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% vs. $

The psychology of sales.

Less expensive items look like better deals when they are percentage (%) sales, whereas dollar amount ($) sales are the way to go for more expensive items. The rule of thumb is, if it's greater than $100, go with a dollar amount - if it's less than $100, use a percentage. 

Example: if a shirt that costs $25 is goes on sale, it's better to use 20% OFF rather than $5 OFF. Or, if a computer costs $400, it's better to have a sale price of $80 OFF, rather than 20% OFF. Consumer psychology - use it with respect and your consumers will return the favor.

4 Pillars of effective Writing

 

1. Clarity
It must be incredibly clear for the reader.

2. Simplicity
Don't get wordy or use too many adjectives.

3. Brevity
Short words are better than long words; Short setences are better than long sentences.

4. Humanity
Be yourself.

Bonus Tips:

No Self Importance
It's not about you (Unless you're writing about yourself).

Keep It Conversational
If you write like you speak, your message will be more interesting for the reader (unless you speak like a dictionary).

SOURCE
William Zinsser, On Writing Well

You Vs. Sugar

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size20oz
Amount Per Serving
Nutrient Gatorade Coconut Water
Sugar 35,000mg 1,000mg
Sodium 275mg 316mg
Potassium 75mg 89mg
Magnesium 0mg 9mg
Calcium 0mg 8mg

Sugar - we eat a lot more than we think. How? - It's hidden in our food. Many food manufacturers add sugar to help “cut back” on calories. However, most sugars aren't natural to our diet. It sends our livers in to overdrive as the sugar is metabolized into fat.

| Sugar has also been linked to compulsive eating. This highly refined ingredient breaks down quickly, offering immediate reward to the pleasure seeking centers of the brain. You - you like sugar. I do too. But over induging isn't entirely our fault - scientifically speaking, sugar is more addictive than cocaine. |

SOURCE
| "Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us"
By Michael Moss |

Diet Dr. News Article, "Sugar vs Fat on BBC: Which is Worse?"

Great Nations

What makes a great nation?

A nation can be great for all kinds of reasons, but | nations with high levels of trust, have higher income levels and more stable governments. The citizens possess higher levels of social capital, which is built through positive interactions between people - which then leads to greater economic development. | So, what makes a great nation? You & me.

NATIONS WHERE CITIZENS HAVE HIGH AMOUNTS OF TRUST
China
Norway
Sweden
Canada
United States

NATIONS WHERE CITIZENS HAVE LOW AMOUNTS OF TRUST
South Africa
Chile
Nigeria
Peru
Lebanon

SOURCE
| July/August 2010 Fast Company
Graph:Pew Research Center
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