3 Letters Explain the Way That Wikipedia Works

By Jonathan Rick

Wikipedia is a paradox: Its official subtitle is the “encyclopedia that anyone can edit,” yet precious few know how do that. Indeed, so copious and cryptic are the encyclopedia’s rules that even if your intentions are pure, you’re bound to violate one of them.

So what’s the secret to success? In a word: Sourcing. Above all, Wikipedia editors focus on footnotes to determine what to include and what to exclude.

To that end, it behooves aspiring Wikipedians to learn the acronym “SIR.” “SIR” stands for “significant,” “independent,” and “reliable,” and it’s the hiding-in-plain-sight key to confirming that whatever article you want to cite is appropriate.
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How I Became a Ghostwriter

By Jonathan Rick

How does one become a ghostwriter?

Well, a new profile of yours truly shares the secrets to my success. Here’s an excerpt:

“Rick’s opinion writing appears regularly in places like the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, the Washington Post, C.N.N., U.S.A. Today, and Fast Company.

“There’s just one catch: His byline rarely appears on the op-eds.

Talking the Social Media Walk

By Jonathan Rick

Ask any communications agency what it neglects most, and the answer invariably is, Our own PR. The story is as old as the one about the shoemaker’s son going barefoot.

That’s why I’m happy to share three interviews I recently did.

How to Build Your Brand by Blogging

By Jonathan Rick

Whether you’re seeking a job or looking to advance your career, using social media to raise your visibility is a must. Yet if you want to stand out—either in a stack of resumes or when your boss needs someone to head up a new project—don’t just do what everyone else is doing. Instead, go beyond the cliché of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, and write a post for a popular blog.

Is this more time-consuming than sharing a link? Absolutely. Is it more difficult than banging out 140 characters? You bet. Does it seem strange to write for someone else’s blog rather than your own? Certainly.

Yet put the time and effort into crafting a thoughtful piece, and you’ll likely experience a rich range of rewards. At minimum, you’ll demonstrate thought leadership, make a name for yourself, and earn a byline in which you can link to your resume or website. Even better, you could land a promotion, secure a job offer, or generate new business.