MEMBER BUILD-UP THREADS: Writing a great one!!

[LandCruiserSteve]

To read the original full thread and post questions/comments on this topic, please go to "Building" a great Build-Up thread!!



Before you post up your Member's Build-Up thread, take a few minutes to get it all organized to make it not only a fun and interesting thread to read, but also one that will keep members coming back to see and read more.


The title

A catchy, yet a short-and-sweet title will grab the readers' attention immediately and make them want to peek inside.

Great title examples:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...other-gal.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...doo-death.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...ors-build.html



A "Hook"

Start the very first post of your Build thread with a "hook" . . . . a "teaser" . . . . something right up front that will pique the curiosity to continue reading.

Great "hook" examples:

the mir207 machine

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...-build-up.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...1-tcs-fjc.html


The "front page"

Get 'em with the "front page news." The very first post (your "headline") is what's going to set the tone for the rest of the thread. Keep it concise, yet loaded with keen details and sneak previews of what's going to be happening later on in the thread as your build progresses.

Use your first post as not only a "headline," but also perhaps as a table of contents of what's to follow. Whenever possible, add links to other threads you've written on the Forum that discusses a certain modification that you've done.

Great first post examples:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...ild-taira.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...-rear-end.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...un-fusion.html (Of course, I had to throw one of mine in there. )


Narrative

Tell your story in chronological order, and try to avoid too many confusing flashbacks, out of sequence modifications and unrelated sidebar (self-hijacking) stories.

Again, keep it concise without a lot of rambling. However, don't leave out any pertinent details. (Details and great pics are what we live for!! )

USE A SPELLCHECKER!! We really don't want to spend too much time deciphering confusing misspelled words or meanings while we're trying to enjoy your FJ. And by all means, DO NOT write in cell phone Text Message talk. (i.e., "u r going 2 luv my fj.")

Also, please don't be afraid to use some punctuation every now and then. And, avoid that temptation to squeeze 1500 words into one continuous sentence or paragraph.

Great narrative examples:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...arks-mods.html

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...-build-up.html

Matt07FJs Buildup


Pictures

Here's where your Build-Up thread can either really shine . . . . or have your readers requesting a refund.

Yes, we're very eager to see your rig and what you've done to it so far. But, blurry cell phone camera shots and out-of-focus nighttime renditions will imply that your attention to deal with your FJ's modifications might also be on par with your photography skills.

Avoid thumbnail shots. And, take the time to either post your great photos in the member Gallery or a photo hosting service (i.e., PhotoBucket.com). From there, they can be inserted into your Build-Up post(s).

And, any of the computer paint programs can be used to clean up your pics for posting (i.e., cropping, sizing, more brightness, more contrast, brighter colors, etc.)

Close-up shots are great for us to see how a specific modification was accomplished. However, too close of a picture and we're left wondering where and what we're looking at. If you're going in close for detail, first post up a wide-angle establishing shot of where the item in question is.

And finally, full-size pics are great to see. But, if you post up a photo that requires five minutes of scrolling to the right or scrolling down just to eventually see everything, then you've talked us into looking at someone else's Build-Up thread.

Plus, the narrative text in your post will expand across the screen to the entire width of your largest pic. And, there's nothing more annoying than having to "mouse" the screen back and forth just to read a sentence or two.

(The standard 640x480 "message board" photo size is ideal for this Forum.)

Great photo examples:

A Fool and his Money: my FJ40 build (BellyDoc)

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...tml#post710369

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...tml#post484561


Editing

You can always come back later to change any of the posts within your Build-Up thread. Many members are constantly updating their "headline page" (first post) to accommodate references to posts that have since been added later in the thread. Or sometimes, simply to give their first post a new and fresh look.

If you can, also try avoiding the "reserved for future use" posts when you first start off your new Build-Up thread. There's a very good chance that no one will remember to come back later to view those particular posts after numerous other comments and questions have been since posted anyway.

There's plenty of room to add more pics and narrative to your very first post at a later time if you need to. (Up to 25 pics and virtually unlimited additional text per post.)


Well, I hope some of these tips will be useful in creating that perfect display of your pride and joy . . . . especially for the newcomers to the Forum who have been hesitant in showing us your fantastic FJ.

If you have any questions about putting your Build-Up thread together, please feel free to drop a PM to me or any of the other Moderators.

So, no matter how basic (or extreme) your build-up is, go out and snap some great pics (lots of them ), and tell us a story about your FJ's evolution.

Inquiring minds need to know!!