Alright we've all written a few reviews here and there so the content of this is a no brainier.Please please please I stress don't copy (CTRL + C) and paste (CTRL + V) from Microsoft Word. Editing it and having to fix the code later on is so annoying and you have no clue. You can but instead of hitting paste PASTE AS PLAIN TEXT (shortcut" CTRL + Shift +V) is the best option. I know you won't listen to me right away so I'll go ahead and beat it into your heads individually, just kidding (not really).
How's that for a lede paragraph? I'm thinking about trying something new with the beginning text. We'll put it to a vote but I think using a big first letter catches an eye better than a big first sentence. You be the judge family. I know we all have our own styles of writing reviews. Some prefer the track by track route where others just write about it chronologically or otherwise. Many of us have done both methods. I mean it when I say WTM has the best writers on the internet because we are real listeners with quality opinions and I respect all of yours as do the perspective artists you've covered early in our careers. I would have no change to that as long as the method isn't broken. Always remember, quality first then quantity. I know deadlines are important and sometimes even I miss them. Just make sure your writing is good rather than rush out a crap piece. You are Music/Art Journalists. The four principles of journalism is writing to be Fair, Accurate, Clear, and Interesting. Maybe self explanatory but I'll break it down.
Fair: We may not agree with it all. We may even hate something about the music we are reviewing. That's fine. This blog is opinion based. Voice it but with every affirmative there is a negative. Voice your stance, voice why as well but do so in contrast with the opposite side. Example: I do not like Troy Ave. I think he's a fake 50 Cent and full of sh*t; however he shows some rapping prowess and has probably worked hard to get where he is. He's also no more braggadocios than any other artist I like (I know how hard it is to pull positives about people you don't like. You don't have to but mention both sides.).
Clear: Can I assume we know what this means? Say what you mean. Mean it. Articulate. Also sometimes we type the way we text. Try to remember apostrophes in your contractions and little stuff. "Its ez 2 4get when we type like dis all da time."
Accurate: These are opinion based articles but if the facts present themselves you should reaffirm them. Retractions suck. I hate fact checking just like anyone else but always do your research before clicking publish. Spell Check too.
Interesting: Write to entertain. It's the 21st Century and we are visual learners. No one reads as much anymore so the need to be super lengthy is out dated. Use media in the middle of your reviews. Pictures, videos, embed songs while you talk about it retains their attention. 1,000 word articles are cool for the NY Times and for academia. Get your point out as swiftly as possible and that's how we retain readers.
"Be Creative"
Don't be scared to push the envelope. Writing is dope but you want people to read after all. Our generation are visual learners so don't stray from uploading photos, album art, even videos to convey your message. Giants words, ALL CAPS, use different fonts and ways to capture your reader's eye. Especially when you get towards the bottom of the page. Keep them hooked. Link their sites, embed a song or video you think that stood out. That is the ONLY way to get page clicks. Legnthy articles are great for school, research proposals and teaching. This is a music site, period.
It's fair that I will be critical of your writing. It's said with love and not to shut anyone and their opinions down. That way we ALL can grow and develop as writers and professionals. I say these things like a pastor would a sermon in church: to convict. If you feel I overstep be vocal about it. I respect you all as equals and value your prose and ear. I learn from you all as I pray you do learn the tools I have for you as well. As always it's a pleasure and yeah. Let's continue to grow and develop if that's God's plan for WTM. Lastly, have fun doing this. We all work and go to school and do a million things in the world we might hate. This is fun for me I hope it is for you otherwise it's just another job.
