Researching Articles and Providing Accurate Information

One of your fellow writers, REason-ably pointed out the importance of thorough research and providing accurate information in articles. I completely agree.

For example, I see a lot of articles come through with poorly supported arguments. With a little time spend researching, the authors could make convincing statements and provide useful information to readers. Providing useful information is essential for all articles. Even if your article is beautifully written and contains no errors, if the information within cannot be used by the reader in any way, the article is just words. Readers, especially internet readers, have little time to read simply beautiful writing. Readers in this so-called Information Age are searching for answers, solutions, facts, advice, and tips.

Research gives your articles credibility, supports your arguments, and can serve to make your articles longer, more detailed, higher quality. Therefore, they can command higher prices and attract discerning customers. You can research via the web, by going to your local or university library, by accessing academic journals through subscription services or on a college campus, and by interviewing experts. If you don't know the answer to something, or want to bulk up your article with interesting information, a few minutes of research will allow you to answer any lingering questions a reader (or you) might have about your subject and help to flesh out your article.

In addition, it is always dangerous to make up facts or speak about something of which you have no knowledge. I have sometimes come across articles that provide blatantly false information. If the author of these had spent five minutes using a search engine, the wrong information could have been disproved. If a customer or reader finds that you are disseminating incorrect information, especially information that is commonly known to be factually incorrect, you will have lost credibility immediately. Writing about a subject in which you have no experience without some cursory research can ruin your reputation before you even have one.

While researching, you should strive to understand terms and use them correctly. Is the health issue you describe a disease, a syndrome, or something else entirely (as defined by health professionals)? Are you using the currently accepted term flight attendant rather than the outmoded stewardess? For industry-specific terms, search the Federal Trade Commission website. For example, the FTC prefers fuel economy when "miles-per-gallon" is referred to in a document (http://www.ftc.gov/os/comments/fueleconomyadguide/529732-00005.pdf). A search on the FTC website - a few minutes of research - will bring up documents that will explain industry-appropriate terminology.

Using the correct terms not only increases your reliability as a writer, but makes it more likely that your article will be understood by a wide variety of readers. A writer's job is to communicate his or her subject matter clearly; using the correct terminology is just like using the correct punctuation or proper grammar in order to make yourself understood.

Many thanks to R. Eason for suggesting this blog topic, as well as the tip about the FTC!

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