Never say “HOW TO” when you could say, “HOW I”
You don’t know when one of your readers might know more than you.
I have bought so many dozens, if not hundreds of “How To” books.
Earlier
There were times I would go into what was called a book store and wander to the “how-to” section and look at books all afternoon. I could read the backs to help me decide which to buy.
Earlier in my life when I was trying to improve at sales or in real estate, I was quite sure there was that one piece of knowledge I was missing. When found, that piece of knowledge would launch my productivity and income through the roof.
People who advertised themselves as experts in whatever field that had my attention would often give seminars. They would rent huge rooms at hotels to give a lecture. At the back of the rooms were, of course, tables we could visit on breaks to look at the expert's books and tapes/cds.
Why?
I absolutely knew that there was something that I did not know, and that one thing could make my life easier. To some degree, I was willing to spend the time it took to find and learn that one thing.
I don't mean to sound negative, but now it seems the audiences have changed.
Technical advances, among a couple of societal influences, have made people used to getting information even more quickly. Therefore some are less willing to do whatever it takes to seek out that elusive secret sauce.
And that ease of information in-flow has made some almost feel as though they already know everything about a given subject. That can almost make them dislike being told how they should do something.
This same person who might not wish to be instructed on doing something in which they feel confident enough might still enjoy learning how someone else struggled with that same problem. It’s good to hear if they succeeded, and how they did it.
A story entitled “How To Walk and Chew Gum” might receive almost zero views, while one named “How I Walk and Chew Gum” or “How I Learned to Walk and Chew Gum” might at least draw some pity reads.
Lastly
This story is more a comment on my learning curve at writing than it is a reflection on readers. We all, as readers, still want what we want, and we want it fast.
Like before, we still don't know what we don't know. Technology just lets us know quicker.
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