How to write effectively for blogging

Since 1999, when Blogger first appeared, blogging has spread like wildfire. Today, there are tens of millions of blogs and an equal number of people who wish to write effectively for blogging. Here's then a brief "How To" that could help you in launching a successful blog.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Live blog

1. Decide on articles and compose a list of topics. Keep the list updated as you go along. Don't hesitate to jot down details of things that attract your attention. Get in the habit of carrying with you a "little black book" at all times to quickly take notes; a PDA will also do. Keep your eyes and ears open. Read the news with curiosity. Double check the facts. Don't economize on using Google or Dogpile.
2. The overwhelming number of blog visitors/readers won't loiter around your blog for more than 60 seconds, so aim to give them something that'll keep them on your page longer. Write short sentences. Think things through. A blog entry is not just free associations. Unless you are a writing genius, avoid nebulous philosophizing. Write for the readers.
3. Begin with a strong statement (that'll attract their attention). Follow up with a string of facts. Link, link, and then link some more. Add a short paragraph with your estimate or assessment. Conclude with a question or invitation for a comment.
4. Write about things you know best. Offer some "value added." If you're a lawyer, for example, focus on some latest court precedent that can help other litigants. If you're a hobbyist, expound on some of the working details of your hobby. And don't forget to tag and ping Technorati. You want to be discovered, don't you?

Tips & Warnings

• Use one-page news aggregators like popurls to quickly scan the news for topics
• Listen to the radio, a great, but underestimated, source of material
• Don't give up the books - more reading means better writing
• Do not assume that they will come to you, think how you'll attract them
• Do not use technical or esoteric language unless you're addressing a specific audience
• Do not get discouraged if readers aren't flooding to your blog, just keep going on because you're in it for the writing, first and foremost