Your first headline may be dry, but headlines like "6 Unbelievable Techniques Two College Students Used to Get a $4B Buyout Offer from Facebook!" sound like spam to me.
Sensationalism will always work to grab eyes but I don't think that particular brand of headline sensationalism is going to work forever.
Having a reputation for quality journalism makes a news business sustainable, not headline tricks.
"One weird trick to make $4b! See why entrepreneurs hate him!"