31DBBB Day 2: Write a List Post
This is Day 2 of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog, a group project we are doing together in an attempt to improve our blogs and help each other become better bloggers. You can read more about it and still sign-up to participate here. Please subscribe to our RSS Feed to stay updated on the project.
Today, we are going to write a list post on our blogs. Thank you to all of you who participated on Monday, we had some decent turnout but it would be really nice if you started to read and interact with each other. Unfortunately, I can’t be everywhere and comment on everyone’s input, it would take me hours 
- Day 1 (Monday): Write an Elevator Pitch For Your Blog
- Day 2 (Tuesday): Write a List Post on your blog
- Day 3 (Wednesday): Promote a Blog Post
- Day 4 (Thursday): Analyze a Top Blog in your Niche
- Day 5 (Friday): Must-Read Tips and Tutorials for Bloggers
Let’s face it, online readers are lazy and only skim most web content in a few seconds (You might be doing that right now!) . Lists are a great way of effectively reaching readers by maximizing the chance that it will be read. Not only are lists easy to read but they are also much more likely to be spread from one person to the next. For example, one of the most popular internet meme (which are essentially lists) around our movie blogging community was the Desert Island DVD list. Many of you who participated probably remember how enjoyable it was from writing it, to sharing it and reading other people’s list. Would it have been as popular if everyone wrote lengthy paragraphs about the same topic instead?
Why are List Posts Popular?
1. Lists are easy and quick to read – Most blog visitors tend to scan content quickly instead of reading everything you write word for word. A list makes it more likely that people will read the majority of your post by communicating the important points quickly and easily. Hence, readers know quickly if a post contains information that interests them and whether they should browse your blog more in detail.
2. Lists keep posts succinct – Blogging is by definition about short posts. It’s always a bit perplexing when you land on a blog and the author rambles on and on for 10, 15 minutes or more of attentive reading. No one is reading pal! If it takes more than about 5 minutes to read an entire post, it is way too long! There is something about a list that keeps you from making the same mistake.
3. Lists look ‘neat’ – I don’t know about you but I rarely ever read large chunk of text. My rule of thumb is always to space out everything with pictures, graphics, tables and yes, lists! Lists allows for visual spacing, making them much easier and attractive to read than the same text in a paragraph format.
4. Lists are persuasive – if you are making an argument about a topic, a list allows to present numerous arguments quickly and convincingly.
5. Lists are easier to write – I enjoy writing lists because you move on from one point to another quickly without having to worry about connecting train of thoughts together.
6. Lists are more likely to be shared – How often have you read a list and wanted to talk or blog about it afterward? List are more likely to be shared on social medias like Twitter and Facebook because they are condensed forms of ideas.
Assignment
Today, your assignment will be to write a list post on your blog. A few things you should keep in mind:
- Stay on topic with the general theme/focus of your blog
- Order the list logically: Strongest item first
- Expand on each item with a few sentence
Share Your New List Post
It’s time to for you to go on your blog and write your list post. Once you’ve done it – do come back here and leave the link and title in comments below. My hope in this is that participants will get a little traffic but also that you will inspire one another with your lists. I’m looking forward to read what you come up with!
Discussion
- Do you think that list posts are both easier to write and easier to read?
- Have you made successful use of list posts in the past?
93 Comments
In terms of ‘movie lists’ I find them to be be delightful but incredibly arduous to make. But that’s my anal retentive nature that goes into the research of them that makes it such a task. Personally, I love lists, which is probably why my site exists at all, and whether I like to admit it or not, I tend to click on articles that say “Top 10….” or “5 Reasons Why…” etc.
Whether or not those posts are actually more interesting or insightful than normal posts… well… that one is out for the jury to decide.
…it bodes well for me that Top 10…insert anything here is an attention-grabber for readers!
I made some list posts (Top5 Little Girls on Film)(List of Psychotic Women on Film), but I usually end up writing in my list.
We try to make lists a regular feature of our blog, partially because they’re fun to read and partially because it’s one of the few activities I can count on my cohost to do on a bi-weekly basis.
My other posts tend to be pretty longwinded, but so far I tend to get more of a reaction from my reviews and editorials than my lists…maybe my lists carry on for too long.
Okay, time to think of a list for tomorrow.
How you could write this post and not mention my blog once is beyond me!
Exactly, a blog dedicated to exactly this! Ha!
I was really expecting Castor to mention you, too.
Write a List Post (or become Kai).
Don’t you know Kai is in the dog house?
No I’m kidding, it was late last night and I was swamped. Sorry Kai! We all know you are the ultimate destination for all kind of movie lists
Doghouse? Is this cuz I just MEME’d you?
[clears throat in a vague but obvious appeal for attention]
You too Dan but in all fairness I am THE LIST!
haha! true!
what’s your blog called again, Kaiderman?
I know, right?
I think he was serious.
It is McG, huh? In that case, it’ called THE LIST and you can find it at kaispace-dot-wordpress-dot-com.
I don’t know, McG can be quite snarky. He may be poking funsies.
Don’t underestimate him, Heather. McG is sly as a fox.
Well, I made my list: http://insightintoentertainment.blogspot.com/p/reel-insight-podcast.html
With the start of my own podcast (with Rachel from Rachel’s Reel Reviews), I’ve been obsessed with other people’s podcasts, so suggest any that I’m really missing. Can’t wait to keep hearing more and more about movies.
You’re obviously really missing mine :p
MILFcast (aka: the Man, I Love Films podcast)
You can find info on it on my site: THE LIST.
Awesome guys! I’ll definitely check them out. Kai, I have to say, I’m kind of opposed to the title of your podcast, but now that I know it doesn’t stand for the other version of MILF, I’ll give it a listen.
Don’t forget the nice folks over at The Film Cynics! Their podcast is good good good and ever so smart!
Hey, it’s not my fault the acronym for Man, I Love Films is MILF… just the way it worked out!;)
Let me know what you think. I downloaded Some Cast It Hot but have only heard the first few minutes but I plan on listening.
Can’t wait to add these to my lists!
Not anymore!!! Chris, I LOVE CastaLaVista. You and Chris are terrific.
Perfect! I am working on a list for later tonight in fact, hopefully it’ll be done in time. I agree that lists are easier to read, I should keep that in mind for future posts as I am guilty of writing long paragraphs
Looking forward to it!
I couldn’t finish it last night Castor, way too tired
But here it is now: http://flixchatter.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/five-noteworthy-young-stars-under-30
Really enjoyed that list (as I mentioned). I think it’s good to analyze young Hollywood and establish where our future in Hollywood is going.
Okay mine is up! I’m off to work but I’ll check are all of you later.
http://colleeniescouch.blogspot.com/2010/08/5-more-things-not-to-miss-this-summer.html
Good list Colleen. You can make it more focused on a specific theme than “things” to make it even better. Also, don’t hesitate to add pictures. The fact that it’s a list doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be any pictures
Thanks Castor! Those are great suggestions I didn’t consider. This exercise really inspired me and I started about 20 more lists! I’ll have to find a way to inject a bit more creativity. I’m coming to visit everybody!
I’m kind of the self proclaimed queen of Top Ten lists, though I’m starting to see a popular trend in top fives across the blogsphere (it is honestly much easier to manage), but everything noted here about lists is true. They aren’t always easy to write, but they are GREAT topic starters, because everyone has a different opinion and since lists are generalized it is good top starter. I can also attest to the heavy traffic it’s brought to my site. My lists are by far the most popular item at Movie Mobsters, and yet our focus is reviews! Go figure.
Castor, I’ll ping you back here on Saturday, but that is when I now post my top tens. This Sat’s involves nudity in film so get ready, but I’ve already outlined it, so consider me done with todays assignment even though it’s not posted.
Sounds good! Looking forward to read another one of your top 10s!
Teasing about a Top 10 about nudity? Now that’s showmanship!
I wonder what that could be… Top 10 Nude midgets scenes?
No, Heather fears Midgets… my guess is Ripley from Aliens will be involved though!:)
How could you guys POSSIBLY know about my obsession with midgets and porn? I thought only Kai knew about that!
For the record gumdrops make them go crazy.
Gumdrops? I thought it was cheese. No wonder that last one tried to bite me!
Always gumdrops Kai. If you ever walk into a group full of angry midgets, bring gumdrops.
And yes nudity. It’s about time I host something involving the naked of film.
What? My mind has been blown. Next you’re gonna tell me they don’t like being poked with sticks.
Depending on their vocation Kai, they liked to be poked with only a few things.
Like golf clubs? I was never very good at golf. I never got a hole in one but I did hit a guy. You’re supposed to yell: Fore! But I was too busy saying: There ain’t no way that’ll hit him.
Oh that was good. Well played.
I tghought you’d like that!
You killed it. In a fancy way.
Well I already had planned a series of lists…so I’m easy (though it’s not about movies, it’s about TV) (http://encorentertainmnt.blogspot.com/2010/08/tv-season-20092010-best-guest-actors.html it’s the first of five lists to come)
I have to say though, I prefer reading essays to list. Probably because I’ve always been a “reader” but I have no issue with a large block of WELL WRITTEN text. I suppose all readers wouldn’t be up for long posts, but I don’t know it seems so lazy to read only the short posts.
Personally as a reader I find it very engaging to read a well thought out opinion piece on something and also find it disappointing that people are put off things by it’s length.
There is something to be said though for mixing it up and giving people a short something to get involved without before BAM! smacking them round the chops with the best essay you’ve ever written…
But then again I love to ramble!
Looking forward to the rest of your lists – the only show I’ve seen out of those you listed was Parks and Rec which would be hilarious if it only starred Amy Poehler and Aziz Ansari…
Absolutely, variety is the key. Someday, you want to eat an apple and some other days, you prefer an orange
I looked at the list exercise as a way to have back up material for my blog. My goal is to post new info everyday, but sometimes that is not always possible. I too would love to write a nice meaty piece everyday, but this is a way to get a discussion going and maybe give yourself a tiny break for the day. Plus, people LOVE to talk about what you left off your list so it could spark some fun banter!
I’m not trying to knock anyone here, but I have to say, I think lists are a lazy and cheap way to obtain attention. Yes they can help create a dialogue between bloggers and readers and influence more comments, but happened to intelligent discussion? Besides, most comments about lists are either: for the list, contrary to the list, “I can’t believe you forgot “.
“Lists are easy and quick to read”. That’s great and all, but wouldn’t you want your readers to take their time and stay on the site longer? A quick and easy read attracts and then reduced your readers to being quick and easy. Wouldn’t you want to write quality content that builds a relationship with a reader and not just a quick Stumbleupon hit?
I can totally see where you’re coming from with thoughts like these and that’s always been one of my concerns about using them – won’t people just bounce off and go to some other site?
If you take a look at the post below this one though from Peter and just take a squizz at the Nic Cage one, you’ll see something you very VERY rarely see at my blog – people commenting. I guess lists like these give you a real good chance to interact with your readership in an easy and non-commital way. I know a lot of people who are scared off writing and responding on blogs a) for fear it’ll take too long to write something or b) they’ll be ripped to pieces if they do.
I guess then because these are usually opinion pieces where you have to offer little explanation, it encourages people to step up and say their piece as in this case their piece will only be about twenty words.
I completely agree that I want a good relationship with our readers and thus our focus will remain on the podcast and on reviews but I think lists like these could be a great way to get people through the door – and it’s our job once they’re through to keep them there…
I’ll have to disagree although I do see your point Aaron. The point of making a list is to attract the attention of the vast majority of internet readers who only skim a site for 10 or 15 seconds (at best). For example, when you land on a new site Aaron, you are likely to skim it really quickly and decide within 10 sec whether you are going to stay a little longer or move on (and never come back).
Lists are more attractive to those first-time readers. Now I totally agree that at the end of the day, you are not going to get the most meaningful discussion with those people. (I agree that most comments are of the type: “love the inclusion of this or that”, “why did you omit this” etc…) However, this is why you have a variety of posts with longer posts available for deeper exploration.
Kai, from THE LIST, thanks you, Aaron.
I’m sure he was talking about everybody except for you…
Thanks, Steve. I wish that was true for everything in life!
I’m sure that we would all like people to stop by and hang out for a while at any of our blogs, but readership habits are what they are. They might not be a worthy substitute for healthy and rational discussion about movies, but they stir up emotions and get people talking.
As this exercize begins to take shape over the rest of the month, I’m sure we’ll be seeing that lists are just one element of what makes up a great blog, and that all of the little ideas blended together in the proportions that feel right for you are what’ll help make you a better blogger.
Lists are my delusional way of thinking I’ve organized a thought, but really I’ve just put them in boxes and I’m still confused as ever.
I feel you, Aaron. But your website 9which I thoroughly enjoy) is very different and has a more academic read — I mean that as a compliment. I learn something when I read your posts. I don’t think a lot of people spend very much time on the sites. There are so many film blogs that I try to get to and divide my time with. With Magic Lantern, I do these quick lists, and polls and such to try to garner new readers and yes, to spark some debate and get some comments…some more interaction. So I think it’s a good thing — so long as that isn’t the bulk of one’s site.
Disagree entirely. The concept of a good list is good content too. Yes, it’s a quick read if you browse the listed items but if it’s backed up by support text then it’s as good as any block-text article.
In the world of the web, readers want to browse quickly and a list is a great way to quickly engage your reader. If it’s an interesting/original list readers will comment/discuss and return to your site for more.
Sorry I did not take part yesterday. This looks like a great series here. I try to do a quick, Top 5 list each and every Friday called the “Gimme 5″ feature. No extensive writing at all — just an economical Top 5 where I provide the topic, start with my own top 5 and encourage my readers to join in. Here are a couple of samples:
Top 5 Hollywood Hotties at http://magiclanternfilm.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/gimme-5-famous-crushes/
Top 5 Nic Cage Films at http://magiclanternfilm.wordpress.com/2010/07/16/gimme-5-your-five-favorite-nic-cage-films/
As I mentioned to the chap above – this is a great way to get readers involved and hopefully get them to check out the rest of your site… Something definitely worth considering on my end…
Peter’s Top 5 Hollywood Hotties is a great example of a list that will get you some participation. Anyone could go ahead and make a list like that on their blog and it would never fail to attract some comments because it is so simple and everyone has something to say.
Making a list of some random thing will not work simply because it’s a list. You do have to think about something that people want to read or talk about.
very true, castor. I try to make it timely, if I can. For example, I had the Top 5 Nic Cage films when his Sorcere’s Apprentice was released. Otherwise, I just think of a Top 5 that will get people interested or simply be fun to do. Movie people love giving their favorites and the “Gimme 5″ allows them the opportunity to do so.
Like a top ten involving nudity?
Evening chums, here’s my go…
http://castalavista.wordpress.com/2010/08/03/five-movies-the-critics-got-completely-wrong/
We’ve never had a list post before and to be honest trying to get it into the theme of our site was pretty tough (average joe’s take on movies) and involved a lot of trawling through my favourite movies on rotten tomatoes to make something meaningful out of it.
I can definitely see the benefit of it from a reader perspective though. Something we’ve been thinking about recently is starting to focus on our favourite things more from the past rather than just everything that’s out right now and this could be a good springboard into that…
Very good list especially given the fact that it’s one of the rare time you made one!
I am working nights and have my posts set for the next week, Castor, so I will not be able to partake since (due to OPERATION Jo-Go) I am actually not doing lists this week… but if I can get one together, I will make the necessary changes and let you know!
I actually like lists; I try to use them whenever I can and (like you said) do not feel like writing out a full narrative.
http://iluvcinema.com/2010/08/5-things-i-like-about-joseph-gordon-levitt/
On a related note, here is a cool feature I found on Total Film’s movie site:
http://www.totalfilm.com/features/27-actors-who-can-t-act.
Nice list about JGL Dawson. Also thanks for the 27 Actors who can’t act list, we are supposed to have some kind of partnership with Total Film (linking their articles whenever possible) so I will probably include in the links section next weekend. Did you notice that almost the entire list is composed of male actors?
By JGL, did you actually mean JoGo, Castor?
and of the female actors, the theme was “look, just look.”
WTF my wifi is screwing with me.
Here’s todays update: http://jodokast.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/top-5-acting-performances-of-fred-ward/
Some lists I have had on before:
http://jodokast.wordpress.com/2010/06/16/biggest-loser-tribute-videos/
http://jodokast.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/top-6-episodes-on-smallville-first-four-seasons/
http://jodokast.wordpress.com/2010/07/18/top-5-car-chases-in-film-history/
Got my new list up here. It’s about TV, not movies, but TV is something we do for a large chunk of the year. This kind of rapid fire posting writing is good for the brain!
I’ll have mine up by the end of the night. I’ve been reading a lot of scripts (readers of my site will know this) as well as preparing for my coverage of PAX while taking care of my sick mum.
But the theme is Top 5 Movie Going Experiences (I have plenty).
Okay, here’s my effort. Hope I’m not too late. These lists always end up taking longer than expected. I’m so anal about it. Anyway, my Top Five Overlooked Movies. http://blahmovies.wordpress.com/2010/08/04/top-five-overlooked-movies/
Half the blogs on my site are lists of some sort, so please feel free to check them out too. I’ll be checking yours.
I have a whole category on my site called “Listful Thinking” devoted to this, although it is woefully underdeveloped.
Anyways, I wrote a list today on the art of double features – which, strangely enough, I had written even before I knew this was coming today.
http://marshallandthemovies.com/2010/08/03/random-factoid-371/
Very ambitious list! I guess you keep a journal?
Not a journal … a ticket collection, which basically functions as a journal. Ask me about any ticket and I can tell you everything about the experience – who I went with, sound problems, crowd size, etc. Because I have one freaky memory/
I have so many list posts already…they even have their own little “favorites of the Movieness” Column in my widgets!
I am being a bit lazy and re-writting a few list posts I wrote more than a year ago. List posts have been very popular on my site. Since then, my writing has improved, and it is always good to take a 2nd look at older post, so I updated the following lists:
25 Classic Chick Flicks: http://justchickflicks.com/2009/10/chick-flicks-101-the-essentials/
31 Best Chick Flick Tear Jerkers: http://justchickflicks.com/2008/11/31-best-chick-flick-tear-jerkers/
5 Reasons You Should Watch Mad Men: http://justchickflicks.com/2009/08/5-reasons-to-should-watch-mad-men/
I would love to know what you think of these lists.
Hi friends sorry for the late post. I am not well. But apart from that I just love to add this List post here. Its for all movie lovers to see ‘Top 10 official Movie websites’ which is good in theme.
Here is the link : http://www.moviescrunch.com/2010/08/top-10-official-movie-websites.html
Share your comments about the list…
Cheers
Great list I really enjoyed it a lot. I think you got a good site and you are doing some good work.
Thanks Travis for your comments. I am improving myself day-by-day. Keep in touch…
I don’t like lists. They’re too easy, too lazy, too subjective. And then the discussion always tends to be about why did you have X film or not Y film or why isn’t Z film on this list? It’s less about the content and arguments of the list and more about the ordering of the list and what is missing.
I do rank all the films I’ve seen at the end of the month, more to give my readers a sense of where the films I’ve been writing about fall as I don’t give scores and I do have a top 100, but beyond that I’m not one for lists. I’d rather discuss the merits of movies individually than just throw together a list that’s going to get nitpicked anyway.
I’m just now getting to the list. I’m really slacking on my assignments. Work, work, work. Anyway, here is my list.
5 Reasons Not to Like Don Draper as a Man
http://wehavebeards.com/2010/08/04/5-reasons-not-to-like-don-draper-as-a-man/
http://www.tmtme.com/2010/08/my-top-5-movie-going-experiences-of-all.html
I had a lot of work but I got it up now finally! Woot
Great list, funny and interesting to read! Great job
Thanks man. I try to implement my own brand of humor in most of my posts but I do know when to be serious. Usually on lists or personal articles I will let loose but it’s hard to be funny all the time.
I swear I could have done stand up though in another life.
I liked it..Very funny. Congrats
Since it was my birthday August 2 I made a Top 5 list of the best films of 1983 (the year I was born) http://cinephiliaque.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-5-of-1983-aka-year-i-was-born.html
I’ve decided to ask the question of which movie character you would like to be for a day. My personal top 10 can be found here:
http://myfilmviews.wordpress.com/2010/11/25/which-movie-character-would-you-want-to-be-for-a-day/
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