Tips for writing better articles on Helium
Tips for writing knowledge articles
In an Internet world dominated by blog formats and instant communication, writers should realize that a Helium article must be more than a personal commentary, invoke more than a chatty style and must tell more than your own experiences. We want thoughtful, original articles that expand our knowledge treasury. Your unique life experiences and perspectives remain central to sharing what you know. How to strike an effective balance is the key to success.
Use these tips:
- Look at the site before initiating a new title (search thoroughly, using synonyms and other word groupings). See if your topic already exists.
- Aim for the top! Write a self-sustaining article that’s good enough to be the lead article.
- Enrich your article with personal experiences that will educate others. (Don’t tell us about your dream last night or how good your coffee tastes right now.)
- Avoid teasers and openers that read as posted responses to others’ articles. Remember to view your article as definitive for the group.
In general, think big. Think top of the heap. Think long-term value to readers. Watch your ratings rise.
To improve your articles:
- Review the Helium Writing Standards in the User Guide.
- Scour Helium’s training forums. Find writing tips, peer critiques and writing advice. Go to the Writer’s Workshop forum on our discussion boards to unlock your writing potential.
- Check out the Members’ Feedback forum, where members can post links to their Helium articles to receive real opinions from other Helium writers.
- Get your very own mentor. Helium members are available via private email to help you further develop your articles. If you would like to be paired with a mentor, please forward the article you would like help with to mentor@helium.com. Write “Looking for a mentor” in the subject line. Or maybe you’d like to mentor someone? Write “I want to be a mentor!” in the subject line.
Tips for writing Debate articles
Helium Debate provides relief to the points of light lost in the vast Internet world of political blogs, websites, social networking sites and opinion. Here you write to the side of the argument you agree with. Then you will rate only the articles on the side you agree with: Help the most persuasive piece rise to the top!
In order to make your mark in the world of Helium Debate, learn some important tips and avoid some of the pitfalls:
- Consider your audience. Treat the opposition with respect and consideration. Present your views authoritatively without bombast. Measured words and reasoned tones earn higher rankings than articles filled with rants and arrogant hyperbole.
- Don’t be wishy-washy. Pick one side and write to support it.
- Build a solid structure. Don’t state unsubstantiated opinions. Vague generalizations add no real value. Use factual information to make your case.
- Never refer to or reply to other writers who have written to that title group, either by name or suggestion. You may consider arguments that others have raised, but do so in a general and considerate way.
- Short rants are a no-no. Keep articles within the suggested 400- to 1,500-word range.
- Focus. Don’t go off on a tangent. You’ll lose your argument — and your audience.
To improve your Debate articles:
- Review the Helium Writing Standards in the User Guide.
- Scour Helium’s training forums. Find writing tips, peer critiques and writing advice. Go to the Writer’s Workshop forum on our discussion boards to unlock your writing potential.
- Check out the Members’ Feedback Forum, where members can post links to their Helium articles to receive real opinions from other Helium writers.
- Get your very own mentor. Helium members are available via private email to help you further develop your articles. If you would like to be paired with a mentor, please forward the article you would like help with to mentor@helium.com. Write “Looking for a mentor” in the subject line. Or maybe you’d like to mentor someone? Write to mentor@helium.com with “I want to be a mentor!” in the subject line.
