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The Blue-Plate Special is not what we have come to believe; the term has more to do with TIME than anything else. It has nothing to do with the word bargain; it is not a leftover; and it’s not the lunch or supper from a cheap diner.It all began on October 22 1892; the date Fred Harvey added “Blue Plate Special” on all the menus in his restaurants. These eateries were built along train stations that served a traveling public, specifically the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. Meals had to be prepared rapidly, yet still retain value. Passengers in transit had little time between train stops, and needed food. The same is true for today’s internet traveler; they need information, but it has to be packaged well and provide quality.If you are going to supply articles for an internet audience, you’ll have to think like Fred Harvey. You’re dealing with people in transit; in a hurry; and in need of food (information). Fill this need and you should be able to develop a good business.What’s the criterion for an online article? It should be short, sweet, and to the point. But it should be informative and interesting. And while that seems difficult to put together, it can be learned fairly quickly.The best way to learn this skill is to READ. Read articles that are circulating through the internet. Visit ezine publishers and get a feel for this style of writing. The exercise shouldn’t take up too much time; a typical article runs around 500 words. The problem for me is the shortness of length; I have to cut way back on research to satisfy the boundaries; and I’m always conscious of writing beyond the attention span of a hurried reader. You have to know the cut-off point.The jury is still out, however, about word count. Some writers pay no attention to this hidden rule, and produce well over 1000 words. If word count hinders your writing, just stick to what you have to say, and ignore the “short” rule.Article writing is a wonderful exercise to sharpen your skills. As a new kid on the block, I find it both challenging and rewarding.Oh, and about the word blue in Blue Plate Special? A company in Illinois provided inexpensive yet durable plates modeled after the famous designer of fine china; Josiah Wedgwood. The color blue was very popular in 1892. It appears Fred Harvey combined practicality with flair.If you fashion your writing to this concept, you will be able to satisfy the hungry reader. Just make sure you never serve a meal from a can; our taste buds tell us if the food is just empty calories.
Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com
Nancy Ayash is a freelance writer currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. She can be reached at www.creativewordz.com
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