Headline Tips

Item #1: Writing Headlines

http://www.iprof.com/exersices/webjn-headlines-ex1.html
http://www.iprof.com/onlinejn/webjn-headlines.html

-With headlines you must not use information that you don't use in the story.
-Be accurate, non-repetitive and do not use double meanings.
-Write verbs in present tense and leave out "to be" verbs.
-Leave out "and"! Replace with comma.
-Leave names out of it.
-Be accurate.
-Use complete sentences.
- Don't start with a verb.
-Be accurate.
-Don't over punctuate.
-Use precise words to get your point across to the reader. Don't confuse them.
-Don't leave pronouns by themselves and unidentified.
-Be accurate.
-Keep asking yourself "Would the reader know what I was talking about if they only read a few words?"

This really helped lay out the most important things to avoid when writing headlines. I really think accuracy is number 1. Lists help me keep things straight when writing and it also proves to be easy to go through quickly.


Item #2: Microcontent for the Web (or email)

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/980906.html

Online and printed headlines are different in two ways:
1- headlines are often displayed out of context.
2- harder to learn enough from the surrounding information. Smaller amount online to refer to.

These differences mean headline text must stand on its own.

Guidlines for Microcontent:
-make it short and to the point.
-plain language.
-don't use teasers online.
-don't use articles such as "the" and "a" in email subjects and page titles.
-don't use the same page titles to keep confusion down.
-state relationship in the from field to cut down guessing if it's spam.

The examples are helpful in putting these tips to use. These tips almost seem like common sense but for those who aren't familiar it could be a new lesson. It is really helpful and I will be looking at my own emails more closely now.