PoeWar http://www.poewar.com Writing Career Center Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:17:40 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 PoeWar Writing Jobs Newsletter #7: Jump the Shark Edition http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-7-jump-the-shark-edition/ http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-7-jump-the-shark-edition/#comments Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:17:40 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8068 Sponsored by Flexjobs

For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to.

We’ve made it to Friday, another great milestone for the little newsletter that could. There’s a three day weekend stretched out before us. The newsletter will be back on Tuesday, but jobs will be posted throughout the weekend. I’m off to soar over a large marine animal while on water-skis, so without further ado…

Writing Jobs Tip

When it comes to landing a new job, or a new client, presentation is the key. You have to present yourself as the ideal candidate, in every way that you honestly can. Your goals should be simple: write like you know how to write, address their needs and desires, speak intelligently and engagingly, dress well, have a great portfolio and a terrific resume, and follow up quickly and politely. You want them to think you are great for the job, and you want them to see how much you want the job. If you can do these things, your job search will go well.

Today’s Suggested Reading

Join Me at BlogWorld!

Please sign up for my presentation at this year’s BlogWorld. It will be a thorough (and fun) presentation on a subject I know well, “How To Write How To Topics for Your Blog”. Help me push my way into the top 25. This year’s BlogWorld is being held at the pool-a-riffic Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on going, please RSVP for my session (11 am in Friday, October 15th). For a preview of my presentation, please read How to Write a How To Article.

Find John Hewitt on the Web

Today’s Jobs:

For more jobs go to jobs.poewar.com

Featured Job: Proposal Writer – MTM, Inc. – Lake St. Louis, Missouri

Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]> http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-7-jump-the-shark-edition/feed/ 0 PoeWar Writing Jobs Newsletter #6: Thirty-seven is the loneliest number http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-6-thirty-seven-is-the-loneliest-number/ http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-6-thirty-seven-is-the-loneliest-number/#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:34:12 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8065 Sponsored by Flexjobs

For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to.

We’re two days into September and the temperature is 102 degrees. Summer wants to hold on just a little longer and I can’t say that I blame it. When I say I sweated over this edition of the newsletter, I’m not kidding. So without further ado…

Writing Jobs Tip

Almost every job site on the web now has an RSS feed. Subscribing directly to job site feeds, such as mine, can result in a huge flood of jobs coming into your newsreader or mailbox. The problem is that most of those jobs won’t be what you are looking for. The smarter move is to use a tool like Google Blog Search to create your own feed of jobs you are specifically targeting. This will make your search much narrower. You can specify a city, a skill, a job title and whatever else will help you find the right job. Google allows you to turn blog searches into RSS feeds or email alerts, so you can get the information in whatever way you are comfortable with.

Today’s Suggested Reading

  • One Big Traffic Secret By Chris Brogan at chrisbrogan.com: Worth the read, but I’ll tell you the secret anyway. Post often. Great content helps but frequency is even more important.
  • How to Get Hired on the Problogger Job Board by Ross Hudgens at Problogger.net: Excellent advice for responding to job ads. An extremely thorough and useful article for anyone applying for a job.
  • Coworking Spaces by Fred Wilson at AVC: Coworking is a growing trend in freelance and entrepreneur markets. Sharing a building with many peers rather than renting an office. It’s great for collaboration and idea generation.

Join Me at BlogWorld!

I am currently number 37 on the list of most popular presentations at BlogWorld. I’m not at the bottom, but I sure would like to be closer to the top. Trust me, it will be a thorough presentation on a subject I know well, “How To Write How To Topics for Your Blog”. Help me push my way into the top 25. This year’s BlogWorld is being held at the pool-a-riffic Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on going, please RSVP for my session (11 am in Friday, October 15th). For a preview of my presentation, please read How to Write a How To Article.

Find John Hewitt on the Web

Today’s Jobs:

For more jobs go to jobs.poewar.com

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-6-thirty-seven-is-the-loneliest-number/feed/ 0       PoeWar Writing Jobs Newsletter #5: Newsy Goodness http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-5-newsy-goodness/ http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-5-newsy-goodness/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:43:48 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8048 Sponsored by Flexjobs. For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to.


      Today’s newsletter is packed with updates and newsy goodness. No time for idle chit-chat so without further ado…

      Writing Jobs Tip

      As a freelancer, it is a good idea to pick one or two areas to focus your efforts on. The best way to do this is to make an assessment of your skills, the markets, your contacts, and your passions. Try to find a place where these four resources (passion is definitely a resource) overlap in a way that will result in you finding a profitable niche.

      30 Poems in 30 Days

      Today begins the fourth year of 30 Poems in 30 Days. The location has moved slightly though, so take part you’ll need to go to poetry.poewar.com. This year I’ll be providing poetry prompts, but I am avoiding extended articles because of my own desire to complete thirty poems this month. As always, you can post your poems in the comment section for each prompt. All thirty days of prompts are already up, so you can work ahead if you like. I hope you’ll take part, either in the comments sections or at home. I’ve already posted my first poem. Good luck to everyone!

      Today’s Suggested Reading

      Join Me at BlogWorld!

      Do you love blogging? Do you love large groups of people who talk about blogging and social media? Do you love slot machines? On October 15th I will be presenting, “How To Write How To Topics for Your Blog” at this year’s BlogWorld being held at the pool-a-riffic Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on going, please RSVP for my session (11 am in Friday, October 15th) at http://blogworldexpo2010.sched.org/.

      Find John Hewitt on the Web

      Today’s Jobs:

      For more jobs go to jobs.poewar.com

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-5-newsy-goodness/feed/ 0       2010′s 30 Poems in 30 days event http://www.poewar.com/2010s-30-poems-in-30-days-event/ http://www.poewar.com/2010s-30-poems-in-30-days-event/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:54:27 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8043 This will be the fourth year of 30 Poems in 30 Days, but to take part you’ll need to go to poetry.poewar.com. This year’s event will be a little different. There are no long articles to read. I just don’t have time to write articles and write my own thirty poems. Instead, you’ll find 30 days of poetry prompts that you are welcome to make use of. Each one comes as its own post so that you can add your own poems to the comments section, just as we have done in previous years.

      On the plus side, all thirty days of prompts are already up, so you can work ahead if you like. I know this will help many of you, who often got anxious waiting for my (often late) articles. I hope you’ll take part, either in the comments sections or at home. I’ve already posted my first poem. Good luck to everyone!

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/2010s-30-poems-in-30-days-event/feed/ 0       Poetry Prompts http://www.poewar.com/poetry-prompts/ http://www.poewar.com/poetry-prompts/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:15:38 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8037 Here are poetry Prompts from four years worth of 30 Poems in 30 Days. This year’s event is happening at poetry.poewar.com.

      Use the word Pattern in the first line and/or the last line of your poem.

      Write a poem that begins with you waking up.

      Write a poem that begins with a proclamation. If you need a phrase to get your juices going, try “I will”.

      Write the final line to your poem first, and then write the poem to get to that ending. I am choosing to end my poem with “His hallucinations make him giggle” which others are welcome to use.

      Pick three words that you absolutely love the sound of and set out to use them in your poem.

      Use the same (or similar) words in both your first line and last line, but change the order or the meaning of the words from the first line to the last line.

      Write a poem that involves an animal.

      Write a list poem about things you have done in your life.

      Use the word “secret” twice in your poem.

      Use a letter count as a constraint for your poetry, either writing a brand new poem or rewriting an old poem to fit the new pattern. You can either count the spaces and punctuation between words as letters or count only the actual letters. Keep in mind that you don’t have to use the exact same number in every line, you can also develop at pattern such as 20-25-20-25.

      Write or rewrite a greeting card poem so that is has meaning to you, or at least is funny.

      A Ritual Poem takes a ritual (real or imagined) and brings a sense of meaning and reflection to the ritual it describes. Here are some steps to follow (a ritual poem ritual):

      1. Pick an element of life that has or deserves a ritual
      2. Decide the result you would want the ritual to produce
      3. Think of the actions you would take to achieve the result
      4. Turn the actions into steps or commands

      Write a poem using Skeltonic Verse.

      Write a poem about a specific but minor memory you have from more than five, but less than ten years ago.

      Write a Tanka. Feel free to write more than one if you like.

      Write a definition poem. A definition poem takes a word or a concept and attempts to define it, provide perspective, redefine it, or create a definitive example of it.

      Write a poem that is set at or near where you live.

      Write a poem in the form of a letter (epistle).

      Write a poem that begins and ends with three single syllable words.

      Write a poem that begins with a line of advice or instruction, such as don’t give up or take a left at the willow tree.

      September 21st is the last day of summer in the northern hemisphere and the last day of winter in the southern hemisphere. With that in mind, write a poem in which the seasons play a role.

      Write a poem in which a similar or identical phrase is repeated three or more times throughout the poem.

      Write a poem using iambic pentameter. If you aren’t familiar with Iambic pentameter, it is discussed in full here.

      Write a poem that begins with the word “I”.

      Write a poem as that uses every letter of the alphabet at least once.

      Write a poem about a natural event.

      Use one of the lists of words above or pick your own morpheme and use it to add adnomination to your poetry.

      Pick two or three words from your last poem use them as the first three words of this poem.

      Write a poem that gets shorter with each line.

      Write a poem about the end of something.

      Write a poem about something you believe.

      Write a poem that includes at least one description of an object that is six or more words long.

      Write a poem that uses some sort of meter. If you want a challenge, attempt a meter you haven’t worked with before. For an extra added challenge, try to work in the word belly.

      Write a Blues Sonnet:

      1. Write 5 thematically similar heroic couplets of iambic pentameter.
      2. In first four, repeat first line of each couplet, yielding the 14 lines of the sonnet.
      3. Then, if desired, modify middle lines, of the stanzas without disturbing rhyme or rhythm to strengthen the stanza and give variety.
      4. Get out a blues recording and have fun singing your blues song!

      Write a poem about an event in your life that you have strong feelings about (it doesn’t have to be painful) without stating how you feel about the event. If you want an extra challenge, end every third line with the letter “R”.

      Write a poetic parable. Feel free to play with the form. Sometimes it is more interesting when the lesson is just a bit absurd.

      Write about something in your life that you do every day. If you want an added challenge, make the first and the last lines the same or similar.

      Write a blank verse poem. Blank verse has meter, but no rhyme. The typical meter for blank verse is iambic pentameter, but you can try other meters as well. If you want an added challenge, include the word “line”.

      Write a Pantoum. Feel free to experiment with the form until you write something to your own liking. If you enjoyed this, try a sestina or villanelle.
      Write a poem that tells a story. For an added challenge, use a word count. Write four stanzas, each with 30 words.

      Write a poem as if it were an entry in someone’s journal or diary or even their Twitter account. If you want an added challenge, limit your stanzas to 145 characters so they mirror the limitations of texting.

      Go outdoors and get some fresh air. Find a comfortable spot and write a poem. If you want to try a tanka (or a few) go for it.

      Write a poem in ten minutes. It should have at least 100 words. For an added challenge, work in the word “speed”.

      Create your own found poem. If you are looking for inspiration, use Google News to find an article to your liking.

      Write a poem that uses exactly the same number of characters on every line. You can pick the length, but once you start you have to stick to it. For an extra challenge, try writing about an event that has happened in the past 24 hour.

      Write a poem that ends with the word “quiet”.

      Either use a set of hyponyms as the structure for your poem or write a poem around the phrase, “He was blue, she was a rabbit.”

      Write a poem that uses something other than traditional end rhyme.

      Create a poem that uses one of the following word combinations (they don’t have to be in the same line):

      • boot, tune, fool
      • but, feet, knot
      • kit, tap, pock
      • seize, fourth, thighs

      Write about something you can see from the window of your home.

      Write a poem about a place you have been or a journey you have taken.

      Call an old friend and write a poem after the conversation

      Find an original way to describe a chair and make that the first line of your poem.

      Write about the first time you did something.

      Write a poem that demonstrates strong emotion without ever stating what that emotion is.

      Write a poem about a contest, a win, or a loss.

      Write a poem as if it were a letter to a friend.

      Include the word right or rights in your poem.

      Start your poem with a piece of advice.

      Write a poem about your childhood. Explore an actual event that had some emotional significance to you. Avoid using any description of how you felt about the event then or how you feel about it now. Instead, try to make the emotion of the event come through in your descriptions of what happened. Feel free to post your poem in the comments or on your own site with a link back to here. This will give other people the opportunity to read your poem.

      Write about an event in your life that happened within the past week. Take some time to think about the week and look for event that has some emotional meaning for you, but not so much that it would be painful for you to write about. Sometimes smaller moments have more meaning. Feel free to post your poem in the comments or on your own site with a link back to here. This will give other people the opportunity to read your poem.

      Find a news or opinion article that was published on the web this week. I recommend using Google News because it can take you just about anywhere. Look for a story that has some emotional or philosophical impact on you and use that story as the basis for your poem. If you post your poem here, be sure to post a link to the original article so we can see the inspiration!

      Get out of the house and write in a new place. Write about the place you choose to go to. Don’t just rely on what you see. Describe the smells, the tastes and the sounds if you can. Try to give your readers a full picture of the place you choose.

      Write a persona poem that incorporates one of the past two concepts. It should either address a social issue or it should provide a strong sense of place. One great way to do the latter is to write a poem in a public place, and to observe the people around you until you find someone interesting that you can imagine a back-story for.
      Take at least five minutes to meditate in a quiet room free of outside influences before you write today’s poem. Try to clear your head of stray thoughts. Once you feel like you are clear and calm, write your poem. Let the topic be about whatever comes to mind after your meditation. If you have never meditated before, simply sit in a chair with your eyes closed and try to relax.

      Write a list poem that uses a single line for each item on the list. Feel free to choose one of the topics above, or use anything else that comes to mind. As always, post the poem in the comments section if you would like to share it.

      Write an elegy about a person or event that is meaningful to you. You don’t necessarily have to approach the most tragic event in your life. Don’t try to take on an event that is still too difficult for you to deal with. Look for something that you can handle.

      Write a poem using a specific meter. The meter can be of your own choosing or even your own making, as long as you put a pattern into place. As always, feel free to post your poem in the comment section of this post.

      Write a three or more stanza poem that uses a metered style for the first two stanzas and a non-metered format for the remaining stanzas. As always, feel free to post your poem in the comments section for others to see.

      Read a poet you don’t like. Try to figure out what they do that upsets you and determine whether or not this assessment is fair. Try to think of ways that you would approach the same subject matter using your style. Write a poem that addresses some of the same subject / style / tone of the poet you dislike but do it in your own style.

      Write a poem using syllabic verse. You can assign length ether by line or stanza. If you are stuck for a way to begin, start with this two-word ten-syllable line: Incompatible Participation
      Read a poet you don’t like. Try to figure out what they do that upsets you and determine whether or not this assessment is fair. Try to think of ways that you would approach the same subject matter using your style. Write a poem that addresses some of the same subject / style / tone of the poet you dislike but do it in your own style.

      Today is a two-part assignment. The first part is to think about your method of writing poetry. The second part is to shake up your process. If you have a lot of structure, try loosening up. If you write very loosely, try adding some structure to the process. Find a new place to write or use a different tool. The change doesn’t have to be major, but if you post your poem, please tell us what you changed.

      Write a poem that uses at least two different forms of repetition. Try to embrace at least one form of repetition that you don’t ordinarily use.

      Write a poem that follows the three rules of the imagists.

      1. Direct treatment of the “thing”, whether subjective or objective.
      2. To use absolutely no word that does not contribute to the presentation.
      3. As regarding rhythm: to compose in sequence of the musical phrase, not in sequence of the metronome.

      Revisit a previous poem, perhaps one you especially liked or one you had trouble with, and write another poem following those same parameters.

      Wikipedia’s Random Button is a great and magical thing. Click it and write about whatever subject comes up.

      Include the words “formal” and “casual” at some point in your poem.

      Write a poem that has a variable line length rather than a set meter. Use either enjammed or endstopped lines.

      Write a poem that begins with a negative image or statement and ends with a positive image or statement.

      Write a three stanza poem that shows a progression with each stanza. The three stanzas should serve as a beginning, middle and end respectively. It might help to picture the poem as a three act play.

      Try something that scares you (just a little) and then write a poem about it.

      Write a poem that discusses a real moment in your life without discussing its larger meaning or attempting to lead the reader to a conclusion.

      Include a verb in every line of your poem.

      Write a poem that begins and ends with the same word.

      Write the first draft of your poem in paragraph form and then change it into a free verse poem. Don’t be surprised if you have to change lines, words and phrases. That is a part of the process.

      Look at some old photographs and write about a memory or a thought that they give you.

      Write a poem that either uses no words longer than five letters or no words shorter than five letters.

      Write the final line of your poem first, then figure out a way to get there.

      I feel like ending with something technical but random. Don’t include any word with a single “A” in it, but do include at least one word with two “A”s in it.

      Write a poem that takes place inside a vehicle (car, truck, train, plane, boat, etc.)

      Write a poem in which you use three different words for the same or a similar color.

      Write a poem that uses two or more different settings / locations.

      Write a poem that includes at least three different flavors and two odors.

      Write a poem in which each line has six words and makes a statement or at least expresses a complete thought.

      Write a poem in which every stanza either begins with a question or ends with a question.

      Write a poem in the form of a joke.

      Write a poem that takes place at a public gathering such as a meeting, a carnival, a sporting event or a concert.

      Write a poem about building or creating something by hand.

      Write a poem that involves cutting, chopping or dividing something.

      Write a poem about having to defend yourself or someone else.

      Write a poem in which you discuss three things that you or your persona wants.

      Write a poem that repeatedly uses numbers.

      Write a poem that involves a plan.

      Write a poem that take place at a specific time of the day.

      Write a poem that involves consequences.

      Write a poem that takes place in or otherwise involves a classroom.

      Write a poem about waiting for a specific event.

      Write a poem about getting lost or losing something.

      Write a poem about getting or sending a message (postcard, letter, phone call, email)

      Write a poem that includes something that malfunctions or breaks down.

      Write a poem about training for something or working towards a distant goal.

      Write a poem about a person or a place that has several different names (it’s actually quite common).

      Write a poem in which something gets opened or closed.

      Write a poem in which something gets faked or simulated.

      Write a poem about a rivalry.

      Write a poem about a place that has changed considerably over time (construction, destruction, renovation, disrepair, etc.)

      Write a poem that involves flirtation.

      Write a poem that includes a path, a trail, or a map.

      Write a poem that involves a long-term relationship (love, friendship, family, group, etc.)

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/poetry-prompts/feed/ 0       How to Write a How To Article http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-how-to-article/ http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-how-to-article/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:53:04 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8035 My fellow bloggers Anne Wayman, Meryl K. Evans, Tom Johnson and James Chartrand all contributed advice to this article. I want to thank them for their help.

      The Podcast

      My podcast addresses some mistakes writers commonly make when creating how to articles.

      What is a how to article?

      A how to article helps the reader to accomplish a specific task. This may be a technical task such as loading a new computer application, a mechanical task such as changing the oil in a car, an educational task such as writing a research paper, or a more esoteric task such as ending a relationship or meditating. How to articles are often called instructional or procedural articles. One of the oldest and most common types of how to articles is the recipe. A good recipe contains all of the key components to a good how-to article.

      • A well defined goal (bake a cake)
      • Necessary components (ingredients and tools)
      • Steps (mix sugar and flour, add eggs)
      • Conditional changes and options (Adjust for higher altitude, substitute brown sugar with molasses)
      • Expected result (cake should be moist and golden brown)

      How to prepare for a how to article

      Identify your target reader

      Think about who is likely to use the instructions you’re about to write. Are they experts? Are they totally new to the process? Are they, like most of us, somewhere in between? Are you writing in their native language as well as yours or will you readers be doing some mental translating? You may not always know exactly who you’re writing for but keep your reader in mind as best you can; aiming at a specific type of reader will inform your article from beginning to end.

      Define the goal

      Defining a goal is not complicated, but it does take more thought than most people give it. The main thing to remember is that there is a direct goal and an indirect goal. The direct goal of a person who reads an article about “How to Brew Beer” is to brew a beer, but their indirect goal is to create something that they can then enjoy and be proud of. Most how to advice is a means to an end. The reader wants to accomplish the task, but their real goal is the result of that task. An article about How to eliminate the XyXIX virus from your computer will be used by people who want their computer to work properly. Getting rid of the virus is just the means to an end.

      Define the standards for success

      One of the reasons you should spend a little extra time thinking about the reader’s goal is because it will help you define your standard of success. The standard of success is the expected result of your how to article. You are defining the result that the reader will expect to produce by following your instructions. For example, if your reader is attempting to build something, the standard or success might be that the end result is:

      • Attractive
      • Functions properly
      • Required only the supplies and equipment specified
      • Built within economic expectations
      • Finished without personal injury
      • Holds up to the stress of use.

      Walk through the process

      When creating a how to article, you should expect to do the task you are documenting. You don’t tell someone how to bake a cake unless you can bake a cake. The key to a successful walk through is to track each step you take and the result of that step. Steps should be broken down into small, clear actions that produce a result.

      In some cases, it may not be possible to replicate the entire process. Due to exterior constraints, you may not be able to perform every step of a process. For example, when documenting software that is still in production, you may have to assume a result. This is especially true when working with dummy data (information created for simulation purposes) or with mock-ups (graphic representations of the expected final product).

      Examine the options

      There is more than one way to accomplish most tasks. For example, many computer commands can be accomplished with either the mouse pointer or with keystroke combinations (often called shortcuts). Additionally, part of the process might change based on your choices. Option A might have different steps than Option B. Depending on what you are writing about and who you are writing for, you will have to choose between telling your reader a single way to accomplish a task and discussing their other options. This is particularly true when you’re describing how to do something technical. Installing software often forces the user to either accept defaults or to make fairly sophisticated decisions. Building a shed would present choices such as where you put a door; that choice, when made, results in the need to be sure the right sized shelves go in the correct place, etc.

      Consult an expert

      Writing a guide to a process you are not expert in can be a challenge. That is why it is important to find outside resources to help you write your article. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs, called smees) are a great resource in this situation. A SME is simply someone who has the information you need in order to properly write about a task. At software companies these are often product specialists, programmers, trainers and business analysts. It is certainly easier to write a how to article when you are the expert, but even when you think you know all you need to know, don’t underestimate the value of a second opinion. There may be a better way to do things and it’s almost always true there will be a different way to do things. Chefs, for example, often change a cake recipe to complement an entrée.

      Research what others have written

      Additional research is always a good idea. No matter what topic you are writing about, there’s a good chance someone on the Internet has tackled something similar. In the software world, there are usually archives of supporting documentation such as functional specifications, business reviews, quality assurance scripts and usability testing results. Looking over the information that is out there can be a real help in making sure your article is a good one. You don’t need to read every article or brief though. The number of ways to bake a cake is astronomical. You could spend the rest of your life just studying cake recipes.

      A brief style guide for how to writing

      Order and grouping

      How to guides are written in a procedural format. That means that you follow a logical series of steps. Depending on the topic, you may or may not need to number these steps. In general, the less technical or mechanical a topic is, the less need there is to number steps. This article is not numbered because each step required considerable advice and discussion, and because the order of events is not fixed. While you can write a how to article following these topics in order, it is not necessary. There is no real problem is you consult an expert before you define the audience or examine the options. In fact, it may be the better way to do things in some cases.

      There are often pieces of information that belong together even though they don’t have a specific order. A list of supplies or a list of resources, for example, does not need to be in a specific order but should still be grouped together.

      Ordered list (numbered list)

      Most ordered lists are numbered. In general, standard 1, 2, 3 numbering is best. Some documentation styles call for roman numerals or letters, but those are the exceptions. Lists tend to become more complicated, however, if you need to document sub-steps. This can happen if you have one or more options to choose from and need to describe how each option produces a particular result. A list with subsets is what is referred to as a nested list. For nested lists, letters are often used instead of numbers.

      Try to keep the number of steps in an ordered list under ten. Readers tend to be intimidated by longer lists. To shorten the number of list items, you may want to break a complex task up into two or more sections/parts. This can often be done by finding a logical place to begin numbering again following a paragraph of explanation.

      Unordered List

      Unordered lists use bullet points. A bullet point is a dot or a square (or other design) before a list item. Unordered lists are great for article elements such as lists of tools, supplies or options

      Results

      If a step in the process changes the situation (creates a result), that needs to be documented. For example, when someone clicks on a link online it will generally send them to a new web page (or at least change the look of the web page they are on). Another example might be when the step is adding, say two eggs to the flour, butter and sugar in the cake, a description of how the batter will change (become more liquid) would be appropriate. Describe the result immediately after the step, but do not make it a numbered item because it is not a separate step.

      References and resources

      When working with outside sources (such as information from books or other web sites) be sure to acknowledge those resources. When possible, provide a link to the source material. Doing this not only gives fair credit to the source author, it also provides additional information that your reader use clarify questions and provide alternatives.

      Language

      Clarity

      When writing a how to guide, your overriding goal should be clarity at all times. This style of writing isn’t as broad or imaginative as prose. You want your statements to be direct, concise, and unambiguous.

      Short Sentences

      Short sentences are almost always preferable to long sentences when you are writing a how to guide. Short, declarative statements make for good steps. Never try to combine two steps into a single sentence.

      Repetition

      One of the keys to writing a procedure is to use the same words in the same way every time you use them. Some words, such as Run and Program have many meanings. When you write a guide, you don’t want to have your words misinterpreted, so do your best to use the word consistently to mean one thing throughout your instructions.

      Just as you want a word to mean the same thing every time you use it, you want to use the same word every time you mean the same thing. If you said, run the program the first time, don’t say start the application the second time.

      Additionally, use the same phrases when an action is repeated. If you write, Click on the OK button the first time, don’t write Click OK the second time. Use the same phrase every time.

      Accurate and unambiguous words

      Using unambiguous words will help your reader understand your instructions. Here is an example of a set of terms that become increasingly unambiguous:

      • Communication device
      • Phone
      • Mobile phone
      • Smartphone
      • 3G capable smartphone
      • Blackberry smartphone
      • BlackBerry Curve 8900

      In the world of cooking, stirring had a different meaning than beating or whisking does. Use the most appropriate word and use it consistently. If you’re not sure what word is best, look it up or ask your expert.

      Add Supporting Materials

      Screen Shots

      When documenting a computer-based process, screen shots (images of the screen) are an excellent way to demonstrate both the steps to take and the results of those steps. There are, however, a few drawbacks to using screen shots.

      Screen shots take up a great deal of space on your screen or page. It can be difficult to find a balance between the clarity of the image and the amount of space it takes up. These space considerations can be especially troublesome when you are working with mobile devices such as smart phones and touch screens.

      Screen shots can be slow to load. Image files take longer to download and display on a screen.

      Screen shots can become outdated. I once worked on a project in which the previous writer had meticulously created screen shots complete with additional graphics such as pointers and numbering. When it came time to update the document, all of those screen shots were useless, even though much of the underlying process remained unchanged.

      If the screenshot is to be printed, make sure it will be large enough to make it worthwhile. If it’s an ebook, the chances are the color on the screenshot may get lost if the user prints it – you can solve this by making the shot grey scale to begin with.

      Illustrations

      When you are writing about a physical task such as putting a desk together, illustrations tend to make the task much easier. Many people think visually, and a good illustration can really clarify a process. Like screen shots, illustrations can sometimes become outdated. The main downside of illustrations, however, is that they take drawing and design talent. If you don’t have these talents (or have someone who does) then this will take a lot of time and may never produce the desired result.

      Flowcharts

      A flowchart is a great way to clarify a process. This is especially true if the process has many optional steps or choices to be made. The symbols on a flowchart each have a set meaning/purpose, so you will want to get a good idea of how they work.

      Slideshows and video

      An accompanying video or slide show presentation can be very handy for your audience.

      Testing

      The first step in testing is to follow your own how-to instructions. Do exactly what you say to do. Don’t let yourself stray from your written plan. If you do, then it may be a gap in the article.

      The best way to test your instructions is to have several people actually try to install the software or bake the cake or put the desk together. It is particularly helpful to watch people as they are testing your process. They may complain that step 5 is confusing, but that may only be because they made a mistake at step 3. You won’t learn that just by listening to or reading their feedback. You’ll also see where they hesitate and re-read the instructions. Often, however you’ll have to make do with their notes. And sometimes you simply won’t have the opportunity to test.

      Having someone new to the project read through your instructions can help. They may spot something that’s crystal clear to you but incomprehensible or confusing to them.

      A few additional tips

      One way to start is to just take that first crack at the article before you review.

      Get the steps down on paper without pressure. Better yet, do the steps while you write it, if possible.

      Let the how-to dry. Walk away from the article. Go do something. If you don’t know how, find a how-to article and learn how. What better way to become a better how-to writer than use one yourself?

      Add a dash of color. Who says a how-to needs to plain first this, then this and next comes that? Open with a story. Throw in some personality. “How to Build an Outdoor Bar Cart” in This Old House magazine, opens with “If your usual method of serving beverages at a barbecue involves a Styrofoam cooler and a bag of ice, it’s time to think about an upgrade. This mobile cart is tough enough to withstand sun, rain, and spills of your libation of choice.”

      The final result

      A well-written how to guide should have the following qualities:

      • It should be easy for it’s target audience to understand
      • It should have a clear result
      • It should accomplish the stated goal
      • It should have all the information necessary for success
      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/how-to-write-a-how-to-article/feed/ 0       A Basic Guide to Time and Task Management http://www.poewar.com/a-basic-guide-to-time-and-task-management/ http://www.poewar.com/a-basic-guide-to-time-and-task-management/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:48:46 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8033 Freelance writers live and die by their time and task management skills. This is especially true of freelancers who write for sites such as Demand Studios. Demand Studios gives writers at least one great advantage. Writers don’t have to spend time marketing themselves and landing clients. They have thousands of assignments to choose from at any one time. Writers can focus on content creation rather than marketing and publicity. That is a great advantage, but there are also challenges that come along with that advantage. The key challenge is time and task management. As a writer you will be juggling multiple assignments and you will have to complete these assignments quickly and efficiently if you want to make a living.

      To begin with, we should define exactly what time management and task management are.

      Time management

      The process of scheduling and organization time to determine how much time is required to complete multiple direct and indirect tasks, and when such tasks are required.

      Task management

      Task management is the process of managing a series of tasks or projects through their life cycle, including planning, tracking and reporting.

      Time and task management are very similar concepts. The main difference is emphasis. In time management, creating and sticking to a schedule is the primary goal. In task management, the completion of projects is the primary goal. These two types of organization can be used separately or combined together.

      Using time management for your projects

      Step One: Make a realistic assessment of how you spend your time

      You can choose to use time management for just your work day, or for your whole life. For freelancers, who generally work at home, work and life tend to merge together so it is a good idea to assess your whole life. How do you use your time and how can it be improved? Tom Johnson of I’d Rather be Writing had this to say about how eliminating one thing has improved his life.

      My biggest time sink by far was television. When you look at statistics for the amount of time people spend in front of the TV, it stacks up to about the same as a part-time job.

      Why do we watch so much TV? Usually we think that the only way to relax or decompress is to turn on the television and escape the world for a while, but it’s not true. You can relax and decompress in more productive ways, such as tinkering around with your website, playing a sport, or reading a book. I wrote about this here: http://idratherbewriting.com/2009/10/16/forms-of-play/.

      We recently started an electricity fast at my house, which means we aren’t watching any more television (no more hulu.com, basically). We’re about 5 days into the fast. At first I dreaded the absence of television, but now I appreciate the quiet. When I need to zone out and escape, I read, write, or fall asleep. I wake up earlier and I am more refreshed. I really didn’t need that TV zombie time to rejuvenate at all. Without all that time spent watching TV, I have more time to work on other projects.

      Take a look at how you spend your time, especially your work time. Do you tend to spend time on frivolous items such as checking email, FaceBook, and Twitter every few minutes? Do you wander to the kitchen whenever you start to lose focus? This not only subtracts from your time but adds to your belly. Try to identify the ways you waste time, both little and big, and resolve to cut them out of your work day.

      Step Two: Create a Schedule

      A schedule can be general or very detailed. At the bare minimum, you should be setting deadlines for your writing projects. Sometimes your client will have a specific deadline for you. Claimed assignments at Demand Studios, for example, have a deadline that you can check in My Work Desk. When your deadlines are not set by clients, it will be up to you to set reasonable times for yourself.

      There are many tools that you can use to track your time. A good desk calendar or organizer will do the job nicely. Computer based tools such as Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook are also good.

      Beyond just listing deadlines, you should use your organization system to plan out your day. Set aside time for specific projects or for related tasks. For example, you could schedule an hour to write a specific article, or you could schedule an hour to do research for multiple articles. You can also set aside specific breaks in your day to relax, exercise, eat or do other non-work tasks. Having that time scheduled can help alleviate the feeling that you “should be working”. As long as you are following your schedule and working when you are supposed to, there is no reason to feel bad about the non-work items that you have scheduled.

      Step Three: Track your Time

      Once you have a schedule set, you need to stick to it. Sticking to a schedule can be a challenge. Track your actual day and see how close you come to your schedule. When you stray from the schedule, be sure to note the reason why. When you accomplish a task (whether you did it on time or not) note that as well. It is good to keep track of your accomplishments. Knowing you have completed something helps clear your mind for the work that is still ahead and a feeling of success is always a good thing.

      As part of the time tracking process, try to identify whether or not you are devoting the appropriate amount of time to various tasks. If you are allotting an hour for projects that take twenty minutes or for projects that take three hours, you need to adjust your schedule.

      Some time management tips

      • Use Tomorrow + 2 planning. At the end of each day, plan the next day and make preliminary plans for the next two work days. This allows you to make plans before the panic of a new day and makes it easier to sleep at night because your brain won’t be so busy reminding you what to do the next day.
      • Batch similar tasks. Jobs such as research, email, writing, and editing can be grouped by their similar nature, allowing you to stay in one “mode” longer rather than switching back and forth.
      • Learn to say no. Avoid time-wasting activities. Don’t over schedule yourself. Look for assignments and tasks that make the best use of your time.
      • Figure out what your prime time is. For most people there is usually a time of the day when they are the most effective. The reasons for this can be a combination of energy, enthusiasm and a lack of interruptions. Schedule your most difficult tasks for that time. Schedule the easier to accomplish, less taxing tasks for the periods of time when you are generally less effective.

      Randy Pausch Lecture: Time Management

      Long but worth it.

      Using task management for your projects

      As I mentioned earlier, task management is focused on mapping out the actions that need to be taken to complete a project. Setting time goals and deadlines is more in the area of time management. Task management is about tracking the actual actions that you and others need to perform in order to successfully reach a goal. Many people forego time management in favor of task management, while others combine the two. Personally, I focus more on task management than time management. While I schedule and track items such as appointments and deadlines, I don’t schedule most of my tasks. Instead I try to choose the most appropriate task based on my current energy levels, resources, enthusiasm as well as the task’s priority level.

      If a calendar is the key tool in time management, the to-do list is the key tool in task management. Creating a to-do list can be a very straightforward activity. At its most basic, you only need to write a list down on any sheet of paper or any word processing file. There are, of course, much more sophisticated tools. I personally use gtdagenda.com to create my list, but there are also plenty free resources such as iPhone apps. Even Google Calendar has an integrated task list. What I like about gtdagenda.com is that it follows the principals of Getting Things Done, my favorite book on task management. I also like that it automatically emails me a daily to-do list that I can either print out or view online.

      Step One: Assess the task / project

      According to the principals of Getting Things Done, simple tasks that can be done in five minutes or less should be done right away. There is no need to track a task that you can just get done and forget about. Real task management comes in the form of projects. Projects are tasks that require multiple steps and may take from a few minutes to several months to complete. Most writing projects fall into that category. A typical Demand Studios article should take from a few minutes to perhaps a couple of hours to complete. The same task management principals, however, can be applied to larger projects such as books, manuals and web sites.

      When you assess a task you want to determine the following:

      • What is my priority for this task? (Low? Medium? High? Someday/Maybe?)
      • Is there a deadline I need to work with?
      • What resources do I need?
      • Can any part of this task be delegated?
      • What are the actions I need to take? (Be specific and detailed)
      • What is the very next action I need to take?

      Step Two: Add the next action to your to-do list

      Your to-do list functions as a list of the next actions you need to take on each of the active projects (leave the someday/maybe projects off of your to-do list). You should also keep a list of things you are waiting for such as feedback from an expert or an email from a publisher. For people who are practicing time management as well, you should schedule those tasks on your calendar. For those practicing only task management, keep the to-do list handy and pick your next task based on priority, energy, enthusiasm and resources. Your resources often vary according to your location. For example, there are actions you can probably only do when you have an Internet connection and others you can only do if you have transportation or office equipment.

      Step Three: Track your progress

      The best part of a to-do list is crossing things off of it. It gives you a feeling of accomplishment. When it comes to task management, however, it is also important to assess on a daily or at least a weekly basis to determine what actions need to be added, deleted or delegated. I recommend that you follow the same basic rule as with time management. At the end of the day (either the work day or the actual day) go through your list and make sure that the list reflects what you need to be doing over the next few days.

      Some task management tips

      • Avoid multitasking. Do one item on your list at a time. Splitting your concentration generally means you will be less effective as a whole.
      • Process the items on your desk (and in your email) as if they are potential tasks. Determine what actions are needed to remove them.
      • Review your someday/maybe list about once a month to determine if any task is now important enough to take action on.
      • Don’t get your heart set on completing every item on a to-do list. New items will always be coming in. The key is to capture them and accomplish as much as you can.
      • Don’t feel guilty about taking time off or adding fun things to your to-do list. Life is meant to be enjoyed.

      David Allen: Getting Things Done

      If it’s good enough for the folks at Google, you should probably pay attention.

      Below is a sample GTD style task management system:

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/a-basic-guide-to-time-and-task-management/feed/ 0       How to Step Away From the Freelance Job Boards and Discover Treasure in Your Own Backyard http://www.poewar.com/how-to-step-away-from-the-freelance-job-boards-discover-treasure-in-your-own-backyard/ http://www.poewar.com/how-to-step-away-from-the-freelance-job-boards-discover-treasure-in-your-own-backyard/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:45:41 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8030

      Yes, this is literally a picture of a guy finding treasure in his backyard.

      Find your own clients

      There’s a time and a place for freelance job boards. Sites like Elance, oDesk and Flexjobs are useful places to find work, but they have their limitations. You can make a living using these sites, but you’ll have a hard time getting ahead. You will always be competing with a variety of other writers, some of whom will be willing to do the work for next to nothing. You may be the best writer for the job, but in many cases your potential clients will choose the cheaper option no matter how impressive your resume is. When you’re looking for work, your best chance at getting it is to reduce the number of competitors, preferably down to zero. This not only increases the likelihood that you’ll get the job, but it gives you much more leeway when it comes to negotiating a price. To succeed though, you must find the clients who aren’t advertising. In some cases, you’ll want to find clients who weren’t even aware they needed a writer.

      Find local clients

      One of the benefits of the Internet is that you can look for jobs all over the world, but there are great advantages to looking in your own backyard first. Local businesses like to work with local writers. They appreciate seeing people’s faces and having the occasional meeting. Some writers hate to meet clients in person, but meetings help you build long-term relationships and in many cases you can bill for them.

      More importantly, most people who need writers don’t use the job boards. They ask friends and colleagues. They look at the resumes that are already in their files. They check the local newspapers and phone books. They remember the names they’ve already heard. If you want to land those clients, you need to be the name they encounter when they go looking for a writer.

      Put together a sales kit

      Before you begin your search for clients, you need to put together a sales kit that will help you sell yourself. A door-to-door salesperson shows up with samples, brochures and a ready to deliver sales pitch. You should do the same. You need to treat your search for clients as both a marketing challenge and a writing challenge. That means putting together a together a resume (complete with a list of your publishing credits), a portfolio with samples (tailored for each client), a business card, a sales brochure and even a sales letter. This takes a lot of up-front work, but once you have a good sales kit, it will take minimal updates to keep you ready to react.

      Additional Resources

      How to Make an Effective Brochure

      Send out a mailing

      A mass mailing is one of the best ways to establish your reputation in an area. It isn’t a cheap option, but it is an effective option. The key to an effective mailing is to choose your targets carefully. Pick targets in a single business category and design a brochure specifically for their needs. You want those businesses to believe that you are exactly what they are looking for. By targeting specific businesses categories you can manage the size and cost of your mailings, sending out a few brochures at a time rather than trying to blanket every business in the city (which is also a great option if you happen to have a big wad of cash).

      Additional Resources

      Make some phone calls

      If you have been sending out mailings, the next step is to follow up over the phone. Call your potential clients and ask if they received your brochure. You may not get past the receptionist, but then again you may get directly through to the potential client. You could land a job when you call but you probably won’t get one right away. You will increase your visibility though. If your potential customers know who you are, they will think of you when the next time they need a writer.

      It can be an equally good idea to reverse the process. You can cold call businesses and ask for permission to send them a brochure. This gives you the opportunity to screen your potential customers so that you can reduce the cost of your mailing. It also makes it possible to determine who to send the brochure to. Better yet, you may land a job without even having to send a brochure.

      Additional Resources

      Advertise

      Advertising locally is another great way to land clients. Newspaper and magazine ads are a great way to establish your name in an area. You don’t necessarily have to focus on the big daily papers. Smaller publications are usually inexpensive and have only a few pages. Your ad is actually more likely to be seen because it won’t be lost among the larger ads and buried in some subsection of the newspaper. Also, a weekly or monthly publication will be available longer and read more thoroughly.

      Beyond the local publications, you can also use Google AdWords to target those potential clients who do use the Internet to look for writers. Google AdWords can be now be localized, so that only the people who search in your area will see your advertisement. This will reduce the cost of advertising and maintain your local dominance of the writing market. Using Google AdWords will require that you set up a website or at least a landing page, but if you want to succeed in today’s writing market, you really should have your own website. Using Google AdWords may be just the motivation you need to put a website together.

      Additional Resources

      Network

      Networking is the final key to the puzzle that is your local writing market. You want meet as many people as possible and you want them to think of you when they think of writers. Join local organizations such as Toastmasters, the Chamber (or junior chamber) of Commerce, professional groups related to your writing specialty, and local charities. Don’t spend all of your time selling yourself. Be a good member of your community and let people know who you are both as a person and as a professional. You don’t just want to be known, you want to be someone people will want to recommend.

      Additional Resources

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/how-to-step-away-from-the-freelance-job-boards-discover-treasure-in-your-own-backyard/feed/ 0       Effective and Efficient Research Methods http://www.poewar.com/effective-and-efficient-research-methods/ http://www.poewar.com/effective-and-efficient-research-methods/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:42:35 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8028 By Serena Freewomyn

      You’ve just been given a writing assignment, and you’ve only got a short amount of time to research your topic and meet your deadline. What do you do?

      Internet research can be challenging, because sifting through Google to get to the prime search results can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your limited research time.

      Identify Your Keywords

      After you do you initial Google search, you may need to modify your search terms. For example, if I were researching the pros and cons of marijuana legalization, I might adjust my search terms to include cannabis, pot, ganja, or reefer. If I were researching mixed martial arts, I could try typing MMA into Google to get more results.

      Although Wikipedia is not a completely reliable source, due to fact that anybody can write an article for the online encyclopedia, you shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. When I am having trouble thinking of search terms, a quick glance at Wikipedia often helps me generate additional keywords. Additionally, there is generally a list of independent sources at the end of each article – all of which could become potential sources for my article.

      Evaluate Your Source

      As I mentioned before, Wikipedia is not considered to be a reputable source of information, but it is not the only website with this problem. All websites need to be evaluated before you decide to trust the information that you find on them.

      Look at the URL
      A website’s URL can tell you a lot about the site, before you even click on a link. Is the website a personal page, or is it from a reputable organization? Is the domain extension appropriate for the type of content that you are looking for?
      o Government websites: .gov, .mil
      o Educational websites: .edu
      o Nonprofit organizations: .org

      Scan the website’s navigation bar.
      Read the “About Us” section of the website, or something similar (i.e. “Philosophy,” or “Biography”). This can give you a good idea of the qualifications of a website’s author.

      Install the Alexa (http://www.alexa.com/toolbar) and Google (http://www.google.com/toolbar/ff/index.html) toolbars on your web browser.
      Alex and Google both rank websites on a variety of factors. Alexa looks primarily at traffic, but Google’s PageRank system is a bit more complex. For a complete explanation of Google’s PageRank system, click here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PageRank). In a nutshell, Google will look at the quality of the pages that link to a particular site, as well as the reputation of the sites that a page is linking to itself.

      Google’s PageRanks are on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the lowest, and 10 being the highest. Trusted news sources like CNN or MSNBC are typically in the 8-10 range. Many of the bigger blogs, such as The Huffington Post or The Daily Beast, have a rank of 7-8, while the average blog usually has a PageRank of 5-6.

      This isn’t to say that you can’t trust a site with a PageRank lower than 5 – many things can cause a reputable site’s PageRank to drop. It does mean, however, that if you’re short on time, you might want to skip over sites with lower rankings in order to limit the amount of information you have to read.

      Set Up a Newsfeed

      If you regularly write about the same topic, there are several different ways that you can set up newsfeeds to help you generate ideas for an article.

      Twitter
      Twitter is a very straightforward way of gathering news on a topic. If you are running Twitter through Tweetdeck (http://www.tweetdeck.com/), you have the option of installing a column that send you tweets on selected topics. The nice thing about Twitter is that you can see the conversation happening in real time, and the 140 character limit forces people to be concise (http://www.copyblogger.com/twitter-writing/).

      Google News
      You can customize the Google News page (http://news.google.com/) so that you see headlines on topics of your choice. I check my Google News page two or three times a week in order to get ideas for articles.

      RSS Feed
      In the era of Twitter, it may seem like the RSS feed has gone the way of the VHS or a floppy disk, but RSS feeds still serve a useful function. Some of the bigger blogs, like The Huffington Post, Daily Kos, or The Drudge Report publish so many articles in one day that they can clog up your Twitter feed. I check my RSS feed once a week to look at what’s been said on the bigger blogs. Anything more than that is just information overload. You can set up your RSS feed in the Google Reader (http://www.google.com/reader), but there are other platforms to try if you loathe the Google behemoth.

      Remember the Library?

      Back in the pre-Internet days, we used to read these things called books, and the library was a place you could go to read books for free. Libraries are still a valuable source of information, especially since many of them have online research options, such as database and journal searches. If you are in college, you should really take advantage of the research tools that are offered at the library. And most universities allow alumni to access their online databases as one of their alumni association benefits.

      What About Online Books?

      While we’re on the subject of books, Google and Amazon allow you to peruse electronic books for free. To access the book search in Google, simply modify the URL to be http://www.google.com/books. Google even allows you to set up your own online library, which can be helpful if you know that you’ll be referencing a particular set of books on a regular basis.

      In the case of Amazon, you can preview the Table of Contents, as well as excerpts from a book. And Amazon will suggest books that are similar to the one you are currently viewing, which helps you reduce your research time.

      Wrapping it Up

      Research is a skill, just like any other. With practice, research will become second nature, and you’ll become more adept at identifying your search terms and evaluating your sources.

      Additional Resources

      How to do Internet Research

      Seven Laws of Internet Research

      About Serena Freewomyn
      Serena Freewomyn (http://www.serenafreewomyn.com) is a freelance writer from Tucson, Arizona. She writes about personal finance issues and women’s health. Her work has appeared in Curve Magazine, The Conducive Chronicle, and at Queercents.com (http://www.queercents.com). She frequently blogs at Feminists For Choice (http://www.feministsforchoice.com).

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/effective-and-efficient-research-methods/feed/ 0       PoeWar Writing Jobs Newsletter #4: Better Butter Edition http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-4-better-butter-edition/ http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-4-better-butter-edition/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:26:07 +0000 John Hewitt http://www.poewar.com/?p=8023 It turns out that you can get butter without salt, and it is still good on popcorn. In related news, I’m down 10 pounds since the low sodium diet began three weeks ago. I’m just 6.4 pounds away from being able to use my Wii Fit. Thanks for all your emails, and without further ado…

      Writing Jobs Tip

      For those of you out there aspiring to be technical writers, the quickest way to build a portfolio of samples if you haven’t found work yet is to find a small application to document. Thanks to the web, these programs are everywhere. Web applications are especially easy to access, as are open source programs. Go to sourceforge.net and take a look. Most of the programs there were created without pay and are offered for free. They could use a little documentation help.

      Today’s Suggested Reading

      Join Me at BlogWorld!

      Would you like to learn about blogging and social media at the same place where you can shoot craps and play the slots? On October 15th I will be presenting, “How To Write How To Topics for Your Blog” at this year’s BlogWorld being held at the slot-tastic Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. If you’re planning on going, please RSVP for my session (11 am in Friday, October 15th) at http://blogworldexpo2010.sched.org/.

      Sponsored Links (I could use the money):

      • Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 a year you can command the best list of telecommuting jobs on the web. They do the searching so you don’t have to.
      • Demand Studios: It’s their last day as an official sponsor, so send them out in style.
      • Freelance Writing jobs at Indeed.com: It’s free, it’s searchable, it’s terrific.
      • You could be here! Email me at poewar[at]gmail.com.

      Top Five Movies Starring Zooey Deschanel

      (Amazon Affiliate links)

      1. Elf: I watch this movie at least a dozen times every December.
      2. Almost Famous: She doesn’t have a big role, but this movie about a sweet kid trying to navigate the world of seventies rock is always entertaining.
      3. The Go-Getter: This is a little independent comedy about a kid who steels Zooey’s car and then falls in love with her.
      4. Yes Man: Zooey manages to reign in Jim Carrey a bit so that this silly movie can have a heart. I love her band.
      5. The Good Life: This is another independent movie with Zooey playing muse to a troubled young man. There are some light moments, many of them courtesy of Zooey, but this is a bit of a tear-jerker and the performances are great.

      Find John Hewitt on the Web

      Today’s Jobs:

      For more jobs go to jobs.poewar.com

      Sponsored by Flexjobs: For just $14.95 a month or $49.95 you’ll be kept up to date on all of the latest telecommuting jobs. They do the searching so you don’t have to. ]]>       http://www.poewar.com/poewar-writing-jobs-newsletter-4-better-butter-edition/feed/ 0