by Matthew Adams

Created on: May 30, 2008

Rating Helium articles requires close attention to a number of factors. These factors, which can be referred to as criteria, are ultimately what you will need to take into consideration when rating Helium articles. There are three main criteria to rate an article by.

The article's formatting is very important. That the article is clear and well structured can really make the difference to a fairly average piece. When talking about formatting we are referring to paragraphing, headings if appropriate and really how the content is presented on page.

Often, when rating, poor formatting is an instant turn-off. Regardless of the rest, an article without appropriate paragraphing, for example, will not be good to read. Likewise if an article uses caps too often, this is not a good thing. It is only really permissible to do so with subheadings. With regard to subheadings, they are fine to use if appropriate. Let us say, for example, on game reviews with different sections on game-play, graphics etc.

The next most important criteria to judge an article by is SPAG. Possibly the most important, this refers to correct spelling, punctuation and grammar. With the emphasis there is on Helium, pay close attention to it. Not using the spell checking facility is no good, unless the author is using English spelling over US. Make your own judgments on which article is stronger in relation to the punctuation and grammar.

Following on from SPAG, you have the third criteria. This refers to the article's content. The articles' will have a title and which pays the closest attention to it, with the greater adherence to theme, is important. An off-topic article is not very useful. How much detail the article goes into regarding the subject is also worth nothing. For example a historiography with few dates specified, in comparison to one that boasts many doesn't compare so well.

Be wary of judging content by quantity. The quality is the most important aspect but if an article is very limited in content, below the current word limits, then that has to be taken into consideration. Even with sound content, 100 words on an expansive topic really is not good enough and will not say that much. Likewise, an article that is too long is not ideal either. 3,000 words can take a while to read, and is beyond the recommended length. It can be a difficult balancing act but if rating a good sized article to one than is not, this should be noted.

Those are the three most important criteria. Moving beyond, you can take account of less important criteria. Introductory and closing paragraphs are worth taking note of. Which article starts and finishes better? Reference to sources (if applicable) is also well regarded as a good touch, but nothing more.

Overall the Helium rating community should take greatest note of SPAG, formatting and content. Beyond this, and if still undecided between articles, less important criteria can be looked at. Rate well, and rate wisely good luck!

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