How do I write on a blog?: Difference between revisions

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[http://www.bytowninternet.com/glossary/ "Blog"] is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter)that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the website.  A blog is your easy to use website, where you can post your thoughts and interact with other people. In order to  
According to Wikipedia, [http://www.bytowninternet.com/glossary/ "blog"] is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter)that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the website.  A blog is your easy to use website, where you can post your thoughts and interact with other people. In order to  
[http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/bi/entrepreneur/archives/ write an interesting blog], some things to keep in mind would be; Create meaningful titles, have opinions, keep it short, encourage participation, mix it up, include your own experiences and make proper editing and grammer corrections.
[http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/bi/entrepreneur/archives/ write an interesting blog], some things to keep in mind would be; Create meaningful titles, have opinions, keep it short, encourage participation, mix it up, include your own experiences and make proper editing and grammer corrections.
There are different types of blogs. Some of them are personal, business, clubbox, cultural and gossip.   
There are different types of blogs. Some of them are personal, business, clubbox, cultural and gossip.   


==How to write an interesting blog==
==How to write an interesting blog==
===Structure format===
      ==Structure format==
* Titles-the main title or headline.
* Titles-the main title or headline.
* Body- the main content.
* Body- the main content.
* Permilink- the URL of the full individual article.
* Permilink- the URL of the full individual article.
* Entry Date- this includes the date and time the blog was published or posted.
* Entry Date- this includes the date and time the blog was published or posted.
Also, blogs usually Include:
    Also, blogs usually Include:
*Comments- opinions that readers have about the work.
*Comments- opinions that readers have about the work.
*Categories- subjects that will be discussed in the entry.
*Categories- subjects that will be discussed in the entry.
*Links- that can tell more information about certain topics in the entry.
*Links- that can tell more information about certain topics in the entry.


===Create meaningful titiles===
===Create meaningful titiles===
*[[How do I write a strong title?|Titles]] should be short, to the point and grab the readers attention.
In order to create a meaningful title, think about what the topic is about and who the audience is. [http://www.contentrobot.com/5-tips-for-crafting-blog-post-titles/"An effective title"] draws people into reading because they feel that you have something to say that they need to hear. [[How do I write a strong title?|Titles]] are supposed to grab the readers attention. They should be short and to the point. Also, be sure to select topics that are relevant to the topic. Your goal is not only to catch the reader, but to keep the reader. Remember [http://www.contentrobot.com/5-tips-for-crafting-blog-post-titles/"titles should describe"] (in a word or few) what readers will get in the main post.
*Create titles that go with the topic.  
*Personal topics are good, depending on your audience. Write only what you know.
*[http://www.contentrobot.com/5-tips-for-crafting-blog-post-titles/"Titles should describe"] (in a word or few) what readers will get in the main post.
*[http://www.contentrobot.com/5-tips-for-crafting-blog-post-titles/"An effective title"] draws people into reading more because they feel that you have got something to say that they need to hear.


===Have opinions===
===Have opinions===
*Feel free to tell people what you think.
When you post a blog, you are giving readers permission to express their thoughts and suggestions, as well as criticize your work. Feel free to tell readers what you think. Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Do not include information onto your blog that you would not say out in the public (Powazek,Derek). Avoid including incriminating ideas and other lucid information that you do not want everyone to know. Encourage readers to comment, it can help out alot.
*Do not write anything on your blog that you would not feel comfortable saying out in a public place.
When commenting on someone else's blog, be helpful and respectful, considerate yet critical while maintaining relevancy to the topic. If you feel that their blog is bad, explain why you think it is bad and include ideas  or examples that could make it better.
*Remember that your blog is public information. Be careful not to put incriminating ideas or lucid information that you do not want everyone to know.
*It is okay to enter a discussion if you really have something to say.
*Stay relevant to the topic.
*Encourage people to comment and send feedback. Be inviting.
*Be helpful and respectful, considerate yet critical.
*Simply stating good job is not helpful. Tell what you thought was good and state improvements that could be made.


===Keep it short===
===Keep it short===
*Be sure to strive for clarity, simplicity, and conciseness.
*Be sure to strive for clarity, simplicity, and conciseness.
*Do not stay on one subject for to long. It makes the reader bored and they are more likely to loose interest in your blog.
*Do not stay on one subject for to long. It makes the reader bored and they are more likely to loose interest in your blog.  It is easier to keep your readership than trying to win them back.


===Encourage participation===
===Encourage participation===
*Add your own comments or ideas into your blog and ask for feedback.
Having readers comment on your blog makes your job easier. Ask for feedback at every available chance.
*Inform your readers as to where your ideas came from and cite your sources.
Some useful tactics to keep readers entertained include informing readers as to where your ideas came from, citing your sources, and linking entertaining and informative sites that relate to your post. Your readers will be glad you did.
*Link entertaining and informative websites that relate to your post.
*Illicit further thoughts.
*No trolling or spamming.


===Mix it up===
===Mix it up===
*Be careful in your word choice. Avoid using repetitive words and [[What is redundancy?|redundancy.]]
In a blog, be careful in your word choice. Avoid using repetitive words and [[What is redundancy?|redundancy.]] Do not try to use big words to make your blog sound better.  By using too many big words, you stand the risk of loosing your readers interest. They may find themselves confused and wondering what you are talking about. Remember, your blog readership may not consist soley of scholars. Sometimes short is better.
*Do not use too many big [[What is wordiness?|words]] to try and make it sound better. Sometimes short is better.
Amuse your readers while conveying professionalism and seriousness concerning your blogMaintain a sense of humor, most people enjoy a good laugh. Be sure not to overexplain yourself.
*Amuse your readers.  Have a sense of humor.
Write as if your readership consists of paid subscribers.  You would not intentionally write in a manner that could cause you to loose loyal readership, decrease responses or encourage negative feedback to your blog.
*Don't over explain yourself.
*Write as if your readership consist of paid subscribers.


===Include your own experiences===
===Include your own experiences===
*Your [[What is an audience?|audience]] consist of readers who have something in common with you. Include some personal examples when neccessary.
Your [[What is an audience?|audience]] consist of readers who have something in common with you. Include some personal examples when neccessary. By doing so this can draw your readers closer to you.  Now that you have your readers attention be sure that your blog has some special [[What is "interesting detail" and how do I use it?|interest.]] Include specific topics of interest or experience without straying away from the subject of conversation. Give readers what they want and you will create a loyal readership.  Consider the feedback that you receive from your readers and respond when necessary.  Find out what it is that may increase reader response to your blog.
*Be sure that your blog has some special [[What is "interesting detail" and how do I use it?|interest.]]
*Give readers what they want and you will create a loyal readership.


===Editing and grammer===
===Editing and grammer===
*A writers goal should be clarity.  Make sure your readers understand what you are saying.  Do not confuse your readers and have them wondering what message you are trying to convey.  
A writers goal should be clarity.  Make sure your readers understand what you are saying.  Do not confuse your readers and have them wondering what message you are trying to convey. Be sure to check spelling and grammer on all of your work. Study other blogs.  Learning from what others have written is a good way expand your knowledge of writing and editing a blog. Remember that bloggers and editors reserve the right to approve and edit all posts and comments.  
* Be sure to check spelling and grammer on all of your work. Remember that bloggers and editors reserve the right to approve and edit all posts and comments.
*Study other blogs.  Learning from what others have written is a good way expand your knowledge of writing and editing a blog.


==Different types of blogs==
==Different types of blogs==
::[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/blog|wikipedia types of blogs]]
According to wikipedia:[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/blog|wikipedia types of blogs]]
*Personal blogs are those blogs designed mostly for teenagers and college students. It is a great way to communicate with each other and keep everyone up to date with events and thoughts.
*Personal blogs are those blogs designed mostly for teenagers and college students. It is a great way to communicate with each other and keep everyone up to date with events and thoughts.
*Business blogs are used to promote and defame businesses, to argue economic concepts, to desseminate information and more. A good example would be the stock market.
*Business blogs are used to promote and defame businesses, to argue economic concepts, to desseminate information and more. A good example would be the stock market.
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==Links==
==Links==
*[http://alistapart.com/articles/"write a better blog"]
*[http://alistapart.com/articles/"write a better blog"]
*[http://earthshine.org "how to blog"]
*[http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/bi/entrepreneur/archives "how to write an interesting bolg"]
*[http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/bi/entrepreneur/archives "how to write an interesting bolg"]
*[http://www.bytowninternet.com/glossary/"blog"]
*[http://www.bytowninternet.com/glossary/"blog"]
*[http://smart-writers.com/"how to write on a blog"]
*[http://smart-writers.com/"how to write on a blog"]
*[http://earthshine.org "how to comment on a blog"]
*[http://www.contontrobot.com/5-tips-forcrafting-blog-post-titles/"An effective title"]
 
*[http://www."how to write a strong title"]
==Works cited==
==Works cited==
*Davis, Harold. "Google Adveritsing Tools." O'reilly Media,Inc., 2006
*Davis, Harold. "Google Adveritsing Tools." O'reilly Media,Inc., 2006
*Earthshine How to blog. Online. 17 Jul 2006.
:<http://earthshine.org/howtoblog>.
*Hacker, Diana. "A Writer's Reference." Bedford/St. Martin's, 2003
*Powazek, Derek Learn to write. 09 May 2006. Online. 16 Jul 2006.
*Powazek, Derek Learn to write. 09 May 2006. Online. 16 Jul 2006.
:<http://alistapart.com/articles/learntowrite>.
:<http://alistapart.com/articles/learntowrite>.

Latest revision as of 12:21, 27 July 2006

According to Wikipedia, "blog" is short for weblog. A weblog is a journal (or newsletter)that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the website. A blog is your easy to use website, where you can post your thoughts and interact with other people. In order to write an interesting blog, some things to keep in mind would be; Create meaningful titles, have opinions, keep it short, encourage participation, mix it up, include your own experiences and make proper editing and grammer corrections. There are different types of blogs. Some of them are personal, business, clubbox, cultural and gossip.

How to write an interesting blog

     ==Structure format==
* Titles-the main title or headline.
* Body- the main content.
* Permilink- the URL of the full individual article.
* Entry Date- this includes the date and time the blog was published or posted.
   Also, blogs usually Include:
*Comments- opinions that readers have about the work.
*Categories- subjects that will be discussed in the entry.
*Links- that can tell more information about certain topics in the entry.

Create meaningful titiles

In order to create a meaningful title, think about what the topic is about and who the audience is. "An effective title" draws people into reading because they feel that you have something to say that they need to hear. Titles are supposed to grab the readers attention. They should be short and to the point. Also, be sure to select topics that are relevant to the topic. Your goal is not only to catch the reader, but to keep the reader. Remember "titles should describe" (in a word or few) what readers will get in the main post.

Have opinions

When you post a blog, you are giving readers permission to express their thoughts and suggestions, as well as criticize your work. Feel free to tell readers what you think. Be open to suggestions and constructive criticism. Do not include information onto your blog that you would not say out in the public (Powazek,Derek). Avoid including incriminating ideas and other lucid information that you do not want everyone to know. Encourage readers to comment, it can help out alot. When commenting on someone else's blog, be helpful and respectful, considerate yet critical while maintaining relevancy to the topic. If you feel that their blog is bad, explain why you think it is bad and include ideas or examples that could make it better.

Keep it short

  • Be sure to strive for clarity, simplicity, and conciseness.
  • Do not stay on one subject for to long. It makes the reader bored and they are more likely to loose interest in your blog. It is easier to keep your readership than trying to win them back.

Encourage participation

Having readers comment on your blog makes your job easier. Ask for feedback at every available chance. Some useful tactics to keep readers entertained include informing readers as to where your ideas came from, citing your sources, and linking entertaining and informative sites that relate to your post. Your readers will be glad you did.

Mix it up

In a blog, be careful in your word choice. Avoid using repetitive words and redundancy. Do not try to use big words to make your blog sound better. By using too many big words, you stand the risk of loosing your readers interest. They may find themselves confused and wondering what you are talking about. Remember, your blog readership may not consist soley of scholars. Sometimes short is better. Amuse your readers while conveying professionalism and seriousness concerning your blog. Maintain a sense of humor, most people enjoy a good laugh. Be sure not to overexplain yourself. Write as if your readership consists of paid subscribers. You would not intentionally write in a manner that could cause you to loose loyal readership, decrease responses or encourage negative feedback to your blog.

Include your own experiences

Your audience consist of readers who have something in common with you. Include some personal examples when neccessary. By doing so this can draw your readers closer to you. Now that you have your readers attention be sure that your blog has some special interest. Include specific topics of interest or experience without straying away from the subject of conversation. Give readers what they want and you will create a loyal readership. Consider the feedback that you receive from your readers and respond when necessary. Find out what it is that may increase reader response to your blog.

Editing and grammer

A writers goal should be clarity. Make sure your readers understand what you are saying. Do not confuse your readers and have them wondering what message you are trying to convey. Be sure to check spelling and grammer on all of your work. Study other blogs. Learning from what others have written is a good way expand your knowledge of writing and editing a blog. Remember that bloggers and editors reserve the right to approve and edit all posts and comments.

Different types of blogs

According to wikipedia:[types of blogs]

  • Personal blogs are those blogs designed mostly for teenagers and college students. It is a great way to communicate with each other and keep everyone up to date with events and thoughts.
  • Business blogs are used to promote and defame businesses, to argue economic concepts, to desseminate information and more. A good example would be the stock market.
  • Clubbox blogs allow owners, upon paying a monthly fee, to post daily personal entries, pictures, and videos. It usually has a large amount of bandwidth to share.
  • Culture blogs discuss music, sports, theatre, other arts, and popular culture.
  • Photoblogs consist of a gallery of images published daily.

What else can you add in a blog?

  • Add to the conversation that the blog begins. It would be rude and inconsiderate to try to change the subject of the conversation. Additional ideas that may have been omitted may also be added to a blog. These ideas are welcomed and may make the blog a more interesting read.
  • Advertisements can also be added to blogs. Many companies now advertise on blogs as a way to reach more people in an effort to increase potential business.
  • Offer links to other blogs.
  • Some of the best blogs use graphics.

Links

Works cited

  • Davis, Harold. "Google Adveritsing Tools." O'reilly Media,Inc., 2006
  • Powazek, Derek Learn to write. 09 May 2006. Online. 16 Jul 2006.
<http://alistapart.com/articles/learntowrite>.
  • Wikipedia, blog. Online. 17 Jul 2006.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/blog>.
  • Link to Google
<Google.
  • Link to Ask.com
<http://www.ask.com/?o=0#subject:ask%7Cpg:1
  • Anatomy of a Blog
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog