What Really Matters Is The Details
You already know what you want to make your lens about. But you want to make it a really good lens, or you wouldn't have entered the search term that brought this lens up for you. So, I'll share what I know with you.
Who am I to offer help? Well, good question. I'm GypsyPirate, I've been Squiddoodling since July 2006, I've been a Giant Squid since September of 2007, and I'm a Giant Squid Community Organizer. I'm not an SEO expert or a tagging guru or a programming whiz. But I am active in the SquidU forums, and I run a lot of groups. I read and enjoy a lot of lenses. And, I see some that need some help. I'd like to give that help here. I'll go through some basics for you, and I'll show you where to go for some more technical assistance. Let's get started, shall we?
Start At The Beginning ~~
You need to tell me what your lens is about. And you need to do it rather quickly, my attention span is short and the internet is huge. Don't use your intro to tell me everything, give me a sound bite and make me want to scroll down. And, you must use an image that is appropriate to the content of your lens in this module. That image will often be the hook that gets me to click on your lens in the first place, so choose it well. But, like I said, make it appropriate to your lens - you could use something intriguing to get my attention, but if I get to your lens and see that it doesn't fit the image, I'm going to move on very quickly.
And, having told you to keep your intro brief - I also have to tell you that too short is no good either. Rarely will oa one sentence Introduction Module cut it - you have to work a little harder than that.
Tell Me What Is In Your Lens
- Start At The Beginning ~~
- Pay Attention To Your Module Headers
- About That Table Of Contents ~~
- Don't Yell At Your Readers
- Flickr Photos Are Awesome!
- You Also Shouldn't Avoid Capitalization
- YouTube Videos Are Great!
- So, You Want To Sell Things?
- To Duel Or Not To Duel?
- What's Your Opinion?
- Look At Your Finished Lens
- My Tips Logbook
- Looky At The Cool Widgets I Found!
Pay Attention To Your Module Headers
About That Table Of Contents ~~
The Table Of Contents module is a great tool - and you now have two options to activate it. You can use the Table Of Contents that is built into your Introduction Module, or you can use the Table Of Contents module itself (If you do - remember to change it's header from "New Table Of Contents"!). But, you shouldn't use both in the same lens...and especially not right on top of each other. Pick one and use the check boxes to select the modules that will be most useful to your reader to click to navigate your lens. Don't Yell At Your Readers
Writing In All Caps Will Backfire On You...
If you've been on the Internet for awhile, you should know that all caps are considered yelling. It's a practice that is overdone quite a bit int he hopes of making something stand out, or appear different. Rely on your content to do that, and avoid the capital letters. Lest you think this is one lensmater's opinion, check out these articles that prove my point:Why Is Everyone On The Internet So Grumpy?
Etiquette Matters
Use capitalization properly in your lens title, your module headers, and in your content.
Flickr Photos Are Awesome!
But, are the pictures you're displaying appropriate to the content of your lens? If you ask yourself that question, and the honest answer is yes, then by all means include the photos. Be sure to check them periodically to make sure they are still available and displaying properly on your lens. If I think you took the time to show me cool and relevant pictures, I am going to keep reading.
And, remember to name the module appropriately for your lens. Be creative, but make sure it fits your lens.
You Also Shouldn't Avoid Capitalization
If A Cap Is Needed, Use A Cap
Use capitalization where it is appropriate to show that you have put thought and care into your lens. For your module headers, if it is a sentence, then you should treat it as such with appropriate punctuation and everything. If it isn't, I am of the camp that believes you should capitalize each word to make it a headline.
YouTube Videos Are Great!
And, remember to name the module appropriately for your lens. Be creative, make sure it fits your lens, make it make me want to watch the video.
You should also familiarize yourself with the "Display Options" feature of thsi module - this liets you control what shows along with your video. If the description of the video is overly long, or badly written, ti is going to distract from the quality of your lens.
A Tale Of Two Weathers:
(I love bad puns, sorry.)
Directly below, you will see the two weather widget options (you will find them under "W" in the search function of the module picker if you're not sure). Both can have their uses in a lens if you are talking about a specific area.The first option is called "Weather" and you enter a zip code into it to get a specific weather forecast.
The second option is called "Weather Widget" and it will display just as it looks, and I enter my own information for the weather I want to see.
You should know the difference between what the two modules will show when you use them.
Your Hometown Weather
(If Your Hometown Is Jerome, ID)
Current weather conditions in Jerome, ID
Local Pollen Reports
47°F (Feels like 43°F)
Last update: 11/9/09 6:53 PM MST
Humidity: 41%Visibility: 10.0 mi
Dew Point: 24°F
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 30.10in rising
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 8mph From: Airport Conditions
Tonight
Low
Low: 36°F
Sunrise: 7:23 AM
Sunset: 5:21 PM
Tuesday
Nov 10
N/A
High: 54°F
Low: 36°F
Sunrise: 7:24 AM
Sunset: 5:20 PM
Wednesday
Nov 11
Mostly Cloudy
High: 55°F
Low: 35°F
Sunrise: 7:25 AM
Sunset: 5:19 PM
Thursday
Nov 12
Mostly Cloudy
High: 41°F
Low: 26°F
Sunrise: 7:27 AM
Sunset: 5:18 PM
Get The Weather For Anywhere
So, You Want To Sell Things?
To Duel Or Not To Duel?
This module might rock your lens...or it could fall flat.
Think about your question and how you word it carefully to use the duel module. If your question has an obvious answer that most are going to give, you're not going to get the "back and forth" exchange you're hoping for and might want to use a Poll Module instead. If you do decide that the Duel is the only way to go, be sure to fill it out completely to give your reader's their options.
- Add your module title (and a sub-title if you have one).
- Enter your question where it says "What do you want to ask?". If your question is the same as your module header, leave the box after "What do you want to ask?" empty.
- Be sure to fill in the box "Gimme an option" and "Gimme another option". These are important, they give your reader's their duel choices.
- The remaining choices are up to you - it all depends on how you want to run your duel. Do you want to see comments before they appear in your lens? Do you only want registered Squidoo members to be able to participate? Etc.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI Love The Duel Module!
KimberlyDawnWells says:
I love starting debates for the side opposite my own, just to see what will happen.
Posted October 21, 2008
Loyalis says:
This can be great for hot topics! I have some with tons and tons of comments on them.
Posted July 29, 2008
I Haven't Had Any Luck At All With Duels.
What's Your Opinion?
A poll can be a great way to involve me in your lens - if you put some thought into it. Have fun with it, by all means, but give me some meaty choices and good options. Yes, I'm going to say make it relevant to your lens. And, if you're using the SquidWho, SquidLit, or another co-brand with a built in poll, you definitely need to personalize it. Do the questions supplied sound like what you would write, or do they really fit your topic? Engage me well enough, and I may even return to see how others have voted.
This Black Box module can be a great way to add emphasis - don't over use it, or the "punch" is gone. A little goes a long way and it will make a strong impact for you.
Don't try to fit too much into here, I won't want to read a lot. This is a billboard to me.
The Polaroid Module Is A Great Way to Highlight A Fantastic Picture
Look At Your Finished Lens
As you can see by looking at the two modules directly above (the Polaroid and the Black Box), not all modules should be placed next to each other. Different modules have different border areas...by looking at your finished lens, you can find these modules that look "jammed" together and rearrange them to be more pleasing to me visually as I am reading your lens. I appreciate you putting that type of care into your layout. So, You Want To Ship Your Readers Off?
Just kidding, the Orbitz module can be very handy and relevant to a lot of lenses. Say this is that apple lens, help me book a flight to the best orchard in the country. That is relevant!
If you want to pick apples on Long Island, you will want to fly into Islip Airport.
"Use only a few words here, size is limited. And, the quote marks are automatic, don't add your own."
Take A Look At Some Great Lenses:
For some examples of lenses that will grab you and keep you reading, check out any of the below listed ones. These lensmasters have paid meticulous attention to detail, have great relevant content and terrific lenses.-
Make your Handmade Products Stand Out! Using Creative Packaging
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There are some easy and creative ways to make your handmade products different from the rest at festivals or shows and make a special surprise for customers ordering your products. This lens is all about using creative packaging to make your creation...
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Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin
-
This is the one-stop resource for fans and admirers of Led Zeppelin's Stairway To Heaven. This song is often considered one of the best songs of all-time from one of the greatest albums of all time. Is this true? You be the judge!
-
Isla Mujeres Mexico
-
Pronounced "EEEs-Lah-Moo-heh-res," Isla Mujeres is a small island just five miles off the coast of Cancún, Mexico. Isla Mujeres is a peaceful little island that makes a perfect vacation destination to hit the beach, catch some sun, a...
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Zecco Review and Account Opening
-
Zecco stands for Zero Cost Commission and that's exactly what this new online discount broker is trying to do with their innovative set up.
My Tips Logbook
Thanks for stopping by to check out some tips, I hope you found something here to help you.
Please let me know what you think, ask a question, or just say hello.
Snozzle wrote...
Interesting stuff, wish I'd come across the lens when I first started with Squidoo.
Mike.
Posted May 29, 2009
mysticmama wrote...
this lens is great...wish I would have found it when I was still fresh...I had to learn most of this through trial and error...thanks for making a great help lens :)
Posted April 23, 2009
Aquavel wrote...
Very helpful lens for this newbie. Thanks for making it! 5*s!
Posted April 19, 2009
Cajean wrote...
Thanks for a helpful lens. I mistakenly tried the "Prediction" module instead of "Duel", and had to default to "Poll". I obviously didn't have a clue! ;-) 5*, & my faves.
Posted December 03, 2008
Looky At The Cool Widgets I Found!
Yep, the modules below are really cool, but are they relevant to your topic? If they fit, by all means, use them (remember to change the headers!). If they don't, you need to pass.But, you really love one and have to use it? Then come up with an awesome lens that fits it. Yes, that is a great reason to build a lens, and it will be cool because you have a passion for your subject.
New Did you know? Random Facts
New Astrology.com LoveScope Widget
New Heroes Videos
New Igo GREEN Tip of the Day
by GypsyPirate
I'm a parrothead from the NorthCoast, ready to share my view on the world...
(more)
