by Ann Marie Dwyer

Created on: April 10, 2007   Last Updated: April 04, 2009

Helium's titles may seem peculiar to the beginning Heliumite, but finding the right title is key to article success.

Begin with the channel: This is the setting for the title. The channel will guide you in choosing your perspective. If you were writing about moles, discussing claws and fur would not be appropriate in the Health & Fitness channel.

Next, fully develop your article to fit the title. The ideal Helium article stands alone. When the reader is finished, he can guess word-for-word what the title is.

Last, stick to the title. When you wander away from the title, you run the risk of losing your reader (or rater) as well. Stay on point with consistent perspective. Once an article is deemed "off topic", it is in danger of deletion.

Here are a few definitions to help you suggest great titles and write under the correct titles.

Testimonies:

These are first hand accounts. You have experienced this title. It should be written in the first person and fully explore the title. Never begin a testimony with "Well, this never happened to me, but..."

Reflections:

When you look at the title, certain impressions or emotions will come to you. That is what you should write. This is not product promotion, definition or reasons why the title should be something else. Use your own feelings and opinions to write this article.

Alpha vs. Beta:

The classic debate means that you should choose one side or the other. Do not state both sides of the issue. Vote as to which side of the fence you reside, and write to that side.

The end: Zed or omega?

Although you can explore both sides of the fence, do pick one. Support your choice with rhetoric, fact and the opinions of portions of society.

Commentary:

Make a comment; however, write an article. Explain your comment as though someone reading it could not see the title. Your article must stand alone. Never respond to another article's comments or refer to another article or its author.

How to:

Step-by-step explain "how to" do something. Include pertinent details and facts that can ensure the safety of others. You should be able to do this yourself (or have already done it) before you write this article.

Why...?:

State a reason. This is not an article to rewrite the title. Explain your reason and support it with facts. Your article should answer the question and not leave the reader with more questions.

What is...?:

Define it. Explain the subject so that any layman could understand it. Do not explain your personal experience.

Eta and epsilon: The long

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