Blogger Idol - Week 13 - Blog Tips

I have been allowing my mind to wander all day trying to think of some blog tips. I don't know if I have any tips that could make someone's blog any better, but I think that I might have a tip or two that relate to blogging.

Tip #1 -- Blog! (Written in the form of a command.)
Just do it. Blog away! "But I'm not a writer..." So what, neither are 95% of the other people out there blogging. Don't let something like that stop you. Just click this link and start your own free blog. It is fun and easy to do. If you have any questions about how to get started, just e-mail me personally at mattharmless@hotmail.com and I will hook you up! Once I got started about half of the highschool that I teach at got started. The english teacher even promoted it with her students! I'm serious, just get started and let me know how you do!

Tip #2 -- Don't let it run your life!
It seems like a lot of people who blog, it tends to become a major part of their life. I think that it might actually be habit forming. If you find that all you think about is your blog... remind yourself, "it is just a website, it is just a website...!" I mean really, don't get carried away with it.

Tip #2b -- Don't focus on the layout.
A great layout is nice, but it is not everything. Some people can get really caught up on the design, and never post anything worth reading.

Tip #3 -- Don't let it affect your job!
As a Christian, you are to be working as unto the Lord, and not unto men. Your authority, whether godly or not, is an ordained by God kind of authority. If someone is paying you to work, that is what you should be doing. Don't forget that!

Tip #4 -- Be careful what you say.
If your blog is mostly read by your friends, family, co-workers, etc. Don't get too personal on your blog, it might come back to bite you! In fact, sometimes it is good to use your blog to say something really nice about somebody else (especially a special friend or a spouse). When they see it published online, you will have made a memorable impact in their lives.

Tip #5 -- Don't stop.
Every blogger tends to go through some dry spells. Don't stop. (unless you are not following tips 2, 3, or 4...) Just write about something. Every post doesn't have to be a work of art!

Tip #6 -- When you write, speak from the heart.
Pour it out. Be sincere and REAL! Don't forget Tip #4. It is usually easy to tell if someone is speaking from the heart. And that just draws people in. I love reading other blogs. Some of them I read because they have a good writing style. Some of them I read because I feel like I am actually looking into the mind of another human being. Getting a chance to glimpse into their heart.

Tip #7 -- Use the blog.
Make it a teaching tool. Not only to teach your readers, but to help you to learn more. None of my posts are very long or in depth because I'm really not a good writer. (In fact, I have never written anything until I started this blog, which is why I put Tip#1 in here.) But I will have to say that I have learned a lot from posts that I have written, because I don't want to post if I don't know what I am talking about. I have had to study the Bible and some other books, looking for answers. Besides, who really wants to listen to another nobody just spouting their own opinions?!?

Tip #8 -- Have fun.
I don't know. Don't look at me that way! You know that everybody always uses this as their last point. You know how it goes, "...and just remember everybody, don't forget to have some fun!" So I will say it too! Blogging is fun, have some!

Now if you want any real tips that have any actual value, you can find them here. I don't think that I stole any of his tips, but if I did it was unintentional.

If these tips help you in anyway, just let me know!

Thanks everybody!