Listverse, now officially a teenager, has been churning out daily lists for over 4,700 days. Its success comes from prioritizing quality, emphasizing pieces that provoke thought rather than those that serve as clickbait. But beyond entertaining readers, Listverse has transformed many of its writers, honing their skills and making them more meticulous and creative.
1. Research Topics Thoroughly
With Listverse’s vast library, your fresh idea might already exist. The site has covered topics ranging from the mundane to the maniacal over its 13-year run. To stand out, you need to dig deeper, skewing pitches toward unexplored issues. Turn familiar topics on their head, or delve into specific niches to unearth fresh insights.
2. Facts: Check, Re-check, and Three-check
The internet is both a treasure trove and a minefield of misinformation. Writing for Listverse reinforces the importance of reliable sourcing and cross-verification. It’s not just about avoiding fraudulent sites, but also correcting unintentional inaccuracies.
Listverse’s audience is another quality control measure, quick to point out any factual errors. This keeps writers honest and diligent in their research.
3. Be Succinct
Brevity is a virtue, especially when writing for Listverse. The format challenges contributors to craft ten themed mini-stories that form a cohesive whole.
Eliminate clunky segues and wasted words to create digestible articles. Always ask, “Can I say this in fewer words without losing quality?” This approach enhances clarity and engagement.
4. The WGAS Test
Before committing to a topic, ask yourself, “Who gives a sh*t?” This helps ensure that your piece will resonate with readers. Listverse’s unique style means that if a piece isn’t accepted, there aren’t many similar platforms to turn to.
For every idea that makes it to a pitch, ten more are discarded. This internal vetting process ensures that only the most interesting topics are pursued.
5. Don’t Be Tempted by Tangents
Researching Listverse pieces often reveals interesting side stories. However, it’s crucial to stay focused. Ask yourself how relevant the extenuating circumstances are to the overall topic.
Avoid running down every historical corridor. Direct lines of thought make for stronger, more impactful writing.
6. Take Criticism Lightly
The internet is full of critics, and Listverse is no exception. Readers excel at nitpicking and finding fault. History-themed lists are dissected, while subjective lists are met with preference-fueled derision.
Learn to take criticism lightly. You can’t please everyone, so grow thicker skin and recognize that debate is part of Listverse’s appeal.
7. Using Useless Knowledge
Listverse provides an outlet for sharing your vast vault of superfluous facts and niche obsessions. It allows you to expand on topics that fascinate you.
Sharing personal obsessions can be an exercise in exorcism, unraveling bundled thought threads while engaging readers. This creates cohesion, closure, and empathy.
8. Another Word For…
Successful writing requires a robust vocabulary. Word choice matters, especially in limited copy spaces. Listverse often operates by a “crush a micro-topic” mentality, requiring writers to produce 1,800+ words on a niche within a niche.
To make your piece stand out, avoid repeating the same words. Consistently ask, “What’s another word for…?” This exercise enhances your vocabulary and improves your writing.
9. Throw a Strange One In There
The best lists include at least one item that is particularly weird, wild, or whacky. This gives readers a real “oh wow” moment. If it blows you away, it will likely blow readers away as well.
For subjective lists, include an outlier that you love but others won’t. This sparks debate and makes the list more engaging.
10. If It Isn’t Fun, It Isn’t For You
Writing should be an escape, not an obligation. If you approach a 2,000-word list with dread, it’s not for you. Successful Listverse pieces are authored by those with genuine interest in the topic.
Choose topics that suit you, and be honest when an assignment might be better suited for another writer. This makes the writing process more enjoyable and improves the quality of your work.
Listverse has been a transformative platform, teaching writers to be meticulous, creative, and engaging. By following these lessons, any writer can improve their craft and create content that resonates with readers. Embrace the fun of writing, and you’ll find that Listverse, or any platform, can be an incredible tool for growth.
What writing tips resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
