Is my hub too long?

1. 79

   Janet21posted 16 years ago

   My latest hub is almost 1400 words.  Is that too long?  Is it difficult to read?   Let me know what you think.  Thanks!
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Thomas-the-Tank … er-Railway

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   1. 58

      mandybeauposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      Well I didn't fall asleep, so that has to be good even though the subject matter was not really my bag. I personally think that words (amount of) should really not be considered too much, obviously too long Hubs, unless exceptional, may bore readers.
      You could have written less, and still made your point, but I think it was interesting, enough for me to sign on as a fan.
      Mandybeau

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   2. 0

      C. C. Riterposted 16 years agoin reply to this

      I emailed hubpages a while back and asked if there was a limit. No was the answer but that it might take a bit longer for some to download it all.

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2. 82

   bgpappaposted 16 years ago

   I don't think they can really be too long, as long as they are interesting. Good job.

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3. 61

   EYEAM4ANARCHYposted 16 years ago

   I'd be quite the hypocrite if I told someone their hub shouldn't be long, since mine average over 2k words.
   
   Your hub is very well written and it has a good flow. I don't think it is at all too long. You might want to consider integrating the pics and video into the text.

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4. 83

   sunstreeksposted 16 years ago

   I agree with EYEAM4ANARCHY, your images and video might look better pushed to the right of the text. Except with the Thomas Trackmaster Action Canyon Train Set picture. It's short in height but spans the width of the hub. It works well to show the train set.
   
   Can I suggest that maybe include a few less amazon results.  I think maybe 4 or 5 per amazon capsule might flow a little better.

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5. 66

   BristolBoyposted 16 years ago

   As Sunsteeks says I think it may be better with less Amazon/ebay capsules as it makes it look like the page is just set up to sell items and that may put off readers. 
   
   As for the length, I don't think this is bad at all.  Some of my pages are well in excess of 3000 words so that shouldn't be bad.  Also I believe long articles (as long as they are relevent etc) are likely to get more traffic from search engines, which is where the majority of payment comes from.

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6. 82

   LondonGirlposted 16 years ago

   Quite a few of mine are 2,000 words+ - I don't think there is a "maximum". Far from it, the longer ones are usually more detailed and more interesting.

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7. 0

   Iphigeniaposted 16 years ago

   Not too long - great hub

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8. 62

   Lisa HWposted 16 years ago

   You're all making me feel much better about my usual long-windedness.   I've always felt pretty insecure about the length of some of my things, because, in general, word is "out there" that stuff on the web shouldn't be too long.
   
   If I'm writing about something like, "how to buy shoes", I have no problem coming up with a reasonable length thing.  What I've noticed, though, is if I'm trying to "tackle a big, serious, issue", it usually takes me between 1400 and 2000 (maybe a little more) words to let the writing process take its course.
   
   It seems as if I start out with knowing that I have to say x amount if I'm going to make the point or tell the story.  Once I get in that deep, though, I have to add another x amount to make sure nobody misunderstands/misinterprets the original x ideas.
   
   If I take out the second x batch, that means some of what was in the original thing would have to go as well - and that would leave a skeleton summary that was like everybody else's  400-word skeleton summary on the same "big, important, issue".  Why bother?  And yet, I feel insecure and wind-baggy every time.    It's just plain embarrassing to see how far down scrolling goes on some of them. 
   
   (I just noticed the length of other posts.  See what I mean about "wind-baggy"?    )

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9. 79

   Janet21posted 16 years ago

   Thanks everyone for your thoughts, comments on the hub and for reading the hub all the way through.  I appreciate it!
   
   I have reduced the Amazon modules to display 3-4 products and have incorporated the Thomas photo and video into the text area. 
   
   Does this look better?
   
   p.s. On a side note, google ads do work.  The image ads are especially powerful.  I just noticed the image ad on my hub for the Thomas Live show.  I didn't click on the ad, but did look into the show.  It happens to be playing in my area.  I plan on getting tickets today for my husband to take my son.   Hopefully the ad entices my visitors to click, too! 

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10. 66

    BristolBoyposted 16 years ago

    This looks better.  Still lots of Amazon ads and more than I would normally like but then I don't put any on my hubs because I don't really like them and feel it makes my hubs look overly commercial.

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    1. 79

       Janet21posted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for your thoughts.  I tend to put quite a few amazon/eBay capsules on my hubs.  I realize everyone has a different view on affiliate links, however, most of my hubs have a 'commercial' feel to them, but what can I say, I like selling stuff.   I have made a lot of sales, including a few eBay signups,  since I have been here.   If my visitors weren't making purchases, I would consider removing the affiliate links. But, since they are buying, I chose to leave things as they are.
       
       I make no bones about it, the purpose for all of my online writing is to help me reach my goal of earning a full time income online.  And, the affiliate commissions are helping me reach my goal.
       
       Okay, I'll get off my soapbox now.

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11. 67

    needful thingsposted 16 years ago

    Hello Janet. I think you've achieved your purpose... :-)

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12. 76

    AEvansposted 16 years ago

    Janet,
    I see that everyone gave you feedback so I have to say that it does look good and you did a great job on the article!!!

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13. 80

    blondepoetposted 16 years ago

    I don't think it was too long.I say thumbs up it is a great hub that you should be real proud of

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14. 70

    CarpetDiemposted 16 years ago

    As long as it is good (and yours is) I think longer is actually better. At least I've heard that the search engines like that. It make sense that longer (assuming again that it is goo) means more potential information.
    PS. Thomas Rocks.

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    1. 79

       Janet21posted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for your compliments on my hub and for leaving a comment.

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    2. 79

       Janet21posted 16 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for your compliments on my hub and for leaving a comment.

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15. 61

    baby carriersposted 16 years ago

    Yea, I agree, it's not too long.
    
    I think you did a great job!

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