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Blog Writing for College Students: Difference between revisions
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Blogging is a platform that "democratiz[es] the means of production<ref> Boal, Augusto</ref>. | Blogging is a platform that "democratiz[es] the means of production.”<ref>Boal, Augusto</ref> [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augusto_Boal Augusto Boal'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's product to thrive in the new media realm. | ||
==Focus== | ==Focus== | ||
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<ref> | 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<ref>Carroll, 163</ref>. Devoting time to developing focus strengthens a blog's chance at thriving in the digital world. | ||
===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]=== | ===[[Narrowcasting|Narrowcasting]]=== | ||
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===[[Themes|Themes]]=== | ===[[Themes|Themes]]=== | ||
According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], "A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right<ref> | According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], "A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right<ref>Digital Business Consultancy</ref>." Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all the 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. | ||
===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]=== | ===[[Categorizing Posts|Categorizing Posts]]=== | ||
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==Writing Style== | ==Writing Style== | ||
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]] | 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 and appealing blog. | ||
===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]=== | ===[[Foundational Writing Skills|Foundational Writing Skills]]=== | ||
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'] 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. | |||
===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]=== | ===[[Scan-ability|Scan-ability]]=== | ||
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===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]=== | ===[[Proofreading|Proofreading]]=== | ||
Proofreading is essential for all writing. It requires reviewing and revising mistakes for a flawless and error free document. Proofreading | Proofreading is essential for all writing. It requires reviewing and revising mistakes for a flawless and error free document. Proofreading gives credibility to your document and ensures that you will not distract readers with mistakes. | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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==References== | ==References== | ||
* Boal, Augusto. (2005). [http://www.democracynow.org/2005/6/3/famed_brazilian_artist_augusto_boal_on Famed Brazilian Artist Augusto Boal on the "Theatre of the Oppressed"]. Democracy Now: A Daily Independent Global News Hour with Amy Goodman & Juan González. Retrieved 1 April 2013. | |||
* Carroll, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 14 March 2013. | |||
* [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] ''Digital Business Consultancy''. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013 | |||
[[Category:Composition]] | |||
[[Category:New Media]] | [[Category:New Media]] | ||