I remember when I used to blog and write content for my site, the headlines would take longer than the article at times.
There are actually tools to write headlines and give you lots of ideas. Most of the time, I just come up with something quick and dirty. For posts. I want to really do something I'll spend a little more time brainstorming.
Whenever I get around to starting my workflow series, I'll write on brainstorming. The key thing to know though, your brain has two states, open and closed. While brainstorming your mind is open to new ideas, when you start focusing on details (like implementation) your brain is in more of a closed state and is not very receptive to new ideas.
When thinking of headlines, or ideas you want to just keep thinking and write them down, don't try to rationalize or justify, just get it out of your head and close the open loop so you are receptive to a new idea.
I'm no expert, I just no the theory. Most of the time I'm lazy and don't put much thought into it.
You drew me into a frog eating contest months ago with that same line - 'I'm getting around to writing my workflow series...' ;p
You come up with some great stuff, and its nice to hear your thoughts. I too often put great advise into comments. I'm working to make a comment mining tool functionality to add-on to our current opensource tool - coffeesource.net
Its just a play-tool, but we have to learn somehow right?
But I think comment mining could be a game changer for harvesting ideas - how much value did you just give me here in the comments? Will you copy paste later or re-remember and rewrite?
Thanks for the interaction ;p
I sometimes put more information in my comments than my posts. That's the great thing about engagement.