Every time I reread my blog posts, the same thought comes to my mind – “man, I buried the lead again”.
I learned about leads from “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip and Dan Heath. It is a short book, but one that influenced me deeply. Every blogger out there should read it.
“Burying a lead“, in the jargon of journalists means boring the reader before getting to the juicy part. A “lead” or “lede” is the first sentence of the story.
In the book, there’s an anecdote about a journalism teacher giving his students an assignment:
” … They would write the lead of a newspaper story. The teacher reeled off the facts: “Kenneth L. Peters, the principal of Beverly Hills High School, announced today that the entire school faculty will travel to Sacramento next Thursday for a colloquium in new teaching methods. Amnong the speakers will be anthropologist Margaret Mead, college president Dr. Robert Maynard Hutchins, and California governor Edmund ‘Pat’ Brown. ”
Apparently, most students produced a lead that lumped all these facts into a single sentence. The teacher read all the submissions and then announced:
“The lead to the story is ‘There will be no school next Thursday’ ”
I am having a huge problem with writing in “inverted pyramid” style. The juicy parts of my posts are usually at the bottom.
Think about it, most blog readers, especially the ones that matter suffer from add, and often do not get to the bottom of the article. This means they won’t link to it, won’t digg it.
I am trying to improve, but writing is a difficult art to master. I just wish I took more writing classes.
Pingback: advantages of bluetooth technology article
Pingback: mission fitness
Pingback: pre workout supplements
Pingback: Grassy Knoll
Pingback: Chelsea Live Stream
Pingback: Pizza Hut vouchers
Pingback: internet marketing forum
Pingback: LED Lights
Pingback: ghost hunts
Pingback: HIFI
Pingback: Immigration to Canada
Pingback: boxing
Pingback: Dallas Pet Photographer
Pingback: best weight loss program
Pingback: Shop
Pingback: diversity employment
Pingback: Porn Discussion
Pingback: cash advance
Pingback: Herbal Spice Blend
Pingback: text messaging apps
Pingback: Legal Herbal Spice
Pingback: uzaktan egitim
Pingback: free apple ipad 3
Pingback: private
Pingback: Atlanta Garage Door Repair
Pingback: pozyczki chwilowki
Pingback: best over the counter sleep aid
Pingback: drugrehabflorida.co
Pingback: Mobile Money Bandit scam
Pingback: ms word
Pingback: site
Pingback: wedding rings
Pingback: why should we hire you interview question
Pingback: Intellectual Property NYC
Pingback: black hair
Pingback: Tonin
Pingback: ingilizce konusma
Pingback: unwanted gold jewelry
Pingback: property investment
Pingback: MEDITATION AND KARMA
Pingback: Jesse V.
Pingback: lose weight in 2 weeks
Pingback: Cures For Psoriasis
Pingback: Merchant Services
Pingback: motorbike games
Pingback: Chicago immigration attorney
Pingback: leather loveseat
Pingback: hypnosis weight loss
Pingback: tetris
Pingback: croscill comforters
Pingback: Ameri Ichinose
Pingback: Natural Acne Remedy
Pingback: online casino uk
Pingback: what is serotonin
Pingback: Solar Power Efficiency
Pingback: Tattoo
Pingback: gynexin
Pingback: Commodity Trading
Pingback: brain supplement
Pingback: for profit college reviews
Pingback: how to make money from home
Pingback: rc toys
Pingback: icf bracing system
Pingback: how to become a guy magnet book
Pingback: click here to get haier air conditioner
Pingback: how to scrunch hair with straight hair
Pingback: limited tort
Pingback: questions to ask a girl
Pingback: Scleritis symptoms
Pingback: Plus size cocktail dresses with sleeves
Pingback: fire pit screens
Pingback: play houses
Pingback: Blog sex
Pingback: www.commercialrealestateinspectors.com
Pingback: Scott Tucker Payday Loans
Pingback: increase web traffic
Pingback: handwriting experts
Pingback: Scott Tucker Racing
Pingback: Okna Mogilno
Pingback: Scott Tucker CBS
Pingback: Scott Tucker CBS
Pingback: Scott Tucker Leawood
Pingback: make money online
Pingback: clearwater florida h
Pingback: fanny pack
Pingback: bpo agent
Pingback: smoothie recipes
Pingback: football speed
Pingback: Credit score
Pingback: stevia wo kaufen
Pingback: maryland short sale expert
Pingback: Air Conditioning Maintenance
Pingback: recipes
Pingback: windows and doors
Pingback: Discount Bathroom Centre
Pingback: cross country ski poles
Pingback: know more about seo
Pingback: Pokrycia Dachowe
Pingback: Scott Tucker Racing
Pingback: Scott Tucker CBS
Pingback: Scott Tucker CBS
Pingback: document solutions
Pingback: check here
Pingback: photographe immobilier
Pingback: bodybuilding supplements
Pingback: That's it
Pingback: Yahoo
Pingback: Escort Amsterdam
Pingback: Swinging Door Traffic
Pingback: Kompositfonster
Pingback: Okna Poznan
Pingback: Okna Poznan
Pingback: Okna Poznan
Pingback: Okna Pcv Poznan
Pingback: syracuse seo service
Pingback: theological
Pingback: EB1 Green Card
Pingback: Background check
Pingback: livecam mit girls
Pingback: girls vor der cam
Pingback: iphone case
Pingback: reputation management
Pingback: luxbet
Pingback: Orpha Conforti
Pingback: calisthenic exercises
Pingback: lathe machine suppliers
Pingback: DePuy Hip Recall
Pingback: sbobet
Pingback: lingerie
Pingback: adapter rbz
Pingback: Anjelica Zambrano
Pingback: office cleaners
Pingback: Dick Garito
Pingback: mma training bristol
Pingback: traffic exchange
Pingback: dental marketing
Pingback: visit here
Pingback: mission trips
Pingback: Fönsterrenovering
Pingback: site selection tools
Pingback: website
Pingback: China Adventure
Pingback: compost pile
Pingback: wedding invitation printing
Pingback: reviews domain web hosting services
Pingback: plastic surgeon salary
Pingback: Minecraft Server Hosting
Pingback: Pvc Nya
Pingback: US Immigration Info
Pingback: how to become a surgeon
Pingback: Sexcams
Pingback: Jailbreaking iPhone
Pingback: rental insurance
Pingback: diet pills review
Pingback: Disney cartoons
Pingback: best beauty tips
Pingback: buy hip hop beats
Pingback: fast sell properties
Pingback: dental implant
Pingback: JCpenney printable coupons 2012
Pingback: pocket-pounds.co.uk
Pingback: custom iphone case
Pingback: chaseonlinebanking
Pingback: amazon kindle free
Pingback: Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Pingback: homeschool in alabama
Pingback: Iphone App Developer
Pingback: lenders
Pingback: Theater Seats
Pingback: seguros decenales
Pingback: caillou
Pingback: financing plastic surgery
Pingback: jewellery
Pingback: Best pre workout supplement
Pingback: nursing programs
Pingback: e cigarettes
Pingback: e-cigarettes
Pingback: insurance quotes
Pingback: Plummers Dining Room Furniture
Pingback: headshots los angeles
Pingback: Escort Istanbul
Pingback: portable generator
Pingback: garage acier
Pingback: instrumentals
Pingback: human hair piece
Pingback: florida certified nursing assistant exam
Pingback: Tarot
Pingback: Troubled Teen
Pingback: what is personal development
Pingback: Outdoor Sport Channel
Pingback: IMusic1
Pingback: cabinets to go review
Pingback: Cheap SEO
Pingback: insurance for mobile phones
Pingback: flash template
Pingback: wholesale electronics
Pingback: tandblekning-stockholm
Pingback: promotion
Pingback: Wine aerator
Pingback: shopping
Pingback: Nigerian Musicians
Pingback: dental laboratories
Pingback: make a platform bed
Pingback: flyttekasser
Pingback: cheap wow goldinstant delivery
Pingback: qr code tracker
Pingback: Frankies Light House
Pingback: Pauls Fish Farm
Pingback: Forex Insider
Pingback: double din car stereo
Pingback: Business Directory
Pingback: Leiloes judiciais
Pingback: capsiplex
Pingback: getting over a break up for women
Pingback: zestawy garnk?w
Pingback: Propeller-ADS
Pingback: Michaels coupons
Pingback: ultrasound technician salary
Pingback: Epson Stylus Nx400 Ink
Pingback: Background check
Pingback: cures for piles
Pingback: Scrapeboard
Pingback: 5-apb
Pingback: Zur Website
Pingback: fort worth termite control
Pingback: company gifts
Pingback: caravans for hire
Pingback: Empower Network Reviews
Pingback: casas en Miami
Pingback: best acne treatment
Pingback: business broker jobs
Pingback: African Mango Plus Review
Pingback: solar panels
Pingback: FutureShape fat burner review
Pingback: Rodent Control Plano
Pingback: Top 10 merchant accounts
Pingback: Istanbul Escort
Pingback: NFL Picks
Pingback: plndr codes
Pingback: Dedicated Hosting
Pingback: rate us
Pingback: lawyers
Pingback: How To Build A Shed
Pingback: when to take a home pregnancy test
Pingback: facebook fans
Pingback: honda 250 rebel
Pingback: dyson dc41 animal
Pingback: meizitang Botanical Slimming
Pingback: dyson dc24 vs dc25
Pingback: minecraft custom maps
Pingback: spa & resort directory
Pingback: site
Pingback: japan auction agency
Pingback: reduce acne scars
Pingback: web hosting
Pingback: refurbished computers phoenix
Pingback: wholesale handbags
Pingback: 5. sinif ingilizce
Pingback: kizla tanismak
Pingback: FTSE Predictions
Pingback: half helmets
Pingback: Tumblr Codes
Pingback: cosmetic dentist bellevue
Pingback: women's motorcycle gear
Pingback: does zenerx work
Pingback: travel greece
Pingback: Merchant account service
Pingback: unlock my HTC cell phone
Pingback: unlock iphone reviews
Pingback: Glen Courseault
Pingback: Sex Inserate Schweiz
Pingback: almeda university
Pingback: ffxiv gil
Pingback: furniture stores toronto
Pingback: rent to own
Pingback: CNA training
Pingback: Illuminati business
Pingback: animation
Pingback: buy viagra online
Pingback: friv
Pingback: arthritis relief
Pingback: resorts in Masinagudi
Pingback: child custody
Pingback: video cables
Pingback: borders bathrooms
Pingback: free wordpress web hosting
Pingback: design
Pingback: teds woodworking
Pingback: Cash in Pension
Pingback: save my marriage today
Pingback: destin florida resorts
Pingback: cna Michigan
Pingback: dentist wayne nj
Pingback: Toronto Personal Injury Lawyer
Pingback: online scheduling software
Pingback: t-shirt design
Pingback: site
Pingback: proactol
Pingback: t-shirt design
Pingback: make your own t-shirt
Pingback: make online coupons
Pingback: online appointment scheduler
Pingback: click here
Pingback: Check it out here
Pingback: natural cure for heel spurs
Pingback: newyork nanny
Pingback: direct lenders
Pingback: Breast Cancer
Pingback: coq10 benefits
Pingback: best online backup
Pingback: tiles Sydney
Pingback: Affordable Web Design
Pingback: Payday Laon
Pingback: landscaping katy tx 77494
Pingback: simplysellular
Pingback: balkan pharmaceuticals
Pingback: water tank information
Pingback: Best Baby Mattress
Pingback: find coffee machines now!
Pingback: http://www.howtowinthelotteryguaranteed.com
Pingback: Dedicated Server
Pingback: tropic breeezes vrbo madeira beach
Pingback: oklahoma city dentist
Pingback: Remote Start Installation
Pingback: hotel en trujillo
Pingback: Gertude Weissman
Pingback: SEO
Pingback: searscard.com
Pingback: Maria Sign Language teacher
Pingback: how to become a porn star
Pingback: unlocking iphone 3g
Pingback: music
Pingback: Scrapebox VPS Server
Pingback: paycheck cash advance
Pingback: business cash advance
Pingback: fast cash loan with bad credit
Pingback: Sky UK
Pingback: ways to make money
Pingback: czekoladowe fontanny
Pingback: Bridgeport village
Pingback: virtual properties
Pingback: blog on how to lose weight
Pingback: buy the diet solution
Pingback: undervalued stocks
Pingback: Domain host
Pingback: payday loans
Pingback: new york bankruptcy attorney
Pingback: Watch Movies Streaming
Pingback: interior designers Denver Colorado
Pingback: Causes of skin cancer
Pingback: wedding photography Melbourne
Pingback: Power Supply for Playstation 3 Slim
Pingback: web hosting
Pingback: keylogger all in one
Pingback: software keylogger
Pingback: speech at wedding
Pingback: dallas cadillac dealer
Pingback: Magnetic Messaging
Pingback: horse whisperer
Pingback: http://www.springbreakeurope.fr
Pingback: pages blanches
Pingback: Interior house painting
Pingback: vob to mp4 mac
Pingback: Austin Real Estate
Pingback: mailboxes
Pingback: Nice Vacation Spots
Pingback: Sex show
Pingback: Motels In Watertown NY
Pingback: casasdelujoenmiami.com
Pingback: buy datpiff views and downloads
Pingback: flyttefirma
Pingback: used cellular on wheels
Pingback: automotive tires online
Pingback: are toyo tires good
Ha! I thought when I saw “burying the lead”, I was thinking lead as in that heavy metal and it would be a post about burying it somewhere as in somebody!
Yea, those guys with ADD are a little too much for me. I wouldn’t worry about them. They might get you links and traffic but I’m not much for the type of content they read. I like interesting stuff with details and facts. Your posts about old history are fascinating, where else can you get that kind of content without hours and hours of digging?
What about Steve Yegge? He has those long posts that people still read despite what everyone says “long posts won’t hold the readers attention”.
Just keep writing your great stuff and have fun. That’s what it’s all about.
John
If Yegge learned about writing, he would be as popular as Joel. In fact, he would be referred to as Steve, not Yegge. I can barely read through his ramblings. A true master rants like JWZ, not like Yegge.
What about a “summary” section between the title and body?
That way, the lede (not lead; for historical reasons — they didn’t want it confused with the metal, Pb) can’t be buried very much.
Dunno, does not seem very organic.