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[[File:ThreeTypesofListsinWord_thumb.png |thumb|upright=1.5| Three Types of lists as visualized in Microsoft Word]]


A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other. <ref>http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=list&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=GVxeUbinAsOeywHi-YGYCg&ved=0CCwQkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=849a5b668cddd045&biw=1360&bih=603.</ref>. According to Brian Carroll in ''Writing for Digital Media'', lists is another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or to help readers follow a particular sequence. List can help to divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.   
A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other <ref>"Lists</ref>. According to Brian Carroll in ''Writing for Digital Media'', lists are another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or help readers follow a particular sequence. Lists can help divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.   


==General Guidelines For Lists <ref> Carroll, p.40</ref>==
==General Guidelines For Lists <ref> Carroll, p.40</ref>==
Bloggers must present all items consistently, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles, and font. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>


In Blogging present all items consistently, and in almost every way, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles and font. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref> 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-colonsif they are complete sentences. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>
*  Make each item in the list grammatically similar in order to enhance the aesthetic appeal for the intended audience.
*  Ensure sentence structure, verb tense, and phrasing are consistent.
*  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; Use semi-colons if the items are complete sentences<ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>.
 
==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." <ref> Saleem, Muhammad </ref> This type of thought process helps to create a successful blog with a higher rate of return readers.


==The Order of Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==
==The Order of Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==
The sequence of the list is an important consideration when presenting the elements in the list. In some cases you may want to number the parts of the lists or use bullet points to present the information in a way that makes the sequence clear.


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 <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==
* Avoid overusing lists.
**Too many lists take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader.
* Avoid using over 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.<ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>


==Examples of Lists==
Bloggers can use many different types of lists but should ensure they are relevant to the blog. So, consider the content matter before attempting to list information. For example, if you want to formally highlight certain dates a blogger can use chronological numbered lists, such as:


==Things to avoid when using Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==
* 1.) 01/01/2013
* 2.) 01/02/2013
* 3.) 01/03/2013


Always avoid overusing lists. Too many take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader. When and where possible, keep the list at approximately six to eight items. Higher lists can cause the reader to lose interest. Think about sub-dividing longer lists and consolidating shorter ones.<ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>
If a blogger wants to highlight some information informally, use a list that contains bullet points. Again, lists can be created in many different ways, but the key to creating a successful list is to make sure that the highlighted information is important enough to be displayed.


==References==


==References==
<References>
<References>
#Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.*
#Carroll, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  29 March 2013.
#"Lists." Google.com. Google.com, 2012. Web. 03 Apr. 2013
#Lists. Google.com. Google.com, 2012. Web. 03 Apr. 2013
#Saleem, Muhammad. (2007). [http://www.copyblogger.com/writing-lists/]. Retrieved 7 April 2013
</References>
</References>
==See Also==
*[[Themes|Themes]]
*[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]
*[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]]
*[[Links|Links]]
[[Category:New Media]]
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