Writing Articles, But Still Not Getting Traffic? Your Articles Suck ? But I Can Help! (Part 2)

Last time on "Because your articles suck" ? we discussed how to write effective headers, bylines (boy were those easy), and article summaries. Now it's time to move on to the body of the article and then the all-important resource box.

Body (Wow, nice bod)

First of all, you have to use subtitles. Subtitles segment the article, which makes it seem shorter, and thus, easier to read. People will run away from a 700-800+ word article with nothing to break it up. By the same token, use spacing effectively. People don't like to read long paragraphs, either. When you change subjects, start a new paragraph.

Second, write like your article is going to be read by 6th graders - well, more like people with 6th grade reading ability ? because you are. Studies have shown that most people read and write at a 6th grade level. (Remember: the Internet is not only in the USA, there are MANY more people on the 'net from the rest of the world, and most speak English as their second or third language.) This does NOT mean you should actually write like a 6th grader would, it means write at their skill level. You still need to use decent grammar, spelling, etc.

Third, keep your writing conversational. People don't like to be lectured, but they like to have conversations. Heck, some students have conversations during lectures! (Sorry, lame joke)

Next, lets look at content. Your content should provide great information by itself, but always leave the reader wanting more. For example, "These are just a few of the ways to start your own business cheaply" gets the user to want to read more, and it also gets them to click on your link in the resource box.

Also, make sure your articles are brief, you're not writing books, and people looking for articles don't want to read books. If your article is over 1,200 words, split it into segments. Having 2 or more parts to an article is also good, because it makes the life of an ezine and newsletter publisher that much easier ? they've got 2 weeks worth of content for the price of one! Though, it was probably free in the first place, but it keeps their readers happy and reading their publication?

Finally, involve your readers in the article - ask them questions with simple answers. (If you get them jazzed enough, sometimes they answer out loud...) You like questions, right? Sure you do. Asking simple questions makes the reader connect with the article, (and also with you, as the author) and that makes them read to the end, as well as click on your link for more information. I can't stress the word simple enough, because tough questions (What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?) make the reader feel dumb, and a reader who feels dumb stops reading.

Resource Box/About the Author (Last but DEFINITELY not least)

The resource box is possibly the second most important part of the article, aside from the content. This is where you establish your credibility as an author, and prompt the reader to go to your website. Start off by explaining, briefly, how you are an authority on the subject you're talking about in your article. Then, inform the reader where they can go to get more information.

This area is not a free-for-all link directory; it's highly targeted advertising. You wouldn't put up a banner ad for boats on a site for mountain vacations, would you? No, you'd put up a banner for ski equipment or hiking equipment. By the same token, link to one site, and ONLY one site, as closely related to the article topic as possible. If you get the urge to add a second link, write a second article - more than one link changes the resource box from a great resource into a text ad. If you can, use anchored text with your keywords in your link - this helps with backlinking and also with increasing your SEO ranking.

Backlinking is discussed in another of my articles ? You can find it at http://www.Content-Articles.com/Article.aspx?i=24

To get more clicks on that SINGLE link in your resource box, use phrases like "To learn more, click here..." and "For more information about [enter something about your article topic here], visit..." If a reader is reading your resource box, they're obviously interested in the topic. Now is the time to catch them and direct them toward your site to keep learning more.

The End! (Yep, that's it)

Now that you've got the techniques you need to start writing effective articles, go do it! I won't keep you here any longer with my bad jokes and simple questions? Or will I?

Jason is a long time web developer, and the owner of Premier MicroSolutions, LLC, an Internet marketing company based in Ohio. When you want to submit all of your (now awesome) articles, visit Content-Articles.com - The Premier Web Site Content Article Directory

Isn?t It Time For You?

Does it seem like there is never enough time in the day? Why is there plenty of time for everyone and everything but ourselves? The fact is that you only get one shot at this life so it is important to spend it doing something you love. The good news is that you have a choice, you can continue to go on being overwhelmed letting time and life slip away, or you can make the time and start living the life you really want. Yes, this is easier said than done, so here are ten strategies, some old and some new, to help you gain control over your time.

1. Become a problem free zone. Yes, problems happen in life, and there are ways to proactively limit your exposure to those problems. You can limit your exposure by creating strong boundaries, developing reserves, and creating systems that will prevent future problems. What are some systems that you can develop right now that will prevent you from having problems in the future?

2. Create enriching free time. So often when we do have free time we spend it on some mind numbing activity such as TV. Devote some of your free time each week doing something that really enriches your life. Do something that makes you feel fantastic and blissed out. The rest of your week will get a big boost and you will find that you are effortlessly getting things accomplished.

3. Be present. When you have committed to spend the time, are you present? Or are you thinking about the other things that you have to do? Often when we are at work we are thinking about the things we have to do at home and when we are home we are thinking about the things we have to do at work. As a result, we never focus on what we are currently doing. This drains your energy because when you are focused on feeling guilty you don't produce the results you really want which leads to problems. Focus on what you are currently doing and concentrate on putting in a 100% effort and you will see strong results with fewer mistakes.

4. Set intentions for the day. Setting intentions for the day is much different than having a to do list. Setting intentions for the day involves clearly articulating what you want from that day. Your intentions for the day could be anywhere from cleaning out your desk to looking for and seeking out abundance from the day. The key is focus, so do not set more than three intentions for the day and center your activities around those intentions. This is much lighter than a to-do list, which tends to drain your energy and can keep you from feeling accomplished.

5. Develop healthy energy sources. Your body gets energy from any source it can find regardless if it is negative or positive energy. The difference is that negative energy sources leave you feeling drained, discontented, and restless while positive energy sources leave you feeling happy, peaceful, and energized. Which one sounds better to you? Develop healthy energy sources by creating reserves of time and money, by eating right and exercising, and doing what makes you happy. Your day and your mood will feel much different and you will go to bed with a feeling of peaceful satisfaction.

6. Say "no". We often cause our own time problems because we cannot say no to requests. It is understandable that you want to help people but why are you willing to sacrifice your own well being by being over committed? If a request is going to leave you feeling resentful, angry, or taken advantage of, definitely say "no". You will feel a huge sense of relief.

7. Get rid of commitments. We often make commitments that don't really add value to our goals, our vision, or our lives. If you want to create more time in your life you have to start being very selective about the activities in which you participate. Really look at your current commitments and ask yourself, "Is this how I want to spend my time? Does it make me feel good? Does it help me move closer to my goals?"

8. Slow down. Rushing has become a way of life for most of us. Even when we don't have to rush we still do. Have you ever asked yourself, why am I rushing? Only to discover that there was no reason at all. When you rush around you are not present in your surroundings, you are often distracted and frazzled, which will cause you to make mistakes and take up even more of your time. Become aware of this adrenaline rushed feeling and make a conscious decision to slow down. Slow your walk, slow down your speech, take a deep breath, and do what it takes to mentally and physically slow down.

9. Under promise and over deliver. We have all heard this phrase but do we actually do it? Part of our time pressure is caused by over promising when we don't have to. Give yourself more time to complete a project then you think you will need and deliver it early. Your days will not feel as frantic, you will be getting your energy from positive sources, you will do a better job, which helps create your problem free zone, and you will feel good about your accomplishments. This is a win/ win for everyone.

10. Really understand that you control your time, not the other way around. Most of us feel like we are victims to time when in reality you control your time and how you utilize it. Start utilizing it to your advantage by having it work for you.

Hopefully this has provided you with some ideas on creating more time and using time to create a more fulfilling and enriched life. Remember that you control your time, your space, your life, and that it is your responsibility to create it on your own terms.

About The Author

Jen Ottolino is a Personal Coach who works with individuals to eliminate blocks to success. She partners with people to actively attract the life they know they deserve, but haven't quite managed to achieve. You can visit her website at http://coachjen.com and discover articles, tips, and strategies designed to enhance your life purpose. She also publishes the bite sized weekly newsletter Little gems to subscribe send an email littlegems@coachjen.com?subject=subscribe.

jen@coachjen.com

How to Make Own CMS

Every day millions of new web documents emerge on the Internet, and the amount of web management tools is growing simultaneously. These tools are usually referred to as Content Management Systems, CMS for short. If you have a web site and still do not use any CMS, you will definitely face a choice to buy or to develop an enterprise content management solution in the near future. What would you do if you wanted to develop a CMS, your own software that has a WYSIWYG editor and perfectly meets all your requirements and security standards? Can this task be fulfilled? Which ROI should you expect? You will have to answer all those questions all by yourself. Your chance to success can be increased if you gain an understanding of basics of a web content management system.

There are two models of any Content Management System. For visitors, the CMS displays web site content. Let us call it a site presentation mode. In admin mode a web master or a site administrator can update content and manage structure and templates. Here we speak about the insides of the website, i.e. the web site's admin mode.

Every page of the site is a web document that has its own address. The web site is a set of such hyperlinked documents. To make the web site user-friendly links to other documents and web services are displayed in various navigation bars and menus according to their logical interconnection. That is how the site structure is created. The document structure presupposes some categories of documents, identical by their logical architecture and presentation.

So, in admin mode the CMS presents the interface with categorized documents and the interface for document structure. The former will contain web document templates determining their logical architecture and presentation. The latter, structure interface, enables to update content and add, edit and delete documents, as well as set related pages. The way your CMS assigns the document structure of your web site is up to you. The simplest and the most common way is to make a hierarchical structure tree. We all saw it in site maps. However, we should keep in mind that the web site may require another language version in the future. Accordingly, the site will lie as the root, and language versions will be its branches.

The document structure interface allows managing web document attributes (name, URI, pointer to template, etc.). An attentive reader shall ask "And what about the document contents?"

As said above, the document template determines document presentation and its architecture. So, the document is not the data. In order to get some data and then put it as content into a web document, the system needs a template. As a result, a next interface for content query can be generated for example, name field, summary field, and WYSIWYG editor for the text body and image upload field.

It is clear that presentation can be done not only in HTML, but XML also. If you use XML in templates, you can manipulate Flash documents and update Flash sites.

This article can't cover all the questions that can arise during Content Management System's implementation. When assembling

a programming core for your web solution, you should be certain to think of template pointers syntax and development of other

Internet services and modules. However, XML Sapiens Specification, developed by Red Graphic Systems, gives a detailed explanation how it works. This XML Specification is available in English and Russian at www.XMLSapiens.org. To study the example of a web content management system visit http://sapid.sf.net, SAPID Open Source CMS available under GNU license. You can also use it to create your own web site, all for free.

About The Author

Anastacia Davidenko

If you have a web site and still do not use any CMS, you will definitely face a choice to buy or to develop an enterprise content management solution in the near future. Your chance to success can be increased if you gain an understanding of basics of a web content management system.

Sex, Lies, & Videotape; Part 3

Conclusion

Videotape in todays world is based on these three things that we have been discussing. Sex has an overwhelming effect upon what gets taped and what gets cut. Even in the news the old saying, "Sex Sells" applies in todays society. The movies that you rent, watch on television and even cartoons are now unfit for christians and children to watch. Lies are being broadcast every single day over the airways.

A politician was interviewed a few days ago and was asked about lies , his response, " Its all part of the game." Some lies are the cause of many deaths in the world. Shiite Clerics, in Iraq and Iran, use videotape and lies and sex to incite the populace to revolt and kill the innocent. How do they use sex? In the muslim world, the clerics tell younger men, "If you die killing the infidel {those not Muslim} you will receive 6 to 12 virgins to please you in Heaven." Strange, but true.

Many a young man has went to his death as a suicide bomber believing this. The specific scriptures that I would like you to consider are Eph. 2:3, 1st Tim. 6:9-21, and 2nd Tim 3:8.

These scriptures speak of the mind and of science. Men in these end times, have their minds on evil constantly, coming up with many inventions that are sinful in nature. The anti-christ will also use videotape to broadcast his lies to the nations.

You can see that videotape can manipulate the truth and screen what is being watched. It can be edited and cut and shown at anytime when mans benefit is the highest. Be careful what you watch and believe. Satan uses tape to seduce young children, in their movies, games, and cartoons.

Videotape can be used by man to broadcast half truths. For an example, look at the election process in the united states. Politicians, use videotape to broadcast derogatory statements against their rivals and most of the time if you look deeper into what has been said, you can find that only half the story was told. It's the lust of the flesh and mind that we are talking about. The carnal mind will do anything to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Whether it be for money, pleasure, power, or wealth.

Let's look at Eph. 2:3 for an example. "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh and of the mind ; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

Because of manipulation of videotape, I believe if Jesus were to come back today and do the miracles that he did 2,000 years ago, people would not believe. They would say that it was a trick camera of videotape that was edited. What do you think? I've read a lot of articles in the last few mounts from a three state area concerning christians, commenting on things that they've been seeing on television and am concerned that many are being deceived by videotape.

I warn all christians to be careful of the things that you watch and be not deceived. Search the scriptures and see what God has to say about the events that are happening today. Every answer to every question that you have is answered in the Bible. As we come to the end of this age, I pray for your safety and prosperity. God promised that He would shorten the days, so that the very elect would not be deceived. Matthew 24:24, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; in-so-much that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

And how do you think that they will try to accomplish this? As with political ads, an independent study showed that 80% of this type of videotape was either false or only gave partial facts. Satan will manipulate the air waves to try to deceive many. In this last segment you can see the dangers of videotape. We found out that sex, lies and videotape, is a tool that Satan and the anti-christ will use to confuse and destroy many.

Temple of Spirit & Truth Ministries
A.R.Smith Sermons International
http://www.ourchurch.com/member/a/arsmithsermons/

Heal and Release the Past

I had a completely different idea for my main article but certain events that happened today helped me to tune into my soul and listen for what I really want to write about.

It's a New Year and I am feeling elated about the possibilities for me this year. When I wrote my premier issue of Passion and Purpose, I wasn't quite how it was going to unfold.

I took another full time job while I am building a strong solid foundation for my coaching practice. At first, I was looking for something part-time. However, this opportunity presented itself out of pure synchronicity and I am sure of it. My childhood friend works for a family owned real estate company and they were looking for a full time receptionist. I interviewed for the position and it was offered to me the same day. I started the job on December 29.

Okay, so what does my job situation have to do with healing your past?? You see, my childhood friend and I lost contact at one point for eight years. When we connected again it was as if no time had passed. I recently moved to an apartment three short blocks away from her without even realizing it. The next thing I know her and I are working for the same company. We drive into work every morning and talk about the old days. She knows and has witnessed the environment that I grew up in. Let's just say my childhood wasn't the most loving at times. My point being is that there is no coincidence that we live near each other and work together. She is helping me heal the past by the great laughs we have every morning and the connection we still have after 25 years. In talking about certain past incidents with her I realized that I still might be harboring resentment from past hurts. I am working on making peace with the past and making room for all that is possible in 2004.

Put the past where it belongs. Embrace the good times and forgive the bad times. Love every single part of you and know that you are worth having everything you desire. Whether we want to admit to it or not every experience we have shapes who we are. I am a more confident, stronger and passionate human being because of the experiences I had. I now know that I can create my life and that the only limitations are the ones that I might self-impose.

Make 2004 your best year yet. Release, heal and make room for all the magic that is in store for you.

About The Author

Stephanie Marrone was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She is the owner and founder of Passionate Living, Inc. Stephanie's mission is to empower, encourage and inspire men and women all around the world to live a life that is authentic and aligned with their true values. In addition to heading her own coaching business, she is the author, editor and publisher of Passion and Purpose, a monthly e-newsletter dedicated to helping individuals live their best life.

Stephanie's background includes 10+ years experience managing the time of busy executives from different business sectors ranging from finance to healthcare. She became a life coach because she cares about people and is passionate about working with and supporting enthusiastic people who want to live richer, passionate and purpose-filled lives. Stephanie received my coach training and certification through Coach Training Alliance and is working towards taking advanced coach training so that she can keep current with the coaching profession and always add more value to her clients. She is a proud member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), International Association of Coaches (IAC), Coachville, and the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE).

stephaniemarrone@yahoo.com

Constipation

Constipation is the passing of dry, hard faeces fewer than three times a week. Individuals who have constipation may find it painful and difficult to have a bowel movement, also other symptoms include feeling sluggishness, bloated and uncomfortable. Constipation is a common ailment and everybody will suffer from it at least once within their life. It is more common in women over the age of sixty five and pregnant women; it is common after childbirth and surgery.

Constipation occurs when too much water is absorbed in the colon or when the colon is sluggish and slow again causing too much water to be absorbed. Common causes of constipation are too little fibre in the diet, not consuming enough water, lack of exercise, medications, irritable bowel syndrome, changes in routine or life such as pregnancy, old age and travel, laxative abuse, ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement, specific diseases such a stroke, problems with the rectum and colon and problems with intestinal functions.

The most common cause of constipation is a diet high in eggs, cheese, meat, refined processed foods and low in fibre which is found in fruits, vegetables and wholegrain. The soft texture and bulk of fibre helps to form stools that are easier to pass then dry, hard ones.

Water and juice add fluid to the colon which makes bowel movement easier, caffeine containing beverages such as tea; coffee and cola drinks and alcohol have a dehydrating effect which makes constipation worst. Individuals who have constipation should drink plenty of water and juices. Studies have shown that the lack of exercise makes constipation worst and anybody who has constipation is recommended to take regular exercise.

Medication such as anticonvulsants, pain medications, diuretics, antacids, iron supplements, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antiparkinson medication and antispasmodics can all cause constipation.

Individuals who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome have problems with their bowel movements; one of these symptoms is constipation.

Changes in life can cause constipation, pregnant women get constipated because of hormonal changes and the elderly get constipated because the metabolism get slower in old age and muscle tone becomes depleted.

Abuse of laxatives can cause constipation, the colon nerve endings get damaged and cause problems with the colon's natural ability to contract. The colon then begins to rely on laxatives to have a proper bowel movement. Ultimately, laxatives are also extremely dehydrating.

Individuals, who ignore the urge to have a bowel movement for one reason or another, can in fact cause constipation by training their body to stop feeling the urge to go.

There are specific diseases that can cause constipation such as neurological disorders, metabolic and endocrine disorders and systemic disorders. These disorders affect the organs system which can slow down the passage of stools through the colon. Scar tissue, tumours, intestinal obstructions, diverticulosis, colorectal stricture and cancer can all cause constipation by compressing, narrowing and squeezing the rectum.

Functional constipation occurs because of problems with the structure of the colon, children and adults both can get it but it is more common in women.

Constipation can cause problems for the body. An individual with constipation will no doubt strain to pass the hard stools when having a bowel movement, this straining can cause haemorriods and anal fissues. Straining can also cause a condition known as rectal prolapse, this is when a small amount of the intestinal lining is push out of the anal opening. Constipation may also cause a condition known as fecael impaction, this is when the hard stool is so impacted in the colon that normal pushing can not expel it and an enema is used to break up the stool and remove it.

When the bowel is clogged with faeces due to constipation, it provides an ideal environment for harmful bacteria and parasites to thrive. Poor bowel cleanness is the source for many disorders for the body, such as gall-bladder problems, varicose veins, heart disorders, arthritis, hiatus hernia, appendicitis, cancer of the colon, clotting in deep veins and diverticulitis. Intestinal toxaemia and autointoxication are cause directly from intestinal constipation. Constipation aids in the lowering of the body's resistance, thus leading to many acute and chronic illnesses.

Intestinal constipation causes extra workload for the other excretory organs such as the lymph, skin, liver, kidneys and lungs by causing cellular constipation. This causes the functioning of these organs to become overworked and depleted. Repair and growth are delayed, the ability to eliminate waste products is limited and cellular metabolism becomes sluggish. The cells become dead and inactive, instead of active and alive, this process helps in the decline of organ and tissue functioning ability.

Constipation causes autointoxication, this is a process where the body literally toxicants itself by keeping decaying matter within the colon. The toxin that are released within the bowel, find their way into the bloodstream and from there around the body. This slowly affects every cell in the body and causes illnesses.

Points to remember about constipation are that it effect everybody one time or an other, the most common cause of constipation is poor diet and lack of exercise, other causes are specific diseases, abuse of laxatives, medication and IBS. To prevent constipation or relieve symptoms eat a well balance high fibre diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.

In conclusion, we will all suffer from a short bout of constipation form time to time in our life and by changing our diet and lifestyle these symptoms can be elevated. The problems come with long term constipation and the negative affects it has on the body and it's ability to produce more problems with major illnesses. To improve the symptoms and therefore the general health of any individuals who has long term constipation, it would be wise to follow the dietary, lifestyle and natural treatments highlighted in this article. A clean bowel leads to a healthy body and when treating any patient with serious ailments, it would always be wise to question them about their bowel movements.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Bespoke consultations for a healthier natural life

Website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com Free nutritional eBook when you book!

Marriage A Menace

Apparently for a person to get married is like burning the candle at both ends. No one can say that what particularly is the meticulous age to get married but people in our society have set age limits for a person to get married and it has now become a common tendency that if a person crosses a certain limit he or she has to die in harness. The milieu are society has erected is bringing about such a sense of escape among our youth from getting married. Though I am not a married person but I ask any married couple that who is happy to get wed. All my acquaintances recall the time before they were married as they had more time and more opportunities. This is not a contradiction about marriage but nowadays when the world has become a global village, a single woman or a man is always targeted. Why is that so?

Woman nowadays want to work shoulder to shoulder with man because they spent almost more than half a decade in their studies and want to accomplish something apart from standing being pregnant and standing bare-footed in the kitchen. There is no house now where husband is the only bread runner of the family because in such age if inflation a wife has to work.

Those good olden days are gone where a girl use to think of a prince riding on a horse and taking her away because such mechanization is modifying the outlook of many people about when to get married and who to get married with. Both man and woman spent decades to become something even a doctor or an engineer requires specialization and that obviously takes time one cannot deem of settling down very early nowadays except for those who are born with a golden spoon in their mouth. In the current scenario if a person gets married late than it should not be considered as a sinful deed but living in an educated and civilized society we should endeavor to amend our perceptions about marriage. As it is a bond made by God and that particular time is also set by Him so when God has to every thing who has given us the right to look down upon those who are deprived of this bond.

Mother's often undergo serious depression when they have three or four daughters' unwed sitting at home and keep in touch with the influential ladies to plead for proposals. In fact all of those influential women have nothing to do except making fun of those innocent girls. Mother's are not even contended when all the daughters are married so it is quite the same case with girls, before being married girl's regret of not being married and after being wed they regret that they were better before. If a person has to live in such a perplexed and indecisive state of mind than why get married is not it better to be a single than to regret.

This is not a problem to the solution one has to find a peace of mind with a partner and this is not an effortless chore as one has to work hard to live a dignified life in today's society. It's high time that we should all clear our perception with open mindedness that a person getting married at not a particular age limit is not a sin because such trifle changes in our opinions can make an enormous difference.