Reviewer Notes: What we Look for in a File Description

Writing a description for your new Flashden upload might seem trivial, but it’s actually something we require in order to approve your file.  If your description field is blank or contains something as esoteric as “This is a Flash file” (yes, that has actually happened once or twice!), then there’s a chance your file will be rejected.

Not only should you write a description for your file, but we also recommend that you write a good description.

“Oh no, more homework and file prep!”

Not at all, quite the contrary!  A good file description does not have to be long.  In fact, we encourage you to use short bullet points.  Not only are brief bullet points incredibly quick for you to write, but they are also more easily absorbed by the reader in contrast to weighty paragraphs.  And by reader, we mean your potential customers.  And by potential customers we are hinting to you that a good description can actually help increase sales for you.

Writing a good description to maximize sales

Here are some tips that you can employ to help write a good description. Not only should your description help users understand what your file does, but it should also be written to market or “sell” your file.

• Explain what your file is or does in a sentence or two.
• How might the user benefit from using your file?
• How is your file different to similar files on Flashden? Make people aware how your file is different or better!
• What’s the back-end of your file? XML? TXT Files? CSS? A PHP contact form?  Users find this information very useful!
• Write positively.  Instead of “XML File”, write “Content is easily updated via a very easy to maintain XML file!”
• Are there variables in the ActionScript that can be manipulated and changed, or is it a motion tween in the timeline? Be very clear so users know what to expect.  This also avoids disappointment later!
• Is your file customizable? If so, say so!
• Is your file easily customizable?  Let your potential customers know!
• Can images in your gallery be replaced with images of different sizes or is the customer locked into what they see in your preview file?
• Bold some keywords in your description to highlight some of your file’s most important features.
• You can even consider showing screenshots of your file in your description or perhaps an image showing what your XML document structure looks like so customers know ahead of time how to update/maintain your file.

Fair and honest

One final reminder: It is very important that your description is fair and honest in describing what your file does.  If you promise something in your description and the file does not do this, then not only could your file get rejected, but some customers may be disappointed and decide to give your file a low rating due to it being unable to deliver what it promised.

Examples

Finally, some examples of good descriptions, including one of my own files just to show that I do try to practice what I preach!

• Example One
• Example Two
• Example Three
• Example Four
• Example Five