Comments on: 5 Ways to Know You’ve Written a Good Article

By: SK

SK — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:30:03 +0000

It’s funny though . . sometimes an article you consider awesome, others don’t find it the same way and the article you put together last minute receives all the accolades. Guess writing is like art . . you never know what others will really like.

By: Terreece Clarke

Terreece Clarke — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:31:23 +0000

You know Barbara, it isn’t always that the editor knows best, sometimes it’s better to give a bit of pushback on an article & by pushback I mean just a quick email or call explaining what you were trying to do with the piece, specifically when an edit changes the meaning or the intention of the information, or in Phil’s case, made stuff wrong! When the piece has been edited beyond all recognition but the essential meaning of the information it there you then have a decision to make – do you give pushback, do you let it go or do you look for new work elsewhere. I used to have an editor who would edit about 70% of my work out & put her words in place of mine. It was frustrating because it was one of my first gigs. I realized that she was just a frustrated writer & hey if she wanted to do all that extra work as long as she paid me I got over it. I didn’t use those clips though…

By: Barbara Alvarez

Barbara Alvarez — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:37:11 +0000

I write online articles and I have gotten a feel for when an article “hits” the topic right on the sweet spot. Thing is, sometimes the editor knows this too and other times, doesn’t know this.
I agree with Phil. It can be very frustrating to know you’ve written an article that answers every question, has a terrific, attention-grabbing lede and is packed with info and — and you don’t recognize it when it comes out of the editing process.
I have to force myself to calm down at these times and realize that the editor has the experience in editing. I don’t have that yet.
But still, it hurts!

By: Terreece Clarke

Terreece Clarke — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 02:44:44 +0000

Phil, I understand your point, that’s a situation that can be really frustrating. Some perceived holes could be open for interpretation & it’s the editor’s job to think of the audience. When there’s space I like to use pull out boxes for that type of background info. But I realize that’s really a tough spot for dailies…

By: Phil

Phil — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:17:19 +0000

No. 1 says it all.

No. 4 can be a point of contention, especially with an ongoing article/trend, like the lack of health of the economy. You have to assume your audience has some knowledte, or you have to decide when answering one question in copy brings up too many more questions. Case in point, I wroted about a bank takeover with a very basic description of the transaction and the concept of goodwill (very basically, a valuation on the ongoing business that is above value of assets), but my editor dumbed it down to the point that it was inaccurate (because she felt that there was a hole, I didn’t).

By: Lauralee Moss

Lauralee Moss — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:11:38 +0000

I agree. If you have that emotional attachment, you probably have everything there and that bang at the end. Other articles can be productive and well written, but just not as powerful. They are still good, though.

By: Terreece Clarke

Terreece Clarke — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:44:20 +0000

Clara,

That’s a great question, as a writer you’d want all your work to be a slam dunk. Some articles are better than others but those that are not a spiritual experience-type good aren’t necessarily bad articles. There are some articles that touch you or readers more – so it’s really subjective.

Should all of your articles follow the basic rules to make them of use to your editor, audience and your portfolio? Absolutely!

By: Clara

Clara — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:08:06 +0000

Hi,

It’s so true that one knows when the article written is a slam-dunk! My question ? Why aren’t they all?

By: Prerna

Prerna — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:23:05 +0000

Hi,

This is extremely helpful and so very true. Love point #1.There is something about a well-written article that just hits you hard and you just know it!! Love this.. Am gonna memorize the checklist and mentally tick out each line item when I write my next article..
Blessings