If you ever want to crack into the Internet publishing game, make a list. The top ten, the ten least likely, the five places never to visit, top three foods to eat to avoid diarrhea…all is possible without as much as a spec of support material.
Probably the biggest LIST of Websites has to be Yahoo. In addition, Yahoo has decided to make what appears to be the intimate article into “paid for” commercial (A sort of Internet infomercial). Especially hotels, airlines, cars, weight loss and muscle gain after seventy-five years old and on your death bed.
“21 of the best sushi spots around the country”
What country?
“The Most Beautiful Jewish Celebs!”
Found on the Sports page!
“The states with the best schools, 2015”
We are only one month into 2015 how is this possible?
“States with no income tax”
Duh!
“8 Genius New Uses for Your Favorite Photos”
Genius, really? Hawking genius or perhaps a good idea. (Love hyperbole)
“14 Ingenious Things to Do With Leftover Beer”
Drink it!
“The 10 Commandments of Gym Etiquette”
Work out, admire others, and look at good butts.
Tell my doctor.
“Celeb splits in 2014”
First, I do not know 655 of these people and secondly, who cares? I worry about my own family.
“Can You Guess Which Las Vegas Casino Makes the Most Money?”
Again, who cares?
“Ten Best Retirement Countries”
Costa Rica made the list along with 231 others. How is that measured: Money, Comfort or….
“Ten Worst Countries for Business”
Oops. Costa Rica made the list
“8 Founding Fathers’ Insane Drinking Habits”
The most useless information that I never need to know unless on Jepordy.
“6 Skinny Secrets from Leading Nutritionists”
And how much do these “secrets” cost us?
“10 Best States to retire!”
This leads to another infomercial……..
The point being is if you or your product wants to be published around the globe, “make a list”! Second in command is make up a recipe for food; we all love to eat. Or, just simply pay the Website to publish your stuff to look like a real event or news.
What is both frustrating and close to consumer fraud is to present these lists as valid. We will click on them but I measure 67% are commercials and have 0% to 0% validity in truth. Even published by “leading” universities who are supposed expected to provide some academic rigor to on all this stuff. Getting students is far more important than telling truth.
Always, but always look for any sign that the article is “sponsored” translated to who and the hell knows the truth. The famed “infomercial” is rampant on Internet and it wastes your time and usually results in disappointment as well as money loss.
