Online Fun and Business

In early December of 1843, Charles Dickens completed the manuscript for a little ghost story about Christmas. He called it A Christmas Carol and the publisher printed the first copies a week before Christmas. By Christmas Eve all 6000 printed copies were sold. The story was overwhelmingly received, being read and repeated in homes throughout London.

Charles Dickens had conceived the idea of writing a Christmas story less than three months earlier. The idea was partially a response to his urgent need to produce some additional income. His publisher had informed Dickens that sales of his novels were not as great as expected and that he would have to reduce the advance income due Dickens until sales increased.

Dickens described his writing plan as “a little scheme,” but as the writing of the story progressed, Dickens was overwhelmed by the story’s joyful message. He said that during the writing he “wept, and laughed, and wept again.” The little ghost story became a special project that Dickens became passionate about and finished quickly.

Charles Dickens insisted that the book contain numerous woodcuts and etchings and be well-bound. Then he also insisted that it should sell for the small price of five shillings to make it affordable to a wide audience. The book was no longer part of a personal economic plan but was a gift from Dickens to the imaginations of families everywhere and a blessing to everyone.

Dickens called his story A Christmas Carol because he expected the story to be repeated and shared and to bring people together just as the singing of Christmas carols spread joy and brought families together each season throughout London. His carol was a song of praise of the Christmas season and of the redemption of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Cleverly, Dickens called the five chapters of the book “staves.” A musical stave is a stanza with a consistent theme and mood. Each stave in the story delivers a different message and each has a definite mood. As in a carol each stave can stand alone but each contributes to the carol’s overall theme.

A good carol also contains a memorable refrain, repeated at appropriate times throughout. In Dickens’ A Christmas Carol the refrain is no doubt the blessing from Tiny Tim, “God bless us every one!” It’s a refrain that has been repeated countless times since the publishing of A Christmas Carol.

The story sings the praises of the sentiments of the Christmas season in a memorable way and will be repeated as long as carols and the Christmas season endure.

********************

Garry Gamber is a public school teacher and entrepreneur. He writes articles about politics, real estate, health and nutrition, and internet dating services. He is the owner of http://www.Anchorage-Homes.com and http://www.TheDatingAdvisor.com.

Loving and caring for our babies is the most important thing we can do. Our babies of today are the adolescents of tomorrow, who will grow up to be the adults who influence the world we live in. It is when they are a baby, that we lay the foundation of who they will become.

When a baby is first born, the brain is developing at a rapid rate. It is at this time that you teach your baby about the world, and about relationships. If these pathways are not laid down in the first months and year, of a baby’s life – that part of the baby’s brain never develops. This is the part of the brain that teaches us how to care for other people,…. How to have a positive relationship with other people. The most important teachers the baby has, are it’s main care givers – it’s Mom and Dad

In my years working both as a Midwife, and as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse, I had always included the Dad, and kept both parents informed about matters that affected their baby. It was only when I was putting together my fun educational video for first time parents (I had realized that many parents were actually looking for information like this, and it was not available), that I decided to break with tradition and film the Dad and a Male Midwife demonstrating how to care for a new baby. I decided to check what research had been done on the Role of the Father to find out what the Scientific Research showed about how important Dad really is.

Of course I knew that Dads are important – but I didn’t realize how important they are, how their involvement, or lack of involvement will have an impact on the long-term outcome of their infant/child. I thought that a “super duper- mother” could make up for any lacking father. This is not the case at all!! It is so important that the Dad is involved – right from the start – and in a positive way. I really believe that if every first time Mom and Dad knew about this, they would be doing everything they could to ensure that their baby is going to have the best chance in life.

Another thing that I believe new parents are unaware of – is how the birth, and subsequent effect of living with a new baby impacts on the life and lifestyle of new parents – this is when your relationship is put to it’s greatest test. If your relationship does not survive – your child becomes a child from a broken family, and even though that is painful for the adults involved – the children are the one’s that suffer most. A report back in the 1990’s called CODE BLUE (Bureau of the Census – Washington DC) found that “Never before has one generation of American Teenagers been less healthy, less cared for, or less prepared for life” – we forget that all these kids start out as babies, and with so many relationships breaking down, with or without divorce, many of these children are the result of broken families. A family breakdown, means that your child is not living with his/her dad.

For the child’s sake – it is crucial that we see the relationship that the Dad has with his child, as independent from the relationship that the Mom and Dad have. If the child’s relationship is dependent only on the Mom and Dad staying together, that child will face many disadvantages.

Your baby’s best chance in life – is to have a Mom and DAD who are working together as a team taking care of them. Some parents think that the Dad only needs to be involved when the baby is older and can catch the ball!! – this could not be further from the truth. From an emotional and psychological point of view - the younger we are when we have an experience – the greater the impact it has on us – even though when we grow up – we may not remember it!!! We take these experiences with us in our subconscious brain – which is what influences our whole lives. Even as adults, our Mums and Dads are in our heads, even when we’re thousands of miles away from them – their voices, their beliefs about us, are constantly playing … like a tape-recorder, never ending … influencing our beliefs about ourselves … even if those beliefs are false!!!!! … influencing our lives. This is how powerful you … the Dad…and you, the Mum.. are.

So don’t think that your baby is a little blob just lying there … babies are like little sponges… soaking up everything around them, and especially the feelings and the atmosphere around.. the way you speak to them, touch them … your loving touch…it does not go unnoticed …. It is stored forever, and affects how they feel about themselves, it affects their belief about the world …. Whether it is a safe world, whether they are special.

What the Research shows is that “Children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and pro-social behaviour, and avoid high-risk behaviours such as drug use, truancy, and criminal activity compared to children who have uninvolved fathers” (National Fatherhood Initiative 2004)

That is the positive effect a father can have on his child.

The negative effect that an uninvolved, unloving dad has is:

“Boys with absent fathers are statistically more likely to be violent, get hurt, get into trouble, do poorly in schools and be members of teenage gangs in adolescence. Fatherless daughters are more likely to have low self-esteem, to have sex before they really want to, get pregnant, be assaulted and not continue their schooling” (Steve Biddulph Parenting Author Raising Boys) Available through.

My experience has shown me that every first time Mom and Dad want the best for their baby, so how come it doesn’t always work out like that. Some new Moms adopt an attitude that they will be the one who does the learning, and they will then pass on to the Dad what he needs to know. This is in no-one’s best interests – least of all, her baby.

A new mum does not realize what huge demands are going to be placed on her, with her baby needing feeding throughout the day and night (Mums tend to carry out this role mostly because of breast-feeding) This is not the time to be taking on the role of Dad Educator as well – the Mum herself needs time to rest so that she can give her baby the ultimate care she wants to give, so an eager, involved Dad who is becoming competent, and then confident with caring for his baby – is a huge asset. He is also able to start developing his important relationship with his baby. Working together with caring for your baby – makes it easier all round.

A word here too about boy babies – don’t forget he will grow up one day, and be one of the fathers of the future – so your influence continues through generations!!!

Parenting Author Steve Biddulph also highlights the fact that parenting as a team can create a deeper bond between partners.

Loving and caring for our babies is the most important thing we can do. Working on having a healthy/functional relationship with our partner is also crucial for yourself and for your family. The books, and research that has been done, particularly in the USA can be pretty depressing when you find out what happens when babies are ignored and emotionally neglected …… we all pay the price as it affects the world we live in. If you are looking for further information on this subject, the suggested reading list at the end of this section – will give you masses of “food for thought”

Fortunately, the word is out …….Babies need their Dad’s positive involvement – right from the start.

Research is showing that New Dads in 2005 – want information directed to them, on how to bathe, settle, and dress their infant.

These guys aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty!!! They accept their parenting role with responsibility, and they want to be involved with all aspects of caring for their baby.

Dad’s can’t breast-feed (yet!) …. but there is so much else they can do. Massaging your baby is beneficial for your baby – and is great for bonding – and it’s easy to do.

Fathering is one of the greatest challenges you will ever face – and it requires an ongoing commitment. The rewards are happy well adjusted children, who love being around you, kids you have a great relationship with and who look up to you. Parenting as a team strengthens your relationship with your partner and builds a strong functional family. Remember, this is your family you are creating… These rewards can last a life time – after all….Dads are forever

© Ros Vroom (Reg Midwife/Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse) www.dadstheword.com

About The Author

As well as being a Mom, Ros Vroom is a Registered Midwife/Neonatal Intensive Care nurse with more than 15 years experience with newborn babies and new parents. Her fun educational video/dvd “Seven Steps to baby bliss” is shown in Maternity hospitals in antenatal classes around Australia. She breaks with tradition and shows a Male Midwife helping a new Dad care for his Newborn. For many years she was a content partner for Government Health websites, and her websites: www.mumstheword.com.au and www.dadstheword.com are highly recommended by various newborn parenting websites.

The complete article may be published in full, acknowledging the author and copyright owner as Ros Vroom www.dadstheword.com 2005. Ros can be contacted at ros@dadstheword.com

ros@dadstheword.com

For the real adaptive workers out there, the capability to get online and exploit the tools back at work can be a major plus. Now found in an increasing amount of Nokia handsets available now are Business Phones. These brainy pieces of high-technology empower you to receive your data through browsers and e mail your clients and coworkers. Indeed, your business phone acts in a similar way as a lap-top might, except it’s less than half the volume. I recommend checking out Nokia UK for business phones

Nokia, as it’s said, concerns itself with connecting people. They also think that transportability makes businesses better. Mobility gives you the freedom to team up and carry out business externally to the accepted work environments and times. Nokia offers an expansive assortment of business devices. All of these is for various sorts of consumer.

From their business range Nokia supply four particular makes of business telephone. These are communicators, smart phones, messaging handsets and mobile handsets. Nokia business devices support solutions such as Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email. Nokia have done some research and it has been discovered that workers exploiting wireless email carried out an average of an extra fifty five mins of work per day. This is predicted to extend to about eighty mins extra a day Christmas 2007. Yet another benefit to using a Nokia Business devices is that they can save some dosh for the business or even for you individually because you’ll not depend upon 2 different handsets - you can have all you need encompassed in 1 set.

Nokia telephones are brilliant for firms & for pros. All handsets come with great designs, they are all wonderfully compatible and also effortless to use, once you’ve played around them. The email capabilities are excellent with support from Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Office 97, 2000, 2003 & XP and also it’s compatible with zip manager and Adobe Reader. Folk can send and receive e-mails throughout conversing on the telephone plus they may access the current calendar and the contact details. The e mail facilities can also function in the off-line mode which means one are able to read & write emails whilst the internet is unreachable.

Even though the business hand sets from Nokia are not all particularly small scale, what you have to remember is that they are good dimensions when you think what they are able to do. Most of the handsets are sold with a full keyboard with back-light, a good sized landscape screen and also an easy one press feature which accesses your email .

A business handset may not suite everybody but for the conveniences it offers people who will make use of the facilities, it’s assuredly going to make their lives much more simple.

You know I am a pretty normal type of guy, I buy my milk in a bottle and drive my car carefully but I swear I just saw a car fly? It might have been a day dream but I am pretty sure.

It was probably me just imagining it again, Ever since I brought a great car from aber car sales in west wales I have just been so happy to be not dealing with the broken down old car I had that I day dream a fair bit. buying a car will do that to you, especially when you find an excellent example of a classic car, a used car in west wales. If you don’t believe me I dare you to go and buy a new or used motor and see if your not happier as a result, I mean don’t get yourself into debt but buy something with leather and you will be generally a happier person as a direct result of buying that car!

Nothing makes clearer the importance of water than a large disaster; clean, fresh water becomes more valuable than gold. It’s easy to forget that without water, we just can’t survive. 60 percent of our bodies are water, in fact for infants, water makes up about 80 percent of their body, so it is even more vital they have access to clean drinking water.

Unfortunately, following large-scale disasters, it’s not unusual that water supplies may be cut off temporarily or be rendered unfit for consumption. Everyone should know the following tips about safe drinking water in emergency situations.

Preparedness is Everything: The advice comes over and over, but most people still are not ready when disaster hits. You must maintain a supply of clean drinking water someplace safe in your home. You can survive a week without food, if necessary, but even one or two days without water can be fatal.

In terms of how much water is needed to be stored, you need to drink at least two quarts a day of water. Enough water for all the members of your family for at least a few days is a good idea. You can store water yourself in your own containers; anything glass, and clean, thoroughly washed plastic containers with caps work well. Seal water tightly in their containers and store them in someplace cool and dark in your home. Make sure to change new water regularly; once every six months.

Finding Safe Drinking Water: If you do run out of water during an emergency, or are trapped somewhere without ready access to clean drinking water, you’ll need to know what’s safe to drink, and what isn’t.

After a disaster, possible sources of safe drinking water in your home include the water from your hot water tank, the water from your toilet tank (not the bowl, but the water from your tank, but if it is chemical-free), and water trapped in your water pipes. Melt any ice cubes that you may have stored.

Avoid using water from waterbeds as drinking water, since they are treated with chemicals unsafe for drinking. You can use waterbed water for washing, though. Outside your home try to locate streams, rivers, lakes, or other sources of fresh water. Never drink floodwater; it is usually contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. Do save rainwater that may fall for drinking.

Purifying Water in an Emergency: If you cannot locating safe drinking water during an emergency, then any water you find that does not look clear, or which you believe may be contaminated, should be purified before drinking.

The best and easiest way to purify water is by boiling. Disease-bearing microorganisms cannot survive in high temperatures. Boil the water for about one minute. For improved taste, pour the water back and forth from one clean container to another.

If you’re unable to boil your water, treat it chemically before drinking. Household chlorine bleach can be used to treat your water. Use an eyedropper, to drop eight drops of bleach into each gallon of water to be treated. Make sure the chlorine you use lists hypochlorite as its only active ingredient; any extra chemicals or fragrances will only further contaminate the water. Stir the water and allow it to stand at least 30 minutes. When the water appears clear, it is likely safe to drink. If it is still murky or clouded, put in eight more drops and let stand another 30 minutes.

Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read tips on
home alarm monitoring, and home security services and products

These treadmill buying tips will make you aware of important
considerations before you go treadmill shopping. A treadmill is
the most popular piece of fitness equipment today and will last
for many years. So you want to look for everything you want now
as well as everything you’ll need as you become more fit.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 1 Your Workout Area

Make sure the treadmill is going to fit in the room where you
will be using it. A treadmill can look small in the store but
can become huge once you get it in your workout room at home.

Get the treadmills measurements and make sure it fits well in
your room and isn’t crammed in a small space. Your workout area
should be pleasant so you will enjoy it and workout more often.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 2 Price

You get what you pay for in a treadmill but make sure you get
the best in your price range. Read the treadmill reviews and
ratings because these usually come from unbiased sources.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 3 Motor

One of the most important elements of any treadmill is the
motor. Look for a motor with a continuous duty power rating.
You’ll see other ratings such as, peak duty and treadmill duty
but they don’t mean much. Continuous duty power rating is a more
accurate measure of motor power and this kind of motor will give
you better performance with longer life.

Most treadmill motors range from 1.5 HP to 3.0 HP with the less
expensive treadmills offering lower power motors that simply
will not last. Look for at least a 2.0 HP continuous duty motor
and this should be adequate. If you run a lot on your treadmill
you might want to get a 2.5 HP motor.

There are AC and DC motors with most home treadmills using a DC
motor because they are quieter. AC motors are mostly used in
commercial treadmills and require much more power. The AC motor
will also require a dedicated power line and will be much
noisier.

For a home treadmill, look for a DC motor with a minimum 1 year
warranty for a quieter workout. A lot of people watch TV or
listen to music while working out so motor noise is a very
important consideration.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 4 Running Or Walking Surface

Common mistakes made when buying a treadmill is thinking all
running or walking surfaces are the same. They are not the same
and here is what you look for.

Look for a 2 ply surface belt with a minimum width of 17
inches. If you are a runner, get a running or belt surface
length of 60 inches as a minimum. If you just want to walk on
your treadmill look for a minimum belt surface length of 48
inches. These lengths will provide a more comfortable stride for
walking or running.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 5 Inclines

Look for an electronic incline that can be adjusted by pushing
a button on the console. There are manually adjusted inclines
but they have to be set before you begin using the treadmill.
Quality treadmills will have this automatic electronic incline
feature and you’ll be much happier with it. Look for the incline
feature to range between 0% and a minimum of 10% but higher is
better.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 6 Low Impact Deck

Treadmills with low impact or have a shock absorption system
are much easier on your back and all of your joints. But a
treadmill deck should not feel too soft or spongy. Read the
treadmill reviews and ratings to know the type of cushioning
system each manufacturer uses.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 7 Frame

Look for a high alloy steel or a heavy aluminum treadmill
frame. Steel is the best choice because it is heavier, sturdier
and will last the longest. The weight of the steel frame also
gives your treadmill more stability.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 8 Warranties

Most quality treadmills offer lifetime frame warranties, but
with regular use, your treadmill will require service at some
point. Look for a warranty with a minimum of 1 year labor and 1
to 3 years for parts on the motor, deck, belt and electronics.

Motors and belts may require to be serviced by a technician. So
make sure you purchase your treadmill from a company that
provides accessibility to a technician.

Even if you purchase your treadmill from the Internet, several
manufacturers work with quality fitness service companies close
to where you live.

Treadmill Buying Tip # 9 The Overall Feel

The treadmill you choose should feel sturdy, be comfortable for
you to walk or run on and be easy to use.

Options like heart rate monitors, electronic displays, custom
programs and interval training are something only you can decide
on.

These buying tips are for the critical considerations like
structure, motor, belt and frame. Buying a quality treadmill
means you will have fewer breakdowns while experiencing a much
better workout.

The bottom line is shop around, read the treadmill reviews and
ratings and look at your treadmill as a long term investment in
your overall health. That is the best treadmill buying tip you
can get.

Isn’t that what they say?
But what does that mean?
There’s no definition that may
answer that question…

For everyone everywhere
Because it’s all about what you
feel in your heart and share
with the important people in your life…

I honestly believe it means
you should make choices
that will never let you seem
to wonder “What if…?”

Or ask yourself questions like
“Why am I not happy?”
“Where did I wrong?”
How can my life be…

So unfulfilling
and depressing
day after day
continually stressing…

Me out to the point
of no return or worse
when I think there’s
simply a real curse…

On my existence
as silly as it sounds…
If you can’t shake it
The feelings will compound…

And lead you to a tragic
internal, premature death
of emotions and real living
that will always be less…

Satisfying and true
than living for today
in a way that may
make you feel all new…

Each and every morning
despite the world around you
your life will not be dreary…
And you will never have to -

Wonder what could have been
if only you’d taken a chance
and lived in the moment
and treasured the dance…

Of your life that’s not eternal
embracing the small things
that may come unexpectedly
and give you unknown wings…

To soar above
the mundane and boring
To choose the path
that’s worth exploring…

Remember you only
walk this world one time
make it a valuable trip
filled with the sublime…

You’ll probably regret what you
choose not to do a lot more
than what you decide to try
so do not close the door…

On the unknown
Go the extra mile
Take some risks
and you will smile…

When you look back
on the life you made
You will not lack
in delight or…

Have to ask yourself
Why? Why? Why?
Did I allow the years
to fly quickly by…

Without enjoying my days
to the fullest extent
and making each moment
more than well-spent?

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

Play The Download Game. Wii By Nintendo Wii
———-
Speaking of the download game, Wii operates the same as computer game platform. If Nintendo owner can save money and download games to Wii, they’ll usually do it, if they’re able. This issue really is whether it is or not worth the time to download game wii, rather than buy the game disc from the store

Gamer aficionado adoption to the revolutionary Wii console leads many to question whether it is legal and ethical to download game Wii or not.

Googling “wii download” shows us loads of online companies selling Wii game downloads and discussing the possibility of getting a particular download game. Wii is a spectacular gaming platform, yet it could be stressful trying to differentiate the vendors who are trustworthy, don’t contain adware, and market a superiorWii game download.

The reliable Wii game download site must volunteer older Nintendo games on top of the fresh download game. Wii keeps access for standard Nintendo games signifying that you possess the power to download the old standards of the previous Nintendo games, as well as the exciting new games. If you want to download Wii games, search for a site that offers access to a large mixture of download games.

Wii is chiefly a disc game manufacturer as well, so don’t give credit card information or payment to the website you mistrust, just for a download game. Wii is from Nintendo one of the largest game console developers in the world, only buy from professionally designed websites that will not share your personal data or fill your console with viruses.

In our search for better gaming, we have in fact found a couple of top services that offer aquality service to buy a download game. Wii consoles are also perfect systems for watching dvd’s, the good services we came across offer a whole slew of music, downloadable movies, T.V shows, computer programs, as well as access to your favourite download game.

The Wii console is ready to assume the mantle of top gaming platform in the marketplace. I have seen plans for Wii Party Rental Rooms which will let you and your friends to rent out a stunningly fitted private room to experience your own Nintendo System Wii private party including a 10 foot screen, cosy seating and all the Nintendo Wii Games you might require for your party.

Watch for further news regarding this fun new concept.
———-
Why you should Wii Game Downloads For Your Nintendo System Wii. Ideas For Designing The Ultimate Nintendo System Wii Room Check It Out

Did you ever work in a company, doctor’s office, hospital or anywhere that there are more than two people? Did you find out the hard way that when a tongue starts wagging at co-workers your professional life will somehow suffer? Did you ever ask yourself how did this happen? When you only made one remark to Susie and now I am in a hot frying pan ready to be eaten alive.

Many years ago when I was younger and stupider I was working in a large hospital billing office. I liked my job and interacted with all the employees in my department. I worked with this woman and we had a great working relationship. My job was to make her job easier and it worked.

Then one day I was talking to another employee and her name came up. I made one statement about this woman and believe me I wish I could take it back.

At the time I was speaking to my co-worker and I made this statement I did not think I had said anything out of the ordinary. But by the time it had gone around the entire department and back to her I had an enemy for life.

To be perfectly honest I do not know what she thought I said because she never told me. I was even called into the manager’s office and asked what I had said to make the woman so upset.

I truthfully told her I did not know. I told her what I had said to the other woman and I do not know what the out come was. The bottom line is I never knew what made my co-worker so mad, she would never tell me.

It made for a very unpleasant working situation. So I strongly suggest even though you have been told over and over again if you do not want your private life hung on a clothes line at work for all to see, keep your mouth shut.

Always be very careful who you talk to at work, home or wherever. If you know from past experience that you can trust this person, speak freely but if you do not know this person, speak cautiously.

I sure learned that lesson the hard way. I suppose we all learn it the same way. I bet you could tell me stories about your work place or even in your personal life where one thing is said, passed on from person to person like a spreading fire and the next thing you know – it is the complete opposite of whatever was said in the first place.

I hope you enjoyed my article. I hope you read my other articles. I would love to hear from you. Just leave a comment on this article.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler

Linda is the author of, “Ghost Kids Trilogy,” Christy, 12 and her Brother Brad, 16 moves into an old house on top of a mountain and meet two Ghost Kids. Become involved with all the characters and all the adventure and mystery.

Then we have a mysterious, magical Blue Vase where Uncle Charlie the villain is trapped. He wants out of the Blue Vase and exchange he will tell Christy and Brad where Pirates’ Treasure is Hidden.

Take a walk with Christy and Brad down a dark hall hunting for Pirates’ Treasure. You will think were you there right there with them.

Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages.

Check out my website http://www.lmeckler.com

If you are bed or wheelchair confined or can’t bend to sit on a toilet you must check out on my website, “Instant Bladder Relief Urinal (IBRU)” http://www.lmeckler.com

If you know that content is king, can you make sure that your web visitors stay and read what’s on your website long enough to take action – buy your product, sign up for your ezine or even contact you?

To ensure your web copy gets read, try putting the 10 tips below to work! They’re easy to implement and gain top points for readability.

Tip #1: Go for Narrow and Short

Text on your website should be laid out newspaper-style! Text in short, narrow columns are easier on the eyes and helps your web user read faster. Never allow your text to span the width of your webpage because this strains the eyes. Aim for 15 to 20 words per line or about 60 to 70 characters per line.

Tip #2: No Scroll

Offering long articles? Break them up into manageable chunks, preferably spread out over a few web pages on your website. Having a long article on one web page means your web user needs to scroll and scroll and scroll…to read the article. You also hold your web users’ attention for a longer duration when you offer manageable chunks as they won’t be scared off by the long text. By doing this, you can also track whether your longer articles get read or whether the web user leaves after the first page.

Tip #3: Think Global

Write with your international web users in mind. Do not assume people know the abbreviation, acronym or jargon that you use. Be specific and clear. While US Dollars reign supreme in most online stores, do not assume your web users know what you mean, especially when it involves money.

Tip #4: Use Common Fonts

Not all fonts will appear as you think they will on your computer screen. Designer fonts may be cool to you but it’s not so cool when your web users don’t have these fonts and all they see is a substituted font! So when it comes to fonts, be on the safe side. Use common fonts like Arial, Verdana, Georgia or Times New Roman so that everyone can read what’s on your website.

Tip #5: Avoid Hype

Avoid hype when you write your website text. Hype is over-exaggeration, overblown claims, overexcited tones, extreme use of superlatives and adjectives (like ‘biggest ever’, ‘most mind blowing’ or ‘most important tool you will ever see in this lifetime’). It creates distrust and suspicion besides ruining credibility and reputation. Do not capitalize all your words. Do not overuse exclamation marks.

Tip #6: Write Like You Speak

Write like you are speaking to a friend. Make it engaging and personal. Use words like you and I to encourage rapport and relationship. You can also use contractions (such as it’s, you’ve, I’ve, etc.). Stay clear of jargon, buzzwords, and corporate-speak (which essentially don’t mean much and leave people confused).

Tip #7: Give Lots of White Space

White space is ‘breathing space’ and gives your web user a chance to pause. White space also helps keep your website focused because web users can concentrate on what’s on it, instead of being distracted by too many items on the website! Allow white space between text by making your paragraphs shorter.

Tip #8: Pull Quotes for Attention

Use a pull quote to highlight important information. A pull quote consists of 4 or 5 lines of text extracted from a main body of text and quoted in a larger typeface to differentiate it from the main body text, usually placed within the article or sometimes in an empty column near the article. Limit the use of pull quotes though because if you use too many, you lose the effect.

Tip #9: Use Headlines

Like pull quotes, great headlines makes a reader want to continue reading! A headline should hook your web user by being provocative or create a promise of a solution. Make your headline stand out by creating curiosity (humans are naturally curious and would always want to know more!), inserting a question or statement which is out of the ordinary.

Tip #10: Be Specific

Aim to be specific when writing especially when it comes to numbers, names or places. For example, which is more believable? 3,581 or 3,500? Ms Krista or Mrs Krista Goon-Sim? Being specific adds to your credibility. Also, give well-supported facts because they can help bolster your argument and inspire confidence in your product and business.

Nic Sim is the owner and founder of http://www.RedboxStudio.com – a web design firm dedicated to helping solo professionals and small businesses go online affordably and successfully with its easy to use, no-fuss Redbox DIY Website. Visit http://www.Redboxdiy.com for more details.