More Blogging Tips

Some things to note as you blog:

1. Remember that hotlinks should go within the body of your post, highlighting particular words in your sentences, not listed separately at the end. You can list additional references at the end, of course. Also, mix up your links. The best links are ones that support your claim or serve as precise reference for a specific concept. General info links (like Wikipedia entries) are okay, but don't work well if you link to some huge page explaning, say, "energy" in general.
   
2. Another hotlink practice to try is to link to other blog posts/news, aka backlinking (example here, backlinking to GG). Backlinking starts the "you-scratch...I scratch-yours" cycle that places you within the blogosphere community, and can start some rather friendly (or unfriendly) debates if you are writing a rebuttal to someone else!
   
3. Keep posts short! Obviously, the fun of blogging is that it takes many forms and sizes. But try practicing at least one post within the 250-word limit. Instead of explaining some common concepts, use hotlinks to a reputable source ("the reasons for buying sustainable seafood are well known...").
   
4. Don't forget to use labels/tags. These help categorize your post within the blog, making your post searchable. Try to pick labels that already have been used -- if someone already used "climate change", use that instead of making a new label of "global warming". Keep labels to keywords or timely lingo that readers could be attracted to. Use esoteric or specific terms as last resort.
5. Pictures are awesome.
   
6. Let your voice come through. Yes, our initial tipsheet is more for a "professional/corporate blog" -- as if you blogged on behalf of your NGO or agency. This can be a bit bland sometimes. But there may come a time when you are the focus: if you start a personal blog, or you're the star blogger for your org (à la Green Grok), or you're simply given free rein by your bosses to be more unconventional. You'll then have to let your personality come through, while being mindful of your audience (age, political affiliation, etc.). How would you say something in everyday conversation -- your figures of speech, humor, pop references? Blogging has its origins on online diaries and op-ed columns -- follow those roots, and creat your personality!
   

In all, great work on Blog #1. Great job on the tone and level of depth. There are some great hooks/ledes/headlines out there, as well as some good current events and commentary pieces. Check your posts for our comments, and we encourage all to read and comment on posts outside of your groups.