Robin Good: Andrew Edwards at Clickz provides some interesting and valuable advice for content producers that I strongly recommend you pay attention to.
He writes: "Look at any tabloid today (but hurry, as they are mostly going the way of all tree-based media) and you'll notice the following traits:
1) catchy, sometimes kitschy headlines;
2) active voice (subject, verb, few adjectives, no adverbs);
3) short paragraphs without semicolons (!); one sentence = one idea; and, if referencing culture, make it pop culture.
This last one is important because we're now in an era where one apologizes for erudition lest it may embarrass a certain type of reader or - night terrors! - send someone to the "dictionary."
Include images, as they speak at least a couple of hundred words these days.
...
Finally, make sure your text is broken up (by subheads if possible, but not more than a few per thousand words). It creates white space."
That's gold advice, written in three paragraphs.
"...If you don't care about whether anyone ever pays you for your work, go ahead and do anything you want. You may get lucky.
But if you're expecting to get paid, follow the guidelines.
Do the work and do it well. And care about what the audience wants.
If you care enough and are good enough, your audience most of the time will reward you."
Truthful. Applicable. 9/10
Full article: http://www.clickz.com/clickz/column/2163094/tabloid-paradigm