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What a magazine article does -- and doesn't do
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What a magazine article does
Narrates a mishap or a near-mishap, telling readers
something they dont already know.
Describes a personal experience that is interesting to read because
it contains good details and the reader can identify with it.
Makes the readers life easier instead of harder.
Produces a feeling of security rather than anxiety.
Adds value to the description of an event or trend. This value is
added by the author, based on his or her experience, knowledge and research. The reader
benefits from the authors expertise.
What a magazine article doesn't do
- It shouldnt harangue or belittle readers by talking
down to them.
- It shouldnt spew out platitudes that people have heard
a thousand times.
- It shouldnt give old news.
- It shouldnt rehash a mishap investigation. The formal
investigation report is a good starting point, but it isnt a magazine article.
- It shouldnt bore the reader by talking about things
nobody cares about. Readers usually dont care about a topic because no one has ever
effectively explained why they should care. Articles should not appear to deal with
minutiae or trivia, or something that only happens once in a blue moon.
- It doesnt make the reader wade through twice as many
words as necessary because the author hasnt bothered to refine the writing or have
it edited.
- It doesnt dodge important questions because the author
is in a hurry or doesnt want to make a few phone calls.
Writing 101
| What is a magazine article?
| Why articles get edited | Writing tips
| Writing process | Ten steps
| Basic Template
| How to shoot pictures | How to send your article
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