A while back, I wrote about thermodynamics and getting your message across to readers, and how our software in particular makes it easier for people to find you. By compending your posts into topical blogs rather than just by author, search engines will index your content better, and as a result there is more relevant content for your readers.
But there's another way our software is really useful. You, the reader, can't see the interface I'm using right now to write this (unless you're already a client), but it's pretty cool. Off to the right is a list of keywords that Compendium wants to be ranked highly in. It is sorted alphabetically by default, but with a single click it can be sorted by number of posts associated with it. This lets me easily see if there are particular keywords that are being neglected, or are popular here. I can also use it for ideas if I'm drawing a blank.
Another cool feature is a keyword strength bar. It starts out red, with a value of zero, which makes sense. As I write, it dynamically finds keywords in my content, the number goes up, and the bar shifts from red to green. There's also a one-click spelling checker integrated into the editor.
So what exactly does this have to do with thermodynamics and pain points? Pain is a barrier to doing something. When barriers are lowered, that thing becomes more likely. If you want people to blog, make it easy. Some people just really don't like to write, but if it's less painful, they will do it more. Giving people tools that give them ideas along with immediate feedback on their post make it a better experience.
Technology like this is useful, cool, and fun to work on. That's a big reason why I'm here.
But there's another way our software is really useful. You, the reader, can't see the interface I'm using right now to write this (unless you're already a client), but it's pretty cool. Off to the right is a list of keywords that Compendium wants to be ranked highly in. It is sorted alphabetically by default, but with a single click it can be sorted by number of posts associated with it. This lets me easily see if there are particular keywords that are being neglected, or are popular here. I can also use it for ideas if I'm drawing a blank.
Another cool feature is a keyword strength bar. It starts out red, with a value of zero, which makes sense. As I write, it dynamically finds keywords in my content, the number goes up, and the bar shifts from red to green. There's also a one-click spelling checker integrated into the editor.
So what exactly does this have to do with thermodynamics and pain points? Pain is a barrier to doing something. When barriers are lowered, that thing becomes more likely. If you want people to blog, make it easy. Some people just really don't like to write, but if it's less painful, they will do it more. Giving people tools that give them ideas along with immediate feedback on their post make it a better experience.
Technology like this is useful, cool, and fun to work on. That's a big reason why I'm here.
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