It’s All in the Titles: An Attention-Grabbing Advice Column
As I was perusing articles on Salon.com today, I came across the best advice column I’ve ever seen. Granted, most magazines and websites have them, but the questions (and answers) usually seem so dull and played out that I wonder if they’ve been fabricated by the editors. It’s the same churn, month after month.
On the other hand, Cary Tennis doesn’t take the easy way out. With a background that has taken him from working at Chevron to being in a punk rock band to writing for glossy magazines to waging a battle with alcoholism and back to Chevron again, Cary has lived a life full of ups and downs.
When you think about it, this is what gives Cary an edge with regards to writing an advice column. All those cuts and scrapes from his past help him relate to people and their problems.
With humiliating (yet captivating) column titles like:
1. I was masturbating in my office to kinky Internet porn when another mom walked in
2. My business trip ended with me in four-point restraints!
3. I’m sleeping with my best friend’s fiancé
4. I hit my sister in the head with my purse when I drink
5. My wife left me because the dolphins at Sea World gave me an erection
It’s hard to resist clicking in to read how Cary ties up such difficult and far-fetched subjects in a big, red bow and delivers a heartfelt message that the distraught can relate to.
In regards to his advice column, Carey says, “I’m no expert. I know the same things we all know. What I’m offering is, you know, good writing! Good writing can clarify overlooked or obscure areas of emotion. With sufficient craft, these things can be illuminated, and in a way that’s pleasurable to read. Plus I’m kind. I offer sympathy to people who are in trouble.” (Chris Colin).
Cary doesn’t just leave you (or the sometimes desperate advice seeker) with a short paragraph of pleasantries. He really digs in. It’s both refreshing and captivating.
Tags: advice, columnist, unpleasant
