matter more than ever.
Like a job interview or first date, an Overview is your first and best chance to make a lasting impression. Online readers are often intrigued, but they’re always non-committal. It’s your job to convince them that it’s in their best interest to stick around.
This is not an easy task. To craft a successful Overview, a writer must strike a delicate balance between flash and substance (a catchy opener will always fall flat without a later statement of purpose). Finding that balance is a challenge for any writer, because it’s a skill more than a talent, a way of training your brain that must be practiced like musical scales.
We put our Demand Studios heads together and pooled observations from thousands of edited articles and dozens of years in journalism – to create the essential cheat sheet for creating a successful Overview.
1. Grab the reader’s attention immediately with a killer opening sentence.
Go for the jugular with the very first sentence. In journalism this is called a lede, and it’s crucial that you hook your reader with it. Don’t waste time on the vague or obvious. Write targeted opening sentences that provide the reader with context, so he immediately understands the article’s focus.
Good examples:
“Having the right rain jacket can make the difference between an average trip and an enjoyable trip.” (The Best Rain Jackets on Trails.com)
Why: It’s not the sexiest opening line ever written, but I immediately understood the stakes. I wanted to keep reading to make sure I had the “right” jacket.
“No matter how good you are in your field, you can lose respect among your peers if you cannot overcome nervousness in public speaking, say counselors at the Leaders Institute.” (How to Overcome Nervousness in Public Speaking on LIVESTRONG.COM)
Why: Citing a credible source in the opener takes a vague statement and makes it concrete, transforming it from anecdotal evidence to fact.
“Odor-causing bacteria thrive in dark, damp spaces, which makes your sweaty tennies an ideal habitat.” (How to Freshen Smelly Shoes on eHow.com)
Why: The writer used powerful adjectives to summon a really gross image that led to a call to action. I definitely don’t feel the same way about the beat-up Converse I’m currently wearing…
“It may look like an aging heap of rusted metal to some, but you know with a little elbow grease you can bring that beauty back to life.” (How to Buy, Restore and Sell a Vintage Car on eHow.com)
Why: A title like this is geared toward hobbyists – the casual motorist is probably not reading about how to fix up old cars for fun – and by confidently addressing a specific audience, the writer establishes credibility.
Types of openers to avoid:
“Paris is the capital city of France, known for its museums, cathedrals and rich culture.”
Why: Introducing the topic is great. Introducing the topic with a string of generic observations is not. Use the Substitution Test: If you can swap in another noun for the subject, your Overview is too vague. (This statement could apply to any major city in Europe, for instance. Or to Mexico City, for that matter.)
“Healthy eating is an important part of any wellness program.”
Why: Really? Healthy eating leads to wellness? I had no idea.
“Have you ever spilled red wine on a carpet and didn’t know what to do?”
Why: Avoid question ledes like the plague – you’re not giving the reader context for the story, you’re taking them out of it. Instead, figure out how to write a sentence that contains the answer to your question.
2. Explain how your article will answer the question put forth in the title.
After you’ve gotten your reader’s attention, it’s time to pull back and give her the big picture. Tell her why she’s reading and why she should continue. In journalism this is called a nut graf. In a great column about nut grafs on Poynter Online, seasoned reporter and writing teacher Chip Scanlan compares the lede to a movie close-up, and the nut grad to a wide-angle shot. (He also cites the reporters at the Philadelphia Inquirer, who called the nut graf the “You may have wondered why we invited you to this party?” section.)
Whatever analogy you use, your Overview’s nut graf is your opportunity to explain your angle, or what criteria you used to decide which information to include. Your article’s credibility, and yours, depends on how well you establish this.
Good examples:
“According to ‘USA Today,’ a recession may be the best time to start a new business. Many well-known businesses began during a recession, such as Disney and Microsoft. With a bit of research, careful planning and frugality, you might discover that now is the time for you to launch your dream.” (How to Start a Business During a Recession on eHow.com)
Why: Opens with a surprising fact from a credible source, backs it up with more evidence, and tells me where the article is going – I expect tips on how to research, plan and save money so I can start my own business.
“Hong Kong is an impressive city where skyscrapers and busy highways mix with temples, gardens and museums covering a story spanning more than a millennium. For visitors, Hong Kong can be overwhelming to the senses. But while picking just a few attractions may seem difficult, the best way to make the most of the city is to explore all its different corners, old, new and exciting.” (Things to Do in Hong Kong on Travels.com)
Why: It tells me off the bat that Hong Kong is complicated, and by tempering my expectations for the article, I also understand that the list is going to contain a wide range of ideas that barely scratch the surface.
“A great golf swing is dependent on timing, flexibility, muscle memory and, to a lesser extent, strength. In particular, strong forearms help you control the club from the grip all the way out to the club face as it strikes the ball, hopefully along the target line you've intended. These three exercises will help you strengthen your forearms and work your way to a more controllable swing.” (Forearm Golf Exercise on GolfLink.com)
Why: Sometimes an Overview only needs to accomplish one task; in this case, it clearly explains why I should be doing forearm exercises for golf.
3. Tell the reader why they should care.
State the value-proposition. Explain why this subject is relevant to the reader’s everyday life. As my favorite writing professor used to say, every introduction needs both a “what” and a “so what?”. Another way to put it: Make sure that at least one of your sentences could follow the imaginary preface, “This is important because…” If you can’t explain why your topic is relevant and valuable to the reader, you’re not doing your job.
Good examples:
“If you find yourself stuck overnight and are forced to build a snow cave, there are a few precautions to keep in mind that could save your life and all your fingers and toes as well.” (Tips for Surviving in a Snow Cave on Trails.com)
Why: (This is important because) Reading this article could not only save my life, but also ensure I will keep my digits in an emergency.
“You can replace expensive deep conditioning salon treatments by using coconut oil as a hair conditioner at home” (How to Use Coconut Oil for Hair Conditioner on LIVESTRONG.COM)
Why: (This is important because) I can save money by using a hair product I’ve never heard of, and don’t know how to use.
“But when shopping becomes a problem – namely, if you fall into extreme debt as a result of it – there are a few things you can do to tame your inner shopaholic.” (How to Stop a Shopaholic on eHow.com)
Why: (This is important because) Now I understand that being a shopaholic is a real problem, not just a punch line in a Cathy cartoon.
“With these advantages in mind, you may not control Disney World, but at least you can loosen the control it has over you and your party.” (Disney World Secrets & Tips on Travels.com)
Why: (This is important because) It keeps things realistic – this article won’t help me conquer Disney completely, but it will at least help me tame the beast.
Checklist for Writing a Great Overview
Is my lede as strong as it can be? Does it contain information that everyone knows? Did I start with a question, and if so, how can I rephrase it? Would I keep reading after this sentence?
Does my Overview pass the Substitution Test? Can I swap in another location or topic for the subject, and have the article stay relevant?
Are all my adjectives working for me? Have I successfully avoided empty adjectives like fun, great, interesting, unique?
Do I pack too much information in here? If so, are there facts I can move to the body of my article?
How to Make Custom iPhone Ringtones for Free
Who wrote it: Alexia Petrakos
What I like about it: The introduction presents a pressing and common problem in a clear, yet engaging way: How do you get free ringtones for your iPhone?
The task in the title is both specific and simple, and it’s an issue faced by anyone with an iPhone who balks at paying for a song more than once. The steps are clear and sequential, as we hope is the case for all eHow ‘how to’ articles. I also like that the article engaged so many users: it generated more than 1,000 ratings and more than 360 comments.
How you can copy it: Start by stating the problem in the overview and using this as the launching point for the first step in your article. Keep the steps simple for articles that involve technical steps. You run the risk of confusing or distracting readers if you give more information than is needed to complete a particular step.
Assume as given only what is obvious by the problem statement. A person searching to “make iPhone ringtones” is likely confident enough with software and computers to take on such a project, making it unnecessary to explain how to open programs (such as iTunes) or navigate a web page.
How to Play Santa for Soldiers
Who wrote it: Linda Natali
What I like about it: Relevant, timely and engaging content for a good cause. It contains a ton of options for supporting troops around the holidays, but the information will remain relevant year-round and the article offers strong details on what the troops need. Clearly this article involved some research. I also like that the Tips & Warnings include specific information about what soldiers don’t need and that the Resources included in the article are credible sources make it simple for readers to take action.
How you can copy it: This article, featured as today’s eHow of the Day on the eHow homepage, is longer than your typical “how to” article. It’s an example of our “premium, featured content,” which utilize the step-by-step format to offer discrete, specific examples in each step of how to accomplish the goal (in this case, how to support the troops). This is a twist on the usual sequential format that instead answers the question posed in the sub-heads in each step.
Strong research and detailed information take an article to the next level and I encourage writers to do their due diligence when writing an article, even when the subject is within their sphere of expertise. Extra research and corroborating sources improves your credibility and that of the article. When article titles may be addressed in several ways, it can be perfectly acceptable and interesting to construct the article by writing each step as a way to resolve the question posed in the title. But to do this effectively, steps must provide a clear explanation for how to act, and how that action helps complete the task of the title.
How to Capitalize When You’re Underemployed
Who wrote it: Kristen Fischer
What I like about it: It grabs readers’ attention in the overview and reveals the relevance of the article in a compelling manner. You’re happy to have a job, but it’s not your dream job. What do you do when the market is too risky to look elsewhere? In the light of the current economic crisis and high unemployment rates the article looks particularly timely, yet the content is evergreen. It also approaches the problem on several levels and provides factual information that enhances the article’s credibility.
How you can copy it: Write an engaging overview/intro; capturing readers’ attention is essential to getting your article read and socialized. Another key is including specific facts about your subject and quoting experts in the field, both of which heighten the authority of your article.
Make headlines—or at least subheadings. Use appropriate, gripping subheadings to direct the article and keep readers’ attention. This also affords the article narrative flexibility and allows you to write in a magazine feature style.
Pick up the phone. This author is an expert on work and careers and has written books on the subject. If you aren’t the go-to person on the topic of your article grab the phone and call someone who has the experience and expertise to satisfy your readers.
Honorable mentions:
How to Lose Weight Like a Top Chef
How to Make Your Boss Adore You and Keep Your Job
How to Get A Guy To Call You Back (A Guy's Perspective)
As 2009 comes to a close, we asked the editorial team to tell us which of your articles and videos from the past year inspired them.
Whenever I need to research a particular topic, I always turn to DS content first. Why? Because I know I’ll find well-researched, evergreen information that I can use. To me, the definition of great content is changing the way your reader lives or thinks about a particular subject. That's why my favorite articles of 2009 are articles that influenced my life in some way, no matter how small.
Who Wrote It: Shelly McRae
What I Like About It: As I watered my humble herb garden last week, I noticed my Italian parsley wilting. A recent cold front had swept through southern California, so I assumed that could be the problem. But what if my parsely’s getting too much sun? Too little fertilizer? I felt my thumb turning black at a rapid pace.
That’s when I happened across this article. Shelly told me exactly how much sun, water and fertilizer my Italian parsley needs. Not only that, she did it with seamless transitions and clean organization. But the most brilliant thing about this article? I learned facts I wasn’t looking for. Shelly explained how I should harvest my parsley, a process that hadn’t even crossed my mind.
How You Can Copy It: The little nuggets of information in Shelly’s article fall under what people in my home state call “lagniappe” – a little something extra. When you write an article, think about small bits of information that make your reader say, “Huh, well I didn’t know that.” No matter how minor it may seem, that little extra bit of info readers can’t find anywhere else makes your article stand out over any others. It also earns your audience’s trust.
Who Wrote It: Jan DeVille
What I Like About It: This is another perfect example of learning information I didn’t know I needed. I actually found this article while searching for a good marinade. It immediately grabbed my attention and stopped my wandering Google search in its tracks. Just check out this lede:
“Anyone can cook a steak, but not everyone can cook a steak well.”
Now I know I can cook a steak. But am I cooking the best possible steak? Not only did Jan lead me through all possible steps, she made me want to try all the cooking methods I’d never tried before.
How You Can Copy It: Foster curiosity. Just like Shelly did in her article, Jan grabbed my attention and showed me multiple “Aha!” moments. Always look underneath the surface of a seemingly simple step and think hard about what can make this bit of information unique. Jan didn’t just say, “Searing is done in a pan.” Jan wrote things like, “Searing is done in a pan, and the best type of pan to use is a cast-iron skillet. However, aluminum or stainless steel can be used in a pinch.”
