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My problem is editing. I’ll write an article, do a revision, then let it collect dust. I don’t really believe in posting a long form article that hasn’t been r

by davemp 8y ago

My problem is editing. I’ll write an article, do a revision, then let it collect dust. I don’t really believe in posting a long form article that hasn’t been reviewed by someone who understands the topic. I almost always leave out some not-so implicit knowledge or don’t expound enough on the more interesting points. It’s hard to address these types of issues without a fresh pair of eyes. Most of my peers don’t know how to effectively get through a 10 page pdf and give only the most useful feedback. I feel like they are scared of being overly critical or think I’m expecting they invest more than a single read through and thoughts. Maybe I’ll go back and give the third draft on some of these articles a try anyways.

gtirloni 8y ago
A 10-page blog post is hard to digest for most people. If you break it in a few parts, your peers will be able to review them more easily, plus it gives your audience an incentive to come back (and also time for them to digest each piece as well).
barman 8y ago
For editing, one thing that has helped me is learning sales copywriting and direct response. Copywriting forces you to trim the cruft and makes you take the reader's perspective. Their time is valuable so you need to be entertaining and engaging, AND you need to get to the point fast. Tested Advertising Methods & Scientific Advertising are just some of the classic books about sales copy. I don't know what topic you're writing about, but sometimes you really just need to get your work out there, despite it not being perfect. I spent too much time writing and re-writing this article on procrastination (https://medium.freecodecamp.org/procrastination-sucks-so-heres-the-eat-that-frog-way-to-powerful-productivity-543b07ecf360 https://medium.freecodecamp.org/procrastination-sucks-so-her...) till I finally said "f--- it, I'm going to write this last section about finishing and shipping, then hit the publish button"
- davemp 8y ago
  I’ll give copying writing a try! Letting an article sit seems like it might be needed for self editing. At least for me specifically. > I'm going to write this last section about finishing and shipping, then hit the publish button" Fitting. Nice article as well!

by davemp 8y ago

gtirloni 8y ago

A 10-page blog post is hard to digest for most people. If you break it in a few parts, your peers will be able to review them more easily, plus it gives your audience an incentive to come back (and also time for them to digest each piece as well).

barman 8y ago

For editing, one thing that has helped me is learning sales copywriting and direct response. Copywriting forces you to trim the cruft and makes you take the reader's perspective. Their time is valuable so you need to be entertaining and engaging, AND you need to get to the point fast. Tested Advertising Methods & Scientific Advertising are just some of the classic books about sales copy. I don't know what topic you're writing about, but sometimes you really just need to get your work out there, despite it not being perfect. I spent too much time writing and re-writing this article on procrastination (https://medium.freecodecamp.org/procrastination-sucks-so-heres-the-eat-that-frog-way-to-powerful-productivity-543b07ecf360 https://medium.freecodecamp.org/procrastination-sucks-so-her...) till I finally said "f--- it, I'm going to write this last section about finishing and shipping, then hit the publish button"

davemp 8y ago
I’ll give copying writing a try! Letting an article sit seems like it might be needed for self editing. At least for me specifically. > I'm going to write this last section about finishing and shipping, then hit the publish button" Fitting. Nice article as well!