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skills/article-title-optimizer/references/title_best_practices.md

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+# Article Title Best Practices
+
+This reference document provides comprehensive guidance on creating effective, marketable article titles that attract readers while maintaining integrity and accuracy.
+
+## Core Principles
+
+### 1. Length Guidelines
+- **Optimal length**: 6-12 words (50-70 characters)
+- **Maximum for SEO**: 60 characters (Google truncates beyond this in search results)
+- **Readability**: Shorter titles are easier to scan and remember
+- **Social media**: Twitter displays ~70 characters, so aim for this as absolute maximum
+
+### 2. Title-Subtitle Format
+The format `<Title>: <Subtitle>` provides structure and allows for both attention-grabbing and informative elements:
+- **Title (main)**: Hook the reader, create curiosity, emotional impact
+- **Subtitle**: Clarify, provide context, set expectations
+- **Balance**: Neither part should dominate; aim for roughly equal weight
+
+### 3. Clarity vs. Curiosity Balance
+- **Too clear**: Boring, no reason to click ("An Article About AI in Healthcare")
+- **Too vague**: Clickbait, loses trust ("You Will Not Believe What Happened Next")
+- **Sweet spot**: Intriguing yet informative ("The Hidden Bias in Medical AI")
+
+## MANDATORY CONSTRAINTS
+
+**ALL generated titles must comply with these three critical constraints:**
+
+### 1. No AI-Generated Tropes
+Avoid obvious AI writing patterns, clichéd phrasing, and overused terminology that signals robotic or formulaic content:
+- **NEVER use**: "Algorithm", "Algorithms", "Algorithmic", "Black-Box", "Black Box"
+- **AVOID**: Predictable AI-content patterns like "The X Will See You Now", "Welcome to the Age of X", "The Rise of X", "X: A Game Changer", "X is a Game Changer"
+- **Why**: These words and phrases have become clichéd markers of AI-generated content and reduce authenticity and reader engagement
+- **Instead**: Use fresh, specific language that authentically describes the actual content without relying on tech-writing clichés
+- **Examples**:
+  - ❌ "The Algorithm Will See You Now"
+  - ❌ "The Machine Will See You Now" (trope phrasing)
+  - ❌ "Black-Box AI in Healthcare"
+  - ✓ "Opaque AI in Healthcare: Why Explainability Matters Now"
+  - ❌ "When Algorithms Fail Minorities"
+  - ✓ "Medical AI Fails Minorities: The Data Representation Crisis"
+
+### 2. No Apostrophes
+Do not use apostrophes anywhere in the title for contractions or possessives:
+- **NEVER use**: "don't", "can't", "won't", "it's", "AI's", "doctor's", "reader's", etc.
+- **Why**: Apostrophes create visual clutter and complicate parsing
+- **Instead use**: Full forms or rephrase to avoid possessives
+- **Examples**:
+  - ❌ "Why AI Won't Replace Doctors"
+  - ✓ "Why AI Will Not Replace Doctors"
+  - ❌ "The Doctor's AI Dilemma"
+  - ✓ "The AI Dilemma for Doctors"
+  - ❌ "It's Time to Regulate AI"
+  - ✓ "The Time to Regulate AI"
+
+### 3. No Question Marks in Title Segment
+Question marks in the Title segment create visually awkward ?: combinations when rendered:
+- **NEVER use**: Question marks before the colon in Title segment
+- **Allowed**: Questions in the Subtitle segment (after the colon)
+- **Why**: The ?: punctuation combination is visually jarring and breaks reading flow
+- **Instead**: Use questions in Subtitle, or rephrase Title as statement
+- **Examples**:
+  - ❌ "Can AI Be Trusted?: The Bias Problem"
+  - ✓ "Medical AI and Trust: Can We Fix the Bias Problem"
+  - ✓ "The Trust Problem in Medical AI: Why Bias Matters"
+  - ❌ "Why Do Systems Fail?: Understanding Root Causes"
+  - ✓ "When Systems Fail: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It"
+
+**Validation Checklist:**
+Before finalizing any title, verify:
+- [ ] Does NOT contain "algorithm" or variants
+- [ ] Does NOT contain any apostrophes
+- [ ] Does NOT have question mark in Title segment (before colon)
+- [ ] Follows `<Title>: <Subtitle>` format
+- [ ] Is 10-12 words total maximum
+
+## Proven Title Formulas
+
+### Formula 1: Question Format
+- "[Statement]: Why Does [Problem] Happen"
+- Example: "Medical AI Fails Minorities: Why Data Representation Matters"
+- **Strengths**: Engages reader's curiosity, promises answers
+- **Use when**: Article explores causes or explanations
+- **Note**: Question must be in Subtitle segment to avoid awkward ?: combination
+
+### Formula 2: Number/List Format
+- "[Number] [Topic]: [Outcome/Benefit]"
+- Example: "5 Hidden Biases in AI: What Every Doctor Should Know"
+- **Strengths**: Specific, scannable, sets clear expectations
+- **Use when**: Article has discrete points or steps
+
+### Formula 3: Contrarian/Provocative Format
+- "[Common Belief] Is Wrong: [Reality]"
+- Example: "AI Will Replace Radiologists Is Wrong: Here Is Why"
+- **Strengths**: Challenges assumptions, creates cognitive dissonance
+- **Use when**: Article debunks myths or presents unexpected findings
+
+### Formula 4: How-To Format
+- "How to [Achieve Goal]: [Method/Approach]"
+- Example: "How to Detect AI Bias: A Guide for Radiologists"
+- **Strengths**: Practical, action-oriented, promises value
+- **Use when**: Article provides actionable advice
+
+### Formula 5: The Future/Trend Format
+- "The Future of [Topic]: [Key Insight]"
+- Example: "The Future of Medical Diagnosis: Human-AI Partnership"
+- **Strengths**: Forward-looking, authoritative, positions reader ahead of curve
+- **Use when**: Article explores emerging trends or predictions
+
+### Formula 6: Problem-Solution Format
+- "[Problem]: [Solution/Approach]"
+- Example: "Opaque AI in Medicine: The Push for Explainability"
+- **Strengths**: Clear value proposition, addresses reader pain points
+- **Use when**: Article presents solutions to known problems
+
+### Formula 7: Unexpected Juxtaposition
+- "[A] Meets [B]: [Outcome]"
+- Example: "When AI Meets Ethics: The Healthcare Dilemma"
+- **Strengths**: Creates intrigue through contrast
+- **Use when**: Article explores intersection of distinct concepts
+
+### Formula 8: Emotional Hook
+- "The [Emotion] Truth About [Topic]: [Insight]"
+- Example: "The Uncomfortable Truth About Medical AI: Widespread Bias"
+- **Strengths**: Emotional engagement, honesty signal
+- **Use when**: Article addresses difficult or controversial topics
+
+## Success Criteria & Evaluation Framework
+
+### 1. Clickability (Weight: 25%)
+**Measures**: Likelihood to grab attention and generate clicks
+- **High**: Creates curiosity gap, uses power words, specific numbers
+- **Medium**: Informative but not particularly compelling
+- **Low**: Generic, vague, or boring
+- **Power words**: Hidden, Secret, Proven, Ultimate, Essential, Critical, Surprising, Shocking (use sparingly)
+
+### 2. SEO Effectiveness (Weight: 20%)
+**Measures**: Search engine optimization and discoverability
+- **Keyword placement**: Primary keyword in first 3-5 words
+- **Length**: 50-60 characters ideal for search results
+- **Natural language**: Readable, not keyword-stuffed
+- **Search intent match**: Title matches what people actually search for
+
+### 3. Clarity/Informativeness (Weight: 20%)
+**Measures**: How well title communicates article content
+- **High**: Reader knows exactly what to expect
+- **Medium**: General idea but some ambiguity
+- **Low**: Vague, misleading, or confusing
+- **Test**: Can someone unfamiliar with the topic understand the subject?
+
+### 4. Emotional Impact (Weight: 15%)
+**Measures**: Emotional resonance and engagement
+- **Curiosity**: Creates information gap that compels reading
+- **Surprise**: Challenges assumptions or presents unexpected angles
+- **Urgency**: Suggests timely or critical information
+- **Relevance**: Connects to reader's concerns or interests
+
+### 5. Memorability (Weight: 10%)
+**Measures**: Likelihood to stick in reader's mind
+- **Distinctive**: Unique phrasing, not generic
+- **Rhythmic**: Flows well when read aloud
+- **Concrete**: Uses specific, vivid language over abstractions
+- **Punchy**: Short, impactful words over lengthy descriptions
+
+### 6. Social Shareability (Weight: 10%)
+**Measures**: Likelihood to be shared on social media
+- **Identity expression**: Sharing signals something about the sharer
+- **Conversation starter**: Likely to generate discussion
+- **Platform fit**: Works across Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
+- **Screenshot-worthy**: Looks good in social media cards
+
+## Common Pitfalls to Avoid
+
+### 1. Clickbait
+- **What it is**: Misleading or exaggerated titles that don't deliver on promise
+- **Why avoid**: Erodes trust, damages credibility, high bounce rates
+- **Examples**: "You Won't Believe...", "Doctors Hate This...", "One Weird Trick..."
+
+### 2. Keyword Stuffing
+- **What it is**: Cramming multiple keywords unnaturally
+- **Why avoid**: Hurts readability, looks spammy, SEO penalties
+- **Example**: "AI Medical Healthcare Diagnosis Technology Algorithm Machine Learning"
+
+### 3. Vagueness
+- **What it is**: Titles so general they could apply to thousands of articles
+- **Why avoid**: No differentiation, no reason to click
+- **Examples**: "Thoughts on AI", "Understanding Healthcare", "Technology and Medicine"
+
+### 4. Over-promising
+- **What it is**: Titles that promise more than article delivers
+- **Why avoid**: Reader disappointment, credibility loss
+- **Examples**: "The Complete Guide to AI" (for a 2000-word article), "Everything You Need to Know About..."
+
+### 5. Jargon Overload
+- **What it is**: Technical terms that alienate general audience
+- **Why avoid**: Limits reach, confuses readers, reduces engagement
+- **Example**: "Convolutional Neural Networks in Radiological Pathognomonic Feature Extraction"
+- **Better**: "How AI Learns to Spot Disease in Medical Images"
+
+### 6. Being Too Clever
+- **What it is**: Puns, wordplay, or references that obscure meaning
+- **Why avoid**: Doesn't translate across audiences, SEO issues, confusion
+- **Balance**: Clever is fine if it doesn't sacrifice clarity
+
+## Industry-Specific Considerations
+
+### Technical/Professional Articles
+- **Audience**: Experts want specificity and accuracy
+- **Approach**: Be precise, use correct terminology, highlight novelty
+- **Example**: "Explainable AI in Radiology: Bridging the Trust Gap"
+
+### General Interest/Popular Science
+- **Audience**: Lay readers need accessible language
+- **Approach**: Use analogies, avoid jargon, emphasize impact
+- **Example**: "AI Doctors and Trust: Can We Fix the Bias Problem"
+
+### News/Current Events
+- **Audience**: Want timely, relevant information
+- **Approach**: Emphasize newness, implications, urgency
+- **Example**: "New FDA Rules Change AI in Medicine: What to Know"
+
+### Opinion/Commentary
+- **Audience**: Seek perspectives and analysis
+- **Approach**: Signal viewpoint, be provocative (within reason)
+- **Example**: "AI Will Not Replace Radiologists: But They Should Worry"
+
+## Testing & Validation
+
+### A/B Testing Questions
+When choosing between title candidates, ask:
+1. **Thumb-stopping power**: Would this make me pause while scrolling?
+2. **Value proposition**: Is the benefit of reading clear?
+3. **Audience fit**: Does this speak to my target reader?
+4. **Authenticity**: Does this accurately represent the article?
+5. **Differentiation**: How does this stand out from similar articles?
+
+### Red Flags
+Reject titles that:
+- Are deceptive or misleading
+- Contain factual errors
+- Use offensive language
+- Perpetuate stereotypes
+- Are too similar to existing popular articles (plagiarism risk)
+
+## Examples: Before & After
+
+### Example 1: Technical Article
+**Before**: "A Comprehensive Analysis of Algorithmic Bias in Artificial Intelligence Systems Applied to Medical Imaging with Specific Focus on Radiological Diagnoses"
+- **Problems**: Way too long (21 words), jargon-heavy, no hook
+**After**: "Hidden Bias in Medical AI: How Systems Fail Minorities"
+- **Improvements**: Concise (8 words), accessible language, emotional hook, clear problem
+
+### Example 2: General Interest
+**Before**: "Things to Consider About AI"
+- **Problems**: Vague, generic, no value proposition
+**After**: "Medical AI and Racism: The Troubling Truth About Bias"
+- **Improvements**: Provocative topic, specific focus, emotional engagement, clear subject
+
+### Example 3: How-To Article
+**Before**: "Guide to Understanding AI in Healthcare Settings"
+- **Problems**: Generic, passive, no urgency
+**After**: "How Doctors Should Question AI: A Practical Guide"
+- **Improvements**: Specific audience, action-oriented, practical value
+
+### Example 4: News/Analysis
+**Before**: "New Developments in Medical Technology Regulation"
+- **Problems**: Boring, no specifics, no angle
+**After**: "New FDA AI Rules: What Changes for Patients and Doctors"
+- **Improvements**: Specific event, clear stakeholders, practical relevance
+
+## Recommended Workflow
+
+When generating article titles:
+
+1. **Analyze article content** deeply - identify:
+   - Core thesis/argument
+   - Key findings or insights
+   - Primary audience
+   - Emotional tone
+   - Main keywords
+
+2. **Generate diverse candidates** using different formulas:
+   - Question format
+   - How-to format
+   - Problem-solution format
+   - Contrarian format
+   - Future/trend format
+
+3. **Evaluate each candidate** against all six criteria:
+   - Clickability (25%)
+   - SEO effectiveness (20%)
+   - Clarity/informativeness (20%)
+   - Emotional impact (15%)
+   - Memorability (10%)
+   - Social shareability (10%)
+
+4. **Score systematically**:
+   - Rate each criterion 1-10
+   - Apply weights
+   - Calculate weighted average
+   - Consider qualitative factors
+
+5. **Select winner** based on:
+   - Highest overall score
+   - Best fit for article tone and audience
+   - Authentic representation of content
+   - No red flags or ethical concerns
+
+6. **Validate** by asking:
+   - Would I click this?
+   - Does it deliver on the promise?
+   - Will readers share it?
+   - Does it stand out?