2 years, 9 months ago
I have been here 3-4 days, actively, and now have 703 points, a green belt, 3 how-to pages, and I love it. Take a look at my first How-To.
I need criticism folks...i want to improve how I write and my content. Take a look at my first how to on How to Unlock a blackberry Tour.
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-unlock-a-blackberry-tour
Please RETWEET it if it falls within your Twitter focus.
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-unlock-a-blackberry-tour
Please RETWEET it if it falls within your Twitter focus.
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M$2 Answers
(This is all my opinion, not hard rules... and I'll warn you now, you asked for criticism so I'm going to pick the living heck out of your page and point out anything that would personally annoy me when reading it. )
I'm not exactly sure of "how-to" etiquette, but I'm not fond of writing it from YOUR point of view. I would think it should be from an outside point of view, or the point of view of the page itself.
Like the line "I will explain the entire process and help you to get your Tour unlocked" would be "This page will explain the process of unlocking your Blackberry Tour". Try to get everything in without dragging it on too much. Keep it simple.
Including personal experience is good, but not when it's coming from you.... like " i have seen this" or "i have tried this"... just say something like "one option is this" or "you might want to try this" .. I'm probably guilty of the same thing here and there, but when reading other people's work it just doesn't flow as nicely, and it sounds a bit less professional. If it's "I", it's coming from one person. If it's "This page" it sounds more professional and believable. Write as though your the page, I guess.
Here's another Example
**I have heard that calling Sprint, if you use them, is a method to get a free unlock code. Sprint does not seem to be too concerned and gives them out readily while on the phone or via chat at the international help desk: http://www.sprint.com/international
You might want to say something like
If you are a Sprint user, it is sometimes possible to obtain a free unlock code by calling their customer support line, or using their online help desk located Here.
Just cleans it up a bit and keeps it simple. Pages should be unbiased and straightforward, and unopinionated. In your original content, it makes it sound like a rumor you heard from a friend. What I rewrote is more like stating a fact. You might also want to include a ref to any pages that mention Sprint giving out free unlock codes.
Your guide note doesn't need a title. (The top section on the right)
You seem to have 2 Introduction sections.. an "introduction" and an "introduction and requirements" .. I guess the second could just be called "requirements" or you might even be able to combine them.
Be careful of your capitalization. I'm guilty of it too, but in a line like "They require the IMEI number which is easily located on the Box that your Tour came in", Box would not need to be capitalized.
Another one: I have seen it come through in as little as 30 minutes (etc)
would sound better as something like "You can expect to receive the code in as little as 30 minutes or up to a few days. Contact your seller for an expected deadline".
Ok.. this one is a bit hard to explain, but make sure you number your steps. I believe your "Introduction and requirements" is step 1, and it's describing how to get an unlock code. I'd call the section something like "Step 1: Purchase an unlock code". "step by step" is your 2nd step and explains how to enter the code into the phone, so it should be something like "Step 2: Enter the unlock code into your Blackberry Tour
Also, under your current step 2 (step to step) you have 4 steps, which is a bit confusing. You can number them, or better, letter them, but I wouldn't refer to them as step 3 and 4 below because you only have 2 steps, so it's misleading.
Like I said, these are just my opinions as to how I would write the page and what would confuse me when reading it.
Good luck with your application and I hope I helped!
(Feel free to discuss :) )
I'm not exactly sure of "how-to" etiquette, but I'm not fond of writing it from YOUR point of view. I would think it should be from an outside point of view, or the point of view of the page itself.
Like the line "I will explain the entire process and help you to get your Tour unlocked" would be "This page will explain the process of unlocking your Blackberry Tour". Try to get everything in without dragging it on too much. Keep it simple.
Including personal experience is good, but not when it's coming from you.... like " i have seen this" or "i have tried this"... just say something like "one option is this" or "you might want to try this" .. I'm probably guilty of the same thing here and there, but when reading other people's work it just doesn't flow as nicely, and it sounds a bit less professional. If it's "I", it's coming from one person. If it's "This page" it sounds more professional and believable. Write as though your the page, I guess.
Here's another Example
**I have heard that calling Sprint, if you use them, is a method to get a free unlock code. Sprint does not seem to be too concerned and gives them out readily while on the phone or via chat at the international help desk: http://www.sprint.com/international
You might want to say something like
If you are a Sprint user, it is sometimes possible to obtain a free unlock code by calling their customer support line, or using their online help desk located Here.
Just cleans it up a bit and keeps it simple. Pages should be unbiased and straightforward, and unopinionated. In your original content, it makes it sound like a rumor you heard from a friend. What I rewrote is more like stating a fact. You might also want to include a ref to any pages that mention Sprint giving out free unlock codes.
Your guide note doesn't need a title. (The top section on the right)
You seem to have 2 Introduction sections.. an "introduction" and an "introduction and requirements" .. I guess the second could just be called "requirements" or you might even be able to combine them.
Be careful of your capitalization. I'm guilty of it too, but in a line like "They require the IMEI number which is easily located on the Box that your Tour came in", Box would not need to be capitalized.
Another one: I have seen it come through in as little as 30 minutes (etc)
would sound better as something like "You can expect to receive the code in as little as 30 minutes or up to a few days. Contact your seller for an expected deadline".
Ok.. this one is a bit hard to explain, but make sure you number your steps. I believe your "Introduction and requirements" is step 1, and it's describing how to get an unlock code. I'd call the section something like "Step 1: Purchase an unlock code". "step by step" is your 2nd step and explains how to enter the code into the phone, so it should be something like "Step 2: Enter the unlock code into your Blackberry Tour
Also, under your current step 2 (step to step) you have 4 steps, which is a bit confusing. You can number them, or better, letter them, but I wouldn't refer to them as step 3 and 4 below because you only have 2 steps, so it's misleading.
Like I said, these are just my opinions as to how I would write the page and what would confuse me when reading it.
Good luck with your application and I hope I helped!
(Feel free to discuss :) )
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
This is about the best and most honest constructive critique someone could ask for. @girlieq3000 How about an Answer of the Day nomination today Sept 2nd? You got it.
I agree, I think writing from a third person perspective sounds better on How To pages. I actually like the way you wrote it but it is a tad too personal for Mahalo, I think.
Great page btw I have the feeling it will get loads of hits, well done!
I asked and was told that they do not recommend too many..but you are allowed to pick a few. I guess I am/was too excited. :-)
Oh! I guess I didn't read the rules this time. The first time It was just one article per person so I assumed it was the same this time :) I guess if they said more were fine, there's no problem then.
Good luck!
Well, thank you.
Now you understand the reason for the question. Critique is helpful and much appreciated. i will be editing tomorrow with your suggestions.
Much appreciated...and I am glad you picked the heck out of me.
It's no problem at all!
By the way... why did you do THREE rush week articles? I thought only 1 was allowed? (just wondering)