What We Are Looking for When We Choose New Giant Lensmasters
Ranked #413 in Squidoo Tips, #70,178 overall
Or: What Makes the Giant Squid Lensmasters my Superheros
You see, having 50 Squidoo lenses made is NOT the only requirement for becoming a Giant Squid Lensmaster.
We've raised the bar and we're only accepting the very best of the best but the good news is, we're giving lensmasters a chance to apply or re-apply and be accepted every three months.
There are no set number of Giants accepted in the quarterly rounds. Any lensmaster who meets or exceeds the new stricter guidelines will be given Giant status.
Read on to learn some of the most important things the Giant Squid Organizers are really looking for when they choose the next wave of Giants.
Giant Squid Lensmasters Are My Superheroes Because
Giant Squids Are in Step with the New Guidelines
They make lenses about things that interest them.They write good introductions.
They always have intro photos.
They have a photo or avatar on their bio page.
They always use a bunch of different modules.
They replace all the default module titles, like "New Guestbook."
They know what UUU means and use it! (Unique, useful, updated content)
They don't copy. Don't cut and paste and they never ever plagiarize.
Their lenses have style!
They frequent the SquidU forum to get feedback and share tips and advice. (They are always polite.)
They stay relevant on their lenses.
They keep it G or R-rated.
They won't publish a half-baked lens.
They watch for typos.
They are kind to fellow lensmasters and their readers.
They don't ever spam.
Sure, they sell stuff; but they don't sound like a snakeoil salesman when they do.
They invite readers to participate.
They explain their topic to new readers.
They experiment with "front doors" like SquidWho and Squidlit, but they don't ONLY make those lenses.
They own a niche and make lots of lenses in it. But they don't repeat themself on the same topic.
They diversify.
They link to and feature other people's lenses. It feels good to give back.
They're passionate.
They're honest and straightforward and creative.
"Here are some additional tips."
Giant's Never Leave Default Module Titles
A Dead give away that a lensmasters isn't giving his lenses their all is when we see a default module title. (New Amazon, New Link List, Text/Write, etc.)Be sure to give each of your lens modules a personalized title.
Giant Lenses Have No Default Content
No Cookie Cutter Lenses
Using Squidoo's co-brand lens templates is a great way to get your 50 lenses done in a hurry but be sure to make each of those lenses your own by changing the content in the pre-made modules.Personalize the questions in your Duel and Poll modules. Write some content instead of just depending on the Wikipedia module for your information.
In other words, having 50 Squidwho lenses that all look identicial except for the person's name will not earn you Giant Squid status.
Giants Always Fix All Spelling Errors and Typos
Everybody makes mistakes, we know that, but Giant Squid lensmasters take the extra time to check and recheck their lenses for spelling errors and typos.If you are unsure of the spelling of any particular word, look it up at Dictionary.com
Giant Lensmasters Always Edit Their Bios
If you want to become a Giant Squid lensmaster you need to have a bio page that includes a picture. The picture can be of yourself, or whatever you like but Giants never use that default orange man.And their bio's are interesting to read. They never say, "This is my bio. I can edit it later."
Your bio should say something interesting about yourself or tell people why you chose to make your lens.
If you don't want to share too much about yourself, choose a quote that you like instead but never leave your bio blank.
Giant Lenses Always Have Photos in their Intro Modules
Photos make your lenses pop and the more pictures you include the better but the most important picture that you need to add is the one in the Intro module.If your lenses lack photos in their Intro modules you may be passed by when it comes to being chosen as a Giant Squid.
Giant Lenses Always Stay On Topic
Giant lensmaster lenses stay on topic. They never add information that doesn't belong simply because they want to promote something. The Start of a Great Lens
If you're interested in being a Giant Squid lensmaster, make sure you've completed each of the above improvements before you publish any new lens. You can always go back in and make other improvements later.In my opinion, no lens is ever really done and there are hundreds of ways to improve your lenses to make them shine and stand out from the crowd but following these simple steps will get you noticed for the Giant Squid Lensmaster program.
Giant Reminder
1. Check for default module titles and content.
2. Check for spelling errors and typos.
3. Edit bio page.
4. Add a photo to all Intro modules.
5. Stay on topic.
6. Read the "So You Want to be a Giant Squid" and "The Giant Squid Community Showcase" blogs.
"Find Even More Help By Following These Blogs."
So You Want to be a Giant Squid
Visit to find articles and interviews that contain helpful information to help you acheive your goal of becoming a Giant Squid Lensmaster.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGiant Squid Community Showcase
Visit The Giant Squid Community Showcase to see some of the best lenses on Squidoo and to get detailed information about why these lenses are, and continue to be, so successful.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat's a Giant Squid Lensmaster?
Still not sure what a Giant Squid Lensmaster is?Visit these lenses to find the answers you are looking for.
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THE GIANT SQUIDS (and how you can become one)
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No, it's not a rock group (but it might as well be). It's the core group of movers and shakers at Squidoo. It's a gathering of influentials, the most dedicated lensmakers on Squidoo. Here's how this whole thing started. One day at Sq...
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Are Your Lenses Ready?
If you've got 50 awesome lenses and you'd like to apply to be a Giant Squid Lensmaster send a link to your bio page to:Giants(at)Squidoo.com
What Else Do You Think We Should Look For?
Leave a note here telling us what else you think makes a Giant Lensmaster's lenses stand out from the crowd.
MsSnow4a wrote...
Wow, a lot of great info, Thanks for helping all of us who are working to be giants. Have a wonder ful day, RMS!!
Posted August 21, 2009
marsha32 wrote...
I applied for March end and was denied. I am continuing to update my lenses and will even build a few more and hope and pray to be accepted when I reapply this quarter.
Posted May 15, 2009
luvmyludwig wrote...
This is a good reminder of what a Giant Squid is. I plan on polishing up all my lenses after the challenge and looking for similar lenses to lensroll and feature. I can't wait to see all of my lenses shine. I have some work to do on some of mine.
Posted May 08, 2009
WindyWinters wrote...
Thanks for your very unique & useful lense about Giant Squid Lenses. I'm applying for giant squid this time around. I have 52 lenses but plan on updating them or deleting them and adding a few more. Good Luck to Everyone! :)
Posted April 20, 2009
NanLT wrote...
I'm going to be referring to this and others like it a lot over the coming weeks as I get my lenses ready for the June deadline.
Posted April 15, 2009
P.S. This Lens Supports The Superhero Project
This lens was created in response to the Squidoo Superhero Project for CharityWon't you help out by making, and donating, a lens (or five) about your favorite superhero?
Hint. Hint. All lenses made for the Superhero Project count towards your 50 lens tally.
by rms
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