Writing Tips

Questions to Ask yourself when you write or edit articles

A reader sent in this set of comments on what he looks for, in articles. Every writer and editor on the site should consider them carefully.

"I'd like to comment on content quality.

When I read articles, I ask myself these questions:

1. Does the writer have something new to say?
2. Is his assertion well grounded in fact.
3. Are his interpretations of the fact reasonable and logical.
4. What is his point of view (and possible bias.)
5. Does this article open or close dialog?

Several things cause me to skip over articles:

1. Characterizations that are unsupported or inflammatory.
2. Rants (Heated expressions of opinion that involve name-calling, characterization, and no analytical support.
3. Disorganized ramblings where the point is not clear.

Other things make me pay attention:
1. Direct quotes.
2. Attribution of sources of facts.
3. Reasoned analysis.
4. Attempts to present two sides of an issue and analyze them.