Michael Brooks
@michael
Michael Brooks
Timbre is that unique sound quality of an instrument bestowed by the wood or metal chosen. Articles have timbre too. Writers imbue their creations with subtitles, comma choices, and inflections that bear their unique signature.
An easy way to increase the size of that signature is to pack your subtitles with opinion . Rather than simply use them to... See more
An easy way to increase the size of that signature is to pack your subtitles with opinion . Rather than simply use them to... See more
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Never take an unpaid internship. Ever. It is unethical to be offered one, and in many places, it is illegal. But more importantly, what kind of people would refuse to pay you? Oh yeah, really shitty people.
Brian Collins • 101 Design Rules
Repair and remain sounds simple because it is. But simple is not the same as easy. “For better, for worse,” we say, and everyone likes to stay when it’s the better.
Kurt Armstrong • Repair and Remain
When you define yourself around an identity label you forfeit your ability to self-govern and to discern what you genuinely believe from what others tell you to believe. By defining your self around an identity label, you necessarily allow said label to supersede your self. Most importantly, this identity-first approach (i.e., viewing yourself and ... See more
sundus • I Am Me Before I Am Anything Else
Run an article through the four-part musicality test. It’s no guarantee of clarity, but clear and intriguing writing tends to do well on all measures.
- Writing rhythm —do the sentences vary? Color code them: 1-3 words yellow, 4-8 red, 9-13 green, 13+ blue.
- Article form —does the structure vary in a subtle, pleasant way?
- Argument harmony —is it easil
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To make an article more inviting, gently:
- Divide sections using subtitles
- Vary paragraph length
- Vary the tone with asides and snappers
- Use interstitials (quotes, statistics, images)
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This constant addition and subtraction of experiences can keep us mindful that we are in a continual state of fluidity. There is no set list of qualities that define who we are, so there is no reason to panic if you feel a shift occurring.