Types of Articles
What is an article? A written work published either in print or online is referred to as an article. There can be many different reasons for writing an article, from writing on current affairs to spread information, academic articles, research articles, to feature articles. Writing an article needs the writer to decide on a topic, that in more cases than one is related to a news event. While writing an article it is important that the writer remains objective and is impartial. There are many different types and the different ways in which these are categorized is given below. Articles can also be categorized according to the medium for which they are written. So, you can have articles that are written for a newspaper, which are known as news articles. Other than this main type, there are articles written for magazines, academic papers, journals, websites, blogs, encyclopedias, articles written specifically for marketing purposes, etc. Article writing can be very different from creative writing, which is a more personal form of writing and does not need the writer to follow any specific rules.
Article Categorization According to Content
Depending on the type of content you are writing, there are many different types. The articles written in journals are very different from the articles in a magazine or a newspaper. This is especially true because journals are generally academic in nature, and stick to a specific article writing format. The articles in a newspaper or a magazine need a difference in the treatment that they are given. If you are a freelance writer looking for a break in the magazine or newspaper business, then you need to know what are the different types of articles.
Feature Articles
In a magazine the feature articles covers a large range or articles, form service articles that review products for the consumers, to how to articles, which provides readers with instructions on performing a specific task. Other articles that come under the features category are self-help articles, human interest articles which narrate experiences and stories of real people, profile article about celebrities, interviews, investigative articles, travelogues, etc.
Filler Articles
While planning a magazine or a newspaper, often the editor may come across spaces in the magazine where there is a need to include a short article of about 200 to 300 words. These small filler articles are a great way to fill space and include snippets of interesting information. Often new writers on the staff are given the responsibility of coming up with ideas for filler articles.
Timed Articles
Articles are often categorized according to when they can be published. There are some articles are seasonal and can be printed only during certain festivals like articles about Christmas or Valentine's Day. There are still other articles that are known as evergreen articles, which can be published as an appropriate piece at any time during the year. One of the important writing tips for new writers to always have a few evergreen articles in their portfolio.
Other articles according to the content are op-ed articles which are opinion pieces published opposite the editorial page, personal experience articles which are written in first person, and columns which are short pieces written in first person which appears on a regular basis.
Article Categorization According to Writer
This is not a differentiation or categorization process that is used very often, but you may often come across articles that are categorized as in-house articles and articles by voluntary or freelance authors. The best way to categorize articles according to who has written them is to divide them as follows.
- Staff Writer: An article written by a staff writer is an article that has been written by someone who is on the payroll of the publication of organization.
- Freelance Writer: A freelance writer is not on the payroll of the publication but is often assigned topics to write for the medium. These articles are usually assignment based.
- Unsolicited Writer: More often than not, magazines, newspapers, and websites receive articles that may or may not have been solicited by the organization. They often receive articles from people looking for a breakthrough in the field of writing.
