The 7 Cs Of Effective Blogging
Wednesday, June 13th, 2007 at 8:00 am
These ideas are borrowed from a document I received by e-mail. They have been adapted from thoughts of Malcolm Forbes, Founder of Forbes Magazine.
Clarity
- Apply the KISS formula - “Keep it Short and Simple.”
- Choose short, familiar, conversational words.
- Construct effective sentences and paragraphs.
- Achieve appropriate readability.
- Avoid unfamiliar words, abbreviations, slang or jargon.
Completeness
- Stick to the topic and don’t leave out essentials.
- Give something extra, when desirable.
- Check for the five Ws (what, when, where, why, who).
Conciseness
- Shorten or omit wordy expressions.
- Include only relevant statements.
- Avoid unnecessary repetition, long sentences, relative pronouns, expletives, abstract subjects, and passive verbs.
Correctness
- Use the right level of language (remember who your readers are!).
- Include only accurate facts, words, and figures.
- Maintain acceptable writing mechanics.
- Choose nondiscriminatory expressions.
Concreteness
- Use specific facts and figures - link to sources whenever possible.
- Put action in your verbs.
- Choose vivid, image-building words.
- Avoid relative words, indefinite phrases, and abstract words.
Consideration
- Focus on your readers instead of getting caught up in “I” and “we.”
- Take an interest in the reader, show how the reader will benefit.
- Emphasize positive, pleasant facts.
- Apply integrity and ethics.
- Avoid negative words.
Courtesy
- Be sincerely tactful, thoughtful, and appreciative.
- Omit expressions that irritate, hurt, or belittle.
- Use words and phrases that set a positive tone.
- Make it easy for readers to respond.
Zachary Says:
October 10th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Not only your site has one of the coolest designs I’ve ever seen, its contents are useful and informative. Please keep it up!
Blogsolid Says:
October 10th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
Hi Zachary. Thanks for visiting!
Bernat Says:
November 29th, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Hey I love your website, the content and web design, but I really love the branding…
I’m reading it from the start, this will be a knowledge trip :P
By the way, If I want to write an article how do I style it?
I tell you something at the end…
Blogsolid Says:
December 2nd, 2007 at 11:08 am
Hi Bernat, thanks for the compliments! If you write an article for Blogsolid, don’t worry about the styling - I will take care of that. Just email me the text.
Imar