Blog Exercise #2

Write a list post.

A what? A post with some kind of list in it.

If you would like to see how effective lists are, take a look at the Hotlist on Delicious. People are as attracted to reading lists as they are to reading bulleted points. It is a great blog style. And it sure is nice to know that I'm not the only one addicted to lists!

So, here's an example of a good list...
List posts are popular because:
1. Lists are scannable.
2. Lists keep posts succinct—there is something about a list that keeps you as a blogger from rambling.
3. Lists look neat.
4. Lists can be comprehensive.
5. Lists are persuasive.
6. Lists can add to the ease of writing.
7. Lists go viral—lists can start epidemics of ideas. For the above reasons and more, bloggers and social media aficionados seem to love sharing lists and, as a result, they spread quickly throughout the web (and beyond).
8. Lists break down the complicated.

Warning: limit your list posts. They can be incredibly powerful but readers can become frustrated with them if that is all you do.

I took the author's advice and started by writing down as many different kinds of lists that I could think of. I was surprised - they all would be pretty good topics, but one stood out above all the rest. It is a list I have been writing, adding to, and actually using for years. My list post tomorrow...