Using FAQs as content launchpads

In the past, I had trouble with vague ideas. Fighting my own limp-wristed attempts to frame content, I discovered that most topics can be phrased as a FAQ. Since questions spawn questions, thinking in FAQs turned out to be a useful mind-mapping-like tool as well.

Each of the examples here use a vital question word: who, what, when, where, why and how. That’s important to avoid incomplete answers and assumptions. For example:

Bad: “Can I create my own grid?”
Good: “How can I create my own grid?”

The first question inspires a weak answer. Can I? Yes. Good for you. The second question demands some thought and a more elaborate response. It works so well that I’ve started using questions to start everything I write. It’s like free writing or mind mapping, but with question marks.

“Color alignment is important.”

Thinking FAQ-style:

• What is color alignment?
• Why should colors be aligned?
• When are colors misaligned?
• Who else has written about this?
• Where can I find tools to make colors match?
• How can I change colors to match each other?

“Grid-based layouts are useful.”

Thinking FAQ-style:

• Who invented grid layouts?
• Who uses grid layouts now?
• How are grid layouts different on the web than in print?
• What are different types of grids?
• Why don’t more people use grids?
• Where can I download grid systems?
• How can I create my own grid?

“PNG vs. GIF.”

Thinking FAQ-style:

• Who owns the licensing behind PNG and GIF?
• What are the advantages of PNG and GIF?
• When is PNG or GIF more appropriate?
• What browsers support GIF and PNG?
• Why should anyone use GIF over PNG or vice versa?
• How might PNG or GIF change in the future?