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Nope, I used this title for one reason and one reason only--as an attention grabber. Â
When I was taking journalism classes in college, one of the first things we learned was how to write a good headline, ergo, title. When someone is reading a newspaper, he only spends about five seconds looking at a page. Somehow, the writer has to grab his attention in that brief time span or his article never gets read.
It's the same with blogs. The MOST important part of every post is the title; it will determine how many people who are complete strangers will read the blog . Never mind the people who are friends---they'll read it anyway. But, I have readership all over the world, as many of you do, thanks to Google and Google Europe who run their Googlebot over my two websites once a week. So, I want to "grab" those readers who don't have the slightest idea who I am.
That's why I always try to have an imaginative title; however, it is important that the reader understand WHY I picked a certain title. It must relate to the post. In the interest of making this a little easier to follow, I'll go back, pick up a few titles I used and explain why I selected them.Â
All of these employ proven techniques used everyday by good feature and sports writers. Straight news stories are a bit different. But most of us write far more posts that fall into the feature or sports genre.
"Sliced, Diced, but Still Ice" Alliteration and Rhyme
 This post explains how artists turn blocks of ice, into beautiful ice sculptures.
"Only God Can Make A Tree"Â Poem Title
This post discusses my belief that a power greater than any of us created the world.
"Walking On Water" Alliteration and Biblical Allusion
A post about Obama's hugh task ahead of him, stressing that he is not God and he cannot perform miracles.
"The Six Million Dollar Man" A Television Show
Presents fact that Bob Stoops, OU's football coach, will make 6 million dollars this year.
"Time Marches On"Â A Song Title
Elaborates the deaths of people in 2008 who will not be with us as we go into 2009.
"Yes, Virginia, There Really Was A Dracula!" Alludes to a famous news feature in the New York Post
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"Bradford Could Have Big Day In Big Apple"Â Alliteration and Allusion To A City's Nickname.
 Talks about Bradford's chance of winning the Heisman Trophy.
"Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue"Â Song Title
Details scientific fact that all people originally had blue eyes.
"People In Glass Houses"Â Famous Quotation
Discusses Sarah Palin hurling insults at Obama while being investigated for misconduct by her own legislature.
"I Don't Get No Respect"Â Â Rodney Dangerfield's Signature Comment
Relates the story of the phenomenal readership a previous post had generated.
"What's A Heaven For?"Â A line from a poem by Robert Browning
Elaborates why people should always set high goals
"My Karate Kid"Â Â Allusion To A Movie Title
Narrates my granddaughter's first karate tournament.
"Boot-Scootin' Boogiers"Â Allusion To A Song Title
Shows my grandchildren on their motorized scooters
 "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" A Movie Title
Deals With Polygamy In The Church of Latter Day Saints.
"Utah Carol"Â Song Title
Explains why my first name is "Carol".
Well, you get the idea. Basically, there's nothing new under the sun. It is just a matter of using what is out there.
One last hint. I never write my title until I have written the article. Often an article will suggest the title to me after I have finished writing it.
Just some food for thought. Try it if you like it!
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