Blogging is now a very common medium for writing and sharing insights about different matters. The best part of blogging is that everyone can do it, provided you have an Internet connection and plenty of ideas to share. Plus, the network you'll encounter while blogging provides online support and inspiration for you to keep up your blogging endeavor. A nice comment on a blog entry can surely tickle you pink and make you want to blog more.
So much has been written about what to do when you're running a blog. But haven't you thought about the things you should not do with your blog?
Here are just some common guidelines to follow when posting blog entries. To avoid trouble with your blog and your followers, here are the things that you should avoid when doing your blog entries:
1. Don't plagiarize.
We've learned in school that plagiarism is a big no-no. Copying another person's work and passing it off as your own can surely brand you as a plagiarist. The same rule works beyond the classroom. In the blogosphere, copying another person's blog entries or even just some parts of it can be easily detected by free plagiarism checkers, which are available online. Being known as a plagiarist can damage your reputation as a blogger and person.
It's okay to take inspiration from other bloggers, but you should express that inspiration uniquely, through your posts. If you have to borrow some passages elsewhere, be it from another blogger or author, don't forget to credit that person in your blog entry.
2. Don't rant or bash other bloggers.
There are times that we can't help but criticize something or someone, especially when we feel so strongly about it. Your blog is never the place for this, especially if you want your relationship between you and your followers to be smooth-sailing. If you want to post something about that makes you tick, consider your choice of words and how you express your thoughts about the issue, to avoid riffs with your readers.
As much as possible, don't post anything negative in your blog if you want to have a good blogging experience.
3. Don't post really long entries.
If you have to blog something that's bound to get really long, don't just type it in one go. Reading lengthy paragraphs onscreen can be an eyesore. Cut your text using short paragraphs, use bullet points if you have to enumerate something, and maintain proper spacing between one paragraph and the next. Make your posts pleasant to the eye when read.
4. Don't post entries with errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
This one is pretty understandable, knowing that all of us went to school and learned about writing properly. Considering this fact when you blog means that you want to be taken seriously as a blogger. This also gives your entries a professional touch and will entice your readers to acknowledge you as a blogger.
5. Don't post poorly-shot photographs with your blog entries.
Pictures speak volumes when it comes to using them for your blog, especially if your blog's niche is related to food and fashion, or blogs that rely heavily on photography. Make sure your photos are shot well with good lighting and clear details. You don't have to invest on a really expensive camera for this purpose. Even a point-and-shoot camera will do. It's how you take pictures that matter, not the camera. Having sharply-done photos can make your readers enjoy browsing through your blog.
6. Don't publish your posts at random intervals.
Create a definite schedule for yourself on when to update your blog to keep your followers coming back. Once or twice a week will do, or anything to make it a regular schedule. Not posting much on your blog can make you lose your followers, because they got bored waiting for your next post and have moved on to finding blogs better than yours.
7. Don't try so hard to sound like another blogger.
Let's face it: we've got our own favorite bloggers. Sometimes, you get inspired so much that you want to sound like this person in your blog. That's not a nice move, because you'll be known as the copycat of that other blogger. Be yourself in your blog posts, blog about your passions and interests, and let yourself shine through your blog. You're sure to find someone out there on the Net who will love your blog.
With these points in mind, blogging can be a better experience for you. Wishing you the best in blogging!
By:Tamie Thomas is a college student. Writing is a big part of her life, as she's taking up a major in Rhetoric and Composition. She is also a part-timer at bestessays.com. She is learning how to blog recently to express herself.
