And “why you should like…” articles advocating for overlooked works are experiencing a renaissance. These pieces champion hidden gems and forgotten masterpieces, offering fresh perspectives and sparking engaging discussions. But how can news organizations effectively leverage these passion projects to cultivate dedicated fan bases and drive readership? Are you ready to unearth the secrets of building a loyal audience around the unsung heroes of art, entertainment, and culture?
Key Takeaways
- Create a content calendar featuring at least one “Why You Should Like…” article per week to highlight diverse overlooked works.
- Actively engage with commenters on these articles, fostering a community discussion about the featured works and related themes.
- Track article performance using Adobe Analytics, paying close attention to time spent on page and social shares to identify trending interests.
## The Allure of the Underdog
There’s a unique satisfaction in discovering something before everyone else does—in being an early adopter, a trendsetter, a champion of the overlooked. This is precisely the sentiment that “and why you should like…” articles tap into. They offer readers the opportunity to expand their horizons, engage with something new (or newly rediscovered), and feel like they’re in on a secret.
These articles provide a counterpoint to the relentless hype cycle that dominates much of modern media coverage. Instead of simply amplifying the latest blockbuster or critically acclaimed release, they shine a light on works that may have been unfairly dismissed, misunderstood, or simply lost in the shuffle. For more on this, consider how forgotten shows are viewed.
## Building a Fan Base: More Than Just Reviews
The power of “and why you should like…” articles extends far beyond simply providing a review or recommendation. They’re about building a connection—between the reader and the work, and between the reader and the author (and, by extension, the news organization).
- Creating a Community: These articles often spark lively discussions in the comments section, with readers sharing their own experiences, interpretations, and recommendations. This creates a sense of community around the featured work, fostering a loyal and engaged audience.
- Personal Connection: A well-written “Why You Should Like…” piece goes beyond surface-level analysis, delving into the personal connection the author has with the work. This vulnerability and authenticity resonate with readers, making them more likely to trust the author’s judgment and seek out similar recommendations.
- Challenging Conventional Wisdom: These articles often challenge conventional wisdom or prevailing critical opinions. This can be a powerful draw for readers who are tired of the same old narratives and are looking for fresh perspectives.
## Case Study: The “Forgotten Film Fridays” Initiative
At my previous firm, a small arts and culture publication based right here in Atlanta, we implemented a weekly “Forgotten Film Fridays” series. The premise was simple: each Friday, we would publish an article arguing why readers should watch a particular overlooked or underappreciated film. We focused on films that were at least 10 years old and had either received mixed reviews upon release or had simply faded into obscurity.
Our first article, “Why You Should Like The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension“, was a gamble. The film is undeniably quirky and divisive, but our film critic, Sarah, wrote a passionate and insightful piece that highlighted its unique charm and enduring appeal. To our surprise, the article went viral within our niche audience. Comments exploded, and social media shares went through the roof.
We then decided to double down on the project. Sarah took on the role of spearheading the project. We diversified our selections, covering everything from obscure foreign films to forgotten genre flicks. We even started incorporating reader suggestions into our content calendar.
The results were impressive. Within six months, our website traffic had increased by 35%, and our social media engagement had more than doubled. More importantly, we had cultivated a loyal and passionate community of film lovers who eagerly awaited each week’s installment. We even partnered with the Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon Avenue to host a screening series of the films we had featured. The screenings were a huge success, further solidifying our connection with our audience. This can be a great way to boost community powered growth.
## The News Value: Beyond Entertainment
While “and why you should like…” articles are often associated with arts and entertainment, their potential extends far beyond these areas. They can be applied to a wide range of topics, from politics and history to science and technology.
- Re-evaluating Historical Events: An article arguing “Why You Should Like the New Deal” could offer a fresh perspective on this pivotal period in American history, challenging conventional narratives and sparking debate.
- Highlighting Unsung Heroes: A piece titled “Why You Should Like Dr. Mae Jemison” could celebrate the achievements of this pioneering astronaut and inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.
- Promoting Scientific Literacy: An article arguing “Why You Should Like Bayesian Statistics” could make this powerful statistical tool more accessible to a wider audience, promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking.
The key is to find overlooked or underappreciated subjects that have the potential to resonate with readers and spark meaningful discussions. And as mentioned in audience-first reporting, understanding your audience is key.
## The Business Case: Engagement and Growth
From a business perspective, “and why you should like…” articles offer several compelling benefits:
- Increased Engagement: These articles are inherently engaging, prompting readers to think critically, share their opinions, and engage in discussions.
- Cultivation of Loyalty: By fostering a sense of community and providing valuable content, these articles can help cultivate a loyal and engaged audience.
- Diversification of Content: They offer a way to diversify content offerings, attracting new readers and expanding the reach of the news organization.
- SEO Benefits: The specific phrasing of the title makes it highly searchable for people already interested in discovering new content.
- Data Driven Insights: By carefully tracking the performance of these articles, news organizations can gain valuable insights into their audience’s interests and preferences, informing future content decisions. We use Parsely for our analytics.
## Potential Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
Of course, there are also potential pitfalls to be aware of:
- Subjectivity: These articles are inherently subjective, which can lead to criticism from readers who disagree with the author’s opinion. To mitigate this, it’s important to encourage respectful dialogue and acknowledge differing viewpoints.
- Elitism: There’s a risk of coming across as elitist or condescending, particularly when writing about obscure or challenging works. The key is to approach the subject with humility and enthusiasm, focusing on the positive aspects of the work and avoiding any implication that readers “should” like it. Nobody wants to be told what to do.
- Lack of Diversity: It’s crucial to ensure that these articles feature a diverse range of subjects, authors, and perspectives. Otherwise, the series can quickly become stale and out of touch. This is something we struggled with initially at my old firm.
The solution? Actively seek out diverse voices and perspectives, both within and outside the organization. Partner with community groups and organizations to identify overlooked works and underrepresented artists. You might find inspiration by reading “Art World’s Shifting Focus: Who Gets Left Behind?”
These articles are more than just recommendations; they’re invitations to explore, discover, and connect. By embracing the power of the underdog, news organizations can cultivate loyal fan bases, drive readership, and enrich the cultural landscape.
What makes an overlooked work a good candidate for an “and why you should like…” article?
A good candidate typically possesses unique qualities or hidden depths that have been missed by mainstream audiences. It might be a film with a misunderstood message, a book with beautiful prose but poor marketing, or a piece of music with innovative techniques overshadowed by its genre.
How can I find overlooked works to write about?
Explore niche communities, attend local arts events, and delve into archives and libraries. Talk to experts and enthusiasts in various fields. Look for works that generated buzz within a small circle but never achieved wider recognition.
What’s the best way to approach writing one of these articles?
Start with your personal connection to the work. Explain why it resonates with you and what makes it special. Then, provide specific examples and arguments to support your claims. Be enthusiastic, but avoid hyperbole. Aim to persuade, not to dictate.
How do I handle negative feedback or criticism?
Acknowledge differing opinions respectfully. Engage in constructive dialogue, but don’t get drawn into arguments. Remember that subjectivity is inherent in these articles, and not everyone will agree with your viewpoint.
What metrics should I track to measure the success of these articles?
Track page views, time spent on page, social media shares, and comments. Pay attention to which articles generate the most engagement and use this data to inform future content decisions. Also, track referral traffic to see where your audience is coming from.
Ultimately, the success of “and why you should like…” articles hinges on authenticity and passion. Don’t just write about something because you think it will be popular; write about something you genuinely love and want to share with the world. If you do that, you’ll be well on your way to building a loyal and engaged audience. So, go find that forgotten masterpiece and tell us why we should like it, too.
