Blog Posts and Comic Strips – Sisters Under the Skin

In offering corporate blogging training, one rule of thumb I often emphasize is focusing on just one idea in each blog post. Not only does this lend more punch to the post, it helps the blog content writer concentrate all his/her efforts around that one focal point.

When it comes to condensing, comic strip creators do it best, I’m convinced. Three comic strips in one Friday’s issue of the Indianapolis Star are perfect models. Each strip had only three “frames”. In the first, the stage is set with a situation, dilemma, question, or problem. The second box develops the idea, and the third ends with a “summary” closing line.

Blondie:
Did you lecture Alexander about being out past curfew?
Yes.
Then he lectured me for staying up so late!

Wizard of Id
You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without your hat?
Oh, really? Here!
A mullet? The 80s were the best time for wizards.

Snuffy Smith
How come Sheriff Tait don’t have a deputy?
Well, he likes to think he’s so darn capable he just don’t need one.
That job obviously gives him wa-a-ay too much time to think!

Mutts
As the great cat wizard, I can see into the future.
How does it look?
Empty, for now.

When it comes to blogging, we at Say It For You firmly believe in the Power of One. A business blog post, the concept is, should impart one new idea or call for a single action. Focused on one thing, your post has greater impact, since people are bombarded with many messages each day. Respecting readers’ time produces better results for your business.

Problem-solution essays are a common requirement for high school and college students, grabmyessay.com explains. The essay identifies a problem and discusses a solution, convincing the readers to address the problem as soon as possible. The problem-solution essay, like any other essay, too, should end with a conclusion, restating the problem and containing a call to action that encourages the readers to take part in the proposed solution or to look for alternative solutions.

Although blogs use a much greater number of words than comic strips (and possible far fewer words than writing instructors often require of their students), it’s possible to incorporate that comic-strip “three-frame construct” in each post:

1. The “pow” opening section presents a question, a problem, a startling statistic, or a gutsy, challenging statement.
2. The middle section develops the thought, brings in supporting materials and valuable information.
3. At the end of the post, you do a “tie-back” to that opener, a finishing flourish.

   At Say It For You, we like to think of blog posts and comic strips as sisters under the skin!