Do you love to write, but are out of ideas on what to write about? Here are some ways to overcome wikiHow writer's block.
EditSteps
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1Think about what problems you have in your life and extra things that appear cool to you - hey, there are millions of people that probably use this system, and one might just like your topic.
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2Make mental notes of problems that other people might share with you and try to solve them. This could take place anywhere (e.g. if the water cooler beside your cubicle is plugged, experiment or look in the guide to see how to fix it and put it on wikiHow).
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3Explore the list of requested topics. These are titles that were specifically requested by someone who visited wikiHow, or that we probably do not have an article about yet.
- Type in a keyword and press the search button. Or, select a category and browse titles by subject.
- To get started, click the "Write" link on the left.
- Look carefully at the list of similar existing articles. If any of the titles shown are on the same topic you're writing about, select it and press "Next". If you start an article on a topic we already have on wikiHow, it'll most likely get merged. If your title is unique, though, just click "Next".
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4Import Content Into wikiHow. You can copy a how-to article from elsewhere on the Internet and onto wikiHow if (and only if) you get permission from the copyright holder. There are also some sources that have already given us permission to use their content. Even if you don't get permission to use content on another site, you can use the information you find in writing an article as long as you follow the guidelines in How to Use Research Sources on wikiHow.
- To find content you might want to try importing, just do an Internet search for "how to" and a topic you're interested in. If you find an article that you'd like to import, try and find the e-mail address of the person who wrote it so you can get permission to copy the page onto wikiHow.
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5Document your life. Writers who've spent a long time on wikiHow often find themselves coming up with article ideas by documenting things they're already doing.
- Trying a new recipe? Take pictures as you go along and start an article on it. E.g. How to Make Baked Crescent Churros
- Taking a class? Become more familiar with your course material by teaching it to others on wikiHow. E.g. How to Calculate the Volume of a Triangular Pyramid
- Hiking a new trail or going on some kind of adventure? Take pictures and provide some tips for the next person who does the same. E.g. How to Hike North Kalaheo Hillside on Oahu, Hawaii, How to Enjoy the Hall of the White Giant Tour at Carlsbad Caverns (US)
- Going through some kind of hardship? Share the coping and healing process with others. E.g. How to Deal With and Recover From Complete Knee Replacement Surgery
- Frustrated about something in the world? Try to solve it through education. E.g. How to Practice Airplane Etiquette
- Choose a topic about your job. Do you know of an efficient technique that would be helpful to others in the same field?
- Doing anything? Anything at all? No matter how trivial it might seem, it's probably something you can write about on wikiHow. E.g. How to Install a Shower Curtain, How to Peel a Pomelo
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6Rewrite an existing article on a topic you're interested in. Search the site and browse the categories to find pages on topics you're knowledgeable about. If the page is practically useless, be bold and rewrite it! Here are examples of wikiHow writers who've given existing articles a heavy-handed edit:
- How to Develop Your Photography Skills: before and after (by Lewis)
- How to Identify and Avoid Predators: before and after (by Foxglove)
- How to Be Honest: before and after
EditTips
- Look for topics that you know about and add your useful tips.
- Deciding on a topic may take time.
- Take note of other people's problems and try to solve them. Are you a computer expert?
- Ask your friends. They know you well and should be able to choose a topic that you enjoy.
- Choose a similar subject that is unique or specialized. Do you know how to play tennis left-handed?
- Before answering a request, do a search to make sure wikiHow doesn't already have an article about that topic.
- Asking friends or family may also help.
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