First of all S-Kippy, let me say I'm not going to get into a head-to-head with you on this subject, so don't go raising hackles with me, BUT I happen to think your post exemplifies exactly the thoughts some might have if thin king about writing an article....
You write some of the best posts on FM on ' How did you get on ' thread and to my mind it's not a whole lot different from writing an article, apart from being a lot longer. Some of the stuff you've submitted on zander fishing had me reading it with some interest, and I'm not the least bit interested in zander fishing. They were good enough to hold my interest and that's what it's all about, isn't it ? The same goes for crucian fishing..............Much of what you have written on both subjects is not necessarily about catching, but more, how you tried to catch - resulting in failure or otherwise !
So for my money the ' only limited appeal ' bit is, to be frank, a load of old cobblers ! ( IMHO ! )
In your post you've used the word 'compete ' twice which suggests we are in a competition to see who can write the best, and if it's not ' up there ' might be deemed a failure. Yes, I agree Binka, among others, can write some stunning reports full of good information and with a touch of humour which is a not easy to achieve, BUT no more than yourself who can also produce a hint of humour as in the recent ' Bankside disaster ' thread.
I'm a fisherman of many years, so I'm well able to read what folk have to say ( and by how they go about fishing ) and decide they have quality knowledge, and this is how I judge the content of what they write.....I can only say IMHO that you are' up there ' with anyone else on quality of info, and the ability to put actions into words, and that really appeals !!
For the life of me , I cannot imagine why anyone would poo-poo anything you say, be it on actual fishing or the gear we use to catch them...
Regards folk writing articles generally ; I do wonder if some are not put off simply because they don't feel confident about how to put things into words...the ability to explain one's self in concise terms ? That, and possibly the lack of understanding around the English language, whci can be frightening for some. Let's face it, not everyone is comfortable around the written word which is difficult for those who can rattle off a few paragraphs in a few minutes, to understand....................
You only have to read some posts on FM to realise that some have much to say, but lack the ability to get it on paper in a coherent form. Of course, I might be totally wrong.........
All the above only MHO !!