COMMUNITY : HELP : AUTHORS


The Clinic

Welcome to the clinic, a place to get help and constructive criticism on your projects. Here's a brief intro on what it is, written by AngryRedhead:

"Some Instructables don't get the attention that they deserve. Many times the reason boils down to presentation, and if the presentation is off in one way or another, an Instructable might flop no matter how wonderful the project is. The presentation of an Instructable requires a certain set of skills which involve story telling, technical writing, planning, and photography. Even the most experienced technical writers and photographers still benefit from an edit or an outside opinion. As an author, it's difficult to see the flaws and errors because your thoughts and experience fill the gaps that might leave readers puzzled. It happens to every author.

If you feel you have an Instructable that isn't getting the attention that it deserves and you would like some ideas on how to improve its presentation, please post a link to it! We're not here to tear it apart or to tell you that you're the most horrible, stupidester person in the whole wide world. We're here to give you ideas for improvement and hopefully get you more attention and recognition for your project ideas. Think of this like editing or proofreading which is something everyone needs regardless of experience, intellect, and knowledge.

If you would like ideas on taking your idea to the next level and making it bigger and more awesomer, please say that you would like this extra advice. You can even post a link to an unpublished instructable if you like, but just remember, please check out the featuring checklist first since this will tell you all of the things that the best instructables have."

So... that's what this forum topic's for. There's a team of seasoned Instructables authors watching this topic, waiting to give you help!



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Kiteman says: Oct 28, 2011. 8:28 AM

Starting your first Instructable?

Then you need to read this how-to guide.
ezman says: May 10, 2013. 6:38 AM
What am I missing with these 2 instructables?
a direct link
and
a direct link

Thank you in advance for your comments
EZ
ezman says: May 10, 2013. 12:16 PM
Sorry I didn't finish my thought.... What am I missing in the above 2 instructables? They appear to be popular but not featured. What should I add or change?
Again Thank you in advance for your comments.
EZ
Anatidyne says: May 4, 2013. 11:52 AM
I wrote my first Instructable a couple of weeks ago and would love to have some feedback and advice on how to write 'em better. Here's the link:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Purple-Sweet-Potato-Rounds-with-Walnut-Fig-Jam-Tap/

I'm grateful for any help I can get!

souichi says: Apr 18, 2013. 9:15 AM
Is there a way to get this instructables better for the sake of others?
3 min lighting studio- http://www.instructables.com/id/3-Minute-Lighting-studio/

portable solar usb charger- http://www.instructables.com/id/portable-Solar-Charged-USB-charger/

Canned drinks prank - http://www.instructables.com/id/Canned-Drinks-Prank/

clap switch (wall switch mountable)- http://www.instructables.com/id/Clap-Switch-wall-switch-mountable/

Thank you i am looking forward for the suggestions and comments please PM me
emilyvanleemput says: Apr 16, 2013. 12:29 PM
I'd really like to know what to improve, it took me a lot of time to put this together
http://www.instructables.com/id/Spotty-changeable-paper-necklace/
andreyeurope says: Apr 4, 2013. 11:28 AM
Please help me to make this instructable better. I don't know why my last three instructables wasn't featured. Every suggestion/opinions are welcome. 
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-DIY-your-own-Magnetic-Stirrer-V2-better-th/

    Please take a look here too.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-grow-great-crystals/
Rainh2o says: Apr 1, 2013. 6:27 PM
Opinions/suggestions please

http://www.instructables.com/id/DSLR-Camera-Backpack/
M3G says: Mar 15, 2013. 7:30 AM
Hi, please help me with a better title image and title:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Coin-IQ-Test-Prank/
Thanks!
pranjal12 says: Mar 13, 2013. 2:31 AM
Please comment upon my i'ble-
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-fool-your-friends-with-a-TV-remote-Jammer-1/
gloriouskau says: Mar 3, 2013. 6:38 AM
Can somebody check out my instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Draw-Manga-Eyes/
It is my first one and I would like some feedback :)
searx says: Jan 31, 2013. 9:59 PM
Can someone give their opinion on these please?
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Driving-Simulator/
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-MP3-to-Cassette-or-Instrument-to-Cassette-Adap/
searx says: Feb 7, 2013. 8:15 PM
Anybody?
gregorescu says: Jan 28, 2013. 8:39 AM
Hi, can you plase give me your opinion regarding:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Root-Lamp/
Thanks
M3G says: Jan 14, 2013. 5:13 PM
Hi, I just remade this instructable and would like some peoples opinions on it.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Super-Glue-Fingerprint-Lifting/
M3G says: Jan 18, 2013. 3:20 PM
Anyone?
Propellerpowered says: Jan 25, 2013. 6:15 AM
I'm only another author, but I would expand your text a little. Everything seems very short. Draw me more using your intro. You might reference the scene that everyone remembers in Beverly Hills Cop 2 where Eddie's character uses this technique to get finger prints off a matchbook.
M3G says: Jan 25, 2013. 7:01 AM
Thanks for your input. I'll try to expand the text.
Jayefuu (author) says: Jan 25, 2013. 6:18 AM
I'd agree.

And see if you can get your own title image. The one you've got at the moment is good, but it would be better if it was your own. Perhaps you could compose and shoot a similar photo? Or at least credit the original photographer.
M3G says: Jan 25, 2013. 4:47 PM
I made a new title image and tried to make the writing better. Let me know what you think!

Thanks.
Propellerpowered says: Jan 25, 2013. 6:08 AM
I've done some typo editing on this Instructable, but would appreciate a second set of eyes with some constructive criticism. - Thanks!
http://www.instructables.com/id/Creating-Animation-and-Games-Chapter-3-Lightcycle/
Bot1398 says: Jan 21, 2013. 6:54 PM
Please could someone review my instructable and tell what can I do to feature it ?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Clock-Hack/
jakpot90 says: Jan 16, 2013. 9:29 AM
Hi!

Could you please check are these okay for the featuring? I have made some changes to all four. All comments are welcome.

Disc Golf Basket
Cardboard Coin Bank
Tripod Clamp
Cardboard Coasters


pranjal12 says: Jan 5, 2013. 2:37 AM
Hey!
I entered my i'ble in the citizen sci contest as I really wanted the telescope for my deep interest in astronomy, but couldn't get it featured.
I now do not want to leave any thing, and want to do every possible thing I can to improve my i'ble.So, I in every respect I want to improve it.
As I really really need to win the contest, please comment upon my work and tell me how to improve upon my piece of work, and make it worth being featured.
I would be grateful to you.
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-SAVE-YOUR-SUNFLOWERS-FROM-CRITTERS/
mr.mountaineer says: Jan 3, 2013. 7:55 AM
I'm wandering what i could do to improve my spoon ring instructable. http://www.instructables.com/id/Spoon-Rings/ its already got over 10000 views (which is more than all of my others put together) and i know it could be more if it was featured. any help is greatly appreciated.
scoochmaroo says: Jan 4, 2013. 9:51 AM
I just took a look at it for the first time yesterday. I would suggest editing to include answers to all of the questions that have been asked in your comments. Also do another read for spelling and grammar accuracy.
mr.mountaineer says: Jan 4, 2013. 11:36 AM
Thanks for the tips. i just got done with the changes. i hope its better now.
pranjal12 says: Dec 18, 2012. 2:47 AM
Hey!
Please can you review this so that i can make it worth of getting featured please comment upon it-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-SAVE-YOUR-SUNFLOWERS-FROM-CRITTERS/
Jayefuu (author) says: Dec 18, 2012. 2:50 AM
Have you read Kiteman's link at the top? Read through the featuring checklist and his guide and see if you can find things that are missing from your Instructable.
pranjal12 says: Dec 19, 2012. 2:13 AM
I had read it but it is really difficult as an author to find out one's mistake.
I certainly wish to make some changes but need an opinion to find any loopholes i had missed.
Thanx
Renard_Bleu says: Dec 12, 2012. 8:03 PM
I have recently published my first Instructable:
http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Astounding-Advent-Calender-in-a-Book/

I have consulted the many guides and advice to help get "Featured". I've since made many improvements (including the title, photos, motivations...); and I hope that you can help me bring it to the next level of Instructability.
Many thanks.
Jayefuu (author) says: Dec 18, 2012. 2:51 AM
Looks like you didn't need to improve it. Someone featured it :)
Renard_Bleu says: Dec 18, 2012. 7:02 AM
Awesome, thanks.
pranjal12 says: Dec 18, 2012. 2:47 AM
Hey!
Please can you review this so that i can make it worth of getting featured please comment upon it-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-SAVE-YOUR-SUNFLOWERS-FROM-CRITTERS/
pranjal12 says: Nov 24, 2012. 11:49 PM
Please review this-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-CALCULATE-RESISTOR-CERAMIC-CAPACITOR-VALU/
Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 25, 2012. 1:08 AM
The story telling element of your Instructable is a plus, it makes it easier to read and more interesting.

Calculating resistance is quite a well covered topic and so any Instructable related to it (in my opinion) would need to be exemplary to earn a feature. A couple of things that let your Instructable down... none of your images are your own and you don't give credit to those that created them. The introduction to what a resistor is and does is very brief. The formatting of the examples in step 3 is very hard to read, perhaps a HTML table would improve readability?

Also remember that the featuring guidelines are highly subjective. Even if an Instructable meets all of the criteria it doesn't guarantee it will get featured, they're just guidelines. Often a wow factor or something new, clever or pretty will entice one of the community team or staff to feature it.
pranjal12 says: Dec 6, 2012. 2:07 AM
Hey!
I made a few changes wat about it know-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-CALCULATE-RESISTOR-CERAMIC-CAPACITOR-VALU/
pranjal12 says: Nov 26, 2012. 1:57 AM
Hey!
Thank you very much and I will do my best to make it better.

Anyway thanx
pranjal12 says: Dec 6, 2012. 2:07 AM
Hey!
Please can you review this-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-SAVE-YOUR-SUNFLOWERS-FROM-CRITTERS/
KathyTackettPhoto says: Dec 5, 2012. 11:33 AM
any suggestions?

http://www.instructables.com/id/The-Darkroom-Liquid-Light-Emulsion/
pranjal12 says: Nov 30, 2012. 3:12 AM
Hey!
I made a few changes wat about it know-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-CALCULATE-RESISTOR-CERAMIC-CAPACITOR-VALU/
canucksgirl says: Nov 22, 2012. 12:58 PM
Anyone want to criticize this Holiday Instructable I did?

It never got featured, but its still had some good views (I even got a comment for it in July, and its for a Christmas Ornament!!!)

If there's something I should change, I'd like to fix this soon since Christmas is just around the corner, and I had a request to make someone an ornament.

Personalized Ornament From An Old Bulb


Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 25, 2012. 1:11 AM
I think perhaps the title picture could be improved? All the other details are good. Do you have a wreath or a tree up yet? Some kind of picture of the ornament framed nicely in context might make it appear more exciting. I always look at Scoochmaroo's, Jessyratfink's and Mikasaurus' Instructables when I want inspiration on framing a title photo.

James
canucksgirl says: Nov 23, 2012. 12:09 PM
Anybody? *crickets*
pranjal12 says: Nov 23, 2012. 7:42 AM
Hey! Can anyone review this?
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-CALCULATE-RESISTOR-CERAMIC-CAPACITOR-VALU/
pranjal12 says: Nov 14, 2012. 4:09 AM
Please review the instructable
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-MAKE-DANCING-LEDS/
Hack42Moem says: Nov 14, 2012. 4:40 AM
I've soldered circuits before, but I don't really understand how to get from the schematic you're giving to the positioning of the components on the board. Maybe you can make that clearer.
pranjal12 says: Nov 23, 2012. 2:23 AM
Thanx
M3G says: Nov 20, 2012. 3:28 PM
Please review this instructable.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Add-Headphones-To-A-Toque-Great-For-Skiing-Snowb/
Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 22, 2012. 3:24 AM
Overall it's good. The photos and description are clear and easy to follow and it's on a pretty interesting/original topic.

Is toque a regional/Canadian term? I've never heard it before. Is it the same as what we'd call a beanie in England? Perhaps a more generic term like "winter hat" or "hat" might make title that more people would understand? "Snowsports Headphone Hat"? or something similar.
mikeasaurus says: Nov 22, 2012. 11:10 AM
Toque is such a great word, and something that really needs to grow beyond the Canadian lexicon.
M3G says: Nov 22, 2012. 12:04 PM
I agree.
Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 22, 2012. 12:03 PM
You would say that, you're Canadian. There's nothing wrong with the word, I was just being critical as the rest of the Instructable was excellent. Just thought it might have more appeal with a title that more people understood.
M3G says: Nov 22, 2012. 7:00 AM
That's a great idea for the title! Thanks, I guess toque is a pretty Canadian term...
canucksgirl says: Nov 22, 2012. 12:53 PM
I prefer toque (and yes... I'm Canadian too). Just add "hat" to your Instructables tags so that people can search by toque or hat. They should still get the point when they see your image thumbnail (even if they aren't familiar with the word toque). :-)
M3G says: Nov 22, 2012. 1:20 PM
Good idea, I will.
Bot1398 says: Nov 22, 2012. 7:06 AM
I need help on this one :
http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Powered-Clock-Hack/
pranjal12 says: Nov 21, 2012. 4:13 AM
Please review-
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-TEST-YOUR-TRANSISTORS-WITH-YOUR-MULTIMETERS/
pranjal12 says: Nov 19, 2012. 3:59 AM
Hey! Can anyone review these?
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-CALCULATE-RESISTOR-CERAMIC-CAPACITOR-VALU/
emilyvanleemput says: Nov 17, 2012. 10:24 AM
and couldd someone review this one?
http://www.instructables.com/id/crochet-heart/
emilyvanleemput says: Nov 13, 2012. 9:01 AM
What about this one?
http://www.instructables.com/id/Fishtail-yarn-bracelet/
emilyvanleemput says: Nov 17, 2012. 12:03 AM
Someone can help?
Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 17, 2012. 1:17 AM
I don't think I could repeat what you made from your Instructions alone. I can get as far as "knot the strands together". You don't mention how much yarn. Pictures of the process would probably make it much clearer as well as using two contrasting colours of wool since it's not clear in the title picture how cool that pattern is.

Being a guy I don't wear many wool bracelets, but I've never seen one like that, with high contrasting wool it'd look quite interesting compared to just a normal plait.

James
emilyvanleemput says: Nov 17, 2012. 10:22 AM
Thanks, I'll try that
pranjal12 says: Nov 12, 2012. 9:19 AM
Please review my instructable and tell me how i can get it featured?(I will be adding the video shortly)
canucksgirl says: Nov 12, 2012. 1:21 PM
pranjal12... It would help if you posted a link to the Instructable you want reviewed. You've published 3.
pranjal12 says: Nov 13, 2012. 2:33 AM
Oh sorry! I was in ahurry so i forgot. Heres the link
http://www.instructables.com/id/HOW-TO-MAKE-DANCING-LEDS/
KRA5H says: Nov 9, 2012. 7:25 AM
How do I change: http://www.instructables.com/id/Mic-Stand-MonopodCamera-Boom/?ALLSTEPS so that it becomes worthy of a feature?
Kiteman says: Nov 9, 2012. 9:31 AM
First impressions count - the intro photo is badly-lit, and does not do the project justice. Try for an evenly-lit shot of the whole stand, possibly "in action". There's nothing wrong with taking a staged shot for the introduction.

Other than that, I'm afraid that it somehow lacks that undefinable "wow" factor I (personally) look for in projects, especially from an experienced author such as yourself.
KRA5H says: Nov 9, 2012. 12:52 PM
Well I'm glad I didn't enter it into the photography contest. I've deleted it. you can visit it here: http://makeprojects.com/Project/Mic+Stand+Camera+Mount+-+Steadycam+-+Camera+Boom/2770/1
BrittLiv says: Nov 8, 2012. 5:16 AM
Hi, I need your guys help, please. I've recently published my newest instructable here:  http://www.instructables.com/id/Glowing-Halloween-Cocktails/

I hasn't been featured yet and I would like to know how I could improve it.

Btw do only featured instructables show up in the profile? I can't see it here: http://www.instructables.com/member/BrittLiv/
Kiteman says: Nov 8, 2012. 5:33 AM
Featured show up first - hit "View all 26 instructables", and it's there.
BrittLiv says: Nov 8, 2012. 9:58 AM
Ahh, thanks, I see. Any hints on how I could improve the instructable?
Kiteman says: Nov 8, 2012. 10:44 AM
The only thing I can think of is the spelling and grammar. For instance;
  • Start by solving the sodium alginate...
  • mix the Licor, the milk...
  • Carefully pure the banana mixture into it
Individually, not a problem, but the effect sort of adds up.
BrittLiv says: Nov 8, 2012. 11:22 AM
Thank you, English is not my first language (and I have never been good in spelling and grammar, that's why I'm studying engineering ;-)). Is it dissolving in the first sentence? Licor is a brand name, so I think it is right, or is there an other mistake I don't see? And it is pour, right (I'm having problems with words, that sound the same, but are written differently...)? Thanks for the feedback!
Kiteman says: Nov 8, 2012. 11:41 AM
That's all right - I didn't register that Licor was a brand, I thought it was supposed to be "liquor".

If words that sound the same are a problem, you might find this website useful.
Jayefuu (author) says: Nov 8, 2012. 10:02 AM
In my opinion the title image is too hectic. I can see you spent a long time on it, but when it's small you can't tell what's going on. I don't think you need to show dark and light. What's the poisonous frog's pond look like in the dark without the light version edited in? Maybe just that and some text as the image?

The rest: the pictures are clear and well composed as ever Britt and the written English is better than a lot of native English speakers I know.

One final question, why didn't you make us cocktails when you visited? Tskk.
BrittLiv says: Nov 8, 2012. 11:41 AM
You are right it is too hectic. My friends wanted to drink the cocktails, so I couldn't spend much time photographing them (I set the cocktails up in front of a tripod took a few picture, turned the lights of and the UV light on and took a few more). I originally wanted to take one picture of all the cocktail together, but at least one was always missing (I will certainly make them again and make sure, that nobody drinks them before I can take a picture ;-))....

And you've got a beer ;-)

Adding the UV light pictures is a good hint, I will do so.
CIMG4766.jpg
pranjal12 says: Oct 30, 2012. 4:43 AM
Please, Please tell me how to improve my instructable.
http://www.instructables.com/id/MACHINE-GUN-DOORBELL/
Jayefuu (author) says: Oct 30, 2012. 4:55 AM
A couple of comments...
- the title doesn't match the description. In the title you describe it as a door bell but in the introduction there is no why or how and it says you're going to demonstrate how to make a machine gun noise.
- a video of your modification in action might interest people
- there are quite a few spelling mistakes.
KRA5H says: Oct 29, 2012. 12:29 PM
Completely redeisgned the Instructable and renamed it. Added an attention grabbing picture. You gotta feature it now. Ya just gotta. I mean seriously I'm driving a centrifuge, magnetic stirrer, and a Lego grabber arm. A LEGO GRABBER ARM!!!!

There ain't much more that I can do, really, I mean it's not like I can install neon signs, searchlights, a ginormous inflatable gorilla, a fireworks display, host a rave in the parking lot.

New Title: 555 Timer Hacks: Cable Testers, Magnetic Stirrers, and Lego Grabbers Oh My!

link: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hack-Your-Snap-Circuits-a-Minimalist-Very-Few-Co/?ALLSTEPS
pranjal12 says: Oct 29, 2012. 8:00 AM
HI!! Im pranjal. Please tell me how can I improve my instructable.
http://www.instructables.com/id/MACHINE-GUN-DOORBELL/
KRA5H says: Oct 8, 2012. 5:16 AM
Please review: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hack-Your-Snap-Circuits-With-Frickin-Laser-Beams/

Let me know how to improve it to make it a featured instructable. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
KRA5H says: Oct 11, 2012. 2:18 PM
I have moved this Instructable over to Make:Projects:

http://makeprojects.com/Project/Hack+Your+Snap+Circuits+With+Frickin%27+Laser+Beams%21+Build+a+Laser+Tripwire+and+Alarm+Out+of+Snap+Circuits/2674/1

I will leave it active here on Instrucatbles for a few more days, but will delete it if there are no suggestions for improvements to make it a featured instructable.
KRA5H says: Oct 1, 2012. 7:40 AM
Hmm. still no comments on my instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hack-Your-Snap-Circuits-a-Minimalist-Very-Few-Co/

I'll leave it up for a couple more days, maybe someone migh have some suggestions. Otherwise I will take it down. No point in leaving it up if no one is ever going to see it.
Kiteman says: Oct 9, 2012. 1:00 AM
I don't know if you're aware, but most views to a project come from outside the site.

That is, people get sent directly to the project page by a search engine. Yes, featuring gets you an initial burst of views, and a dash of viral marketing doesn't hurt, but the real, long-term traffic comes when your project matches other folks' searches. My highest-hit project is over four years old, but still gets a steady stream of hits because its title and keywords happen to closely match a very common search-string.

If people want or need to see a project like yours, they will see it because they look for it, not because they have looked at the front page of this website.
Jayefuu (author) says: Oct 9, 2012. 1:04 AM
My highest-hit project gets views through google searches every Autumn when people are wondering what to do with all their green tomatoes. Gets me 1000-3000 a day throughout October. Of the 300K views it had, only about 3000 were from when it got featured, the rest are from Google.
Kiteman says: Oct 9, 2012. 1:09 AM
Zackly.

Now, back to the paperwork :-(
Hack42Moem says: Oct 1, 2012. 10:58 AM
216 people looked at it, though.
KRA5H says: Oct 1, 2012. 2:40 PM
Meh. The fewest people I've had look at a featured instructable is 974.
Hack42Moem says: Oct 1, 2012. 3:02 PM
I have an I'ble that was featured and has had 268 people look at it. And yours is pretty specific in nature, so it will appeal to a limited group.
Personally, I still don't see that as a reason to take it down... who knows, someone may look at it tomorrow or next week and decide it's just what s/he needs!
KRA5H says: Oct 1, 2012. 3:35 PM
I have a similar instructable that was featured and it got 2950 views. It was an optical theremin too. This new circuit is simpler in design and does more stuff--more videos of experiments performed with the 555 timer. I'm fairly sure I followed the featuring checklist, but it wasn't featured. Just need to know what I did wrong so I can fix it.
KRA5H says: Oct 8, 2012. 3:07 PM
I have started to move my Instructable over to Make:Projects:

http://makeprojects.com/Project/Hack+Your+Snap+Circuits+With+a+555+Timer+IC/2657/1

I will need to reshoot photography and reshoot video and provide links to the videos for the 555 Timer IC Make:Project with the 9 volt power modifications for the following:

Practical joke lie detector.

Does adding salt to water decrease it's resistance?

Use a magnet to alter the picth of the 555 timer circuit.

Make a pencil lead (graphite) organ.

Use the 555 circuit as a cable tester.

I will also add two more videos/photos demonstrating using the 555 Timer as Pulse Width Modulation to drive the motor for a DIY centrifuge and DIY magnetic stirer.

I hope to complete the Make:Project some time this week--time permitting (no later than next Monday). Once it is completed over at Make:Projects, I will then delete the Instructable from this site.
mikeasaurus says: Oct 8, 2012. 9:51 PM
You're migrating your content to Make, only to re-shoot portions of it (and probably rewrite it)? I haven't looked at your projects, but maybe the elements you are going to redo for Make are the elements missing from your projects currently?

Make are good people, and if you're just looking purely for hits on your projects I think broadening your avenues is better, but I think the community here is better. There are no rules about re-making and re-posting improvements and upgrades on your work (it's encouraged!).

From working behind the scenes here at HQ I can say that some of our best performing projects posted on Instructables are from page views over time, not initial page views.
KRA5H says: Oct 11, 2012. 6:51 AM
This one time (not at Band Camp), I posted an Instructable and it got 10,000 views...in the first week.

I get it. Most of my ibbles are for a niche audience, but the difference between featured and not featured is like night and day. My last featured Instructable was posted on Sep 13, 2012 and, as of this writing, it has had 1105 views. The next one after that I posted five days later on Sep 18, 2012. It wasn't featured. And it has only had 286 views. Even for a niche audience I can expect, on average, about 1000 views in the first month. Then the views trail off and that's ok.

Now I could be lazy and just throw together a slapdash Instructable, but I go out of my way to follow the featuring checklist. The editors here at instructables like things just so. I follow the featuring checklist, I jump through all the hoops, I make everything just so. All for one, admittedly, very silly little reason:

To borrow a quote from the movie You've Got Mail, I turn on my computer. I wait impatiently as it connects. I go online, and my breath catches in my chest until...I see the "FEATURED" banner in the upper corner of my new Instructable.

Ok. So, I'm easily amused.

It's disappointing to put in the extra effort to make everything just so, to jump through all the hoops, to follow the featuring checklist and not get the ding dang thing featured.
emilyvanleemput says: Nov 13, 2012. 9:10 AM
I think it's already awesome to share projects on this great site. Yes, I like it when an ible get's featured but I don't think a non-feature is the reason to remove a project. I was just trying to take a look at your ible but I saw you removed it. Pity.
KRA5H says: Nov 16, 2012. 11:58 AM
This was kiteman's opinion of my ible: "I'm afraid that it somehow lacks that undefinable "wow" factor." I disagreed so I fired him (deleted it) and took my project to another publisher.

Actually I posted the same project on both sites at the same time 9 November 2012. As of this writing (16 Novemeber 2012), it has gotten 803 views in just eight days. Compare 803 views with my oldest non-featured instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Grabber-Bot-Out-of-Legos-Snap-Circuits-an/ posted on 22 Decmeber 2011. It has languished in obscurity for well nigh almost a year and only gotten 947 views.

I was surprised it wasn't featured since it was good enough to get a write-up on Hack A Day: http://hackaday.com/2011/11/03/bomb-disposal-robot-with-lego-gripper/ and several other sites like Dangerous Prototypes, and Hacked Gadgets.

Anyway, I've just signed on as a blogger at Society of Robots and hope to be able to work on an infrared remote controlled robot this weekend--time permitting, since the in-laws are visiting. I'm also writing a series of electronics tutorials for the other website. That Instructables and I will part ways for a while is not at all a pity.
makendo says: Oct 11, 2012. 9:38 PM
I think the featuring checklist is a bit of a red herring. The advice in it is perfectly sound, but it would be easy to write up a project that ticked all the boxes and yet still lack a certain something. I suspect getting featured is more about providing a good intro picture on a project that is just a little bit different from what has gone before. First few snap circuits: sure. More: harder and harder. A good example would be OrigamiAirEnforcer - you could probably argue all of his/her ibles deserve to be featured based on the checklist, but after the first few paper airplanes, the novelty kind of wears off. Knex projects probably suffer for the same reason. Projects can be unoriginal and still get featured if the workmanship is awesome (think  Daft Punk helmets) or the photogenicity of the subject is high and the presentation is excellent (cupcakes).
KRA5H says: Oct 12, 2012. 5:24 AM
Right, then. I'll reshoot the opening pics for the 555 timer and the Laser tripwire and see what happens. If they get featured, great! If not, I can just pick up my marbles...um...Snap Circuits and take them over to Make magazine.
Jayefuu (author) says: Oct 12, 2012. 5:44 AM
With smoke and darkness for the laser tripwire? :D
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