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2009 in Review – My Favorite Trails.com Articles
2009 in Review – My Favorite Trails.com Articles
Posted by Soren Bowie | December 29, 2009 | Leave a comment
Going through Trails.com articles to find my favorites of the year, I was looking for writers capable of sticking to the rigid guidelines while, intentionally or unintentionally, portraying their passion for the outdoors to the reader. Research is a valuable tool for a writer but there is no substitute for first-hand knowledge and it always shines through in the work. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was that some writers would handle this deftly and take it a step further. My favorites of 2009 demonstrated that while enthusiasm for the topic is good, it only goes so far. There needs to be enthusiasm for the teaching in each article as well because ultimately our writers are teachers.
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.
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.
