I’m automatically defensive. So much so that I forced myself NOT to write today. All because of some criticism. I really need to take a good look at my editor’s suggestions and deal with each one. That’s the only way to improve. Oddly enough I was feeling very confident and my page views had increased by 50% in a weeks time! I guess things like this happen to teach us lessons and keep our heads from getting too inflated.

So, I will do my best to work on the following areas when writing for the web (mainly Suite):

1. Structure my articles better. Get to the main info right away (minus the lead in) and be as concise as possible. Instead of using the final paragraph to summarize my article, use it to offer additional resources for interested readers.

2. Third person writing is key. I need to stop writing from the first and second person voice, and concentrate solely on the third person. (somehow I even managed to write that sentence in the first person, but in this case it is acceptable since I’m writing in a familiar, blog format.)

3. Linking of sources. Use better judgment when it comes to linking. Try to restrict the amount of links embedded within article.

4. General to specific. My articles tend to be general overviews of a topic. I need to learn to tightly focus them to fit a more specific niche.

5. Keywords. Probably the one thing that is most difficult to adjust to when writing for the web. I need to use keywords more in my titles and subtitles.

6. Subtitles. Work on making subtitles rephrase information in title in a different way (not repeating words).

I have to agree that these areas are my weak points (especially 2, 4-6). Anyone have any advice on how to work through these problem areas? Seriously, I am welcome to any and all advice. I figure not only will I be improving on weak areas, but I will also be learning to take criticism better. Two birds, one stone.