Studio Blog

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.

I can’t tell you how much time I spent scrolling through our websites looking for my favorite articles of 2009. It took a really long time because, by nature, I’m quite particular. But I decided on the two below because they held my interest and because they avoid the pitfalls many writers do not, such as tired clichés, empty adjectives and obvious statements. These writers did a great job executing the Studio guidelines, and in turn, these articles are great examples of Demand Studios’ content.

What are the Health Benefits of Stress Management?

Who Wrote It: Kim P. Alden

What I Like About It: This article has a strong lede—an introductory sentence that catches the attention of the reader. But great writing isn’t simply about catching the attention of a writer—it’s about catching it and then keeping it for the entire length of the article. This writer is able to accomplish both important tasks without resorting to fluff.

How You Can Copy It: The key to success of this lede is the informative yet surprising fact presented: that stress is useful. This statement challenged me and therefore piqued my interest so I would read further. Oftentimes, the most successful lede is one that opens with a fact that lends some sort of unusual perspective to the topic at hand. It is not expected. The reader is driven to read the whole article to figure out why, for instance, stress is useful.

And as they read, they will find the writer did her research. She used various sources within the text, and she attributed them properly. This article has a substantial credibility due to the studies and experts the writer cited.
Another great attribute of this article is its relevancy. As the writer continues to introduce information, she draws in the reader by applying the information to people’s lives. Here’s a great example:

"A paper written for Maudsley Hospital and published by the National Institutes of Health reveals that evidence links the onset of major depression to stress. With stress management, you learn techniques to catch early signs of depression and take steps to stop the downward spiral. You might be able to turn your mind in a different, mood-lightening direction."

How to Look for Yoga Apparel

Who Wrote It: Janelle Tipton

What I Like About It: Again, this article opens with an intriguing fact about the topic at hand and lends itself to a smooth transition into an informative, intuitive article. The first sentence is not fluffy, and it’s still relevant to the title.
Another great quality of this piece is its attention to detail. It is quite obvious the writer knows exactly what to look for in yoga apparel. She is able to provide the reader with questions to ask himself so as to ensure he picks out the perfect attire for practicing yoga.

How You Can Copy It: You may be sick of hearing this old, tired cliché about writing, but here at Demand Studios, we can hardly say it enough: Write what you know. But while you’re doing so, try to find interesting, relevant pieces of information that even you weren’t aware of before beginning your article. This can add an element of insight and will elevate the reader’s level of interest in your article.
This article is also a great example of a writer thinking from a reader’s perspective. Here, Tipton is able to anticipate and address all questions, concerns and ideas the reader may have when shopping for yoga attire. This makes for a thorough and well-written How-to piece.