In the process of rating Helium articles, we often see items which require a "flag." The flag is a mini crtiique of an article and we are given approximately 86 character spaces in which to place our comments.

We are advised in the print at the top of the flag screen to be constructive and considerate with our comments to the author. Some of the flags go directly to the writer of the article, and our name is included in the email. This is a huge incentive to ensure our comments are courteous and positive in nature.

Other flagged comments go directly to Helium staff to be dealt with as they see fit. Any article containing plagiarism, adult content, profanity or illegal content will be evaluated and possibly deleted from the site. The "Other" category also goes to the attention of the Helium staff.

The comments on the staff related flags is not the primary concern. It is the flags which go directly to the writer which cause the most consternation. How can we adequately describe why we are flagging, when we are working with such a limited number of characters in the explanation box? This is where our skill and expertise as writers comes into play.

When I am rating, I have found the best method to employ with flags is to keep a paper and pencil at the ready. When I come across an article which I believe will benefit by being flagged, I jot the reason on my paper. Then, with a critical eye, I determine how my comment can be condensed into the fewest words and still retain meaning.

Following is a list of the flags which go directly to the writer and an example of an effective comment to allow the writer to know why his article is flagged and what action he might take to improve his rating potential and ward off future flags:

* Limited - Expand to meet Helium word count criteria

* Off topic - Content does not match title

* All Caps - Resubmit without caps to increase rating potential

* Spelling - Recheck spelling to enhance rating potential

* Grammar - Check grammar to enhance rating potential

* Formatting - Leave double spacing between paragraphs
- Eliminate title at top of article
- Eliminate identifying information
- Eliminate self promotion

All of these example are well within the alloted 86 characters and even allow space to add "Good content," "Check (specific #)paragraph," "Nicely presented" or any other considerate comments one wishes to include.

Sometimes

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