Seth Godin’s taken on a great post by Joel on Software about the Windows Vista UI. He takes what is a great post and breaks it down - why is it a great post?

Seth’s advice to others:

  1. Use an appropriate image/illustration
  2. Make the topic useful and easily broad to a number of people
  3. Use simple clear language, no jargon
  4. Make it not too long
  5. Focus on areas previously taken for granted that causes the "light bulb" emotional response
  6. Cause the reader to think

I think the last two are optional. Depending on audience. I would say an emotional response is crucial, but not all posts should require "thinking" as the end result. The result may be pleasure, humor, or maybe the urge to shop. I suppose all are thoughtful responses, but not all are thought-intensive.

Good advice for good blog posts.

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