The Cheeseburger Factor
Posted on March 3, 2008 - Filed Under Business |
Take two steps into the blog world and articles will beam the virtues of increasing readership via lists. And lists o’ plenty are to be found on nearly any subject.
10 Ways to Cut a Tomato
7 Steps to Open a Door Successfully
5 Quick Tips to better Shoelaces
The psychology behind this is not difficult to grasp. Readers are looking for specific information. Creating lists, bulleted or numbered, gives them a sense of when something begins and when it ends. But this works only if the feasibility of the advice works.
From this news article, I found this website. Synopsis: Blogger saves 18 houses from going into foreclosure. The article claims Moe Benard, the site’s founder, is doing this all for free. How noble! Since positive stories always attract me, I clicked around his site.
One link: Ten ways to reduce your expenses. OK, I’ll bite.
Tip 8: Need a cheap work lunch? Dollar menu for the win! Stop spending $7 on lunch, get a cheeseburger and a cup of water. $1 for lunch! Save $100 per month!
Move over “Latte Factor”, there’s a new kid in town. “The Cheeseburger Factor”. Where’s Oprah?
You have got to be kidding me. Does the author of this article sincerely think readers will follow this? A cheeseburger and a glass of water. Everyday. Let’s have a show of hands: who thinks this is a good idea? C’mon, don’t be shy.
The other day, I discussed my average lunch bill as being $1.21 which was for two sandwhiches, cheese and fruit. Two dimes and a penny separate my suggestion from the Cheeseburger Factor. Between the two options, which would you rather choose? Does the Cheeseburger Factor even sound appealing?
Because there are “10 Tips” leads me to believe whomever penned this article thought hard about having “10 Tips”. And looking for inspiration, he probably turned to television where there was a commercial for the dollar menu at McClownland.
Summary
This is not an attempt to bash Mr. Benard nor do I wish to detract from what it is he is trying to do. Helping 18 home-owners keep their houses is quite admirable.
Writing quick “Tip” lists is perfectly acceptable. Most lists will produce ideas readers may or may not agree with. Move into a cheaper apartment or buy a cheap, used car. But at least it’s a feasible option, something worth pursuing even if it doesn’t work out.
But writing a “Tip” just to fill space on a list should not be the objective. Who cares if it’s “9 ways” versus “10 ways”? No one reads the headline and says “Only 9 ways? Not 10? Oh, in that case I won’t read it.”
Curious: How many home owners did Cramer help with his advice?
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