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		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13249</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13249"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T23:23:47Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Look for Inspiration */ code showing&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| There are a vast number of viable blog topics available for students.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the overall success of a blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic expresses a central idea and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Research Methods|Research]] a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*Research &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle? Is the angle something memorable, catchy, or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13243</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13243"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:53:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: changed creditably to credibility&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:clip_image002_001.jpg|thumb|upright=2| This chart offers an example of how to proofread your documents.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Proofreading is essential for all writing. Proofreading involves reviewing and rereading a document to look for errors and aids a college blogger in creating a more seamless document. When proofreading, look for typos, misspelled words, punctuation and grammar mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free document gives a blog credibility and is easier for the audience to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Why Proofreading is Important =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While content is important, readers base their judgment on the document&#039;s appearance. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document, it is easy to overlook many errors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Checklist =&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a [http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist proofreading checklist], it is easier to find  [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/ common errors]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Spelling==&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on a spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones (i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, or contractions i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Punctuation==&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document, look for punctuation errors. This includes periods, commas, colons, semicolons, quotations, and the correct punctuation when citing sources&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Olson, Gary&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Content==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar. Check your document to make sure your tenses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA, etc.). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Proofread Again=&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake. However, close reexamination ensures that fewer errors will make it to the final text, lending more credibility to the author. Consider having a peer or professor look over the document, as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Notes =&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= References =&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010).[http://bookmoving.com/book/writing-digital-media_3430.html &#039;&#039;Writing for Digital Media&#039;&#039;]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. (1997).[http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist  &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]. http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist. Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx &amp;quot;Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources&amp;quot;] Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Olson, Gary. (1999).[http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/  &amp;quot;Punctuation Made Simple&amp;quot;]. http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/. College of the Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2013).[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/  &amp;quot;The Purdue Online Writing Lab&amp;quot;].http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.  Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm &amp;quot;Proofreaders&#039; Marks&amp;quot;]. (2013). Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online.http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Brevity|Brevity]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13242</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13242"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:52:00Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:clip_image002_001.jpg|thumb|upright=2| This chart offers an example of how to proofread your documents.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Proofreading is essential for all writing. Proofreading involves reviewing and rereading a document to look for errors and aids a college blogger in creating a more seamless document. When proofreading, look for typos, misspelled words, punctuation and grammar mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free document gives a blog creditably and is easier for the audience to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Why Proofreading is Important =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While content is important, readers base their judgment on the document&#039;s appearance. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document, it is easy to overlook many errors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Checklist =&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a [http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist proofreading checklist], it is easier to find  [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/ common errors]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Spelling==&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on a spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones (i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, or contractions i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Punctuation==&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document, look for punctuation errors. This includes periods, commas, colons, semicolons, quotations, and the correct punctuation when citing sources&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Olson, Gary&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Content==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar. Check your document to make sure your tenses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA, etc.). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Proofread Again=&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake. However, close reexamination ensures that fewer errors will make it to the final text, lending more credibility to the author. Consider having a peer or professor look over the document, as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Notes =&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= References =&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010).[http://bookmoving.com/book/writing-digital-media_3430.html &#039;&#039;Writing for Digital Media&#039;&#039;]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. (1997).[http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist  &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]. http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist. Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx &amp;quot;Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources&amp;quot;] Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Olson, Gary. (1999).[http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/  &amp;quot;Punctuation Made Simple&amp;quot;]. http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/. College of the Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2013).[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/  &amp;quot;The Purdue Online Writing Lab&amp;quot;].http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.  Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm &amp;quot;Proofreaders&#039; Marks&amp;quot;]. (2013). Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online.http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Brevity|Brevity]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13236</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13236"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:45:57Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* When to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Imagine you were a company: &lt;br /&gt;
::What would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your interests? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your strengths? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
::What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there anything your competition is lacking? &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Who is interested? &lt;br /&gt;
::What aspect could you focus on? &lt;br /&gt;
::When will this blog occur? &lt;br /&gt;
::Where will the major audience reside? &lt;br /&gt;
::Why will someone read your blog?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13233</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13233"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:42:29Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Imagine you were a company: &lt;br /&gt;
::What would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your interests? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your strengths? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
::What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there anything your competition is lacking? &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Who is interested? &lt;br /&gt;
::What aspect could you focus on? &lt;br /&gt;
::When will this blog occur? &lt;br /&gt;
::Where will the major audience reside? &lt;br /&gt;
::Why will someone read your blog?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13231</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13231"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:42:04Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Imagine you were a company: &lt;br /&gt;
::what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your interests? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your strengths? &lt;br /&gt;
::What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
::What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there anything your competition is lacking? &lt;br /&gt;
::Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
:Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
::Who is interested? &lt;br /&gt;
::What aspect could you focus on? &lt;br /&gt;
::When will this blog occur? &lt;br /&gt;
::Where will the major audience reside? &lt;br /&gt;
::Why will someone read your blog?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13222</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13222"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:37:35Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
**Imagine you were a company: ***what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13221</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13221"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:37:02Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
**Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13220</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13220"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:36:34Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13219</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13219"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:36:02Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
##&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
###&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13218</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13218"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:35:46Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13217</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13217"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:35:01Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: Undo revision 13216 by Shannacd (talk)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13216</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13216"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:34:19Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* When to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Networking with a specific [[audience]]&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Educating a specific [[audience]]&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Earning a profit&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13210</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13210"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:31:09Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13209</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13209"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:30:27Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&amp;quot;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&amp;quot;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; &lt;br /&gt;
Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13204</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13204"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:28:24Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* How to Narrowcast */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=2.5|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*===Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.=== Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
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==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13200</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13200"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:25:17Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: revised for awkward phrasing&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the overall success of a blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic expresses a central idea and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Research Methods|Research]] a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Method|Research| resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle? Is the angle something memorable, catchy, or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13198</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13198"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:21:48Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Get Started */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Research Methods|Research]] a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Method|Research| resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle? Is the angle something memorable, catchy, or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13197</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=13197"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T13:21:10Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Creating the Title */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* [[Research Methods|Research]] a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Method|Research| resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle? Is the angle something memorable, catchy, or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13183</id>
		<title>Participation</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13183"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T12:59:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 24&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. However, 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Interact with Other Bloggers ==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;amp;aid=7323316]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has a blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316]. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche [[Choosing Your Topic|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/]. Providing links to these blogs in posts may also encourage the blogger to respond. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette]. &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|upright=.6|Twitter Widget (Verizon Forum)]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Social Media Widgets ==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Enable Comments ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:wordpress_comment_form.png|thumb|upright=.5| [http://olykrap.com  Wordpress Comment Form]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]&lt;br /&gt;
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].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot; Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.] &#039;&#039;TechCrunch.&#039;&#039; January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] &#039;&#039;Entrepreneur.&#039;&#039; December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#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.] &#039;&#039;Building the Field of Media and Learning.&#039;&#039; MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] &#039;&#039;Perspectives on Politics.&#039;&#039; 8:1. p. 141-157.  March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] &#039;&#039;Financial Blogger Conference&#039;&#039;.  December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. &#039;&#039;Vandalay Design.&#039;&#039; August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See Also ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Choosing_Your_Topic Choosing Your Topic]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Research_Methods Research Methods]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Audience Audience]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13178</id>
		<title>Participation</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13178"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T12:56:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Interact with Other Bloggers */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 24&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. However, 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Interact with Other Bloggers ==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;amp;aid=7323316]. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has a blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. &amp;quot;Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche [[Choosing Your Topic|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/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Providing links to these blogs in posts may also encourage the blogger to respond. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Post. &amp;quot;A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|upright=.6|Twitter Widget (Verizon Forum)]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Social Media Widgets ==&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Handley. &amp;quot;How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Enable Comments ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:wordpress_comment_form.png|thumb|upright=.5| [http://olykrap.com  Wordpress Comment Form]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Jenkins, White. &amp;quot;Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Snell. &amp;quot;9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot; Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.] &#039;&#039;TechCrunch.&#039;&#039; January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] &#039;&#039;Entrepreneur.&#039;&#039; December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#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.] &#039;&#039;Building the Field of Media and Learning.&#039;&#039; MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] &#039;&#039;Perspectives on Politics.&#039;&#039; 8:1. p. 141-157.  March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] &#039;&#039;Financial Blogger Conference&#039;&#039;.  December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. &#039;&#039;Vandalay Design.&#039;&#039; August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See Also ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Choosing_Your_Topic Choosing Your Topic]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Research_Methods Research Methods]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Audience Audience]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13163</id>
		<title>Participation</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13163"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T12:42:18Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Enable Comments */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 24&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. However, 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Interact with Other Bloggers ==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;amp;aid=7323316]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. &amp;quot;Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has a blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. &amp;quot;Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche [[Choosing Your Topic|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/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Providing links to these blogs in posts may also encourage the blogger to respond. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Post. &amp;quot;A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|upright=.6|Twitter Widget (Verizon Forum)]]&lt;br /&gt;
== Social Media Widgets ==&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Handley. &amp;quot;How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Enable Comments ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:wordpress_comment_form.png|thumb|upright=.5| [http://olykrap.com  Wordpress Comment Form]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Jenkins, White. &amp;quot;Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Snell. &amp;quot;9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot; Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.] &#039;&#039;TechCrunch.&#039;&#039; January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] &#039;&#039;Entrepreneur.&#039;&#039; December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#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.] &#039;&#039;Building the Field of Media and Learning.&#039;&#039; MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] &#039;&#039;Perspectives on Politics.&#039;&#039; 8:1. p. 141-157.  March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] &#039;&#039;Financial Blogger Conference&#039;&#039;.  December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. &#039;&#039;Vandalay Design.&#039;&#039; August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See Also ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Choosing_Your_Topic Choosing Your Topic]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Research_Methods Research Methods]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Audience Audience]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13161</id>
		<title>Participation</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Participation&amp;diff=13161"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T12:41:50Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Enable Comments */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 24&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. However, 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Interact with Other Bloggers ==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;amp;aid=7323316]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. &amp;quot;Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Most likely, users happen upon blogs via another blog they go to for specific information that has a blog hyperlinked[http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lawrence, Sides, Farrell. &amp;quot;Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. In this respect, it is important that bloggers consider interacting with blogs that share a similar niche [[Choosing Your Topic|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/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Providing links to these blogs in posts may also encourage the blogger to respond. Consider following and commenting on other blogs. These comments should be thoughtful and follow proper etiquette[http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Post. &amp;quot;A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:TwitWid.png|thumb|upright=.6|Twitter Widget (Verizon Forum)]]&lt;br /&gt;
== Social Media Widgets ==&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Handley. &amp;quot;How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Enable Comments ==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:wordpress_comment_form.png|thumb|upright=1.0| [http://olykrap.com  Wordpress Comment Form]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Jenkins, White. &amp;quot;Confronting the Challenges of Participatory Culture: Media Education for the 21st Century.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
*“Comments keep bloggers humble, honest, accurate, and in touch with their audience.” - Josh Constine[http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Constine. &amp;quot;Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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]&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Snell. &amp;quot;9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carroll, Brian. &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot; Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
#Constine, Josh. [http://techcrunch.com/2012/01/04/blogs-need-comments/ Do Blogs Need Comment Reels? Yes, and Here&#039;s How.] &#039;&#039;TechCrunch.&#039;&#039; January 4, 2012. Web. March 31, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Handley, Ann. [http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/220720#ixzz2P218v72T How to Increase Social Sharing to Generate More Leads.] &#039;&#039;Entrepreneur.&#039;&#039; December 2011. Web. March 30, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#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.] &#039;&#039;Building the Field of Media and Learning.&#039;&#039; MacArthur Foundation. 2006. Web. April 11, 2013&lt;br /&gt;
#Lawrence, Eric; Sides, J.; Farrell, H. [http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&amp;amp;aid=7323316 Self-Segregation or Deliberation? Blog Readership, Participation, and Polarization in American Politics.] &#039;&#039;Perspectives on Politics.&#039;&#039; 8:1. p. 141-157.  March 2010. Web. April 11, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Post, Emily. [http://financialbloggerconference.com/a-primer-on-blogging-etiquette A Primer on Blogging Etiquette.] &#039;&#039;Financial Blogger Conference&#039;&#039;.  December 5, 2012. Web. 31 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Snell, Steven. [http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/wordpress/hacks-user-interactivity/ 9 WordPress Hacks to Encourage User Interactivity]. &#039;&#039;Vandalay Design.&#039;&#039; August 24, 2009. Web. 31 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== See Also ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Choosing_Your_Topic Choosing Your Topic]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Research_Methods Research Methods]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://litmuse.maconstate.edu/litwiki/index.php/Audience Audience]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13152</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=13152"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T11:54:38Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: corrected grammar and punctuation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Proofreading [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading] is reviewing and rereading a document to look for errors; it is essential for all writing. Proofreading aids in creating a more seamless document by correcting all errors. When proofreading, look for typos [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typo], misspelled words, punctuation and grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free, document gives a blog creditably and is easier for the audience [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience] to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:clip_image002_001.jpg|thumb|upright=1]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Why Proofreading is Important =&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
While content is important, readers base their judgment on the document&#039;s appearance. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document, it is easy to overlook many errors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= Checklist =&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a proofreading checklist, it is easier to find common errors [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Spelling==&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spell_checker] will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on a spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophones](i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, or contractions [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraction_(grammar)](i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Punctuation==&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation] is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document, look for punctuation errors. This includes periods [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_(punctuation)], commas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma], colons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_(punctuation)], semicolons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon], quotations [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_mark] and the correct punctuation when citing sources.   &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Content==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar]. Check your document to make sure your tenses [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA, etc.). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Proofread Again=&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake. However, close reexamination ensures that fewer errors will make it to the final text, lending more credibility to the author. Consider having a peer or professor look over the document, as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
= References =&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010).[http://bookmoving.com/book/writing-digital-media_3430.html &#039;&#039;Writing for Digital Media&#039;&#039;]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. (1997).[http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist  &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]. http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist. Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx &amp;quot;Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources&amp;quot;] Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Olson, Gary. (1999).[http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/  &amp;quot;Punctuation Made Simple&amp;quot;]. http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/. College of the Arts and Sciences at Illinois State University. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Welcome to the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2013).[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/  &amp;quot;The Purdue Online Writing Lab&amp;quot;].http://owl.english.purdue.edu/.  Retrieved 28 March 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#[http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm &amp;quot;Proofreaders&#039; Marks&amp;quot;]. (2013). Dictionary and Thesaurus - Merriam-Webster Online.http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm. Retrieved 28 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Brevity|Brevity]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13147</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13147"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T11:45:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: removed image at top, image needed cropping&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13145</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13145"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T11:44:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrowcasting.png| center|650px| [http://ccit205.wikispaces.com/The+Rise+of+Narrowcasting  The Rise of Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13144</id>
		<title>Narrowcasting</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Narrowcasting&amp;diff=13144"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T11:43:51Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrowcasting.png| center|650px| [http://ccit205.wikispaces.com/The+Rise+of+Narrowcasting  The Rise of Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing is aiming a highly specific blog to a highly specific audience &amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A blog&#039;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&#039;s success. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:broadcast.png|thumb|upright=1.0|[http://nalakagunawardene.com/2008/10/15/standing-on-al-gores-shoulders-moving-images-in-the-climate-debate/  Narrowcasting Vs. Broadcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==How to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:narrow-casting.gif|thumb|upright=1|[http://www.observatory.com/narrowcast.html  Narrowcasting]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Create a defining characteristic that is uniquely you.&#039;&#039;&#039; Imagine you were a company, what would be your brand?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://geeksgrave.blogspot.com/2013/04/make-your-blog-unique.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; What are your interests? What are your strengths? What are your likes or dislikes?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.personalitytest.net/cgi-bin/q.pl&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Identify a gap in information and fill it.&#039;&#039;&#039; What is your competition?&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blog.hubspot.com/how-to-use-keyword-tool-brainstorm-blog-topics&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Is there anything your competition is lacking? Is there a virginal area that you could fill?&lt;br /&gt;
#&#039;&#039;&#039;Establish a new perspective such as journalistic or geographical references.&#039;&#039;&#039; Select your niche blog topic by narrowing your [[audience]].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to Narrowcast==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[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]]]&lt;br /&gt;
Writers for digital media should narrowcast when networking with a specific [[audience]]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, educating a specific [[audience]], or when attempting to earn a profit&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
;Networking with a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
;Educating a specific [[audience]]:&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting, as opposed to broadcasting, allows blog writers to target a very specific [[audience]] that they wish to educate about a topic. &lt;br /&gt;
;Earning a profit:&lt;br /&gt;
If earning a profit is a goal of a blogger they should understand that contextual advertising works better when a blogger narrowcasts.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; http://www.briangardner.com/monetize-your-blog/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Importance of Narrowcasting==&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Socialmedia.png|thumb|upright=1| [http://www.fugitivesounds.org/marketing-your-music-with-social-media-are-you-targeting-the-right-demographics/  Target Marketing]]]&lt;br /&gt;
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]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
# &#039;&#039;http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-narrowcasting.htm&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
# &amp;quot;http://madammayo.blogspot.com/2007/06/gone-to-litblogs-narrowcasting-more.html&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
# Albom, Mark. [http://studioone.com/blog/narrowcasting-future-content-marketing Narrowcasting: The Future of Content Marketing?] StudioOne. March 8, 2013. Web. 30, April 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
# Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
#Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
# Oluwatofealadeadeyefa. [http://mediaculturesociety.org/2013/03/23/public-service-narrowcasting/ Public Service Narrowcasting]. &#039;&#039;Media, Culture, &amp;amp; Society.&#039;&#039; March 23, 2013. Web. April 30, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Choosing Your Topic]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13142</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13142"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T11:41:46Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the Internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student&#039;s product to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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 and 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 and appealing blog.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Before students begin working on their writing for digital media, it is necessary that they have a complete understanding of basic writing skills. The qualities found on [http://mca.maconstate.edu/faculty/lucas/ Dr. Gerald Lucas&#039;] foundational writing rubric outline all the requirements of an acceptable fundamental understanding of writing for digital or print media. College bloggers in must demonstrate these skills in every facet of their writing online.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Proofreading is essential for all writing. It requires reviewing and revising mistakes for a flawless and error free document. Proofreading for mistakes gives credibility to your document and prevents readers from getting distracted by mistakes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13075</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13075"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:46:02Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the Internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13074</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13074"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:45:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13072</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13072"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:43:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal | Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13070</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13070"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:43:32Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal| Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13069</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13069"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:43:15Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal|Augusto Boal&#039;s] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13068</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13068"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:42:46Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal|Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13066</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13066"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:40:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [[w:en:InterWiki|Augusto Boal]] revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include [[Choosing Your Topic|choosing a topic]], [[Research Methods|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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13064</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13064"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:37:57Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [Augusto Boal]&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13063</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13063"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:37:39Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; [[Augusto Boal]]&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13061</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13061"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:34:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style in order for the college student to thrive in the new media realm. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13057</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13057"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:22:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that &amp;quot;democratiz[es] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed],  explores methods that are relevant to how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. So in this vein, blog writing for the college student requires attention to focus, organization, and writing style. But the foundations of blog writing require knowledge of &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13056</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13056"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:17:18Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that allows for &amp;quot;democratiz[ing] the means of production&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Boal, Augusto&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed], reveals methods of how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. Blog writing for the college student requires focus, organization, and writing style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13055</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13055"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:16:38Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that allows for &amp;quot;democratiz[ing] the means of production.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed], reveals methods of how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. Blog writing for the college student requires focus, organization, and writing style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the &amp;quot;Theatre of the Oppressed&amp;quot;]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman &amp;amp; Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13053</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13053"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T03:10:52Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that allows for &amp;quot;democratiz[ing] the means of production.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, [http://mellonseminaremotions.wikispaces.com/file/view/Boal+Agusto-Theatre+of+the+Oppressed.pdf The Theatre of the Oppressed], reveals methods of how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. Blog writing for the college student requires focus, organization, and writing style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13047</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13047"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T02:50:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that allows for &amp;quot;democratiz[ing] the means of production.&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, The Theatre of the Oppressed, reveals methods of how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. Blog writing for the college student requires focus, organization, and writing style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13046</id>
		<title>Blog Writing for College Students</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Blog_Writing_for_College_Students&amp;diff=13046"/>
		<updated>2013-05-03T02:50:16Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Blogging is a platform that allows for &amp;quot;[democratiz[ing] the means of production].&amp;quot; Augusto Boal&#039;s revolutionary text pertaining to his participatory theatre project, The Theatre of the Oppressed, reveals methods of how the internet provides the platform, or stage, for decentralized content. Blog writing for the college student requires focus, organization, and writing style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus==&lt;br /&gt;
The planning stage of creating a blog begins by developing a focus. Developing a focus involves [[narrowcasting]]. Important aspects of narrowcasting include choosing a 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&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Carrol, 163&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog&#039;s chance at thriving in the digital world. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Narrowcasting for blog writing involves aiming the focus of the blog to a highly specific audience. A blog&#039;s audience is inherently fragmented. To reach an audience effectively requires providing in-depth information and perspectives on very specific topics to attain and retain a niche audience. Understanding the importance of narrowcasting and how to implement these conventions will benefit the college blogger. By understanding the importance of structuring a blog around narrowcasting conventions, the college blogger will be well-prepared to succeed and reach their target audience within the the digital literary landscape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Choosing Your Topic|Choosing Your Topic]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Research Methods|Research Methods]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Participation|Participation]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Audience|Audience]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Organization ==&lt;br /&gt;
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.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Themes|Themes]]===&lt;br /&gt;
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], &amp;quot;A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ &amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Headers and Sub-headers|Headers and Sub-headers]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Lists|Lists]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Links|Links]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Writing Style==&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Brevity|Brevity]]===&lt;br /&gt;
Brevity is critical for meaningful writing. By forcing the writer to be intentional with their words and always being brief, precise, and direct a writer is less likely to ramble and lose the reader.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Inverted Pyramid|Inverted Pyramid]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
College student bloggers 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&#039;s audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Notes==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
#Carrol, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved  14 March 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] &#039;&#039;Digital Business Consultancy&#039;&#039;. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12993</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12993"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:40:04Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Focus the Niche */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* Research a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*Research resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle- something memorable, catchy or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
*Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12992</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12992"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:38:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Personalize It */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* Research a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*Research resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle- something memorable, catchy or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
*Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12991</id>
		<title>Choosing Your Topic</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Choosing_Your_Topic&amp;diff=12991"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:37:11Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Choosing a worthy topic is essential to the success of the overall blog &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Carroll, 140&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rehner, &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A topic expresses one essential idea within writing and unifies each successive post &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Loos, &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. At first, a specific topic may seem to confine creativity, but focusing the topic actually provides endless creative possibilities &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Trunk, &amp;quot;Blogs Without Topics are a Waste of Time&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. A focused topic encourages the audience to engage more actively and interact as a part of a blog community &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gardner,&amp;quot;Niche Blogging&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;, ultimately enhancing the popularity of the blog. Creating a successful blog topic can take a significant amount of forethought and preparation and encompasses  brainstorming, focus, assessment, and finalization. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Technology-blogs.png|thumb|upright=3| http://www.bloggingways.net/2013/01/top-10-blog-topics-make-more-money-2013.html]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Brainstorm==&lt;br /&gt;
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&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Personalize It===&lt;br /&gt;
#Write 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” &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and your passions. &lt;br /&gt;
#Make sure 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. &lt;br /&gt;
#Use your personal character &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Archuleta, &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Use a Method===&lt;br /&gt;
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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Mapping&lt;br /&gt;
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. The Mind Mapping &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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&amp;quot; &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:MindMap.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35| http://blog.iqmatrix.com/how-to-mind-map]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Free Writing&lt;br /&gt;
Free Writing &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
*Thinking Outside the Box&lt;br /&gt;
Thinking Outside the Box &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Mind Tools Ltd., &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; is 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Focus the Niche==&lt;br /&gt;
When a topic is narrowed and focused&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Plan the Purpose===&lt;br /&gt;
Your blog’s purpose&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Gunelius, &amp;quot;Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; should focus the [[Readability|Writing Style]] of the blog subsequently helping to identify your [[Audience]]. Some purposes might include the following: &lt;br /&gt;
* Educate yourself&lt;br /&gt;
* Educate others&lt;br /&gt;
* Research a particular topic&lt;br /&gt;
* Learn through communicative discussion and debate&lt;br /&gt;
* Help other people with similar problems&lt;br /&gt;
* Convince others to support a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Promote a particular cause&lt;br /&gt;
* Network with like-minded people&lt;br /&gt;
* Establish yourself within your profession&lt;br /&gt;
* Earn a profit&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Differentiate the Topic===&lt;br /&gt;
Another aspect to consider in narrowing your topic is how you will differentiate it from similar blogs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# 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.&lt;br /&gt;
#Use different perspectives, such as journalistic perspectives&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;The Writing Center, &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and geographical references&amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lucas, &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
#Identify a virginal idea or an area of interest where there is a blog deficit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Look for Inspiration===&lt;br /&gt;
Considering your inspirations for your blog topic can assist when further focusing the topic. These inspirations could include the following:&lt;br /&gt;
*Other blogs &lt;br /&gt;
*Articles&lt;br /&gt;
*Research resources &lt;br /&gt;
*Personal experiences&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Assess the Idea==&lt;br /&gt;
Once a blog topic idea is identified, assess the popularity and originality of the idea to be certain of its effectiveness. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Popularity===&lt;br /&gt;
There are several ways to assess the potential popularity &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Rowse, &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;of the topic idea&lt;br /&gt;
# Search for blogs with similar ideas and investigate their popularity. &lt;br /&gt;
# 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. &lt;br /&gt;
# Use the “For Dummies” test &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Morrow, &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Ensure the Originality===&lt;br /&gt;
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. Ask yourself the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
# Is your topic idea creative and unique enough to set itself apart from other blogs with similar themes?&lt;br /&gt;
# Is it an unexplored aspect of the overall topic that will give you a fresh and energizing niche?&lt;br /&gt;
# Does it present an intriguing or contradictory viewpoint can reinvent an overexposed topic idea?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Finalizing the Topic==&lt;br /&gt;
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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Creating the Title===&lt;br /&gt;
When creating the topic title &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Lively, &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; or [[Headers and Sub-headers|subtitle]] ask the following questions:&lt;br /&gt;
*Is the title overt and easily readable?&lt;br /&gt;
*Can the viewer quickly grasp the topic idea by simply reading the title?&lt;br /&gt;
*Does the narrative of the topic match the title’s observable intent? &lt;br /&gt;
**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. &lt;br /&gt;
*Does the title and subtitle have an angle- something memorable, catchy or fun?&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=Get Started=&lt;br /&gt;
The hardest part of choosing your blog topic is the act of getting started &amp;lt;ref group=&amp;gt;Starak, &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic&amp;quot;&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. 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. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt; &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== References  ==&lt;br /&gt;
*Archuleta, Elizabeth. [http://www.unm.edu/~pre/law/archuleta.htm  &amp;quot;How to Write a Personal Statement.&amp;quot;] UNM - New Mexico&#039;s Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Carroll, Brian. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/041599201X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;tag=humanindex-20&amp;amp;linkCode=as2&amp;amp;camp=1789&amp;amp;creative=390957&amp;amp;creativeASIN=041599201X    &amp;quot;Writing for Digital Media.&amp;quot;] Routledge; New York, 2010. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gardner, Brian. [http://www.briangardner.com/niche-blogging   &amp;quot;Why Niche Blogging is Better than General Blogging.&amp;quot;] Brian Gardner // Starbucks Addict Since 1974. N.p., 7 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Gunelius, Susan. [http://weblogs.about.com/od/startingablog/tp/Top-Ten-Reasons-to-Blog.htm    &amp;quot;Start a Blog-Top 10 Reasons to Start a Blog.&amp;quot;] About.com Blogging. N.p., 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Lively, Jess. [http://jesslively.com/how-to-choose-blog-topics/  &amp;quot;How to Choose Blog Topics.&amp;quot;] Jess Lively. N.p., 5 Feb. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Loos, Eugene E. [http://www-01.sil.org/linguistics/GlossaryOfLinguisticTerms/WhatIsATopic.htm   &amp;quot;What is a Topic?&amp;quot; ] 2004. Web. April 5, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lucas, Gerald. [http://litmuse.net/resources/digital-media/choosing-a-blog-topic/    &amp;quot;Choosing a blog topic.&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 29, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Mind Tools Ltd. [http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot; ] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Morrow, Jon. [http://boostblogtraffic.com/blog-topic/  &amp;quot;21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog.&amp;quot;] Boost Blog Traffic. N.p., 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rehner, Amy. [http://choosingatopic.wordpress.com   &amp;quot;Choosing Your Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] March 2013. Web. March 29, 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Rowse, Darren. [http://www.problogger.net/archives/2006/02/15/how-to-choose-a-niche-topic-for-your-blog/  &amp;quot;How to Choose a Niche Topic for your Blog.&amp;quot;] Blogging for Beginners. N.p., 15 Feb. 2006. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*Starak, Yaro. [http://www.entrepreneurs-journey.com/newsletters/how-to-choose-the-right-blog-topic  &amp;quot;How to Choose the Right Blog Topic.&amp;quot;] Blog Tips Newsletter. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013. &lt;br /&gt;
*The Writing Center. [http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/  &amp;quot;Brainstorming&amp;quot;] 2013. Web. March 31, 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
*Trunk, Penelope. [http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2009/10/06/blogs-without-topics-are-a-waste-of-time/   &amp;quot;Blogs without topics are a waste of time | Penelope Trunk Blog.&amp;quot;] Get Career Advice from Penelope Trunk. N.p., 6 Oct. 2009. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==See Also==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Narrowcasting]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Research Methods]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Participation]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Audience]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12990</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12990"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:33:54Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Why Proofreading is Important */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofreading&#039;&#039;&#039; is essential for all writing. It creates a seamless document by correcting all errors. Proofreading [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading] is reviewing and rereading a document looking for errors. When proofreading look for typos [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typo], misspelled words, punctuation and grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free, document gives creditably and is easier for the audience [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience] to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Why Proofreading is Important ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Content is important but the way a document looks affects the way others judge it. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is  important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document, it is easy to overlook many errors.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Checklist ==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a proofreading checklist, it is easier to find common errors [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spelling:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spell_checker] will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophones](i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, and/or contractions [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraction_(grammar)](i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Punctuation:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation] is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document look for punctuation errors. This includes periods [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_(punctuation)], commas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma], colons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_(punctuation)], semicolons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon], quotations [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_mark], and the correct punctuation when citing sources.   &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Content:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] . Check your document to make sure your tense [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofread Again:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake, but the closer one reexamines the text the fewer the errors will be that make it to the final text, lending to more credibility to the author. Also, consider having a peer or professor look over the document as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== External Links ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources]] [http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[MGSC&#039;s Dr. Lucas&#039;s &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]] [http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Punctuation Made Simple]] [http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[The Purdue Online Writing Lab]] [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Webster&#039;s Proofreader&#039;s Marks]] [http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12989</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12989"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:32:35Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Checklist */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofreading&#039;&#039;&#039; is essential for all writing. It creates a seamless document by correcting all errors. Proofreading [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading] is reviewing and rereading a document looking for errors. When proofreading look for typos [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typo], misspelled words, punctuation and grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free, document gives creditably and is easier for the audience [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience] to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Why Proofreading is Important ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Content is important but the way a document looks affects the way others judge it. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is  important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document it is easy to overlook many errors.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Checklist ==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a proofreading checklist, it is easier to find common errors [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spelling:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spell_checker] will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophones](i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, and/or contractions [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraction_(grammar)](i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Punctuation:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation] is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document look for punctuation errors. This includes periods [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_(punctuation)], commas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma], colons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_(punctuation)], semicolons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon], quotations [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_mark], and the correct punctuation when citing sources.   &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Content:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] . Check your document to make sure your tense [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofread Again:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake, but the closer one reexamines the text the fewer the errors will be that make it to the final text, lending to more credibility to the author. Also, consider having a peer or professor look over the document as well.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== External Links ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources]] [http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[MGSC&#039;s Dr. Lucas&#039;s &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]] [http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Punctuation Made Simple]] [http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[The Purdue Online Writing Lab]] [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Webster&#039;s Proofreader&#039;s Marks]] [http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12988</id>
		<title>Proofreading</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Proofreading&amp;diff=12988"/>
		<updated>2013-05-02T02:32:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Shannacd: /* Checklist */ edited for grammar and awkward phasing&lt;/p&gt;
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&lt;div&gt;[[Blog_Writing_for_College_Students|Home]]&lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofreading&#039;&#039;&#039; is essential for all writing. It creates a seamless document by correcting all errors. Proofreading [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proofreading] is reviewing and rereading a document looking for errors. When proofreading look for typos [http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/typo], misspelled words, punctuation and grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] mistakes, and any other problems within the document. Having a flawless, error free, document gives creditably and is easier for the audience [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audience] to read and understand.&lt;br /&gt;
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== Why Proofreading is Important ==&lt;br /&gt;
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Content is important but the way a document looks affects the way others judge it. Careless errors are distracting to readers. It is  important to pay attention to details because it helps make a good impression overall. It is better to work with a definite plan that helps search for specific kinds of errors rather than quickly glancing over the document. When quickly glancing over a document it is easy to overlook many errors.  &lt;br /&gt;
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== Checklist ==&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, first put the document aside for a few hours, days, or weeks. This allows for a fresh look at the document to see what is really on the page. Find a quite place to work. Read slow, and read every word. Read aloud. By following a proofreading checklist, it is easier to find common errors [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/02/]. Proofread for only one kind of error at a time.  &lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;Spelling:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Look for misspelled words. Using a spell checker [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spell_checker] will find most errors and typos, but not all. It is important not to only rely on spell checker but to also review and reread your document. Spell checkers do not always correct homophones [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homophones](i.e. their, they&#039;re, there), words used incorrectly, and/or contractions [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contraction_(grammar)](i.e. don&#039;t, won&#039;t, can&#039;t). &lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;Punctuation:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
Punctuation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punctuation] is not always checked with the spell checker. When rereading your document look for punctuation errors. This includes periods [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_(punctuation)], commas [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma], colons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colon_(punctuation)], semicolons [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semicolon], quotations [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_mark], and the correct punctuation when citing sources.   &lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;Content:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
When proofreading, be sure to also pay attention to the content. Check for clarity, organization, variation of sentence structure, and word choice. Also, check for correct grammar [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_grammar] . Check your document to make sure your tense [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenses] are consistent (past, first-person, present). Be sure to stay within the same format throughout (MLA, APA). Also, pay close attention to the way the document is laid out (margins and fonts). &lt;br /&gt;
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&#039;&#039;&#039;Proofread Again:&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
It does not hurt to reread your document many times looking for errors and for ways to improve it. It is easy to overlook an error or mistake, but the closer one reexamines the text the fewer the errors will be that make it to the final text, lending to more [[credibility]] to the author. Also, consider having a peer or professor look over the document as well.&lt;br /&gt;
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== Notes ==&lt;br /&gt;
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== External Links ==&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Macon State College Library&#039;s Guide to Citing Sources]] [http://www.maconstate.edu/library/citing.aspx]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[MGSC&#039;s Dr. Lucas&#039;s &amp;quot;Editor&#039;s Checklist&amp;quot;]] [http://litmuse.net/resources/writing/editors-checklist]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Punctuation Made Simple]] [http://lilt.ilstu.edu/golson/punctuation/]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[The Purdue Online Writing Lab]] [http://owl.english.purdue.edu/]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Webster&#039;s Proofreader&#039;s Marks]] [http://www.merriam-webster.com/mw/table/proofrea.htm]&lt;br /&gt;
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[[Category:New Media]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Shannacd</name></author>
	</entry>
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