How to Write a Factoid (E-Course Part 12)

Posted November 26, 2010 | Laura Christianson

This is Part 12 in a 12-part e-course about the types of blog articles. But stay tuned — there will be a bonus session!

Factoid

A Factoid is perhaps the easiest type of blog post to write.

A factoid is a one-line fact, definition, statistic, current event, or newsworthy tidbit.

You can write an entire factoid blog post (a series of related factoids), or you can insert a factoid as a pull quote within a blog article.

Factoids help simplify complex subjects. Let’s say you’re writing an article about the different types of cloning. You might use the following factoid:

Therapeutic Cloning – Also called “embryo cloning,” this type of cloning produces human embryos for use in research.

Factoids provide at-a-glance information. If you’re printing a recipe for your favorite cookie on your blog, your factoid might read:

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 1/2 hours
Makes: 2 dozen 2-inch cookies

If you’re profiling famous Olympic swimmers in the 100-meter backstroke, your factoid might list their Olympic and world record times.

For an issue-oriented article on the topic of jealous spouses, your factoid might feature the following quotation:

Love looks through a telescope; envy, through a microscope.
~Josh Billings

…Or it might feature three tips for killing the green-eyed monster.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

  1. Review the list of article topics and/or notes for articles you’ve created during this e-course.
  2. What factoids can you pull out of each topic that will either enhance the readability of the article or will provide helpful, at-a-glance information?
  3. Using a highlighter pen, circle portions from your notes that you can turn into factoids.
  4. In the Comments area, share an interesting or unusual factoid.

Coming next:

Bonus Session!

Previously in this Series:

 

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