Thanks for clicking, that was method #1! An interesting thing happened last week. I posted a FB and Twitter link to my “red” goals for the year and how I was embarrassed by them. Nothing unusual about the link to me, just part of my process, I wasn`t trying to be innovative or manipulative. Yet twice as many people clicked to read that entry as compared to my other posts (oh, you scandalous readers!). And since people create blogs in the hope that people will read them, yep, I’m going to try to write more compelling titles that will manipulate you into feeling an almost irresistible desire to click. 🙂 Aren`t you glad I told you in advance?

On a related note, I have just finished an interesting article by Jon Morrow about “headline hacks” that get readers to click. Some of them seemed too cheesy to me (“How safe is your wallet on vacation?”) or other people’s approaches seem downright silly (“(person x did y) and you’ll never guess what happened next!”). SO there won’t be simple click-bait. But I think it isn’t out of the realm of comfort to have some of the other types of headlines — lists of things (5 resources for x, etc.) that I have curated, how to do x, six mistakes applicants make in their resumes or a top 10 list. Not really “manipulative” but it got you to click this far, didn’t it?

Method #2 — I’m hoping to inspire you somewhat. I don’t normally think of my blog as deliberately trying to influence people, but this is a different kind of year. At the same time that I’m publicly committing, I’m hoping the journey is entertaining at least, inspiring if possible. More that I’m hoping it’s a journey that COULD inspire someone, that I’ll be successful enough that it MIGHT inspire someone. Maybe it will just be through candor.

Method #3 — I’m hoping to wow you a little on the astronomy side. I’m hoping I get some great pics of the Moon or planets and that you’ll decide to attend a star party sometime.

Method #4 — I’m hoping my spiritual journey might prompt you to share some of your beliefs. I have no monopoly on spiritual insights, and my sister-in-law already sent me a good idea to add to the list. Others may have some too that they’re willing to share.

Method #5 — I’m hoping my wing nights will encourage some guys to come out for wings and a beer, or even just eat meat with friends.

Method #6 — I’m going to steal an idea from Jon Morrow and focus on hacks for charitable giving. I already have what I think is a good one — a relatively easy and somewhat “free” way to help out, just by doing what you’re mostly already doing. I need to test it, but I like it. So I’m wondering if I can find 10 other hacks like it for the year.

Method #7 — I keep vaguebooking about a large social campaign that I’m going to try this year. And when it happens, I’m hoping to influence your personal behaviour. It’s an easy campaign to support, you can do it in your own home, and it doesn’t cost you anything. It’s also a safe, no-brainer. But you know what? It’s as serious as death. So I’m not revealing details until I know I’ve got it right. It deserves my A-game, not random haphazard blog entries or messages. It will be organized, sustained, clear, and I hope persuasive. I don’t share messages about international development or human rights which are good ideas, nor the ridiculous “share if you are easily manipulated through guilt” memes on the opposite end of the spectrum. Truth be told, outside of regular humour, there’s no underlying theme to most of the stuff I share. But this idea is worth a campaign. So campaign I will.

Method #8 — I may, for the first time ever, ask you for money for my participation in a charity fund-raiser. I don’t normally do that, although I’m always happy to help others do “event” fundraising. I admire your efforts. But I’m not a participatory-type donor. But don’t worry — I won’t ask until December when of course lots of people have extra money lying around. I didn’t say I was EXPECTING money, I just said I would ask.

So that’s my eight ways. I hope it wasn’t a let down that there was no brain-washing robot or voodoo magic involved. Stand by to be lured, inspired, wowed, enticed to share, fed, taught, influenced, and (potentially) solicited.