Biznik is an MLM free zone. Read our 
Bookmark article
Follow article
Email to a friend
Share 
You are always a 10 in my book.
Greatly helpful
out of 10
28 votes
Your Article is an Automatic Ten
Every article I read on the Biznik community has a reason to be rated a ten. (unless being an obvious predator or con) Here are the reasons everyone gets a ten)
Written Nov 18, 2010, read 1435 times since then.
When is Inbound Marketing by writing articles not helpful? Never. Every article is very helpful and so each one gets a ten in my book.
The reader has the freedom to stop reading at anytime.
A bad article with poor grammar and spelling motivates the reader to use spell check and re-read.
An article which starts with "I" and has the word "I" interjected on a regular basis again reminds the reader (and I) of what is truly important and so another lesson is learned. (That is what "I" say.)
The fact that the writer obviously spent two hours in research, organization, and re-writing is more helpful than the reader might realize. The effort and time invested is a sign of character and commitment. Given enough time, the bad get better and the marginal become great. That writer needs encouragement, so another ten.
If the writer is at the beginning of the journey and does not know much or contradicts him/herself, again encouragement is a must. Such a person writing an article probably hears enough negative and critical thoughts. "I" say... ten, ten, ten.
If the writer who is attempting to do Inbound Marketing receives NO rating and appears to be "ignored", the message to the writer might be perceived as: "there is no hope". Why not do something remarkable and unexpected? Give a ten. It is not a matter of a "score deserved", it is a matter of acknowledgement and recognition.
You say that your article is better than the other which received a ten? You might be right. When a five year old tells a man where the restroom is, that might be the most important piece of information needed that day. When someone is pointed to the forks to eat their salad... that too might be the best relief at that moment. The right message at the right time might give a smile, a little hope and encourage someone to continue being of value. (Everyone has a value and is helpful to someone. Even Homer Simpson)
The last and best.
Everyone has a book in them. Biznik has a system where people can begin to express their inner self, their thoughts, ideas and share wisdom. More people writing on Biznik is more activity which leads to better Google juice. If too many people say "what is the point?" and slow down (or stop) writing on Biznik, then what happens to Google juice? Less activity means less comments, etc. As each person writing articles gain confidence and expertise, they will receive comments (which are the true value) and maybe... just maybe, they will finally do what they had in their head all along. "Harry Potter" watch out!
No, this is not a conspiracy to have everyone rate a ten. Your journey may still include: "I'll be the judge" and give a person a marginal score to prove a point. You didn't really prove a point though because the scoring is not public.
Give a ten. It makes a difference. I will because I know it is the best thing for me during my day.
What do you think? Four references to ME in one sentence!
Inbound marketing certainly is about creating valuable content. There are great writers, there are bad.
All contribute, all have an impact.
Professional Trainer & Coach for individuals and organizations with a primary focus on innovative marketing specializing in Guerrilla Marketing & Inbound Marketing. http://www.michaelhartzell.com
Learn more about the author, Michael Hartzell.
Comment on this article
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |Nov 18, 2010 -
Posted by Blanca Vergara, Amsterdam, Noord Holland Netherlands |Nov 18, 2010 I love your positive and uplifting views! 10! 10! 10!
-
Posted by Dean Hartzell, Puyallup, Washington |Nov 18, 2010 That beats anything that I found in three 1000 page Writer's Market books! --author of Changing The Rules and Breaking The Rules
-
Posted by Carolina Dursina, Spring Green, Wisconsin |Nov 18, 2010 I like that you are covering so wide info; the best of the day, the best in that situation and so on... definitely positive!
-
Posted by Robert Nitschke, Edmonds, Washington |Nov 18, 2010 I appreciate your view of what it takes to publish anything. Being a published author of the book Creating a Collaborative Enterprise, I evolved from providing my feedback to others to several published articles, to a published book. In every case it was a learning experience that builds confidence and humility at the same time.
Nice job.
-
Posted by Marilyn Oliva, Fort Lauderdale, Florida |Nov 18, 2010 A perfect 10! Thank you for your insight.
-
Posted by Richard Gabel, Issaquah, Washington |Nov 18, 2010 You're a 10 Michael. It looks like you've got enough votes now that not even the evil Biznik spoilers can effectively dilute your score with a low grade.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Blanca,
So very nice to have you to comment with such enthusiasm. Whoosh.... thank you!
Likewise back at you even more.
Mike
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Dean,
Now that is a big wow. 1000 writers? whew.
coming from an author at www.virdean.com is pretty big.
thank you.
Mike
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Carolina,
Back at you (but much more) and a big thank you.
I am my Dad's sun which forces me to look at things like an analytical engineer.
:)
Best,
-
Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |Nov 18, 2010 Michael,
Have I told you lately how much I love your attitude about marketing? Your positive attitude, your helpful attitude, your creative attitude, your very perspective that is so open and curious and watching for the next cool tool of innovation as you honor tried and true methods...LIKE writing books, which these days are all the easier to self-publish as an eBook or a print-on demand or a physical pre-printed book...
And writing is always a good way to leverage your message and reach more people!
Thank you Michael for the pep talk!
Deborah
Authentic Writing Provokes
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Mr. Nitschke,
Amen to: "In every case it was a learning experience that builds confidence and humility at the same time."
thank you for sharing deep thoughts.
ah yes, I am about to read your book from http://www.creatingacollaborativeenterprise.com/
Looking forward to it!
Mike
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Marylin,
Ah... coming from the creative, writing, marketing person such as you, a big thanks.
And you are all they on the east coast and still took a moment.
The question is: Will you now look at it different when you are about to "rate" something? Did you join the revolution?
:)
Best,
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Richard,
Thank you. "I" am but a reflection of those around me. Fortunately I have become smart enough to hang around the best. :)
The 10 is a surprise and was NOT the goal. It was truly to inspire to share a one and zero to a few others.
Thanks for taking a moment to give support.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 Deborah,
Authentic Writing Provokes.
With your awesome feedback, I will now get through the cloudy, rainy, cold Seattle area bad weather day much better.thank you!
Mike
-
Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |
Nov 18, 2010 You are a walking, living, breathing example of Authentic Writing Provoking....
Happy to fill your "tank" with a genuine compliment.
You are welcome. I know how many smiles are going around Biznik in the tribe of people who have taken the time to write articles...
My Blogging Group is getting this as a must read for next week's Icebreaker...
Cheers
Deborah
Authentic Writing Provokes
-
Posted by Lynn Alpert, St Louis, Missouri |Nov 19, 2010 Wow! I love this. 10! 10! 10! Thank you for your positive encouragement for those of us who are afraid to put ourselves out there.
-
Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |
Nov 19, 2010 Dear Lynn,
What is that article that you have yet to write about?
Deborah
Authentic Writing Provokes
-
Posted by Lara Feltin, Seattle, Washington |Nov 19, 2010 Bravo, Michael, on your provocative article, for that, I'd give you a 10. If the Biznik rating system measured effort. Biznik ratings are measured by degrees of helpfulness. Helpfulness is subjective.
Take a quick look at the suggested equivalents on the scale: a 10 is the considered "absolutely helpful", a 9 is "extraordinarily helpful", an 8 is "greatly" and so on. A 5 is in the middle, so this is only, "reasonably helpful". Then you slip to the other side of the scale. A 4 is "not helpful", a 3 is "misinformed".
I believe that the ability to support the author individually is independent of the ability to support the community as a whole -- except in cases when it's not. Those cases, in my eyes, are good candidates for a 10.
There are many ways to offer encouragement and recognition of time spent. Here's some examples: Forward an article to one or two who can chime into the conversation; post the article to your Facebook wall and say why you're doing so; promote the article in a Tweet; click the "Like" button to support a friend.
In my opinion, the best way to acknowledge an author for their effort is to engage with them. Pose a thoughtful question; extend one or more of their points with your own perspective; or challenge them on something they said. This leads to a lively conversation that both the author and the community will benefit from.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 19, 2010 Lynn,
Whew... WOW backwards. What a nice bit of feedback.
thank you!
I do often wonder how some are able to combine the same 26 letters in the very same alphabet and create an ah-ah moment.
I will watch for your artciles.
Mike
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 19, 2010 Lara,
Whew.... unexpected and special surprise.
"In my opinion, the best way to acknowledge an author for their effort is to engage with them."
Yes, yes... and yes. Absolutely. This personalized feedback which has a real person behind it is the ultimate opportunity for feedback.
"Biznik ratings are measured by degrees of helpfulness. Helpfulness is subjective" is a great reminder why it is not the end of the world when a "10" is not "achieved". It is not a grade based on being the best, highest or most profitable.
For you to take a moment and offer more conversation about the system is not only great... but as usual, absolutely helpful! :)
An excellent personalized reference for not only how but why the a rating system can be helpful. :)
-
Posted by Dana Dwyer, Warrenton, Virginia |Nov 19, 2010 How can I not give encouragement a 10?
Coach Dana K. Dwyer
Turning Small Business Owners Into Confident Business Leaders
-
Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |
Nov 19, 2010 Dear Michael (and Lara and all who have responded to this article),
I read more articles than I comment on or rate, but I often do comment and seek an offline conversation with the authors.
What that has netted me is some new peer contacts that are stellar and I have even the opportunity to see them at events or talk to then on the phone.
As far as I see it, engaging in Social Media Channels like Biznik and Facebook and even LinkedIn is the start of the conversation. And when I have posted articles, myself, I am always hope that my outreach through my article is in service to others and also allows for me to make new connections that I am INTENDED to make.
Helpfulness is indeed subjective. And the number of times I have been reminded of the ABCs that I am oh so familiar with and can easily "take for granted--in the articles of Biznik contributors (e.g. Stacy Karacostas, Warren Dent, Pete DiSantis, Chris Haddad, Beth Buelow, Norma Maxwell and others but just to name a few...) leaves me GRATEFUL for the repetition of Universal Busines/Personal Wisdom that deserves to be broadcast with regularity.
Each time someone authors their version of best business practices or advice or shares their experience of how to grow a business, I am helped in ways I don't always immediately recognize.
So if someone is thinking, I can't write that article, it's been "done already, done before" please reconsider and think again of writing your version as "you see it and live it."
That is Brand You being the Message. And your way of saying what you say, may help identify for a prospective client the right resource and solution.
As for the rating system, yes, it's subjective. As I experience the articles I read do I rate them. And my rating is not the be all, but it is part of the data that establishes a benchmark. And that can be helpful in itself.
Deborah
-
Posted by René Fabre, Kent, Washington |Nov 19, 2010 It's the best thing for me too, during the day. An "atta boy" goes a long ways. We think in the beginning that we're stepping on to a world stage writing online and everyone will see us. That's possible, but not how it usually starts out. Our concerns are many, like being stupid, saying something wrong, or being boring.
Those first and early steps can be quite scary. Then it dawns on us that writing online can be a very lonely and unmeasurable occupation. Is no one reading me? Will anyone every read what I have to say? If they do, will they ever comment?
It takes time, patience, and a great big stick to it attitude. A 10 can be such a welcome heartwarming gift... That's why it's so important we have an encouraging benevolent community like Biznik.
Great post...
-
Posted by Randal DeHart, PMP, QPA, Lynnwood, Washington |Nov 20, 2010 Michael,
You are 100% right on with all your points! So rating your article a 10 is all I have to say.
Warm Regards,
Randal
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Dana,
Thank you for taking a moment and giving a positive shout out of encouragement.
Happy Friday!
Mike
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Deborah,
There are times where I look at a photo next to the article and think "this is absolutely helpful" and rate it as such. That is because the photograph does NOT express the person well and has me going back to my team to reconfirm... photo ok?
If a contact with a person motivates thought and ACTION, it must have been absolutely helpful don't you think? :)
Thank you again for deep thoughts and comments.
-
Posted by Matt Lawrence, Seattle, Washington |Nov 20, 2010 Articles selected for circulation on the home page obviously gain more traction and visibility - they represent the business focused content we think our members are hungry for.
Encouraging members to write articles is a fantastic way to support an established - or budding author. Any article published on Biznik will be visible on their profile page, as will the conversation which may ensue.
In my book, rating an article a 10 is not to be trifled with.
On average, Biznik receives about 50 articles in a day. Some of them are clearly not content rich, and it is easy to determine they are not the type of article we would select for circulation.
Michael, you suggest that every author should, "get a ten", and I could not disagree more.
I value my time, and I am considerate of how I encourage others to spend their time. Rating an article with an honest portrayal of my perception is an effective way for me reach the larger audience, quickly.
If everyone were doling out "10's" for Biznik articles, we would quickly water down the utility of a rating system. Certainly, encouraging words to an author in a direct message or in a comment of the article itself are ways we can support authors.
Sometimes (for me at least) the more interesting support is the critical and honest advise, supporting me to be a better writer. For support, I go to my grandma, not my peers. I want my peers to make me better by challenging me.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Renee,
Your thoughts are so great. Thank you for sharing.
I find help when watching a five year old or someone who is 90.
It is a matter of listening and thinking for a moment. Thus my "ten" attitude is based on the belief that all are helpful in some way. (In other words, all have some gem of wisdom which is helpful to another.)
Sometimes it takes a moment longer.
Then the symptom of the "atta boy" after someone made the effort to be helpful empowers them to ... be more.
Supporting "Success breeds success"" has worked much better when turning around business than verbalizing high criticism.
Thank you again Rene!
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Matt,
Great thoughts all. Your words make me pause and ponder. .... I will give this more serious thought.
thank you for taking the moments to share thoughts. I know how valuable your time is!
Very good points!
-
Posted by Charles Waugh, Bellingham, Washington |Nov 20, 2010 Michael
Excellent article (though I don't even agree that all articles really deserve a "10" because some may be misleading!)
More Bizniks should write articles, and more should contribute to discussions. What else is Biznik about?
Thanks
-
Posted by Lynn Alpert, St Louis, Missouri |
Nov 20, 2010 Michael, Deborah, I actually got my first article published today! Check it out: http://biznik.com/articles/the-care-and-feeding-of-your-graphic-designer
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 -
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Charles,
Well, actually me too. If someone who is a predator or con was using an article as a means for bait or harm, I would be on the bandwagon to fight the good fight.
So... I guess in spirit the ten is handy because everyone there is so many with value.
Thank you big for connecting and your comments.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Randal,
WOW backwards. Most commonly there is high resistance and discussion. With your great feedback and so many others, I reel a bit.
I guess this could open a can of word worms if I was to ask: Is it helpful because the reader is open to ideas and is willing to make the effort to find helpfulness within an article? Or is an article helpful only because of how close to perfection and relevance the writer is able to perform?
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 Lyn,
You gave me an idea. Get ready. thank you!
By the way... what a great Biznik event a graphic designer could have.
-
Posted by Pete DiSantis, Seattle, Washington |Nov 20, 2010 Mike,
My dear friend, you are no Bo Derek, yet you are definitely a 10 in my book.
I have come to this discussion late and I am pondering, pondering, pondering.
So this is what I am thinking:
I think authors should be encouraged to speak/write their mind.
I think if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
I think if you disagree and hide anonymously behind a rating system with no comment . . . (no comment, see above).
I think a 1-10 rating system is too granular and for some is too indiscernible.
I think I may be too judgmental and intolerant yet I want a break.
I think I can give more "10's" in the future.
I think some authors and readers get hung up on the numbers. (I have been in the past).
I think a simple thumbs up or down would be good enough.
I think what comes around goes around.
I think not EVERYONE is entitled to a 10.
I think I lost count of all the "I's".
I think I am done now.
ciao,
P>}
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 20, 2010 I think your approach and list of "I" is great.
This took much thought and made me SMink = smile and think at the same time.
I am still pondering the thoughts Matt brought up.
When one is compared to Bo Derek, we have big trouble brewing. :)
-
Posted by Julie Hutton, Kirkland, Washington |Nov 22, 2010 This was ALL great food for thought. I, too, know the work that goes into writing (one eBook under my belt, '45 Seconds to Everything You Want', with several more planned).
I know the fear related to putting your ideas out for others to 'evaluate'. I DEEPLY ADMIRE everyone willing to adventure into those territories.
If I can't rate it 7 or higher I don't rate it at all. (There are pleny of others who will jump on the negative bandwagon.)
Thanks for all your encouraging words, Michael!!! Please keep it up. We need more voices like yours out there.
-
Posted by James Murray, Seattle, Washington |Nov 22, 2010 Very encouraging article.
I've been looking for the book inside and I think articles like this help authors figure out they are really authors.
Thanks
-
Posted by Deborah Drake, Bellevue, Washington |
Nov 22, 2010 James,
I hope you are inspired to pursue the articles that precede the book inside.
Michael is always encouraging....
I enjoy being so too. There is a weekly event on Tuesdays at 1pm for Writers I host. And weather permitting, Michael Hartzell is an RSVP at this point. Join us?
Deborah
**Authentic Writing Provokes
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 22, 2010 Julie,
So honest and up front and you revealed a secret:
all of your ratings are 7 or better..
Uh oh, your secret is out. :)
Is it possible that after thousands of staff, ten's of thousands hands shaken, thousands of interviews, that my "happiness factor" and "see the best in people" has morphed into a special place?
Yep. It's possible.
Is it possible that even the person who is off key could be a person to energizes me and prove to be helpful and motivating?
Yep.
It is possible that I get too excited at a rainbow, laugh too hard at someone's joke, enjoy the simplest moments much more than others which then has me noticing what is "absolutely helpful" more often?
I think one of the reasons it is easy for me on Biznik is because there is less "trash", more pride and thus the problems you might see elsewhere are very rare here.
As it grows, this might change. Hope not.
Hey... it's snowing.
Wonder if I will make it to Bellevue on Tuesday?Thank you Julie for sharing your secret and connecting!
Your comment made my day.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 22, 2010 James,
Very good of you to comment.
You are an author. Even if you are in the research phase.
:)
I await your first chapter.
Happy snow day,
Mike
-
Posted by John Padmore, Sittingbourne, Kent United Kingdom |Nov 24, 2010 mmmm 'All contribute, all have an impact' is true but some are 'more equal than others' and should be graded in the readers opinion as such.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 25, 2010 John,
Some are more equal than others. In other words, ... more helpful.
True enough.
Not sure of whether I would consider it a "grade" as much as I do an acknowledgment such as when you give a thumbs up or thumbs down.
What I appreciate about eBay is how it serves as a reminder that the same product has a variable value. To high a price for one might be a deal for another.
I remain the perpetual optimums with one foot in reality and lean towards finding that which is "absolutely helpful" within the effort. (intended or not)
Thank you John. More to ponder.
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Nov 25, 2010 -
Posted by Gail-Lee McDermott, Delray Beach, Florida |Dec 01, 2010 It's always good to remember to always learn. Thanks for the reminder! That's a 10!
-
Posted by Michael Hartzell, Seattle, Washington |
Dec 01, 2010 Gail-Lee,
So good of you to pause a moment during the holidays to give a comment and a smile.
I thank you.
Mike
MichaelHartzell Tweets
Michael's current promotion
-
Updated Apr 02, 2013
Recruiting Inbound Marketing Experts
There is an opportunity to meet business owners and executives face to face and share your character and expertise as it relates to inbound marketing.[more]>
Article tags
- inbound marketing
- article writing
- biznik
Michael's other articles
Related Articles
-
SEO Biznik Lessons Learned from the Wisdom of Pete, John and Richard
By Michael Hartzell
1712 views | 14 comments -
How to Blog Easily, Promote Biznik, Shine the Light and Get Noticed by Google
By Michael Hartzell
377 views | 4 comments -
-
-
-
Bizniks are talking about 
Hosted by 
About:
Cities:
Member categories:
- Copyright ©2005 - 2013 Biznik business networking
- Terms of Service
- Code of Conduct
- Privacy Policy
- Membership Contract
