Ideas for tuning a magazine article

Lista: Tuning_a_magazine_article.list

Laatija(t): Matti Vuori

Copyright: (c) 2010-2011, Matti Vuori

Think of how the draft of the story could be improved if modified this way:


Points of view and theme

1. Tighten the scope

2. Bring in another point of view

3. Orientate the reader

4. Create a continuum from the past into the future

5. Subtract the number of claims into one

6. Bring in a human-interest view

7. Remember: a story needs to be able stand on its own feet

8. Think: How does the story relate to other stories about the same subject and how people talk about ith

9. Is the selected style and positionin natural to you? Are you a columnist, the grand old man, or a scientist?

10. Make your story timely

11. Make a timeless story

Goal

12. Think about what the reader will do with the story's information

13. Make the thing a topic in workplaces when people are on a morning coffee break

14. Tell something completely new and unique, what the reader does not know

15. Give the reader something to chew

16. Challenge the current conceptions

17. Support the readers' own perceptions

18. Give the reader tools for thinking

19. Lead your reader to practical tools

20. Make your story a relief for the reader from her normal reading

Structure

21. Shorten and tighten

22. Change the structure

23. Simple formats of presentation

24. Increase flow of text

25. Structure the text with modular components (eg, 7 or 10 point of view)

26. If the story is long, break monotonous columns with pictures and text boxes

Presentation

27. Trust your own case and others will too

28. Use the target group's language

29. Beware of jargon

30. Be positive

31. Beware of hype, if the target group includes experts

32. If you are talking about products, be careful text about advertising, and criticism - if this product is not unique in having that flaw

33. If you are critical, be constructive

34. Add artwork

35. Think about what each picture tells

36. Create meaning link facts with values

37. Tell how things affect the reader's world

38. Increase the complexity and richness of the story gradually

39. End story in a way that leaves a good taste in reader's mouth

Substance and facts

40. Remember: the reader does not know everything you know

41. Identify your own context and tell it

42. Each represents some school of thinking and understanding. What is yours?

43. Remember: The reader may live in a completely different context and world of experiences than you do

44. Justify your claim, but do not explain things obvious to the reader

45. Are your facts and terms up to date?

46. Lists of additional information add value

47. Do not remain silent about the negative facts

48. If you act as a representative of a company and praise its products, no one will believe you


Lista päivitetty 19.9.2011

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