Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Top Five Tips for New Bloggers

A first for me!  I've created a basic blog site.  This Internet Communications study will also be a new experience - a new way of learning.  I sense the virtual camaraderie building through the 'blackboard'.  Nearly every query I have had so far has been mentioned there.   What a great source!  My completed tasks are:
  • Posted a reply to the tutor's welcome post.
  • Emailed the Unit Tutor my agreement to the Oasis conditions of use.
  • Created a learning log using 'Blogger'.

Here are my 'top 5 tips for new bloggers':

  1. Be clear on the purpose of the blog:
    This has been defined for us as a log to record both our tasks and reflections on the concepts and experiences of the unit. Normally I would have to establish this clarity myself.
  2. Begin with small steps:
    Create a 'basic' blog.  Experiment and let the frills come later. I looked at Wordpress but with the aid of the blackboard posts I decided on Blogger. I can learn the basic principles through Blogger and so concentrate on the conceptual side.
  3. Communicate with experienced Bloggers:
    There is so much out there. Several in the course had their Blogs up and running. I learnt from their work and the posts of others.
  4. Concise Language:
    My suggestion is not to be wordy. Use active English rather than passive - as it is more personal and less pompous. There are probably many like me who tend to 'skim' rather than 'read' web pages. If what I am looking for does not stand out on the page I exit. Headings and lots of 'white space' help draw one's attention. Blogger itself is a good example of this clean layout.
  5. Enjoy:
    Sometimes it is hard to maintain the momentum. The suggestion here is to post at regular intervals.  Don't let it build up.