Top 10 Rules for Blogging

I have been blogging for 10 months now and am a faithful reader of about 300 blogs. Over time I have developed my top 10 rules for blogging:

1. Define your reason(s) for blogging. Is the blog a journal, advertising, instructional, for profit, etc.?

2. Don't apologize. We are all busy; don’t waste the reader’s time with apologies just give them something interesting to read or see.

3. Be consistent in publishing. Define your blogging schedule: monthly, weekly, or daily blog publishing is okay as long as your readers know what to expect.

4. Use photos. I’m a very visual person (like the photo of my keyboard and mouse pad?).

5. Always give credit and respect copy writes. Golden rule applies here.

6. Provide hyperlinks. We are all busy; make it fast and easy for the reader to follow links.

7. Get to the point. Again, we are all busy.

8. No sounds or music without warning. Loud music is not a nice surprise when quickly reviewing blogs at work or a public place.

9. Remember the blog may take on a life of it is once it is published. Write like your mom/future boss/child is reading your blog. 

10. Have fun. If it is a chore to churn out the blog you may need to review rule #1 above.

Any rules you would add to the list?

Comments

[Julie Prichard]

Yes- please move #2 to the #1 position... these are GREAT rules!

[Diana Parkes]

Good rules Suzan. Your new blog is now appearing in my blog reading list so I must have done something right!

[genie (nl)]

Hi Suzan,

The rules are clear and handy.
I find it difficult to be consistent in publishing (#3). Sometimes there is something I love to share as soon as possible, that cannot wait until, for instance, the end of the week.
When I began blogging I never saw myself writing so much.
I think it is addictive and like writing a journal it helps to order what is going on in my mind.