Article Writers...Knowing What To Stay Away From

by 14 replies
16
I'm going to make this real short but I think you'll get the message loud and
clear.

As some of you know, I've been a musician and a songwriter for over 30 years
but never did anything with my music as far as a business.

Well, finally, I decided to get into songwriting instruction and started to
write a few articles explaining the process.

After just a few of these articles, I finally realized that there is just no way
to get these ideas across properly in text. Something like songwriting needs
audio at least and video at best.

I will probably abandon my article writing on this subject and start making
videos because trying to explain things like motifs is just flat out almost
impossible in text.

Point is, as an article writer, you need to be able to recognize when
you're tackling a subject that is NOT going to translate well into print.
Otherwise, you're going to end up writing articles that nobody is going to
read or if they do, they won't get a lot out of them.
#main internet marketing discussion forum #article #stay #writersknowing
  • Great point Steve! It amazes me how some people try to force something across in text, when stuff is best explained in videos. A prime example would be video games. I saw someone trying to narrate his entire GTA4 experience via articles! Wouldn't it be easier to just post a vid of his gameplay in Youtube??
  • Steven,

    I disagree. There's almost certainly a way that
    a professional writer could get such an idea
    across properly in text. Maybe you just haven't
    found it yet?

    I'd suggest going to your local library and looking
    in the music section to see how other people have
    communicated similar concepts.

    John
    • [2] replies
    • You make a good point, Steven. I run into this in the fishing niche all the time, particularly when someone tries to write instructions for tying a knot. Text works poorly. A diagram is better, but video is best.

    • That's fine John, but if you as a writer find that conveying certain
      subjects that would definitely be easier done in video or audio difficult
      in my opinion, it would be futile to waste time trying to develop the skill
      if your immediate concern is earning an income from the niche in
      question. You could be spending weeks, months or even years trying
      to get a feel for something that may never come.

      Therefore, if you find it difficult to convey those ideas across in print,
      in my opinion, trying to force them is counter productive.

      Again, this is just my opinion.
  • I'm thinking ad copy....

    "Check out my music writing videos at stevesmusicwritingschool.com/introvideos and see how simple this process really is. Then, if you want to discover how to really write killer songs, join my music writing academy at stevesmusicwritingschool.com"

    ...to borrow a phrase from your blog.
  • I dunno Steve..

    I've found some well structured content on the subject.. in print and online...

    Maybe you just have an understanding that isn't conveyed very well in your words?

    There are many that have found it possible. You make a very good point, but with this particular example, maybe not so.

    Peace

    Jay
    • [3] replies

    • Jay, I probably didn't make my point clearly.

      I didn't say that some subjects can't be put in print. I am merely
      suggesting that some topics are more difficult to put into print than
      others and that maybe you would be better served by putting it in
      audio or video form.

      That's all I'm saying.

      I've been writing songs for 30 years and believe me, it's a lot easier to
      show somebody how to do something especially when hearing it is so
      important to the process.

      After all, isn't music sound?

      Anyway, hopefully now I've made myself more clear.

      But to further clarify and as a disclaimer.

      If you feel you can write something well enough...do it.

      Better?

      ** Edit ** The line in my original post should have probably
      read as such.

      you need to be able to recognize when
      you're tackling a subject that is NOT going to translate well into print
      for you.
      • [1] reply
    • I also tend to disagree. I'm in the middle of putting together a golf site and I've had to do quite a lot of research online and at the library. What I've found is that some authors just seem to have a way of describing things (the mechanics of grip, swing, and stance) so that you can picture clearly in your mind exactly how it's done.

      Granted, some articles are not as clear or as helpful as others. It really depends on the author and the writing style. I find that the best will have a very detail oriented, descriptive style to their writing and also have an expert level of knowledge on the subject.
    • I agree with Steve - there are many topics which are difficult to verbalize and their explanations are better supplemented with diagrams and possibly audio and video.

      A diagram can work with text to clarify and reinforce a point, and music is an interesting example as I know I can't hear what C# sounds like by reading it.

      What about the other way around though? There are an awful lot of videos around which would be better suited to audio or even just plain text.

      People seem to be making videos because nowadays it's relatively easy and the 'hot' new thing. There appears to be little thought as to whether their material is appropriate for the medium.

      How many times have you seen a video of just someones head talking? Or a simple Powerpoint presentation with a voice over?

      What's next? A video of a book with someone turning the pages?
      • [1] reply
  • Spot on sir. This can save so many head aches. it's just like trying to write an article on how to play the piano. There are some subjects that can never be fully described by writing even if they are written by the most gifted.
  • I am with Jay, it may be more difficult for one individual to write about a particular topic and not so difficult for someone else.

    BTW I read warrior forum member DanoSongs e-book on songwriting and it is outstanding.
  • When you are talking about music, you are talking to an audience that you already know is audio-oriented. Even if everything could be explained very clearly in words, the people you are talking to would most likely feel more comfortable if you at least did audio/video along with text.

    All that long-winded writing was just another way of saying I agree with you.
  • point us towards your stuff on the apple store and we'll all download it. Nice new rev stream Steve!
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