Tips on writing a superb article
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
Singapore
September 3, 2008 1:27am CST
I know that many of us are into writing articles for money. Most of these articles are for online web content. For me, when I write for the web, I usually number my points clearly, keep my paragraphs short and to the point, and use simple language that can be easily understood. These are some of my tips when writing articles.
What are some of your tips when writing an article for the web? Share them with others here at myLot! Meantime, Keep on writing!
4 people like this
10 responses
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
That is very important. It depends on what I write, I guess. Sometimes I need to be more objective and put in less emotions into my writing. But when it is a personal experience, I will definitely add some feelings into it. Great advice!
@paid2write (5201)
•
3 Sep 08
Yes I agree that writing for websites requires different skills from other forms of writing.
Most online publishers require good use of keywords, to bring traffic to their site. They want something written in a style which will suit their site and the type of people they want to attract.
The format of your article depends on whether you are asked to produce something instructional, an informative guide, a review or a piece of copywriting.
Blogs and sites like myLot require a more chatty individual style, for sharing experiences, making comments and giving opinions.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
Hi paid2write, great advice as always. Sometimes we forget who we write for and it's important that we abide by certain formats when writing for different articles. Do you have any samples I can emulate?
1 person likes this
@paid2write (5201)
•
4 Sep 08
This is a useful discussion, I've just been reading more of the responses and seen plenty of good tips. I wrote an article about using different formats at Helium, and the same information would apply to writing for any site: http://www.helium.com/items/1143985-finding-the-right-format-for-writing-articles-and-how-to-rate-them-at-helium
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
Attention-grabbing openings are important, yes! About the length, sometimes it's difficult to pinpoint the perfect length, don't you think? What is an article which is not too long or too short to you?
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
4 Sep 08
I think the most important tip here is you mention writing in simple language that can be easily understood. This is very important to me when I am reading something. If I have to really think about what is being said and why, I lose interest. I want to read with ease and enjoy.
I haven't done any writing lately at all except on myLot. I don't exactly consider myLot writing since I use this site to keep in touch, respond, ask a question or have fun. I've only written one decent article for hubpages and it was about girl's softball and a bit of history. I learned something while doing research on this subject.
Thanks for sharing your tips,
carolbee
1 person likes this

@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
5 Sep 08
Hi Carolbee, I remember that you write for Hubpages. Have you signed up for Kontera yet?
It's true that sometimes I just need the information and any other flowery language will just confuse me altogether. You should write more, Carolbee, you have a flair for writing.
It's true that sometimes I just need the information and any other flowery language will just confuse me altogether. You should write more, Carolbee, you have a flair for writing.
@trickiwoo (2702)
• United States
3 Sep 08
I just started writing articles last week! In fact, I've only written 2 articles. So I'm just learning. As I'm just starting out, I don't have any tips of my own yet, but I'm interested in learning tips from other more experienced writers!

@trickiwoo (2702)
• United States
4 Sep 08
Yup! I am publishing them on Triond! I also plan on publishing some video and audio on Triond in the near future as well!
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
That's wonderful that you are venturing into uncharted territories. I have not tried publishing pics, audio or video. I have urged my husband to post some audio but he has been rather busy.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
That's wonderful that you are beginning to write articles. Are you publishing them in Triond or elsewhere? I'm sure you will get great tips from this discussion.

@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
3 Sep 08
Well I apply here one of the basic rules in magic we call KISS or Keep It Simple Stupid. I don't know what's the last word for but it says that if we keep things simple the more people will appreciate it because it's easier to understand. 
Most people really have short attention spans when it comes to reading online stuff because of the glare form computers. THat's why I keep my articles short and if possible point by point.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
I love the KISS rule. I think that way too. What is the general length of your short articles? I just want to make a comparison with mine, just to see if it's of reasonable length.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
Okay, thanks I will gauge from there. I have also added you as a friend there.
1 person likes this
@magojordan (3252)
• Philippines
4 Sep 08
Hi Sydney! You could always visit my page in Triond since I added you there as a friend. Generally when I type it I try to reach at least one page. I sometimes go through one and a half page but of course it depends on the topic that I'm writing about. If I have to elaborate on a lot of important points then my article would be longer than usual.

@lingli_78 (12821)
• Australia
3 Sep 08
i haven't really trying to write on the web yet... i want to start though by writing reviews first as i also like to write... thanks for the tips... it will be really helpful for me in the future here when i start writing on the web... and i hope to find more good tips from other users here as well... take care and have a nice day...
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
I write reviews for Review Stream. What about you? Where do you write reviews. I have a great article about making money writing reviews if you'd like to read it. It will give you tips on writing reviews which might help you. Enjoy!
http://www.writinghood.com/Online-Writing/How-to-Make-Money-Online-Writing-Reviews-for-Review-Stream.238661
@iakulchen (615)
• Singapore
3 Sep 08
This is not a tip that I came up with, but something that one of the writers on the Helium forum shared before.
When you finish an article, leave it for a day and then come back to look at it. you'll find that there were things in there that you missed.
I have found that to be true quite often, though I do have to admit that I don't always use that advice :P
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
There are times when I use that rule and there are times when I'm just too lazy. When I use it, I usually spot some grmmatical or splling errors. There might be some things I add. But if I have done most of my research before hand, there is usually very little. But it's a great advice. Thanks, iakulchen!
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
That's true! Whenever I write something that interests me, I can write one article in less than an hour! The ideas just flow and it really does feel great!
@tonytt2009 (1706)
• China
4 Sep 08
Thanks for your tips and it's useful.To be frankly,since Chinese is my mother language,while English the 2nd.I'm just keeping my praticing even in mylot,I would like to learn other mylotters' articles with perusal.As I'll reach my 200 posts here soon,I think the better way to write article here is thinking of the interesting topics~~and useing simple language as you mentioned.LOL~~
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
4 Sep 08
I think we must all be comfortable using simple language first before we can move on with more advanced language use. Keep practising and your English will definitely improve.










