Comments on: How to Create Better Content With Constraints

By: ravi

ravi — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:48:38 +0000

This is useful information. The ideas are specific and most relevant.

Thanks,

By: LB

LB — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:04:01 +0000

May I be fussy a la my high school English teacher? You say that you wanted to draw an association between “a classic Inigo Montoya line and grammar”, when I believe you mean between Montoya’s line and diction.

(I know, I know, for most people diction and grammar meld into a big, blurry mass they prefer to keep in their periphery, but I cannot forget the year I spent in Ms. Johnson’s classroom.)

By: J.D. Meier

J.D. Meier — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:55:27 +0000

Constraint-driven is the way to go.

I’d like to hear more on your thought process from a meta-program standpoint.

Did you know Edison had an “Idea Quota”? Talk about a constraint.

By: mike dibenedetto

mike dibenedetto — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:43:15 +0000

I really think this technique works for almost every type of creative endeavor. Certainly in my own writing, it’s always helpful. Also, in my music it’s been essential…I tell myself, “write an eerie sounding song that in D minor.” and that writing session will become way more productive than one in which i just pick up a guitar and see where it leads me.

By: My Note Taking Nerd

My Note Taking Nerd — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:13:33 +0000

Lack of constraint while writing invites me to bail on the core concept/story/theme/or angle.

This leads to tragedy because when I do this my prospect is being jarred out of the buying trance I might of had them in. No good.

The basic constraint I remind myself of while writing is sticking to selling one thing and only one thing in an ad.

Thank you Brian for reminding me of this key idea. It strengthens my neural pathway for writing influential copy.

Note Taking Nerd #2
http://www.mynotetakingnerd.wordpress.

By: Busby SEO Test Gary Viray

Busby SEO Test Gary Viray — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:40:17 +0000

Great post. I find that creating content with constraints has both its benefit and challenges. For one, the topic can be limiting as it may stop you from writing other stuff that you like. However, at the same time, it makes you creative in exploring and expanding the content within the limited subject. I guess those who are able to work comfortably within constraints are the ones who can succeed as niche bloggers.

By: Don Mak

Don Mak — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:28:30 +0000

Long time reader first time commenter.

This technique applies in many places where creativity is needed. I wrote an article awhile back on using this technique for songwriting:

Songwriting Tip: Constrained Writing

Thanks for pointing out that post on Lateral Action

By: Liz Guthridge

Liz Guthridge — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 05:40:42 +0000

Stephen Sondheim, the award-winning American composer and lyricist, likes to work within tight constraints. I once heard that he wrote “Send in the Clowns” specifically for the show’s actress in a very particular situation, and he did it in record time. It’s one of his most popular songs. I don’t consider myself a Sondheim, but I too like to write with constraints. You have a tighter focus with a stronger point of view.

By: Sean

Sean — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:44:19 +0000

This is useful information. The ideas are specific and most relevant.

Thanks,
Sean

By: Shirley

Shirley — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:21:04 +0000

@A. Dawn, Those are some very strict constraints. lol. If Faulkner had constraints like that…