Studio Blog
Each year the editorial team at Demand Media takes time to recognize our favorite article, writers and/or filmmakers. Each editor will reveal their pick(s) every day of December in the blog, and explain why it stood out to them.
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I’ve often heard that a great feature should inform, entertain and persuade, and I couldn’t agree more. There are many Demand Media Studios articles that do this, but none stand out to me as much as August McLaughlin’s piece on vitamins. I chose this article because I believe it does all three.
To start, the intro not only grabs my attention with a startling statistic, but it also makes me curious — I want to know more about the vitamins I should be taking. Then, instead of rattling off facts that I may or may not remember, the author uses an anecdote to describe the importance of the story. At this point, the intro has done its job, and I am hooked. I know what the article is about, and I want to continue reading. When the time comes to inform, the author delivers. She uses several quotations from a variety of reputable sources, adding to the credibility of the piece.
Each section is chock-full of information, and the article clearly explains what I need to know: how to find out which vitamins I need,need, common nutrient deficiencies and vitamins that may cause problems. Finally, the article ends with a strong conclusion that commands me to take action. As a reader, I walked away informed, entertained and persuaded. The article accomplished exactly what it was supposed to.
Of course, doing this is no easy task. I suggest you interview your sources in person. If you plan to talk to a professional, take the extra time to do it right.
Observation will help you paint a picture for your reader, and this can go a long way in illustrating why the reader should pay attention to what you have to say. Also, use as many sources as you can. Even if you choose not to include certain ones, you will still have more information to choose from when you sit down to write your article.
This is the best way to find interesting and surprising facts. Finally, end your article with a bang. Readers will remember your article if your conclusion is strong.
And in this case, I will remember to read the fine print before taking a new supplement.
