Not Writer's Block -- it's Writer's Inferiority Complex

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I've picked a niche (ok, well, it's probably more of a market than a niche, but I'm not sure that matters for what I'm most concerned with right now)

Really? This surprised me a little. It sounds to me like it might matter rather a lot, because "aiming at a market rather than at a niche" is such a common cause of not getting off the ground that if you have "writer's inferiority complex" as well, you can ill afford to have an accident which might lead to a situation of getting a few articles syndicated, possibly not doing so well with them and not knowing why? What would that do for your "writer's inferiority complex" and how easily avoidable is it?

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

to me, the way to start is to produce several high quality articles first and then do the other stuff like build the site, start syndication efforts, etc.

Well, fair enough ... you can't really start syndication efforts without having an article to syndicate, though you can (and should!) research them before selecting the niche, perhaps?

In the long run, the exact order in which you've done the initial components isn't going to make any real difference, though, once you've selected the niche.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I don't have "writer's block" per se, but I do have "writer's inferiority complex" (I'm not sure if that's a real thing, but I have it anyway!!).

It is a real thing. I have it, too. (Not so much for my business articles, but for all my other writing. I have it in spades).

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I found a site that would be considered an exact competitor. The site was what I had envisioned for mine - only better.

It doesn't matter. For every site like that, there are 30 or 40 or 50 that aren't nearly as good.

And you don't know how successful that site is, anyway.

Yours might look different/worse and earn more.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I imagine some of you will tell me "just get started and do it anyway."

Some will.

It's not a perspective with which I instinctively have much sympathy, myself, but undeniably it has some validity, in that if you don't get started, you'll never earn anything from the niche at all. :p

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

How do I get over this fear/concern that my articles won't be received well in relation to the competitors

By realizing that what you've seen is atypical, that the general standard is crap, and that you're likely to be in the top 5% before you've even started, simply by having chosen a realistic business model rather than some kind of SEO-dependent nonsense. And by having some technical writing skills, too - that's a plus, and you admitted it yourself, right here, in black and white.

Good luck (but aim - at least initially - at a niche, not at a whole market?)!

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Wascally Wabbit

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Well, fair enough ... you can't really start syndication efforts without having an article to syndicate, though you can (and should!) research them before selecting the niche, perhaps?

Speaking of research, I'm curious as to what the standard protocol is in that category. I'm not referring to keyword research here. Rather, let's say you've got an article idea in mind, but want some facts to support the premise. Now, I understand it will probably vary wildly depending on the niche. What is acceptable as a resource though? Surely Wikipedia is frowned upon, right? I remember myob stating that he (and his staff) subscribe to and often use professional trade journals. That seems a bit extreme to me. Well, "extreme" isn't the right word...perhaps "advanced" is more appropriate.

I imagine if you are writing on knee pain then using webmd is fine. But what about other, less official sources. Is it legit to borrow material from other articles/sites as long as it's properly referenced (and not plagiarized, of course!)? Do you need to ask for permission first? Does utilizing and referencing less official sources automatically imply your article is of less quality? I'm just trying to get a general understanding on accepted principles from experienced article marketers on this topic.

Thanks
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Alexa Smith

Banned 12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Speaking of research, I'm curious as to what the standard protocol is in that category. I'm not referring to keyword research here. Rather, let's say you've got an article idea in mind, but want some facts to support the premise. Now, I understand it will probably vary wildly depending on the niche. What is acceptable as a resource though? Surely Wikipedia is frowned upon, right? I remember myob stating that he (and his staff) subscribe to and often use

I don't doubt that a lot of what's in Wikipedia is inaccurate, but on less obscure subjects of sufficiently widespread interest for mistakes to be rapidly corrected, I think there are worse sources. I admit I almost never look at it, though.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

professional trade journals. That seems a bit extreme to me. Well, "extreme" isn't the right word...perhaps "advanced" is more appropriate.

Can certainly be worthwhile, though.

I use offline sources whenever I can. They do tend, overall, to be a lot more reliable, in my experience (and there are reasons for that, partly to do with quality control and peer review).

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Is it legit to borrow material from other articles/sites as long as it's properly referenced (and not plagiarized, of course!)? Do you need to ask for permission first?

Not for snippets, in the public domain, quoted and attributed.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Does utilizing and referencing less official sources automatically imply your article is of less quality?

I don't think so; no.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I'm just trying to get a general understanding on accepted principles from experienced article marketers on this topic.

That's ok, but don't spend so long doing that that it stops you from sitting down to write. I know you said it's not writer's block, and that's just as well, really, because there's no such thing as "writer's block": that's all self-delusional nonsense. When Peter De Vries was asked if he wrote when he was inspired, he said: "Of course I write when I'm inspired. And I see to it that I'm inspired at 9.00 a.m. every day."

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Tina Golden

12 years ago

I use Wikipedia all the time but not for the information there - for the sources given. Most of the pages have excellent, authoritative links for resources at the bottom of the page. These are very often from scientific journals and other credible publications and most of the time, it links to that original source.

I never rely on the information on Wikipedia but it's a goldmine for finding excellent source material.

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myob

12 years ago

IMO, writer's block does seem to be a very real problem even among professional writers. It's a problem I've had to overcome myself many times over the years, and continues to be an ongoing challenge even now with my staff of writers.

To minimize the effects of writer's block, there is always a format and specific objectives that I want the article writer to understand clearly:

* For whom is the article being written? (targeted reading audience)
* What are expected results after reading the article?
* How will results be measured? (Opt-ins, sales, etc)
* Where is the article going to be published?
* When is the article due? Deadlines are within two weeks from date of assignment.

Good writing habits such as keeping a regular, structured writing schedule may also help to alleviate symptoms of writer's block. I spend a lot of time with new writers to get them to produce articles up to my expectations of quality. As a minimum, they are required to learn and adapt principles covered in "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk, "The Associated Press Stylebook", and niche-specific conventions. In addition, they are coached from this classic reference; "The Handbook of Technical Writing", by authors Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu.

Before even attempting to write, you should be clear on your objectives, marketing plan, and especially what specific actions you want readers to take after reading your articles. Nothing productive can happen without first setting specific goals. Even then, if a project is fundamentally misconceived or beyond the writer's experience or ability, this type of "anxiety" really can block creativity. Start with something you confidently know well, or can in a reasonable amount of time become proficient.

"There is no such thing as writer's block for writers whose standards are low enough."

- William Stafford

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Wascally Wabbit

12 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

I spend a lot of time with new writers to get them to produce articles up to my expectations of quality. As a minimum, they are required to learn and adapt principles covered in "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk, "The Associated Press Stylebook", and niche-specific conventions. In addition, they are coached from this classic reference; "The Handbook of Technical Writing", by authors Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, Walter E. Oliu.

Hi, Myob...thanks. I've seen you mention these training materials a few times and, while I haven't previously read or even looked up what they are about, it seems somewhat obvious that they teach professional journalism skills as if one were writing for say, the New York Times or Time magazine.

In seeming contradiction, here is a quote from Alexa from What Lexy Talks About ...: "And in defiance of your old English teacher, don't hesitate to start sentences, or even paragraphs, with the word "and". But sometimes let it be a "but" instead. Or an "or"."

Disclaimer - in no way am I implying that Alexa's writing is of a poorer standard!!

Rather, it seems as if perhaps Alexa takes a more casual, laid-back approach (still quality though) whereas myob's business functions more like, well, a Reuter's.....am I drawing faulty conclusions here? If I am on track, then both approaches work???

Thanks
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myob

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

In seeming contradiction, here is a quote from Alexa from What Lexy Talks About ...: "And in defiance of your old English teacher, don’t hesitate to start sentences, or even paragraphs, with the word “and”. But sometimes let it be a “but” instead. Or an “or”."

Disclaimer - in no way am I implying that Alexa's writing is of a poorer standard!!

Rather, it seems as if perhaps Alexa takes a more casual, laid-back approach (still quality though) whereas myob's business functions more like, well, a Reuter's.....am I drawing faulty conclusions here? If I am on track, then both approaches work???

Actually, there is no contradiction here at all; Alexa is correct. Although students may have been taught never to use such conjunctions to begin a sentence, many authoritative style manuals state that this teaching has no historical or grammatical foundation.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."
- Mark Twain

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

By realizing that what you've seen is atypical, that the general standard is crap, and that you're likely to be in the top 5% before you've even started, simply by having chosen a realistic business model rather than some kind of SEO-dependent nonsense. And by having some technical writing skills, too - that's a plus, and you admitted it yourself, right here, in black and white.

She's right. You don't have to set the gold standard, or even live up to it. If you can provide an article that people feel better for having read it, and that motivates them to seek out more (by clicking your bio link), while appealing to a publisher enough that he wants to share it with his audience, you're good enough.

It's a bit like that old joke about the two fishermen being chased by a bear. One stops to peel off his heavy waders. The other tells him he's wasting his time because he'll never outrun the bear. Punch line? "I don't have to out run the bear. I just have to outrun you..."

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Good luck (but aim - at least initially - at a niche, not at a whole market?)!

Everybody has their own particular niche, even if they have the ability to operate competently outside of it. They become known for mastering their corner of the niche, then expand.

Look at celebrity chef Bobby Flay. He had a series for awhile called "Throwdown" where he challenged other cooks to beat him at their signature dishes. Sometimes he won, mostly he lost, but almost never did anyone tell him that his dish sucked. He's still known for bold, spicy southwest flavors, but he has a thriving empire of restaurants, TV shows, cookbooks and branded merchandise.

Become known as the go-to guy for a piece of the market, and expanding out from a base will be much easier and more productive than trying to swallow an elephant whole.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Speaking of research, I'm curious as to what the standard protocol is in that category. I'm not referring to keyword research here. Rather, let's say you've got an article idea in mind, but want some facts to support the premise. Now, I understand it will probably vary wildly depending on the niche. What is acceptable as a resource though? Surely Wikipedia is frowned upon, right? I remember myob stating that he (and his staff) subscribe to and often use professional trade journals. That seems a bit extreme to me. Well, "extreme" isn't the right word...perhaps "advanced" is more appropriate.

You may not have to subscribe. Many journals keep online archives, or you can access them through a public library's reference section. You could also contact the appropriate organization, explain that you are a writer, and ask for access/referrals/suggestions. Many are quite forthcoming.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I imagine if you are writing on knee pain then using webmd is fine. But what about other, less official sources. Is it legit to borrow material from other articles/sites as long as it's properly referenced (and not plagiarized, of course!)? Do you need to ask for permission first? Does utilizing and referencing less official sources automatically imply your article is of less quality? I'm just trying to get a general understanding on accepted principles from experienced article marketers on this topic.

If I were to ever write on knee pain, I'd go way beyond WebMD. Depending on the angle, I'd want input from orthopedists, physical therapists, nurses, and so on. Either by searching out their published writing or via interview. Medical textbooks would also be on the agenda, although I'd probably have to buy someone in the field lunch to help translate to English.

As for the rest of your questions here, I'd only be repeating what Alexa already told you.

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Hi, Myob...thanks. I've seen you mention these training materials a few times and, while I haven't previously read or even looked up what they are about, it seems somewhat obvious that they teach professional journalism skills as if one were writing for say, the New York Times or Time magazine.

In seeming contradiction, here is a quote from Alexa from What Lexy Talks About ...: "And in defiance of your old English teacher, don't hesitate to start sentences, or even paragraphs, with the word "and". But sometimes let it be a "but" instead. Or an "or"."

You have to know the rules in order to know when and how you can break them to good effect...

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Wascally Wabbit

12 years ago

Originally Posted by myob

Actually, there is no contradiction here at all; Alexa is correct. Although students may have been taught never to use such conjunctions to begin a sentence, many authoritative style manuals state that this teaching has no historical or grammatical foundation.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so."
- Mark Twain

Thanks, again, Myob. Aside from the training materials on technical writing you've suggested, do you have any recommendations for the marketing/sales aspect of the business? I'm guessing "Turn Words into Traffic" is one - any others?

Thanks
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myob

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Thanks, again, Myob. Aside from the training materials on technical writing you've suggested, do you have any recommendations for the marketing/sales aspect of the business? I'm guessing "Turn Words into Traffic" is one - any others?

Another book I have recommended several times is; "Brand Against the Machine: How to Build Your Brand, Cut Through the Marketing Noise, and Stand Out from the Competition", by John Morgan.

The processes involved in marketing/sales are ultimately about engaging your audience and winning their business; developing conversations instead of campaigns. However, most of this has already been covered in depth by Alexa Smith, John McCabe, and other marketers successfully using this method, including the more salient points such as;

* Know who your target audience is and what they want
* Define your position as the go-to authority in your industry
* Determine your audience's problem and create a solution for them
* Produce valuable content that attracts your audience and engages them
* Promote yourself without making yourself a nuisance
* Over-deliver on your promise

But don't expect anything new in this book; these are proven marketing practices that are resurfacing on the internet after a decade or so of an SEO-induced hiatus. And it puts a new spin on "key" words.

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Jason Perez O'Connor

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

Hi, Myob...thanks. I've seen you mention these training materials a few times and, while I haven't previously read or even looked up what they are about, it seems somewhat obvious that they teach professional journalism skills as if one were writing for say, the New York Times or Time magazine.

In seeming contradiction, here is a quote from Alexa from What Lexy Talks About ...: "And in defiance of your old English teacher, don't hesitate to start sentences, or even paragraphs, with the word "and". But sometimes let it be a "but" instead. Or an "or"."

Disclaimer - in no way am I implying that Alexa's writing is of a poorer standard!!

Rather, it seems as if perhaps Alexa takes a more casual, laid-back approach (still quality though) whereas myob's business functions more like, well, a Reuter's.....am I drawing faulty conclusions here? If I am on track, then both approaches work???

I do the same

I feel like a guilty little school boy everytime I do it! And I usually start a lot of sentences with "And", "But" or "Or". I also cringe when I have to use tons of commas per sentence, as I was always told to find ways in which to make the piece flow without needing to make too many stops.

I've never much thought highly of my writing ability anyway. Fortunately for me I can always blame it on the fact that I'm Spanish and English isn't my first language

Despite the fact I've been living here now 14 years, I don't think I've quite got the hang of it yet, clearly... I feel better already

Thanks

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Wascally Wabbit

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Tina Golden

I use Wikipedia all the time but not for the information there - for the sources given. Most of the pages have excellent, authoritative links for resources at the bottom of the page. These are very often from scientific journals and other credible publications and most of the time, it links to that original source.

I never rely on the information on Wikipedia but it's a goldmine for finding excellent source material.

Thanks for the suggestion, Tina. I have very often used the referenced links on Wikipedia pages (well, not for article writing yet obviously), but hearing that reminder is helpful.

Thanks

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theultimate1

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Really? This surprised me a little. It sounds to me like it might matter rather a lot, because "aiming at a market rather than at a niche" is such a common cause of not getting off the ground that if you have "writer's inferiority complex" as well, you can ill afford to have an accident which might lead to a situation of getting a few articles syndicated, possibly not doing so well with them and not knowing why? What would that do for your "writer's inferiority complex" and how easily avoidable is it?

Well, fair enough ... you can't really start syndication efforts without having an article to syndicate, though you can (and should!) research them before selecting the niche, perhaps?

In the long run, the exact order in which you've done the initial components isn't going to make any real difference, though, once you've selected the niche.

It is a real thing. I have it, too. (Not so much for my business articles, but for all my other writing. I have it in spades).

It doesn't matter. For every site like that, there are 30 or 40 or 50 that aren't nearly as good.

And you don't know how successful that site is, anyway.

Yours might look different/worse and earn more.

Some will.

It's not a perspective with which I instinctively have much sympathy, myself, but undeniably it has some validity, in that if you don't get started, you'll never earn anything from the niche at all. :p

By realizing that what you've seen is atypical, that the general standard is crap, and that you're likely to be in the top 5% before you've even started, simply by having chosen a realistic business model rather than some kind of SEO-dependent nonsense. And by having some technical writing skills, too - that's a plus, and you admitted it yourself, right here, in black and white.

Good luck (but aim - at least initially - at a niche, not at a whole market?)!

Off-topic Alert:
If falling in love with a Warrior Forum member before meeting or even having known them was not unusual, for me it'd be Alexa Smith.

No offence Alexa

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winsoar

12 years ago

My tip is always write for your target customer, and not for the search engines. Over deliver on value every time!

Thanks

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Melkur

12 years ago

As someone who tends to analyse - and then over analyse - everything before I lay finger to keyboard, whether it be writing code or an article or anything else I do, I know exactly what you mean.

But you will never be successful if you don't actually start the job, will you? Content can be edited, rewritten, replaced. At the end of the day, they're only words, and you obviously have a pretty strong command over them. If your content isn't as good as you'd like it to be, write something better for the next piece. But do make a start, or there will BE no next piece, because you'll never have written the first one.

Remember, "quality" means different things to different people in different situations. As long as you give them the material they're looking for, answer their question, impart some knowledge, they'll be happy.

Instead of looking at the competitor as something you can't compete with, consider it as some possible ideas for how you could improve upon it. Nothing is ever perfect, no matter how good it looks - there's always room to improve, or differentiate.

To get over the fear, I'd say you just need to try - how will you KNOW how well received (or otherwise) your material will be until it's been received in the first place? If it's not well received, adapt until it is. On the other hand, if it is well received (and I bet it will be), there's no problem, just an opportunity to make it even better.

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LillySage 12 years ago

You have to just start writing. Put all of that inferiority nonsense out of your mind and just start writing.

Just one article.

You don't need to write tons of articles, that will come later...

They don't have to be great, they'll get better over time...

No one is judging you, no one cares enough to bother judging you...

Just start writing.

That's it.

:-)
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seriousjake

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

How do I get over this fear/concern that my articles won't be received well in relation to the competitors (both on site and in the syndication arena)? I know I have the technical writing skills, I'm just doubting myself on the material I'm able to come up with...

You'll have to ignore them until you can arrive at reasonable conclusions. Ones that aren't motivated by fear.

How you get there is by consistent progress, every day. Write and submit, write and submit, find leads and submit ad infinitum.

Initially, you won't have a yardstick to measure your efforts by but so long as you know you're checking things off your to-do list, it will get easier to ignore the fear. Eventually, you'll have enough data from the responses you garner to come to rational conclusions.

What you described is exactly what I'm doing as well. Consistent progress is the only marker I find that helps me do what I need to do without getting bogged down by worry.

The mechanical aspects of getting something done keeps the psychological factors in check.

So man up and progress. It will quell the uncertainty and keep you sane.

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donhx

12 years ago

I have never believed in "writer's block" in my 30 years as a writer. It is a concept left-over from olden times when people thought inspiration came from outside ("the muse") rather from inside, as a rational cognitive process.

The best way to overcome this is to have an outline, either a simple or complex one. If you can't write about one point, skip to the next. If you still can't write, it means you have nothing to say and you need to do more research.

Inadequacy fears are something else. I just do the best I can and let the chips fall where they may. I never worry about competition. I bring a unique perspective in my writing because of my heredity, environment and unique personal experiences, so I know my stuff will be as good as the next persons because of that uniqueness.

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Wascally Wabbit 12 years ago

Thanks, everyone, for putting things a bit more in perspective. I appreciate it.
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Dennis Gaskill

12 years ago

If the writing in your original post is an accurate indication of your writing skills, they are plenty good enough. Here's something else to consider...

The longer you wait for your future, the shorter it will be.

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Shadowflux 12 years ago

I honestly don't believe in writer's block either but I understand that this is not really what you're talking about. The thing about life is that you have to believe in yourself. If you don't believe in yourself then there is no hope of getting others to believe in you.

People talk about "writing high quality articles" and that is important but you have to keep in mind what the internet was like even just a year or two ago. There were tons of "articles" which were either very poorly written or spun so hard that they were literally incomprehensible.

People may get mad at me but I'm going to be honest and say there are a lot more "writers" in IM than there is good written material of any kind. The problem is that many IM newbies are told "Just start writing articles for people." Most people these days have no concept of what good writing is and will simply settle for whatever is cheapest. It's actually a very frustrating problem for anyone who produces print quality material. There are so many "writers" who barely know how to write an email cluttering up any venue in which real writers would otherwise be able to offer their services.

Just spend a few minutes on the internet reading random articles. So many of them are boring, poorly written, poorly researched or just plain bad. I think what you're suffering from is this misconception that all of these "writers" out there really know what they're doing, that they produce quality material. It simply is not true.

Research your niche. Know your subjects. Learn as much as you can about them and the articles will naturally flow out. This is especially true when it comes to a niche or subject you're personally interested in. I can honestly write thousands of words about a subject I enjoy if someone makes the mistake of asking me about it.

Stop worrying, just write. The only other answer is to give up and hire a writer.
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smadronia

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I've been reading/studying up on IMing for the last several months. I've gravitated towards the article marketing (writing quality articles - no spinning)>syndication>targeted traffic to own site>list building>affiliate sales approach because that strategy seems to be the most solid, reliable way to build a long term, successful online business.

Write. Just write. Write one article, write one hundred, write some amount in between.

Don't post them, don't worry about making them perfect. Just write until you've finished at least one article, and the idea of writing more doesn't appeal.

Put them away for 48 hours.

Go read, research, buy a domain, set up a site, whatever you want, but let them stew for 2 days.

Then go back to your articles and read through them. Edit them. Add the things that have been percolating for a couple days. Polish them up.

Then do something with them. Doesn't matter if it's a post on your site, or an article for syndication.

Most people don't write the perfect article right out of the box. Heck, it cane take hundreds of articles before people get their groove, and their writing style down. That doesn't mean you have to write and write, but never submit. Even if you think they're not great, submit them, use them, do something with them.

The only way to get to that leve lof perfection you're striving for is to write, and fail, and keep writing.

I've had articles that have a click through rate of 30%, and others with a click through rate of 3%. I've had articles read by thousands of people, and articles read by 6 people. But every article has helped me improve as a content writer, and in the end, that's what matters.

So write.

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Tanya E

12 years ago

If you are faced with writer's block the best way to get over it is by writing one article. Once you write that first article you can write more. Promise yourself a reward for writing one article and just dive into it.

If you still can't get over it, outsource it :-).

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robestrong

12 years ago

Been there, done that. Just remember the 80-20 rule, set a timer, and force yourself to submit it after giving yourself enough time. It will kill that feeling fast, especially when people say they like what you wrote even though it felt far from perfect to you.

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ymest

12 years ago

Ah, been there, done that! Not anymore! I just jump in! Stop thinking!

"Planning ( in that case- reading and thinking) is good, DOING IS BETTER!"

It's a bit like when you learn to cycle first...you hesitate and eventually, you're off!

I still get the occasional " Oh, maybe...what if...Perhaps" and then, I sit down and write! You can go on like this for CENTURIES! Become a doer, not a watcher or thinker!

It's good to forget about the famous "learning curve" as well! There is always going to be results whether, it's good or not! If it's good, then carry on! If not, change something!

Good luck!

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HeySal

12 years ago

Originally Posted by Wascally Wabbit

I keep reading over and over again about how important it is to write the utmost quality of an article. I'm a perfectionist at heart, so when I hear statements like that, I start feeling a bit overwhelmed because that, to me, means a very, very time intensive effort. And, what's ultimately bothering me, is how the finished product would size up to the competition.

For example, I found a site that would be considered an exact competitor. The site was what I had envisioned for mine - only better. There were LOTS of long, highly informational articles covering a myriad of subjects and all of them were written quite well. Even the layout of the site was superb. I spent a bit of time there and got, well, intimidated. Now, I don't know how well this site is doing, of course, but I got to thinking: How can I compete with this?

So, I'm at a stumbling point before I even get out of the gate. I imagine some of you will tell me "just get started and do it anyway." And, yeah, I get that. But, still, I want to be successful (not necessarily immediately, but I want to be on as straight a path as possible).

How do I get over this fear/concern that my articles won't be received well in relation to the competitors (both on site and in the syndication arena)? I know I have the technical writing skills, I'm just doubting myself on the material I'm able to come up with...

Your first problem is that you are listening to a lot of average or below average writers who rattle on endlessly about how many articles they can do in one day. These people will write about anything and everything. Their knowledge of what they write about is mostly limited to the few articles that they are reading for their research. They get paid a pittance by people who don't understand why the content they are using for SEO needs to be outstanding.

You do not need to write a gazillion articles. You need to write UNIQUE and INFORMATIVE articles.

I assume that since you have chosen a niche, you will be researching (and by "research" I do not mean reading nothing but a bunch of mediocre articles about it) and probably already have some experience and/or education in the subject. You have also read what the competition has posted. So find theaspects they have left out - find what they have but you disagree with - if they have anywhere they are getting feedback, note what questions people are asking about or what they say they need. Formulate your articles on those subjects. Write a few in-depth, informative articles about the subject - take your time and do it well (I've been known to spend weeks researching before writing when I needed something extremely informed about something I needed expert info about). Put up two or three articles from the get - and add one every week or two.

You don't need to put up the reams of articles that some people think you do. They will build up over time and people who have learned that your site has excellent info on it will return, some will bookmark the site. I will admit that I've become completely negligent about updating my blog - yet I still get a lot of traffic from it. When I do get off my duff and post, I get masses of traffic. It's the quality, not the quantity. The key concepts are unique and informative.

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Sal
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ecoverartist

12 years ago

You know what I do when this hits? I open up a Word doc or grab a pen and paper and just. start. writing.

Really! Write about anything you want. How the weather is hot/cold and making you miserable. How that guy that cut you off in traffic this morning was a jackass. How happy you are when you hear your kids laugh..whatever! Just write, and pretty soon, all the "gunk" will get out of your brain and you can start focusing on the things that matter.

And remember, for every person who rates your post down or leaves a nasty comment, there are 10 of them who really enjoyed and learned something from it, even if they might not have said anything.

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JohnMcCabe

12 years ago

Originally Posted by ecoverartist

You know what I do when this hits? I open up a Word doc or grab a pen and paper and just. start. writing.

Really! Write about anything you want. How the weather is hot/cold and making you miserable. How that guy that cut you off in traffic this morning was a jackass. How happy you are when you hear your kids laugh..whatever! Just write, and pretty soon, all the "gunk" will get out of your brain and you can start focusing on the things that matter.

And remember, for every person who rates your post down or leaves a nasty comment, there are 10 of them who really enjoyed and learned something from it, even if they might not have said anything.

This is good advice. Much of the time, 'writer's block' has more to do with facing a blank page than it does with ability or creativity.

Big-time copywriter Clayton Makepeace has a report floating around (free) about beating the blank page blues. Well worth hunting down.

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clever7

12 years ago

You seem to be a good writer because of the way you explained your problem. You should believe that you have something different to show to the world.

Your explanations are clearer; your style is captivating, there is something better in the way you write. Each author has a different style.

You can compete with anyone if you'll try to really help your readers, and you can be more successful than many others.

Perhaps many internet users will prefer your articles and your lessons because they are easier to understand than the information given by your competitors.

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Not Writer's Block -- it's Writer's Inferiority Complex

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