How To Do Anything in 2009
So, how’s that great watch working for you? You know, the one you got for Christmas with the strap that’s too long? Never fear, help is here!
Every day, thousands of our visitors search through over a million lenses, looking for tips, ideas, and directions for using, fixing, or buying their favorite gadgets. Things like “how to solve a Rubix Cube” and “how to get the most out of a Wii Fit.”
In fact, no matter what gift you got this holiday season, chances are we have a lens about it. AND, your gift can help someone else, and make you a little cash, when you turn it into a how-to lens on Squidoo!
What are best practices for building a helpful how-to lens?
1. Start with a description of the item. If someone is first learning about it, they may not fully understand what it is or what it does. Grandma may not know what this “Wii” thing is that she sees on her grandkids’ wish list.
2. Use photos. The terminology instruction manuals use may not make sense to everyone. Just like websites have different terms for your username (screen name, user ID, passcode, etc.), one video game system might have a cartridge, while another has a disc. Show users what the terms mean for this item.
3. Use videos. Sign language, origami, and Rubix Cubes are best mastered in real life, so adding your videos is a great way to show readers the steps involved. (Can’t find a how-to video? Create your own! And with the new Video Module, adding them from several sources is simple.)
4. Include a variety of resources. Some readers rely on links to official sites. Some just love a heartfelt story. And just about everyone wants to leave their own special note.
5. Cover the painfully obvious and the intriguingly obscure. Any how-to lens author will tell you that the range of questions they get about their topic is amazing. You’ll probably never come up with every answer; readers will think of new and weird things to ask. But each time you get a question, work the answer into your lens for future readers. Don’t forget to cover the basics and add a few treats for advanced users.
Now that you’ve mastered connecting the Wii to the new flatscreen to the satellite dish to the TV/VCR/DVD to the Playstation to the Nintendo, you can teach others how to do the same. And when you’re done, you can learn what recent recipients thought about Elmo Live.
Need some ideas?
- What are your kids doing in school?
- What special project did you just donate for?
- What did you build instead of buy?
- What is your favorite recipe?
- What do you find sexy?
- What do you vow to be better at in 2009?
- What are you addicted to?
- You have a new puppy! Um, now what?
Have fun with all those toys (and all that cash you’ll earn for yourself or charity!)
~Kimberly
YOUR Community & Charity Organizer
