Tips for great blog writing
BL Ochman's How to Write Killer Blog Posts and More Compelling Comments is great advice, and well worth reading.
In general these guidelines are good common sense – which isn’t always common, and I’ll make a point of rereading them again.
Excellent tips like:
"Short, declarative sentences are good"
"Link like crazy"
"Include complete thoughts in headlines"
"Omit all unnecessary words "
"Read your post out loud." - a GREAT suggestion. I know it may sound silly, but IT WORKS!
Perhaps her best tip is "Write like it counts." It just might count . . .
I don't necessarily agree with 100% of these comments (do I ever agree 100% with anyone?):
"Aim at keeping your posts at about 250 words."
My posts are often longer than 250 words, as is this post of hers:) 250 words is often too limited to deliver value.
“Use the simplest possible word and sentence structure.”
Sure, but I refuse to dumb down my language or content. I assume my readers are intelligent and articulate. Simple? - yes. Fourth grade level? - no!
“Forget what you learned about business writing in school.”
I never learned anything. Isn’t that obvious? :)
And I’ll add one of my own:
“Beware blogging while drinking!”
Although I’ve been known to write a fine post while enjoying a glass of fine wine, its best to save as draft and review when well rested and sober before posting!
In general these guidelines are good common sense – which isn’t always common, and I’ll make a point of rereading them again.
Excellent tips like:
"Short, declarative sentences are good"
"Link like crazy"
"Include complete thoughts in headlines"
"Omit all unnecessary words "
"Read your post out loud." - a GREAT suggestion. I know it may sound silly, but IT WORKS!
Perhaps her best tip is "Write like it counts." It just might count . . .
I don't necessarily agree with 100% of these comments (do I ever agree 100% with anyone?):
"Aim at keeping your posts at about 250 words."
My posts are often longer than 250 words, as is this post of hers:) 250 words is often too limited to deliver value.
“Use the simplest possible word and sentence structure.”
Sure, but I refuse to dumb down my language or content. I assume my readers are intelligent and articulate. Simple? - yes. Fourth grade level? - no!
“Forget what you learned about business writing in school.”
I never learned anything. Isn’t that obvious? :)
And I’ll add one of my own:
“Beware blogging while drinking!”
Although I’ve been known to write a fine post while enjoying a glass of fine wine, its best to save as draft and review when well rested and sober before posting!
posted by Ted Demopoulos at 8:00 AM
Comments on "Tips for great blog writing"
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Anonymous said ... (Wednesday, February 02, 2005 2:49:00 PM) :
post a commentTed, you are an exception as you write in a fun and friendly fashion, but I think most people should blog while drinking. Maybe it would loosen up their style!!
Blogs should be informative yet informal. Yours is - most aren't! Too bad you aren't single :)
Sally G