Selecting a Topic for Your New Blog

Deciding on a blog topic or focus can be one of the most difficult decisions for beginning bloggers (and long term bloggers as well).

Avoid the Urge to Set Up a Blab Blog

Often, new bloggers will click in and begin a “blab” blog. These are basically online journals. You simply attempt to share your entire life in little blurbs and snippets.

I hate to tell you this. You’re just not THAT interesting. I’m not either. Very few people can draw a following by posting up mundane daily activities. Even your Momma likely will get tired of hearing that you got up, took a shower, went to class, ate lunch . . . You get the picture. That kind of information is not great fodder for building a blog.

Day to day notes work better on Facebook or Twitter. If you like to keep a running log of your activities, then check out other social media outlets. Your friends and family members are much more likely to see the data than if they have to search out a blog where you run down a trip to the grocery store.

Follow Your Passion When Blogging

While many bloggers hope to have a blog that draws large visitor numbers and/or will eventually generate good income, it’s not a great idea to research and invest time and energy into a blog topic simply because you find that a certain topic is popular or pays well. What’s “hot” today does, after all, change.

Blogging is more fun (and ultimately does pay off - if that’s the goal) when you select a topic that you’re excited about. You’re much more likely to stay on top of your true interest area and share information on a regular basis if you’re excited about what you’re covering. You’re also more likely to have readers, because onliners can recognize knowledge, passion, and quality materials.

Deciding on Scope When it Comes to Blogging

A blog focus is a balancing act. You want a topic that is broad enough to serve you well for months or years. But, you don’t want a topic so broad that you never find your niche audience, and most blogs do draw niche audiences.

A general cooking blog is too BROAD (in most cases). You’re not likely to attract a regular following if you range from crock pot recipes to decorated cupcakes to gourmet salts. You’re simply not “speaking” to any specific cook, and blogs really need to have that focus. When I blog, I often pick one “real” person from my life, and I write materials with that person in the back of my mind.

On the other hand, you can get too specific. I could blog on grilling chicken. Yes. There are a number of ways I could go with that. But, I would have a hard time keeping a stream of grilled chicken materials posted. In addition, I would personally get bored if I limited my blogging to only one food – no matter how much I might like that food.

Ideas for Blogs

There are limitless topics you could cover in a blog. In fact, some people have numerous blogs, because they have so many ideas and find that they need multiple blogs to share all the information they’d like to share. Others may find honing in on an idea more difficult. That’s when brainstorming can be helpful.

A good way to brainstorm is to sit down with a pencil and piece of paper and just begin writing down things you enjoy doing and things that matter in your life. These ideas may revolve around your hobbies, your part-time job, or your college major. Don’t censor yourself initially. Just get some ideas down on paper. Then, you have something to work with.

Turning in Your Viewpoints Review Online

This page is designed for students to turn in links for their Viewpoints review posts, so I can find the reviews and check/grade them.

Visitors

If you are interested in writing for Viewpoints but are not a student in my class, then check out the post on Writing Reviews for Viewpoints.

Class Members

Once you complete your Viewpoints review assignment (see syllabus for due date - post should be up before class on the day it is due), add your review link in the comment section here. You can also print a hard copy and turn that in if you prefer, but you will have a backlink by posting the review here in comments.

Please note "student" in your comment, so I can screen out any spam posts or lost visitors. Also, include your first name, initials, or provide your user name in class so that I know which student to credit for the review.

Sample Comment Post

Here is a Viewpoints review that I did after the web site launch party in Chicago.



Chicago Travel Review - Magnificent Mile

Posting a Review at Viewpoints

Writing a review at Viewpoints is a good way to get started with online publishing. You have an opportunity to review virtually anything (within reason) and to upload a photo or photos to compliment your review.

Steps for Writing an Online Review at Viewpoints

1. Select a product or service to review. This can be any product or service.

Sample products/services for review at Viewpoints:

• Electronic Device
• CD
• DVD
• Book
• Grocery Item
• Clothing
• Sports Gear
• Restaurant
• College

2. Sign up for an account at Viewpoints. This is quick and easy. You need to think of a user name and a password as with most online spaces. I would suggest a generic user name and a password that you can remember.

3. Upload a user photo. This does not need to be a personal photo. You can use a flower, bird, mash up or anything you want within reason and not under copyright. If you opt to copy a photo online, then make sure it is copyright clear. One spot for copyright clear images is MorgueFile. Users donate the photos for use by onliners.

4. Search for the product you want to review. If it is in the database, then you’re set to begin reviewing. If not, then look for the tab to “add a product.” When adding a product, be sure to click to select the correct section. For example, the George Foreman grill would go under Home & Garden and then Small Kitchen Appliances.

5. If you add a new product to the database, upload a main photo to go with the review. It will show across the site for all additional reviews for that product. If the featured photo is in place, then upload a user photo which will show to the side of her review only.

6. Write your review in Word. Online forms can glitch. Your review can be lost in a heartbeat. This does not happen, but if you lose a review once, you will understand why it’s better to have the work in Word. If something happens, then you do not have to write your work a second time.

7. Paste your review in the field. It should be at least 100 words (longer is fine). Viewpoints does not require a certain number of words, but good reviews have some detail. If you just put, “This rocks,” then I would not consider that showing effort on the assignment. Likewise, I will not look favorably on cut and paste posts (plagiarism).

In writing the review, you may need to add a bit of background. In other words, tell us the basic features and functions of an item. It’s not much fun to read a review if you are not even sure what is being reviewed. If you review a toaster, then you do not need to explain how a toaster works, but you would want to talk about any unique features.

Also add some real word user commentary. Discuss your own personal experiences with the product or service. This is the value of user input on reviews. If you’re just parroting the publicity materials, then the reader is not gaining any insight.

8. Use the tool bar to format your article. At the very least, press the spell check icon. Adding bold subheadings and such will make the review more readable as well. I will notice when you make the effort to ensure that your review is visually appealing.

9. Go back and read your review after it’s posted. If you’re not going to read it, then why would you expect others to read the review. You will also be more likely to catch errors when you see the piece live on site. For some reason, the typos are more obvious after you press publish and go back. Formatting issues will also be obvious in read mode.

The bottom line?

Take pride in what you post for the world to see!

Options for Online Writing - Ways to Publish on the Internet

Options for Writing Online


There are many avenues for publishing online. Advances in technology now mean that virtually anyone can find or develop a platform for online content (including written works, photos, and video).

Here are Just a Few of the Avenues for Getting Materials Online

1. Review Sites


Review sites allow writers to provide information about products and services used. There are many options today. Some of the online review spaces were developed specifically to house reviews while others are part of content or sales sites. Amazon, for example, allows buyers to provide feedback or reviews on items purchased. Many other companies selling online have similar type review options for purchases now.

Epinions is one of the oldest online review sites with over a decade of publication. It is the first large review site that sought out general consumers and paid for review content. Be aware that Epinions is now owned by Ebay and that they have a parallel site called Shopping.com. It is likely that Epinions will gradually shift over and become a shopping focused site and likely without the pay out model.

Viewpoints is a newer space, although they have a few years online at this point. Most contributors are not paid, although they do have a payment option for active members who apply and are accepted. Viewpoints allows users to add products not in the database and also to upload photos.

2. Online Content Mills or Content Farms


Content mills are web spaces that depend on constantly updated content provided by various writers. In most cases, writers are paid a small upfront fee for accepted content (from as low as $1 per article up to usually $20 with a few higher pay out prices), however, some content mill sites have revenue share programs. In some cases, revenue is based on the number of visitors to an article while others are based on a share of the income from advertising visits.

The reference “content mill” or "content farm" is generally considered to be derogatory. Many writers with more traditional writing backgrounds note that the pay tends to be very low and that, in some cases, the quality of the content is lacking. These concerns are valid, although some content mill work pays fairly well, and some of the content mill materials are well written and provide solid information.

Some content mill examples include:

• Constant Content
• Demand Studios
• Examiner
• Suite 101
• About.com

3. Blogs


Another route to online publishing is to set up a personal blog. Writers have more control when hosting and posting on a personal blog. This is especially true when going with a blog template (wordpress is common) with a personal domain name like www.myname.com. If hosting the blog, then the owner must buy the domain name and also pay a monthly hosting fee. Generally these fees are very reasonable (only a few dollars per month on hosting).

Google also hosts blogs at blogger.com. There are no costs associated with starting a Blogger blog. The templates are not as robust as other templates (usually linear from newest reading back through oldest post), although more sophisticated templates can be purchased and uploaded.

Blogger blogs are the easiest to use, since they are integrated with paste in fields for design. They are also easily monetized though the Google AdSense program, however, it can take years to reach the cash out mark of $100. Wordpress, by contrast does not allow affiliate ads on sties, so anyone wanting to monetize will want to look at Blogger or purchase a domain name and pay hosting fees.

Note also that many online sites have companion blogs. Often these blogs are written by paid employees, but some companies will hire writers to post or will open up the blog to readers/fans.

4. Freelance Writing


Some online spaces hire individuals to write materials for websites (and some purchase articles from the online content mills). Content is critical, so some companies and site owners can and do farm out some of the writing.

Writing on a contract basis includes a variety of types of content production. A writer may be hired to do blog posts, feature articles, copyrighting, or to provide SEO (search engine optimization) editing.

In terms of pay, freelance writers online may be making as little as $1 for blog posts or articles, but some writers are paid along the longstanding print industry standard of $1 per word for big name sites or by contract (x number of dollars for x assignment) or even by the hour.

Freelance writing offers flexibility and convenience, but freelance (or contract) writers do not get benefits like traditional paid employees. Work for hire (freelance) requires writers to track pay and expenditures and to pay taxes yearly (or by the quarter for those earning higher wages). In effect, you own a business if you are a freelance writer.

5. Staff Writing


With the explosion of web sites for companies large and small, staff members are often asked to contribute web content as part of the job duties. This can range from doing news or feature articles to PR releases to blogs to working on social media associated with the employer company.

Blogging Class Grade Worksheet

Online Publication Grade Tracking Sheet


Test Grades

_______ Test One Grade (100)

_______ Test Two Grade (100)

_______ Final Exam (100)

Class Participation

_______ Viewpoints Review Plus Photo (10)

_______ Blog Proposal and Rationale (10)

_______ Julie Powell Research/Thoughts Movie Week (10)

_______ Favorite Blog Selection and Paper (10)

_______ Header Bar Additions (10)

_______ Adding a Guest Blog Post (10)

_______ Additional Online Posting (20)

_______ General Class Participation Including Peer Feedback (20)

Blog Grade

_______ Mid Blog Check (50)

_______ Final Blog Check (150)

Total = __________ divided by 6 = ___________ minus penalty points = FINAL GRADE ___________

Penalty Points:

Remember to subtract 2 points off the final grade for every class missed after three total and 1 point for all tardies over 3. The three skips and tardies are to be used for sports, scholarship commitments, outside school activities, sick days and NOT as vacation days.

If you have more than 3 skips with valid documentation (tennis had 4 meets – for example), provide the paperwork the last week of classes, and I will offset. Again, this does NOT include days taken as vacation or for oversleeping or other random reasons. Those will be subtracted from the total – no exceptions.

Feel free to visit my office with any grading questions throughout the semester. Do not, however, contact me during the last week of classes or during exams and ask for grades or averages.

Blogging Class Syllabus

Bloggng Class Syllabus

Course Rationale:
Online Publishing is offered as an elective in Communication. In a rapidly changing world where communication is critical, the class offers insight into changes in the presentation of news, information, and data as well as the impact of new technology on individuals and society.

Learning Outcomes:
Students completing Online Publication will:

1. Be able to articulate (verbally and/or in writing) the history of online content.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the changes over time in presenting information online and the current standards and emerging trends in online publication.
3. Reflect a basic understanding of the underlying technology and the ability to use simple tools for publishing online.
4. Grasp the safety and moral issues involved with publishing online and reflect sound judgment in selecting, packaging, and presenting data and ideas online.
5. Demonstrate an awareness of the power of medium on society and the implications of publishing in a global forum.

Methods of Instruction:
1. Lectures and discussion of relevant materials and issues from texts, handouts, research, classroom experiences, and hands on applications.
2. Guest speakers from the industry covering various topics of interest and importance in the field of online publishing.
3. Hands on learning in publishing online including (but not limited to) posting written materials and/or photos in various forums including personal student blogs.

Assignments:
1. Write and post an online review including a photo on a basic online review site.
2. Develop a blog concept and implement the idea including weekly maintenance of the personal blog.
3. Find a publication avenue and publish a minimum of one article/photo in an area of interest.
4. Provide appropriate and insightful online feedback on work produced by peers once per week (interacting at least once with several fellow class members).
5. Three tests total including a comprehensive final.
6. Two page paper overview of class experiences in online publishing.
7. Verbal overview of blog project with peer feedback.
8. Class participation with specific assignments noted on class day hand out.

Grading:
Blog - 200 points (divided between mid semester 50 points and the end of the semester 150 points – includes blog, paper, and presentation)
Test 1 – 100 points
Test 2 – 100 points
Final – 100 points
Class Participation - 100 points (see class schedule for details)

Total Points = 600

Divide final point total by 6. Use the 10-point scale to determine grade. For example, if you have 520 points at the end of class, you divide that by 6 and get 86. Your grade would be B (assuming you did not lose points for missed classes or tardy days). The plus/minus system is applied, so a grade of 82 would be a B- while an 89 would be a B+.

Penalties for excessive absences are charged at minus 2 points for every absence after three (3) subtracted from the final grade on a 100 point scale. Tardies are charged at 1 point off for every tardy after 3 – also on the 100 point scale.

Students missing ¼ (11) of scheduled classes will receive an automatic F per the faculty handbook.

Textbook and Study Materials:

Baehr, Craig & Schaller, Bob. (2010) Writing for the Internet: A Guide to Real Communication in Virtual Space. Greenwood Press: CA.

Class handouts

Online readings

Welcome to Blogging Class

Need Help With Blogging - You're at the Right Place

First, I'd like to welcome all students taking my blogging class this semester. It not only is a beneficial class that will give you skills for the future, it's also a really fun class.

For any visitors, welcome also. This blog is offered to provide more information for students taking my class, but I think you will also find ideas and tips that will help if you're starting a blog or currently have a blog but need a little help or just motivation.

This is a work in progress. I'm adding data as the class works through the semester. The pages at the top (under the blog title) will include links which should help on navigation. I'll group those in categories under Site Map, so folks won't have to backtrack through numerous posts to find what they are looking for.

All the best with blogging this semester and down the road.