As your e-Comm teachers have gotten used to blogging and having students blog, we've also been analyzing, discussing and refining what we think are the elements of a good blog post.
Tips from the blogosphere
This is not new ground, of course. Over in the right sidebar, you'll find links to sites that have specific tips for blogging. So far, they are:
Let us know when you happen upon more helpful sites that we should list!
e-Communication's big three
Your e-Comm teachers have decided to evaluate your blog posts on three main things. We'll also be teaching each of these things more intentionally next semester:
- Content
- Writing Style (Voice)
- Presentation
Content:
This will vary, depending on the type of blog post you are doing -- from blogging about a current event to describing the process behind one of your projects. You will be informed of the expectations for each, as they come up. For example, if your blog post was about one of your projects, your content should successfully communicate the extent of the project, how it was done, what was learned, reflection and conclusions. You should also make links to relevant sites, and include graphics and video where appropriate.
If you don't have meaningful content, there's no point in anyone reading what you have to say!
Writing Style (voice):
Grammar and spelling matter. (Blogger has a spell-checker!) Use appropriate vocabulary (jargon or industry terminology appropriate to your focus area). Some of our posts in e-Comm will be rather technical. Others will be more abstract. So, the tone you take in your posts may depend a little on the nature of the content, and also on the preferences of your current teachers. But, by and large, your post should not read like a classroom assignment. Speak to your audience as a budding “creative” sharing your experience. “Blogging style” is a balance between conversational and professional. It isn't strict technical writing or research paper writing -- but, it isn't as casual as writing a letter to a friend.
It's professional, yet engaging and personal enough to draw your reader in.
Presentation:
Presentation is how your blog post
looks. Use headings and sub-headings. Write your ideas in concise paragraphs, and include multi-media and links as evidence, appropriately placed and formatted. The typeface, size, and color of text should combine to make your text easy to read. Remember the design principles of
CARP -- Contrast, Alignment, Repetition, Proximity (grouping).
A great presentation is not only attractive -- it also makes your content easier to read and understand.
Content + Writing Style + Presentation
When you convey good
content in an effective
writing style and a well-designed
presentation, you've created the perfect storm - a combustible mixture of elements that elevate your blogging to a new level. Your posts will earn higher grades, but much more importantly, your followers will want to read what you have to say, and you'll be honing those communication skills that will serve you well in your future endeavors!
