Content is a double-edged sword
CONTENT: Adj. Meaning: In a state of peaceful happiness; contented; satisfied
OR something contained (usually plural): The jar's contents
The topics of material treated in a written work (Table of Contents)
The principal substance (such as written matter, illustrations, or music) offered by a website
Have you ever thought about the two meanings of the word "content"? We talk about content all the time -- about how important it is to have great content that will keep people reading our posts.
We are urged to work on our content to make it something that will hook our reader and draw him/her in. We want excellent content to please the search engines. We need to include enough solid content in our posts to create longer posts, as Google seems to like these.
There are videos and tutorials on writing good content. Sometimes members offer writing tips in their blog posts that can improve content.
The very first definition in Webster covers the meaning of content in terms of our writing. Content is what is contained in the post. The structure becomes a vessel to hold our ideas. We pour in our thoughts and stir them until they are smooth; then we publish for our readers.
What about the other meaning of content? As an adjective it means "in a state of peaceful happiness, or satisfied. Consider how this definition also applies to our website.
When we write a post that resonates with us; one of those posts that flows smoothly, tells the story well, and keeps the reader interested, then our content can give us contentment.
For our reader, too, the meaning of the adjective form of content is relevant. If what we have written puts the reader into a state of satisfaction, we have achieved a goal of providing something that gives to our audience.
Perhaps our content answers a question that the person had. Can you see that such a response to your content can also reflect this other meaning? Having gotten value from your post, your reader is content.
Write good content. Do your best to put together words that resonate with your reader. Give them information that answers their questions or fills a need for them. Then they will be very content with what you offer.
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It takes more than our website content to make a visitor content. The user experience encompasses more than our words. The physical package of the website in terms of layout, colors, font, images, and the like play a role in the user experience.
It is like reading a good book sitting in a comfy chair with a good reading light surrounded by quietness.
You are right -- an "atmosphere of contentment," if you will. If the words are good and the site is compelling, what not to be content about?
Our Content goal is alway to make the reader content. I only pray our mission is a success and people resonate with our words, their meaning, and apply the training.
From the Spanish language "Content", to be content = happy "Estoy Contento" - "I'm Happy"
Great perspective ...
My thought is basically we need to create content that our readers are content with and engage with and become returning visitors.
Thanks for sharing this insight. Definitely food for thought...
Thanks for the encouragement...there's lots of them in the list with my profile. However, this one will surely not be the last one I write.
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This is a really inspiring content.
Thanks for sharing!
Cool -- you must be contented with my content.