All Quiet On the Weblog Front

Where have I been this past week? 

I've been on the Oregon coast, getting alternately wet and sunburned. I scheduled my third Avengers review for last week but neglected to schedule the second H2WaMM post, which is why it didn't appear on Friday. My apologies!

My absence can also explain why I haven't replied to comments or been to any of y'alls blogs lately.

No, they don't say y'all on the Oregon coast. In case you were wondering.

I didn't really take a lot of pictures this year. You see, I didn't bring my camera, just my phone, and I didn't want to bring my phone to the beach because I didn't want to get sand in it. So I don't have any pictures of the sights (besides the one above).

But what I did take pictures of (and please don't hate me for this) was all the misspellings I found around camp and at the museum that we went to. I know, I know, I'm so nitpicky. But some of them were amusing. Let me share:

The reward he "hopped" to earn. Maybe it's like "jumping" at a chance?

Norwegion. Perhaps it's a region in Norway.

By the way, I'm thinking of keeping the name "Norske Love" around for a possible future character in a possible future story. I like the name. It means "Norwegian lion."

Okay, this one could go either way. Site or sight. But I'm guessing that it's really supposed to say "sight."

If, of, what's the difference, ya know? Just one little letter.

Also last week I worked on filming this project:

I just threw together the trailer this morning. Not professional quality, but I think it gets the point across.

Anyways, that's what I've been up to this past week. Be prepared for part 4 of the Avengers review and part 2 of H2WaMM coming up on Wednesday and Friday. 

How was your week? Are you on vacation, or planning one soon? Ever snapped pictures of misspellings you've found? What do you think of the trailer?

Top Ten Tips for Creating Top Ten Tips Lists

How could I not write the list that tells you how to write your lists? 

Read on to find my top ten tips on writing top ten tips lists....

1. Title your post "Top Ten Tips on _____"

This one's obvious. So readers know what they're getting into. Also, people search for "top ten tips" so there's a greater likelihood that your article will come up when they do.

2. Bold the main points

Makes 'em stand out. Busy readers can skim and still get the gist of the article. 

3. Lecture a little

If people click on this post they know (or should know) that they'll be getting an earful of advice. Don't start every tip with "In my humble (or not so humble) opinion." But also don't write a post's worth of advice under every main point. It's hard on the eyes and the attention span.

4. Try not to be so dead serious

Always, always avoid the use of words like "always" and never." These are just tips, people, not life-saving instructions. Oh, and a spoonful of humor makes the lecturing go down....

5. Don't accidentally repeat yourself

That's just redundant and annoys readers.

5. Don't accidentally repeat yourself

That's just redundant and annoys readers.

7. Make sure you haven't skipped a number on your list

Otherwise your readers will wonder why they should be listening to your advice when you obviously can't even count.

8. No money-back guarantees

Even if these tips completely changed your life, don't promise that they'll do the same for everyone else. You can insinuate that, yes, but don't outright say it. There may be legal ramifications or something, ya know?

9. You shouldn't not never contradict yourself

If people are looking for advice, they want to know that you're reliable. Nothing says "unreliable" faster than a contradiction.

10. Be fresh, funny, and unique

There are thousands of top ten tips posts out there. If you bring a new perspective, people will be more willing to listen. A little humor never hurts either.

Follow these tips and, well, I can't guarantee it will change your life, but, you know....

Any tips to add to the list? Let me know by commenting!