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Posted February 27, 2008 
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Maybe it was these five reasons, but some people are putting an end to the whole “numbers in the post title” madness. SMM decided to quit, Patrick Altoft followed suit, and some others probably did too. (I doubt Lyndon Antcliff will join in, though.)
But if you want to join in, here is a list of the top 10 ways to ditch the numbers from your post title. We’ll start with a “top 10″ list and switch it up so it’s no longer a “top 10″ list, but instead, a great article.
Numbered title: “Top 10 Ways to Get More Blog Comments”
To make it fit the latest non-numbered linkbait trend, try these titles instead:
1. “How to Get More Blog Comments”
In this case you just drop the number and use “How to” instead. It’s a time-tested, classic headline.
2. “The Ultimate Guide to Getting More Blog Comments”
Who needs a numbered list when your post is the “ultimate” guide?
3. “Little-known Secrets to Getting More Blog Comments”
Someone might already know the top 10 ways to get more blog comments, but they certainly don’t know the “little-known secrets” for getting more blog comments.
4. “Get Tons More Blog Comments - Here’s How”
Another way is to take the “how to” aspect and place it at the end of the post title.
5. “Boost Traffic and Get More RSS Readers By Increasing Blog Comments”
Now we’re getting serious. Instead of focusing on just increasing blog comments, throw in a few benefits of getting more blog comments to make a really appealing title.
6. “Want To Get More Comments on Your Blog?”
Form your headline into a question where the obvious answer is “yes” and the reader won’t be able to resist. This idea works best when you’re targeting people who watch Jeopardy.
7. “How to Coax Your Blog Readers Into Leaving More Comments”
You don’t just get blog comments out of thin air, so add in a little something about the blog readers that will be leaving the comments.
9. “Encourage Blog Commentators By Making Simple Mistakes In Your Post”
Make some sort of mistake or spelling error and some people will comment about it to show how they are far superior since they caught something you missed.
A great example is posting something like “Google updated PR today” and you’re guaranteed that at least one idiot stops by to say “Actually, Google constantly updates PR. Today was just a toolbar PR update.” (You know, like they’re the only person that realizes that…)
10. “An A-List Blogger’s Guide to Getting More Blog Comments”
Add in an expert’s name to show that your ways to get more blog comments are better than the average post about getting more blog comments.
There you go. A good ‘top 10′ list to tell you how to quit doing top 10 lists! 
The question is, will you actually quit writing “top 10″ lists?
