|
| |
What a magazine article does -- and doesn't do
|
What a magazine article does
Narrates a mishap or a near-mishap, telling readers
something they don’t 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 reader’s 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 author’s expertise.
What a magazine article doesn't do
- It shouldn’t harangue or belittle readers by talking
down to them.
- It shouldn’t spew out platitudes that people have heard
a thousand times.
- It shouldn’t give old news.
- It shouldn’t rehash a mishap investigation. The formal
investigation report is a good starting point, but it isn’t a magazine article.
- It shouldn’t bore the reader by talking about things
nobody cares about. Readers usually don’t 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 doesn’t make the reader wade through twice as many
words as necessary because the author hasn’t bothered to refine the writing or have
it edited.
- It doesn’t dodge important questions because the author
is in a hurry or doesn’t 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
|
|
Back to Top |
|
