If you haven't read Parts 1 and 2 of this series, you can find them here.
Part 2: Sources and Data Leaks: Panama Papers, Paradise Papers, Pandora Papers...
Someone asked me how I create my longer text threads with the limitations placed on X. Now, I have a paid account. So I can create posts past the text limitations. But if you are creating a thread using the plus button, you can't create the longer posts.
So I will explain how I do it. This is so you can create your own method.
Step 1: Type Out Your Text
I use a word processor to do my research, write my document, and figure out where everything is going to go. This helps me get everything organized and allows me to edit as need be.
Step 2: Substack
Because I do publish everything to substack, this step is important for me. It may not be for you.
I copy and paste all my text into the substack. I load all my videos and get the formatting finished. This gives me a better idea of what my thread may look like on X (formerly Twitter). It also gives me an extra step for editing and checking for spelling errors.
Once I get everything where I want it to be, I do not publish. I hold off until I am ready to post my thread before I do. So I save my work to my Drafts.
How do I save to Drafts?
Click the back button. Your work will automatically be saved. When you go to your dashboard in substack and scroll down a bit, you will see the title of your document at the top of your drafts.
Step 3: Build Your Thread
Now it is time to actually build my thread. I actually do this in Telegram. I am showing you this from my computer. But from Telegram, click on the 3 bars in the top left.
From there, click on New Group.
Give your New Group a Name. I have named my "How To Build Threads." Click on Next.
Don't invite anyone to it or change the settings. This will keep your Group private. Click Create.
Now that I have a space to create my threads, I copy and paste my text into here. I load every video and image as it will appear and break up posts as they would be broken up in my thread. Here I show a few examples of what it might look like.
Now that this is finished, I post my substack, get the link and edit my "thread" on Telegram with the link to my substack.
This next part is both the easiest part and the most nerve-wracking.
Step 4: Posting Your Thread To X
At this point, all you need to do is copy and paste your thread into X. Each piece will end up being a comment to your last post.
Do NOT rush through this. It is very easy to comment in the wrong place and break your thread up into two branches. Do NOT be afraid to go back and delete some posts when you do. (Notice I didn't say the word IF. It will happen. It happens to all of us.)
Final Notes
In essence I am building my thread 4 times. This is my method for doing it. Read through. Find the way that best suits you. But hopefully by reading this you can figure out your own method for doing this.
If you have an unpaid account on X, you might use this method to figure out formatting. It isn't about the character limitations. It is about how to break up your thread for a natural flow and to place images and videos in the correct places.
If you have a paid account, this method will help you get past the character limitations that are placed after the first post.
Happy posting!
Thank you for taking the time to do this!! You are MUCH appreciated!! God bless.🙏🙏
Wow. Wonderful, invaluable information! Thank you.