[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]

[[File:narrowcasting.png| center|650px| [http://ccit205.wikispaces.com/The+Rise+of+Narrowcasting The Rise of Narrowcasting]]]

Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience <ref>http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html</ref>. Blog writing is specifically tailored to the conventions of narrowcasting as opposed to broadcasting. Narrowcasting, broadly defined, limits content to subscription customers, whereas broadcasting refers to content transmitted to and for the general public that is available to the general receiver<ref>http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm</ref>.

A blog's audience functions much like the subscription model in that, though blogs are available without subscriptions, the filter of individual interests provide the gateway to content. Blog audiences are inherently fragmented, taking this into consideration when focusing on a blog topic is critical to a blog's success.

Though, traditionally, narrowcasting refers to narrowing the audience by narrowing the transmission through means such as subscriptions, e.g. cable television, conventions of narrowcasting should be used when creating content for a blog audience because blog audiences are composed of a highly specific segment of the population. New media functions democratically and the subscription model of old media takes on a new, more interactive meaning when accessing blog content.
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=1.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/ Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]

==How to Narrowcast==

[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html Narrowcasting]]]

#'''Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.''' Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?<ref>http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html</ref> What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?<ref>http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl</ref>
#'''Identify a gap in information and fill it.''' What is your competition?<ref>http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics</ref> Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?
#'''Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.''' Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].<ref>http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic</ref> Who is interested? What aspect could you focus on? When will this blog occur? Where will the major audience reside? Why will someone read your blog?

==When to Narrowcast==

[[File:niche-topic-blog.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.methods2earn.com/blogging/437/how-to-choose-a-profitable-niche-topic-blog.html Niche Profitting]]]
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]<ref>http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/</ref>, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit<ref>http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/</ref>.
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:
Narrowcasting allows blog writers to gain readers with similar interests. Writing for a group of like-minded individuals will create an ongoing dialog. Narrowcasting allows blog writers to tailor the focus of the conversation centered around their blog which creates a network of interactive followers. Blog readers follow different blogs because they are a part of a unique [[audience]] that has been targeted because of similar interests.
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic.
;Earning a profit:
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.<ref> http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/</ref> When blog readers view a blog author as an expert they are more likely to click on an advertisement because they are already apart of a targeted demographic.

==The Importance of Narrowcasting==
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/ Target Marketing]]]
It is important to choose a blog’s topic and audience that is as narrow as possible for several reasons. First, it helps to establish the blog author as an expert on the subject matter[http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging]. The blogger should consider choosing a topic that they are already familiar with. Also, narrowcasting will garner higher search engine rankings[http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging]. Narrowcasting encourages strong reader participation[http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/]. If the blogger is successful and has a high unique visitor count, companies may be interested in paying the blogger to devote part of the site to advertisement space. The product advertised could be geared toward the type of people who are interested in the blog’s topic[http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing].

==Notes==
<references/>

==References==
# ''http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm''
# "http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html"
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013.
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging "Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging."] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013.
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/ "Choosing a blog topic."] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. ''Media, Culture, & Society.'' March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013.

==See Also==
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]
*[[Research Methods]]
*[[Participation]]
*[[Audience]]

[[Category:New Media]]

Narrowcasting

2013-05-03T11:33:29Z

MarianGlyde: changed i.e. to e.g. -i.e. means 'id est' translation: that is.

[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]

[[File:narrowcasting.png| center|650px| [http://ccit205.wikispaces.com/The+Rise+of+Narrowcasting The Rise of Narrowcasting]]]

Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience <ref>http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html</ref>. Blog writing is specifically tailored to the conventions of narrowcasting as opposed to broadcasting. Narrowcasting, broadly defined, limits content to subscription customers, whereas broadcasting refers to content transmitted to and for the general public that is available to the general receiver<ref>http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm</ref>.

A blog's audience functions much like the subscription model in that, though blogs are available without subscriptions, the filter of individual interests provide the gateway to content. Blog audiences are inherently fragmented, taking this into consideration when focusing on a blog topic is critical to a blog's success.

Though, traditionally, narrowcasting refers to narrowing the audience by narrowing the transmission through means such as subscriptions, e.g. cable television, conventions of narrowcasting should be used when creating content for a blog audience because blog audiences are composed of a highly specific segment of the population. New media functions democratically and the subscription model of old media takes on a new, more interactive meaning when accessing blog content.
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=1.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/ Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]

==How to Narrowcast==

[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html Narrowcasting]]]

#'''Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.''' Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?<ref>http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html</ref> What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?<ref>http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl</ref>
#'''Identify a gap in information and fill it.''' What is your competition?<ref>http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics</ref> Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?
#'''Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.''' Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].<ref>http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic</ref> Who is interested? What aspect could you focus on? When will this blog occur? Where will the major audience reside? Why will someone read your blog?

==When to Narrowcast==

[[File:niche-topic-blog.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.methods2earn.com/blogging/437/how-to-choose-a-profitable-niche-topic-blog.html Niche Profitting]]]
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]<ref>http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/</ref>, educating a specific [[audience]],or when attempting to earn a profit<ref>http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/</ref>.
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:
Narrowcasting allows blog writers to gain readers with similar interests. Writing for a group of like-minded individuals will create an ongoing dialog. Narrowcasting allows blog writers to tailor the focus of the conversation centered around their blog which creates a network of interactive followers. Blog readers follow different blogs because they are a part of a unique [[audience]] that has been targeted because of similar interests.
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic.
;Earning a profit:
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.<ref> http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/</ref> When blog readers view a blog author as an expert they are more likely to click on an advertisement because they are already apart of a targeted demographic.

==The Importance of Narrowcasting==
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/ Target Marketing]]]
It is important to choose a blog’s topic and audience that is as narrow as possible for several reasons. First, it helps to establish the blog author as an expert on the subject matter[http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging]. The blogger should consider choosing a topic that they are already familiar with. Also, narrowcasting will garner higher search engine rankings[http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging]. Narrowcasting encourages strong reader participation[http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/]. If the blogger is successful and has a high unique visitor count, companies may be interested in paying the blogger to devote part of the site to advertisement space. The product advertised could be geared toward the type of people who are interested in the blog’s topic[http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing].

==Notes==
<references/>

==References==
# ''http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm''
# "http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html"
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013.
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging "Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging."] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013.
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/ "Choosing a blog topic."] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. ''Media, Culture, & Society.'' March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013.

==See Also==
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]
*[[Research Methods]]
*[[Participation]]
*[[Audience]]

[[Category:New Media]]

Inverted Pyramid

2013-05-03T11:28:34Z

MarianGlyde: capitalization

Scan-ability

2013-05-03T10:48:56Z

MarianGlyde: capitalization

[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]
[[File:Banner-blindness-examples.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35|Scan-ability demonstrated in an eyetrack study, found in Jakob Nielsen's article about Banner Blindness]]
Scan-ability refers to the ability of readers to scan a text. Scan-ability and readability are concepts that work together to encourage users to read your blog.

There are a number of different reasons why online readers scan first instead of read.<ref>Nielsen, "Why Web Users Scan Instead of Reading"</ref> Writers of digital media must pay special attention to scan-ability because readers of digital writing are known to be easily distracted, impatient, and unwilling to read huge blocks of text.

Scan-ability is crucial for digital writing because, without maintaining a good level of it, readers will not pay attention to your work.

==Layering content==
[[File:Scanability.jpg|thumb|upright=2.5|A visual representation of layering content on a [Http://www.wordpress.com Wordpress.com] blog]]
To make your blog scannable, layering content is a necessity. Brian Carroll says "layering is a response to the reality, the documented fact that Web users do not read."<ref>Carroll, 32</ref> Layering content involves working with text, the visual qualities of text, multimedia, and linking.
===Text===
====Headlines, subheads, and sub-subheads====
[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headlines, subheads, and sub-subheads]] draw the attention of readers to a body of text. Large headlines allow readers to scan the text, and smaller lines like subheads and sub-subheads are actually read by readers.

====One-sentence teasers and lead-ins====
Teasers exist to encourage readers to read more of your posts. According to David Doolin, "Teasers should be designed to compress the information on a webpage, without crowding it nor without annoying the reader."<ref>Doolin</ref> Teasers should be concise in order to work smoothly with the user's tendency to scan. Keep your teaser limited to one sentence.

====Brief summary paragraphs====
Digital writing needs to be concise to ensure that readers will read the entirety of the text. In addition to making sure you write with the [[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]] in mind, you should also stick to one idea per paragraph. Typically, users will move on from a paragraph if they are not impressed by the first few words. Using one idea per paragraph keeps your writing focused and maintains brevity.

----

===Text Visuals===
====Highlighted keywords====
Highlighted keywords encourage users to view similar posts via tags and other forms of [[Categorizing Posts|post categorization]]. Keywords can be tagged in a few different ways. Jakob Nielsen explains that "hypertext links serve as one form of highlighting; typeface variations and color are others."<ref>Nielsen, "How Users Read on the Web"</ref>

====Bulleted lists====
Posts organized with bulleted lists work at capturing the attention of readers while simultaneously converting large blocks of text into smaller and more manageable bits. Susan Gunelius suggests that writers of digital media, "Use lists whenever you can to break up long blocks of text."<ref>Gunelius, "7 Tips to Writing a Blog Post That's Scannable"</ref> Breaking down these larger posts encourages scanning.

----

===Multimedia===
====Graphics====
According to Susan Gunelius, images "can help to draw attention to a specific post, add color to your blog, and help with search engine optimization."<ref>Gunelius "7 Tips to Writing a Blog Post That's Scannable"</ref> Make sure to use high quality images. Original content is preferable, but credit outside sources if you use their graphics.

====Audio and video clips====
When including video and audio clips in layering of a blog post, they should not be very long. Brian Carroll writes, "Short clips usually are preferred . . . to minimize download times, to mitigate streaming interruptions, and because of interactors' punishingly short attention spans."<ref>Carroll, 42</ref> Photo slideshows also allow writers of digital media to include multimedia elements that aid in promoting scan-ability.

----

===Links===
====Related stories and links====
Writers of digital media are given much more freedom in promoting [[Interactivity|Interactivity]] through their writing. [[Links|Linking]] allows writers to connect their posts with others and encourages scan-ability by adding multiple layers to digital text. According to Brian Carroll, "Links . . . provide jumping-off points within [the text], and they can provide access to information throughout the web."<ref>Carroll, 36</ref> It is important to refrain from using too many links in posts or it will look unprofessional.

==Notes==
<references/>

==References==
#Carroll, Brian. (2010). ''[http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]''. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
#Doolin, David. (2009). [http://website-in-a-weekend.net/creating-content/writing-effective-teasers-inspiring-people-to-read-more/ Writing Effective Teasers]''. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
#Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/writingablog/tp/ScannableBlogPostTips.htm 7 Tips to Writing a Blog Post That's Scannable ]. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
#Nielsen, Jakob. (1997). [http://www.nngroup.com/articles/how-users-read-on-the-web/ How Users Read on the Web]. Retrieved 1 April 2013.
#Nielsen, Jakob. (1997). [http://www.nngroup.com/articles/why-web-users-scan-instead-reading/ Why Web Users Scan Instead of Reading]. Retrieved 1 April 2013.

==See Also==
*[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]
*[[Brevity|Brevity]]
*[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]
*[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]

[[Category:New Media]]

Headers and Sub-headers

2013-05-03T10:45:31Z

MarianGlyde: Italicize title of book

[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]

The header and sub header should always be used wisely, keeping in mind the goals and vision of the blog and its design.
[[File:header_words_sample.gif|thumb|upright=1]]

==Why create it? ==
=== Organization ===
Headings and subheadings are a visual representation of how information is organized, and tells the reader what is in each section.

=== Scanability ===
Online readers are not very patient. A website has approximately three seconds to download properly and engage the viewer. <ref> Carroll, Brian. Writing for digital media. Routledge, 2010.</ref> Your headline is the first impression you make on a reader. Without a captivating header and sub header that will turn a browser into a reader, the rest of the content might be irrelevant.<ref>"Page Titles, Headlines, and Subheaders, OH MY!" Writing Spaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. <http://writingspaces.org/wwsg/page-titles-headlines-subheaders>.</ref> Sub-headers will make blog posts more readable. They allow readers to get a quick idea on what subjects you’re tackling and allow them to skip to the topics the readers are interested in.

==How to create it? ==
===Brevity ===
Both the heading and subheading should be short and straight forward. Use clarity and not creativity. Subheadings should be explanatory, pulling key words from the post. This will allow the reader to have an idea of what is coming up ahead.

===Parallelism ===
When crating headers and sub headers the text, font, and sizes should be consistent. Headers should have a larger text than a sub header. Continue to use the same font throughout the header and sub header. If your first sub header is in italics, the next sub header should be italics as well. Headers should begin the same way. If the first header starts with “The”, the rest of the headers should also begin with “The”.

==References==
<references>
#Carroll, Brian. ''Writing for Digital Media''. Routledge, 2010.

#Fishman, Hirsch. "10 Tips for Improving Your Titles and Sub-Headers." Addicott Web RSS. N.p., 09 June 2009. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

#"Headings & Subheadings." Sophia. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

#"Page Titles, Headlines, and Subheaders, OH MY!" Writing Spaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

#"What Is a Blog Header?" About.com Blogging. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

</references>

==See Also==
*[[Themes|Themes]]
*[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]
*[[Lists|Lists]]
*[[Links|Links]]

[[Category:New Media]]

Headers and Sub-headers

2013-05-03T10:34:16Z

MarianGlyde: grammar

[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]

The header and sub header should always be used wisely, keeping in mind the goals and vision of the blog and its design.
[[File:header_words_sample.gif|thumb|upright=1]]

==Why create it? ==
=== Organization ===
Headings and subheadings are a visual representation of how information is organized, and tells the reader what is in each section.

=== Scanability ===
Online readers are not very patient. A website has approximately three seconds to download properly and engage the viewer. <ref> Carroll, Brian. Writing for digital media. Routledge, 2010.</ref> Your headline is the first impression you make on a reader. Without a captivating header and sub header that will turn a browser into a reader, the rest of the content might be irrelevant.<ref>"Page Titles, Headlines, and Subheaders, OH MY!" Writing Spaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013. <http://writingspaces.org/wwsg/page-titles-headlines-subheaders>.</ref> Sub-headers will make blog posts more readable. They allow readers to get a quick idea on what subjects you’re tackling and allow them to skip to the topics the readers are interested in.

==How to create it? ==
===Brevity ===
Both the heading and subheading should be short and straight forward. Use clarity and not creativity. Subheadings should be explanatory, pulling key words from the post. This will allow the reader to have an idea of what is coming up ahead.

===Parallelism ===
When crating headers and sub headers the text, font, and sizes should be consistent. Headers should have a larger text than a sub header. Continue to use the same font throughout the header and sub header. If your first sub header is in italics, the next sub header should be italics as well. Headers should begin the same way. If the first header starts with “The”, the rest of the headers should also begin with “The”.

==References==
<references>
Carroll, Brian. Writing for digital media. Routledge, 2010.

Fishman, Hirsch. "10 Tips for Improving Your Titles and Sub-Headers." Addicott Web RSS. N.p., 09 June 2009. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

"Headings & Subheadings." Sophia. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

"Page Titles, Headlines, and Subheaders, OH MY!" Writing Spaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

"What Is a Blog Header?" About.com Blogging. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

</references>

==See Also==
*[[Themes|Themes]]
*[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]
*[[Lists|Lists]]
*[[Links|Links]]

[[Category:New Media]]

2013-05-02T23:01:59Z

MarianGlyde: Comment form example

Comment form example

2013-04-28T18:11:14Z

MarianGlyde: changing image scale- trial

Participation

2013-04-28T18:10:44Z

MarianGlyde: changing image scale- trial

When starting a blog, it is important to know how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Short sentences, active voice, and presenting information in a [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Inverted_Pyramid pyramid format] help to convey content clearly to readers<ref group=>Carroll, 24</ref>. But participation is more than just writing in a clean, [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Brevity concise] manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network.

== Interact with Other Bloggers ==
Blog readers, indeed most web users, do not just randomly access content on the internet. Users are searching for specific information when they get on the web, and likely will only find blogs via a search engine by typing in key words[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has your blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche topic. One way to participate with other bloggers is to search for blogs with a similar topic, then add it to a blogroll[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]. Provide links to these blogs in posts. This may encourage the blogger to respond in kind. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette].

[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|upright=1.35|Twitter Widget (Credit: Verizon Forum)]]
== Social Media Widgets ==
Having social media share widgets will help spread the blog’s content throughout the web. When users click the share button, the blog post will show up in their status updates, where the blog’s content will be seen by the reader’s friends and followers. Websites that enable a Twitter sharing generate up to seven times more mentions than websites that do not[http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T]. To activate social media share buttons, go to the widgets area of your dashboard. Consider, too, providing widgets to your social networking sites. This allows the reader to connect with you on those sites, and gives a sense that the blog author is accessible.

== Enable Comments ==
Enabling comments on your blog shows readers that you value their participation[http://digitallearning.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7B7E45C7E0-A3E0-4B89-AC9C-E807E1B0AE4E%7D/JENKINS_WHITE_PAPER.PDF]. Replying to readers’ comments also helps to engage readers. Consider adding a subscribe to comments button, so readers will receive email notifications of new comments.
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]
Having most recent comments appear at the top of the comment section makes it easier for readers to access newer comments[http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity].

== Notes ==
<references/>

== References ==
*Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.
*Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here's How.] ''TechCrunch.'' January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013
*Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] ''Entrepreneur.'' December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013
*Jenkins, Henry. [http://digitallearning.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7B7E45C7E0-A3E0-4B89-AC9C-E807E1B0AE4E%7D/JENKINS_WHITE_PAPER.PDF Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century.] ''Building the Field of Media and Learning.'' MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013
*Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] ''Perspectives on Politics.'' 8:1. p. 141-157. March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.
*Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] ''Financial Blogger Conference''. December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013.
*Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. ''Vandalay Design.'' August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.

Research Methods

2013-04-12T12:25:40Z

MarianGlyde: punctuation

Research is the process of gathering information, evaluating it, and applying it to a question or problem.<ref>http://guides.maconstate.edu/research</ref> When writing for digital media, research allows writers to narrow their focus. Having a narrow focus makes a blog more interesting and the writer an expert on the topic. Web searches on [http://www.google.com Google] and [http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] allow blog writers to gather more information on their selected topic, discover what other bloggers have already written, and gain more insight on their targeted audience. Do not limit research to online sources, articles, books, and scholarly journals can also be useful sources of information.

==Gather information<ref> Carroll, 16</ref>==
Writing about a specific topic does not automatically make a person an expert in the field. Initially, conducting very broad web searches on a specific topic will generate a great deal of information. It is best to browse through these websites to get a general overview of the topic. When writing a blog it is important to consider the specific purpose of the writing.<ref>Carroll, 16</ref> After gaining a general overview of the topic, the next step is selecting a specific aspect or view point on the topic to write about. The more focused the topic the more interesting the blog will be.

==What others have already written==
Review the information that other writers for digital media have written on that specific topic. No one wants to read the same thing twice. When reviewing others' writings on a specific subject, look for ways to add to what has been written, an opposing position to what has been written, or an entirely new perspective on the subject. Researching a specific topic in great depth allows the writer to find their own unique niche on that subject. Research allows the writer to narrow their focus even more- giving them an advantage to be even more of an expert in that field.
==Gain insight on the targeted audience<ref> Carroll, 101</ref>==
Researching blogs with similar focus will give the writer a better understanding of their intended audience. When writing a blog it is important to be aware of the intended audiences occupational categories, demographics, gender,culture, and age. <ref>Carroll, 101</ref> Brian Carroll states, " Think about the kind of sites, publications and documents your audience is accustomed to reading". <ref>Carroll, 101</ref>

==Notes==
<references/>
==References==
#Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.*
#Lucas, Gerald R., Dr. "Choosing a Blog Topic." LitMUSE. N.p., 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. <http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic>.
#Williams, Ann. "The Research Process: Step-by-Step Tags: Advanced, Apa, Chicago, Citations, Composition, Critical Thinking, English, General, History, Interdisciplinary, Learning Support, Mla, Mscc, Plagiarism, Primary Sources, Reference, Writing ." LibGuides at Macon State College. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. <http://guides.maconstate.edu/research>.

Research Methods

2013-04-12T12:24:17Z

MarianGlyde: added space between comma and word.

Research is the process of gathering information, evaluating it, and applying it to a question or problem.<ref>http://guides.maconstate.edu/research</ref> When writing for digital media, research allows writers to narrow their focus. Having a narrow focus makes a blog more interesting and the writer an expert on the topic. Web searches on [http://www.google.com Google] and [http://www.wikipedia.org Wikipedia] allow blog writers to gather more information on their selected topic, discover what other bloggers have already written, and gain more insight on their targeted audience. Do not limit research to online sources, articles, books, and scholarly journals can also be useful sources of information.

==Gather information<ref> Carroll, 16</ref>==
Writing about a specific topic does not automatically make a person an expert in the field. Initially, conducting very broad web searches on a specific topic will generate a great deal of information. It is best to browse through these websites to get a general overview of the topic. When writing a blog it is important to consider the specific purpose of the writing.<ref>Carroll, 16</ref> After gaining a general overview of the topic, the next step is selecting a specific aspect or view point on the topic to write about. The more focused the topic the more interesting the blog will be.

==What others have already written==
Review the information that other writers for digital media have written on that specific topic. No one wants to read the same thing twice. When reviewing others' writings on a specific subject, look for ways to add to what has been written, an opposing position to what has been written, or an entirely new perspective on the subject. Researching a specific topic in great depth allows the writer to find their own unique niche on that subject. Research allows the writer to narrow their focus even more giving them an advantage to be even more of an expert in that field.
==Gain insight on the targeted audience<ref> Carroll, 101</ref>==
Researching blogs with similar focus will give the writer a better understanding of their intended audience. When writing a blog it is important to be aware of the intended audiences occupational categories, demographics, gender,culture, and age. <ref>Carroll, 101</ref> Brian Carroll states, " Think about the kind of sites, publications and documents your audience is accustomed to reading". <ref>Carroll, 101</ref>

==Notes==
<references/>
==References==
#Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.*
#Lucas, Gerald R., Dr. "Choosing a Blog Topic." LitMUSE. N.p., 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. <http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic>.
#Williams, Ann. "The Research Process: Step-by-Step Tags: Advanced, Apa, Chicago, Citations, Composition, Critical Thinking, English, General, History, Interdisciplinary, Learning Support, Mla, Mscc, Plagiarism, Primary Sources, Reference, Writing ." LibGuides at Macon State College. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web. 11 Apr. 2013. <http://guides.maconstate.edu/research>.

Participation

2013-04-12T12:22:22Z

MarianGlyde:

When starting a blog, it is important to know how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Short sentences, active voice, and presenting information in a [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Inverted_Pyramid pyramid format] help to convey content clearly to readers<ref group=>Carroll, 24</ref>. But participation is more than just writing in a clean, [http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Brevity concise] manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network.

== Interact with Other Bloggers ==
Blog readers, indeed most web users, do not just randomly access content on the internet. Users are searching for specific information when they get on the web, and likely will only find blogs via a search engine by typing in key words[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has your blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316]. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche topic. One way to participate with other bloggers is to search for blogs with a similar topic, then add it to a blogroll[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]. Provide links to these blogs in posts. This may encourage the blogger to respond in kind. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette].

[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|Twitter Widget (Credit: Verizon Forum)]]
== Social Media Widgets ==
Having social media share widgets will help spread the blog’s content throughout the web. When users click the share button, the blog post will show up in their status updates, where the blog’s content will be seen by the reader’s friends and followers. Websites that enable a Twitter sharing generate up to seven times more mentions than websites that do not[http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T]. To activate social media share buttons, go to the widgets area of your dashboard. Consider, too, providing widgets to your social networking sites. This allows the reader to connect with you on those sites, and gives a sense that the blog author is accessible.

== Enable Comments ==
Enabling comments on your blog shows readers that you value their participation[http://digitallearning.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7B7E45C7E0-A3E0-4B89-AC9C-E807E1B0AE4E%7D/JENKINS_WHITE_PAPER.PDF]. Replying to readers’ comments also helps to engage readers. Consider adding a subscribe to comments button, so readers will receive email notifications of new comments.
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]
Having most recent comments appear at the top of the comment section makes it easier for readers to access newer comments[http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity].

== Notes ==
<references/>

== References ==
*Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.
*Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here's How.] ''TechCrunch.'' January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013
*Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] ''Entrepreneur.'' December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013
*Jenkins, Henry. [http://digitallearning.macfound.org/atf/cf/%7B7E45C7E0-A3E0-4B89-AC9C-E807E1B0AE4E%7D/JENKINS_WHITE_PAPER.PDF Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century.] ''Building the Field of Media and Learning.'' MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013
*Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] ''Perspectives on Politics.'' 8:1. p. 141-157. March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.
*Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] ''Financial Blogger Conference''. December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013.
*Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. ''Vandalay Design.'' August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.

Blog Writing for College Students

2013-04-12T12:22:04Z

MarianGlyde: /* Participation by Marian G. Brewer */

==Focus (Group Leader Shanna Dixon)==
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves choosing a blog topic, researching, setting [[participation]] standards, and identifying a target [[audience]]. By choosing a focused topic, researching to establish authority, developing relevant means of participation for the interactive needs of the audience, and knowing the targeted audience the college student will be prepared to create blog content within a platform that will be most engaging. The best blogs are highly specific.<ref>Carrol, 163</ref> Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog's chance at thriving in the digital world.

===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]] by Amy Rehner===
Choosing a focused topic is essential to the success of the overall blog. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog.

===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]] by Melissa Grantham===
Research is the process of gathering information, evaluating it, and applying it to a question or problem. When writing for digital media, research allows writers to narrow their focus. Having a narrow focus makes a blog more interesting and the writer an expert on the topic.

===[[Participation|Participation]] by Marian G. Brewer===
When starting a blog, it is important the blog author knows how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Participation is more than just writing in a clean and concise manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network. Blogrolls, share buttons, and enabling comments are a few ways to increase participation.

===[[Audience|Audience]] by Shanna Dixon===

Before creating content for a blog, it is important, first, to identify the audience. The blog author should define the target audience, research the target audience, and understand the conventions expected in terms of language, design, and credibility before creating content. In this way, the author will be able to build toward an interactive community based on shared points of view and relevancy in order to engage the targeted reader with pertinent information and sources.

==Organization (Group Leader Nadine Epperson)==
To maintain readership of a blog, a writer must create an organized space. Quality content can easily be overlooked on a cluttered, inconsistent page. Organization includes the overall structure of the site as well as the individual posts. There are several things that contribute to this consistency.[[Categorizing Posts | Categories and tags]] aid in narrowing the focus of each post within the blog. [[Headers and Sub-headers | Headers and sub-headers]] should give the reader a clear indication of what is contained in each section. By using [[Lists | lists]], digital media writers can highlight important content, break up posts, and guide readers through a sequence of information. [[Links | Links]] connect the page to other sites on the internet and offer access to other portions of the blog. All of these elements support the structure of an organized, consistent environment for content.

===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]] by Candice Barca===

Categorizing a post is vital to the structure and organization of a blog. Categories help readers quickly identify the content of a blog. Tags provide specific information while grouping together like posts. Together categories and tags make it easier for readers to navigate the information within a blog.

===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] by Chrissonia McCall===

Headers and sub-headers are an important part of blogging used to organize content. Keeping in mind the goals and vision of the blog, headers and sub-headers help readers find specific information in a short amount of time.

===[[Lists|Lists]] by Tiory Clark===
While developing a blog, lists can be used to not only emphasize subjects, but highlight important texts. It is imperative that the blog remain focused on its subject and has clarity. Lists help a reader to navigate the posts successfully and easily. Lists can also be detrimental to a blog if overused or incorrectly formatted. In digital Media a mistake like that can costs readers and credibility.

===[[Links|Links]] by Nadine Epperson===
No page on the internet stands alone. The connection of sites on the internet is what makes the web interactive. Links play a vital role in maintaining this interactivity. By connecting to other areas of the internet, readers are given access to an unlimited pool of information.

==Writing Style (Group Leader Kristin Hanlin)==
After choosing a well-researched and focused topic and organizing the aesthetic and technical aspects of running a blog, blog writers must develop a consistent style for writing for digital media. It is crucial to keep in mind that online writing is an entirely different world separate from print. With the freedom digital media allows writers, there are also certain responsibilities that must be maintained in order for a blog to be effective at appealing to readers. Though writing for digital media encompasses writing techniques that are useful in print media (like following the [[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]] and [[proofreading|proofreading]] your posts), there are also key differences. Blogs must be [[Scan-ability|scannable]], because digital readers do not like to have to read without direction. While writing for a blog, less is typically more and [[brevity | brevity]] is admired. Following these writing techniques will help lead to the development of a credible an appealing blog.

===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]] by Kristin Hanlin===
If digital writing is not scannable, many times it will not be read. Writers of digital media must pay special attention to scan-ability because readers of digital writing are known to be easily distracted, impatient, and unwilling to read huge blocks of text. Digital writers must understand and utilize different properties of text, visuals, multimedia, and linking to maximize scan-ability.

===[[Brevity|Brevity]] by Haley Clarke===

===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]] by Siobahn Fisher===

College students should familiarize themselves with the inverted pyramid. This design for news and information delivery via the web will help new bloggers quickly achieve brevity while communicating in a concise way. The inverted pyramid is important to the retention of a blog's audience.

===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]] by Kasey Miller===

----
Proofreading is essential for all writing. It requires reviewing and revising mistakes for a flawless and error free document. Proofreading for mistakes gives creditability to your document and will not distract readers with mistakes.

==Notes==
<references/>

==References==
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). ''"[http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]"''. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 14 March 2013.

Choosing Your Topic

2013-04-12T12:18:45Z

MarianGlyde: capitalization, took out 'inevitable' as where it was used seemed to suggest your opinion.

Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog <ref group=>Carroll, 140</ref><ref group=>Rehner, "Choosing Your Blog Topic"</ref>. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post <ref group=>Loos, "What is a Topic?"</ref>. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time creative possibilities]. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging community], ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses Brainstorming for Blogs, Focusing the Niche, Assessing the Idea, and Finalizing the Topic.

== Brainstorming for Blogs==
Brainstorming transforms creativity into [http://library.deerfield.edu/research_guides/us_history/topic_worksheet.pdf organizational thought]. Individual brainstorming encourages writers to pour out their ideas in order to focus and reorganize them into a cohesive concept through personalization and brainstorming methods<ref group=>Mind Tools Ltd., "Brainstorming"</ref>.

===Personalization===
Begin brainstorming by writing down personal interests, dislikes, and topics that appeal to you. With a little introspection you can analyze and learn about yourself, your disciplines or “something that helps define your personality” <ref group=>Lucas, "Choosing a blog topic"</ref> and your passions. In addition to personal interest, you must have experience involving your topic ideas in order to establish credibility within your writing. Consider your personal experiences and how they have shaped who you are and your writing style, your opinions as well as your qualifications. Most importantly, use your [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm personal character] to your advantage when brainstorming in order to allow the audience to understand a little more about you. This transparency will not only make you relatable online, but will also help identify your specific [[Audience]] and blogging community.

===Methods===
With so many possible topics to consider, it may be beneficial to use brainstorming methods in order to produce an organized and manageable view of your ideas. These methods allow you to break down unmanageable and overwhelming ideas into their essential parts.

*Mind Mapping
The [http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm Mind Mapping] Method encourages you to “get out of the realm of words alone and see how different spatial representations might help you see the relationships among your ideas" <ref group=>The Writing Center, "Brainstorming"</ref>. This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_concept_mapping_and_mind_mapping_software method] begins with a central idea and builds outward, incorporating all possible related topic ideas.

[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]

*Free Writing
[http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm Free Writing] is another useful method, especially when facing writer’s block, where writing starts and it does not stop. This method encourages continual thought through nonsensical ideas and pure imagination.

*Thinking Outside the Box
Another great tool used in brainstorming is [http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newISS_01.htm Thinking Outside the Box], or a technique where you try to understand a concept from a different perspective and then relate it back to your initial idea. For example, imagine for a moment that you are writing about your own culture. Think of all the different possible meanings for culture, such as a bacterial culture or referring to a refined group of people, and try to relate those concepts back to your original topic. Often, this method gives you a different perspective than you may have originally identified.

==Focusing the Niche==
When a topic is narrowed and [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic focused] into a niche, the writer can express more expertise on the subject, connect with more readers and essentially attract like-minded people. In order to find your blog niche, focus on your blog’s purpose, differentiation and inspiration.

===Purpose===
Your blog’s [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm purpose] should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. The purpose of your blog could be to educate yourself, educate others, research a particular topic, or learn through communicative discussion and debate. Additionally, your blog may be directed at helping other people with similar problems, convince others to support a particular cause, or even promote a particular cause. Your purpose could also be to network with like-minded people, establish yourself within your profession or it may simply be for profit.

===Differentiation===
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs using your personality, a different perspective or identifying a virginal idea. Use your personal experiences and character traits to tailor the topic in a way that allows you to express yourself. If you consider yourself a comedian, narrow your topic to express your comedic side. Or, if you are the analytical type, focus your topic so that others can sense that quality within your blog title. Using different perspectives can help narrow your topic greatly. This may include [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming journalistic perspectives], such as Who? What? Where? When? Why? questions, or simply narrowing the topic using geographical references<ref group=>Lucas, "Choosing a blog topic"</ref>. If there are specific areas of interest where you have noticed a blog deficit or have any that have not yet been explored, use this knowledge to narrow your topic and make your blog topic original.

===Inspiration===
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include other blogs that discuss a similar topic, different articles and research resources related to your potential topic and most importantly your personal experiences.

==Assessing the Idea==
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness.

===Popularity===
When assessing the [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog popularity] of the topic idea, search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. Look up books or journal articles with similar topics in online stores, such as [http://www.amazon.com Amazon] or [http://www.barnesandnoble.com Barnes and Noble] and assess the comments and overall popularity of the books. Another great tool to [[Research Methods|research]] the popularity of the topic is to use the [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic “For Dummies” test]. Try to find a reference for your topic in the [http://www.dummies.com “For Dummies” book brand]. If such a book exists, the topic is already popular and is a great place to begin your blog topic search.

===Originality===
Though the idea may be popular, ensuring the originality of the idea will be an important aspect of your topic choice that will ultimately mean success or failure. Your topic idea must be creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes. Finding an unexplored aspect of the topic idea will give you a fresh and energizing niche. In addition, presenting an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea.

==Finalizing the Topic==
Once you’ve ensured success in choosing an interesting blog topic through focus and assessment, the topic is ready for finalization, requiring a topic title and possibly a subtitle.

===Creating the Title===
The [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics topic title] or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] should be overt and easily readable. The viewer should quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title. The narrative of the topic is also essential to the title’s observable intent. A first person narrative suggests sharing your personal views while a third person narrative suggests a more educational and professional approach. For example, adding the first person –ing to the beginning of the title “Discovering a Passion” gives the reader the impression that the writer will incorporate personal experiences and opinions into the blog, while the third person “Discover a Passion” suggests the blog’s intent is to educate through expertise. Lastly, the title and subtitle should have an angle- something memorable, catchy or fun.

=Get Started=
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic getting started]. Topic ideas may not seem perfect until you begin brainstorming and expressing your ideas. Most importantly, use your instincts, interests and personality to organize and focus your topic idea.

== Notes ==
<references/>

== References ==
*Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=humanindex-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=041599201X "Writing for Digital Media."] Routledge; New York, 2010.
*Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm ''What is a topic?''] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.
*Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/ "Choosing a blog topic."] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.
*Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html ''Brainstorming."] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.
*Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com "Choosing Your Blog Topic."] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.
*The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/ "Brainstorming."] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.

Brevity

2013-04-12T12:12:12Z

MarianGlyde: Fixed lack of reference tag

'''Brevity''' is essential for all writing. It forces the writer to be more intentional with their words and keeps readers from having to read through chunks of unneeded text.
=== Writing for Brevity ===
When writing for brevity, try to avoid "humbug and general vagueness" Orwell suggests that you do the following:<ref>Carroll, 14</ref>

# Never use a long word where a short one will do.
# If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
# Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

Writers should always be brief, precise, and direct. When writing a word it should mean exactly what it says it means, no more and no less. Always use the precise word that your writing requires. When writing for digital media, a dictionary and thesaurus are good to have close at hand.<ref>Carroll, 8</ref>.
== Notes==
<references/>

==References==
#Carrol, Brian. (2010).[http://bookmoving.com/book/writing-digital-media_3430.html ''Writing for Digital Media'']. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 28 March 2013.

Lists

2013-04-12T02:10:08Z

MarianGlyde:

A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other. <ref>http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=list&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=GVxeUbinAsOeywHi-YGYCg&ved=0CCwQkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=849a5b668cddd045&biw=1360&bih=603.</ref>. According to Brian Carroll in ''Writing for Digital Media'', lists are another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or to help readers follow a particular sequence. List can help to divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.

==General Guidelines For Lists <ref> Carroll, p.40</ref>==

In Blogging present all items consistently, and in almost every way, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles and font. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref> Try to make each item in the list grammatically similar and that will also help to appeal to the intended audience visually. Perhaps the most common problem or pitfall in creating lists is the inconsistency of grammar, verb tense and phrasing. But, do not over punctuate a good general rule is to punctuate only with commas when the items in the list are not written in complete sentences; with semi-colonsif they are complete sentences. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>

==The Order of Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==

The sequence of the list is important and it should be considered when you are presenting the elements in the list. In some cases you may want to number the parts of the lists in a way that makes the sequence clear such as with numbers , while in other cases that won't be necessary.

==Things to avoid when using Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==

Avoid overusing lists. Too many take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader. When and where possible, keep the list at approximately six to eight items. Higher lists can cause the reader to lose interest. Think about sub-dividing longer lists and consolidating shorter ones.<ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>

==References==

<References>
#Carroll, Brian. "Writing for Digital Media." Routledge; New York, 2010.*
#"Lists." Google.com. Google.com, 2012. Web. 03 Apr. 2013
</References>

Blog Writing for College Students

2013-04-12T02:08:28Z

MarianGlyde: /* Participation */

==Focus (Group Leader Shanna Dixon)==

===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]] by Amy Rehner===
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog.

===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]] by Melissa Grantham===
Research is the process of gathering information, evaluating it, and applying it to a question or problem.When writing for digital media, research allows writers to narrow their focus. Having a narrow focus makes a blog more interesting and the writer an expert on the topic.

===[[Participation|Participation]] by Marian G. Brewer===
When starting a college blog, it is important to know how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Participation is more than just writing in a clean and concise manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network. Blogrolls, share buttons, and enabling comments are a few ways to increase participation.

===[[Audience|Audience]] by Shanna Dixon===

==Organization (Group Leader Nadine Epperson)==
To maintain readership of a blog, a writer must create an organized space. Quality content can easily be overlooked on a cluttered, inconsistent page. Organization includes the overall structure of the site as well as the individual posts. There are several things that contribute to this consistency.[[Categorizing Posts | Categories and tags]] aid in narrowing the focus of each post within the blog. [[Headers and Sub-headers | Headers and sub-headers]] should give the reader a clear indication of what is contained in each section. By using [[Lists | lists]], digital media writers can highlight important content, break up posts, and guide readers through a sequence of information. [[Links | Links]] connect the page to other sites on the internet and offer access to other portions of the blog. All of these elements support the structure of an organized, consistent environment for content.

===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]] by Candice Barca===

Categorizing a post is vital to the structure and organization of a blog. Categories help readers quickly identify the content of a blog. Tags provide specific information while grouping together like posts. Together categories and tags make it easier for readers to navigate the information within a blog.

===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] by Chrissonia McCall===

Headers and sub-headers are an important part of blogging used to organize content. Keeping in mind the goals and vision of the blog, headers and sub-headers help readers find specific information in a short amount of time.

===[[Lists|Lists]] by Tiory Clark===

===[[Links|Links]]by Nadine Epperson===
No page on the internet stands alone. The connection of sites on the internet is what makes the web interactive. Links play a vital role in maintaining this interactivity. By connecting to other areas of the internet, readers are given access to an unlimited pool of information.

==Writing Style (Group Leader Kristin Hanlin)==

===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]] by Kristin Hanlin===
If digital writing is not scannable, many times it will not be read. Writers of digital media must pay special attention to scan-ability because readers of digital writing are known to be easily distracted, impatient, and unwilling to read huge blocks of text. Digital writers must understand and utilize different properties of text, visuals, multimedia, and linking to maximize scan-ability.

===[[Brevity|Brevity]] by Haley Clarke===

===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]] by Siobahn Fisher===

College students should familiarize themselves with the inverted pyramid. This design for news and information delivery via the web will help new bloggers quickly achieve brevity while communicating in a concise way. The inverted pyramid is important to the retention of a blog's audience.

===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]] by Kasey Miller===

Blog Writing for College Students

2013-04-12T01:15:25Z

MarianGlyde: /* Participation by Marian Brewer */

==Focus (Group Leader Shanna Dixon)==

===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]] by Amy Rehner===
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog.

===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]] by Melissa Grantham===
Research is the process of gathering information, evaluating it, and applying it to a question or problem.When writing for digital media, research allows writers to narrow their focus. Having a narrow focus makes a blog more interesting and the writer an expert on the topic.

===[[Participation|Participation]] ===
When starting a college blog, it is important to know how to encourage participation with not only other bloggers, but the readers. Participation is more than just writing in a clean and concise manner. Blog authors must understand that a blog does not operate in a vacuum, but instead is a piece of a vast branching network. Blogrolls, share buttons, and enabling comments are a few ways to increase participation.

===[[Audience|Audience]] by Shanna Dixon===

==Organization (Group Leader Nadine Epperson)==
To maintain readership of a blog, a writer must create an organized space. Quality content can easily be overlooked on a cluttered, inconsistent page. Organization includes the overall structure of the site as well as the individual posts. There are several things that contribute to this consistency.[[Categorizing Posts | Categories and tags]] aid in narrowing the focus of each post within the blog. [[Headers and Sub-headers | Headers and sub-headers]] should give the reader a clear indication of what is contained in each section. By using [[Lists | lists]], digital media writers can highlight important content, break up posts, and guide readers through a sequence of information. [[Links | Links]] connect the page to other sites on the internet and offer access to other portions of the blog. All of these elements support the structure of an organized, consistent environment for content.

===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]] by Candice Barca===

Categorizing a post is vital to the structure and organization of a blog. Categories help readers quickly identify the content of a blog. Tags provide specific information while grouping together like posts. Together categories and tags make it easier for readers to navigate the information within a blog.

===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] by Chrissonia McCall===

Headers and sub-headers are an important part of blogging used to organize content. Keeping in mind the goals and vision of the blog, headers and sub-headers help readers find specific information in a short amount of time.

===[[Lists|Lists]] by Tiory Clark===

===[[Links|Links]]===
No page on the internet stands alone. The connection of sites on the internet is what makes the web interactive. Links play a vital role in maintaining this interactivity. By connecting to other areas of the internet, readers are given access to an unlimited pool of information.

==Writing Style (Group Leader Kristin Hanlin)==

===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]] by Kristin Hanlin===
If digital writing is not scannable, many times it will not be read. Writers of digital media must pay special attention to scan-ability because readers of digital writing are known to be easily distracted, impatient, and unwilling to read huge blocks of text. Digital writers must understand and utilize different properties of text, visuals, multimedia, and linking to maximize scan-ability.

===[[Brevity|Brevity]] by Haley Clarke===

===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]] by Siobahn Fisher===

College students should familiarize themselves with the inverted pyramid. This design for news and information delivery via the web will help new bloggers quickly achieve brevity while communicating in a concise way. The inverted pyramid is important to the retention of a blog's audience.

===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]] by Kasey Miller===