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	Need Article Ideas?

	by Bonnie Davis

Writer's block...need I say more? Every writer experiences writer's block at one time or another. For a writer using ARTICLES to market his or her business, the block often starts with trying to generate a new article idea. There are many creative ways to discover article ideas no matter what your topic and we'll cover several of them below.

IT'S NOT STEALING

Your first step in finding article ideas should be to create a SWIPE file. Copywriters initially used swipe files for collecting examples of outstanding copywriting techniques. Swipe files included clippings from magazines, direct mail pieces, copies of e-mails, web site copy, etc. Our swipe file consists of a file in your favorite word processing program where you collect article IDEAS for future articles. Begin by typing in any article ideas that you may have already. Then build your swipe file using the following suggestions.

CHAT ROOMS

Participate in these online forums where you can chat with others by typing messages, which are instantly displayed. Choose a chat room in your TOPIC area that is frequented by your TARGET audience and discover the hot topics everyone is discussing. You can find chat rooms by visiting:

FORUMS/MESSAGE BOARDS

Users communicate with each other in these web based message centers by posting text messages that can be viewed using a web browser. Some forums and message boards allow you to follow a topic by asking for e-mail NOTIFICATION when a new posting is made. Find threaded conversations on hot topics in your niche by visiting:

NEWSGROUPS AND DISCUSSION LISTS

Classified by subject matter these communication driven groups are CATEGORIZED by topic and can be read on-line or via an e-mail newsreader (often included in your e-mail software). Hot newsgroups and discussion lists can be found at:

NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES

You can obtain a wealth of article ideas by reading your daily newspaper and topical magazines. Keep a notepad with you while you read and jot down topic ideas. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to a variety of topics or visit the library often to peruse publications you might not normally pick up -- you never know where the big ideas will come from. Many newspapers and magazines offer on-line versions that can be found by visiting:

CALENDARS

There are hundreds of HOLIDAYS and special occasions every year. Using holidays tied to your niche in your articles will impress your readers and show that you are current and up-to-date with your article topics. Search through:

SURVEYS

Conduct surveys with your customers or newsletter readers. Ask them what topics they are INTERESTED in and would like you to cover -- and always have a space on your form asking for questions. Surveys can provide you with a wealth of topics that are sure to please your audience. You can even use free online survey generators such as:

HOAXES

There are enough hoaxes and old wives tales in just about any topic that can give you plenty of article ideas. Explain or DISPUTE the hoax or tale and relate the story to your topic area. You can find hoaxes and old wives tales at:

CONFERENCES

Meeting planners are charged with the task of bringing in SPEAKERS and arranging roundtables on the hottest topics for their target audience. You can take advantage of their hard work by checking out conferences in your field and making note of the workshop and keynote topics. You can find conference listings organized by topic at:

DON'T GIVE IN TO THE BLOCK

Get started today building your swipe file and add to it on a DAILY basis. This will help you become more organized in your writing and will ensure that you never run out of article ideas!

Bonnie Davis is a Virtual Assistant working with small businesses to increase efficiency and profits. Visit her website at www.DavisVirtualAssistance.com or contact her directly at Bonnie@VirtualHelpCenter.com.

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