More tips for effective blogging

When thinking about how to use your blog, consider these tips...

CONTENT:

• Include links to other sites of interest (list the URL and make it a hyperlink)
• Comment on the content of those other sites - in other words, why are you listing them? Summarize them in your own words.
  
• Ask questions about things you don't understand, about other issues you haven't addressed yet, etc.
• Make connections to other ideas, thoughts, issues.
• Assume a broad readership - don't just write to Spencer or to your class; write as if everyone is reading. Tell us what we need to know (about your project, about your research, etc.) in order to feel included.
  

FORMAT:

• Use proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Be yourself, but maintain a professional tone.
• Include images whenever appropriate.
• Cite your sources whenever ideas/information are not your own.

For examples, see my teaching blog, or visit www.dailykos.com or www.instapundit.com (two very biased but very popular political blogs).