How to write an effective article
by Karon Brandt
An article is "a nonfiction literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as a newspaper or magazine." (American Heritage Dictionary)
The rules for writing an effective article are similar no matter who the publisher is.
Fact-based, "knowledge" articles are the mainstay of Helium's existence. Although Helium welcomes Creative Writers. For those who love to write poetry, short stories, memoirs, etc., Helium rewards them with badges of recognition but no blue writing stars or upfront pay.
Effective articles should use 1) moderately formal language, 2) a mixture of concrete and abstract words, 3) short- to medium-length paragraphs, 4) a variety of sentence lengths to add interest, and should use 5) few, if any, first or second pronouns, and 6) limit the use of contractions. (Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers, Second Edition, 1991)
The Handbook also recommends that the writer 7) maintain a conversational tone, keeping a short distance between the writer and reader and 8) avoid sexist and inflammatory language (especially in debates and controversial topics), which risks alienating the reader before he finishes reading.
Helium is a family-oriented site. Writer's guidelines are simple: no profanity or adult content; stay on topic; and don't promote yourself or your business within an article. Your article cannot contain personally identifying information, which would negate the "anonymity' requirement for rating articles.
All quoted sources must be cited; "borrowed material" must be properly credited. Sourcing work properly is expected. Plagiarists will have their articles and accounts deleted.
Note: Helium will delete articles that contain many capitalized words - including headings and subheadings. Writing in "all caps" is considered "shouting" on the Internet, and it looks unprofessional.
Helium emphasizes proper formatting: single-spaced sentences and left-aligned margins, with a blank space between paragraphs. Lots of "white space" makes easier reading for web readers. As a U.S. based site, whose readers are mostly English speaking, proper English is encouraged; alternate British spellings are acceptable.
Helium's articles must be stand-alone; no "to-be-continued" works allowed. Web readers prefer word lengths of 400 - 1500 words.
Helium encourages magazine style writing - no first person articles except for the creative writing section - and How-to articles may use second person.
Use neutral, objective words; avoid words with heavy connotations. You want people to finish reading your article. If it is a contentious topic, respond to the "other side" with respect, and overcome their points, one by one, with facts, dates, and data that support your view.
Complex material should be presented in understandable chunks. The writer's job is to make material easy to read and easy to understand. Use proper paragraphing, headings and sub-heading, and numbers or bullets for multiple points.
Always proof-read, self-edit and spell check your articles before publishing.
Offer worthwhile content with a fresh slant. Check out your "competitors" within a title. If you can't write something better, skip that title.
You can revise your works with leapfrogs. You can tell what readers/raters think by your rank. If you fall below halfway in the title, you can leap again in another week.
Typos can be sent to "typo fix" at content@ helium.com.
Every article represents you as a writer on your "About Me" page. Write as professionally as you can.
Get involved with the Community in the forums. Ask questions; request help if you need it. Helium is a very writer-friendly community with a quick-response time.
Helium invites you to come "Learn what you need, share what you know." You will be warmly welcomed by a competent staff and writing community.