Lists
A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other. [1]. According to Brian Carroll in Writing for Digital Media, lists are another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or to help readers follow a particular sequence. Lists can help to divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.
General Guidelines For Lists [2]
In blogging present all items consistently, and in almost every way, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles, and font. [3]
- Try to make each item in the list grammatically similar and that will also help to appeal to the intended audience visually.
- Perhaps the most common problem or pitfall in creating lists is the inconsistency of grammar, verb tense, and phrasing.
- But, do not over punctuate a good general rule is to punctuate only with commas when the items in the list are not written in complete sentences; with semi-colons if they are complete sentences.[4]
Why Lists Work
Muhammad Saleem writes that, "Simply put, lists work because they conform to the idea of “Left-Brain Marketing”. Everyone has two sides of the brain, and each part controls a specific way of thinking. The left brain is analytical, and prefers a step-by-step approach (i.e. lists) while the right brain prefers to see the big picture first and then deal with the details later." [5] This type of thought process helps to create a successful blog with a higher rate of return readers.
The Order of Lists [6]
The sequence of the list is important and it should be considered when you are presenting the elements in the list. In some cases you may want to number the parts of the lists in a way that makes the sequence clear such as with numbers , while in other cases that won't be necessary.
Things to avoid when using Lists [7]
- Avoid overusing lists.
- Too many take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader.
- When possible, keep the list at approximately six to eight items. Too many items on a list can cause the reader to lose interest. Think about sub-dividing longer lists and consolidating shorter ones.[8]
Examples of Lists
There are many different types of lists that can be used in blogging. Lists need to be relevant to the blog. So consider the content matter before attempting to list information. For example if displaying important information and you want to highlight certain dates a blogger can use chronological numbered lists:
- 1.) 01/01/2013
- 2.) 01/02/2013
- 3.) 01/03/2013
If a blogger wants to highlight some information informally use a list that contains bullet points. Again lists can be marked in many different ways the key to creating a successful list is the content. Make sure that the highlighted information is important enough to be displayed.