What We Are Looking for When We Choose New Giant Lensmasters

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 lensmaster lenses stay on topic. They never add information that doesn't belong simply because they want to promote something.

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.

If you've got 50 awesome lenses you can apply to be a Giant at Giant Squid Application

We have quarterly deadlines apply before the last day of the month for March, June, September or December.

This lens was created in response to the Squidoo Superhero Project for Charity

Won'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.