Comments on: 5 Universal Writing Rules

By: Matthew Dryden

Matthew Dryden — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:09:43 +0000

When I write for my own journal – I often edit in my head and what I write down and post is usually the first draft. I do some quick proofreading for grammatical errors (and often miss them), then I hit publish.

It’s a bad habit and I seriously do not recommend it to anyone.

By: Ben Roberts

Ben Roberts — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:20:04 +0000

These are great guidelines for bloggers (or any writers). As a new trainer for my company on blogging, I am always trying to come up with concise examples of content and quality writing. Your’s, as always, has both.

By: Tressa

Tressa — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:29:45 +0000

Thank you Isaac. Right now I am building a website http://www.creative-writing-help.com, and before I publish it to the world I am revising it over and over again. I want it to be perfect without spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes, and I’ve been revising now for the past week.

I’m not sure if there is ever a point where you are satisified or you just say enough is enough and publish the damn thing.

As always loving the tips!

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:51:54 +0000

Good basic advice Darren. I would add that given the chances of catching and keeping reader attention in the steady stream of competing content, bloggers should follow the rules all advertising copy and PR writers learn early on:

PUT YOUR KEY MESSAGE UP FRONT – followed by the next most important point, and then on down to the backup details. Your readers should get the crux of what you’re trying to convey within the first few sentences:

1) Tagline (Headline)
2) Cutline (Sub-title)
3) Most important messages
4) Background details for those who keep reading

If you keep this in mind, you will naturally prevent yourself from rambling on… and on… and – ’nuff said. :-)

By: Pet Snakes

Pet Snakes — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:33:55 +0000

The single best piece of advice I ever got about learning how to write was this -

1) Buy a book called “On Writing” by Stephen King.
2) Read said book.
3) Write using the lessons you’ve learned from that book.

Applicable for all forms of writing. Whether you like him or not there’s a reason he’s one of the best selling authors of all times. He knows how to write.

By: Davina

Davina — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:26:59 +0000

Hi Isaac, and Darren. I’m so happy to read this! I thought proofreading was a dying art (when it comes to blogging). I’ve been a proofreader for more than 10 years and it’s a natural habit to scrutinize each post I write. I cringe when I read some comments I’ve left, when it’s too late to take them back and fix them. I agree that good content is key, but it doesn’t take all that much time to give a post one extra read. My recommendation is to write ahead of time and look at it a couple of days later with fresh eyes… or hire a good proofreader to do it for you, while you’re writing your next post.

By: Susan Sheppard

Susan Sheppard — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:39:37 +0000

Isaac: great post.
I agree with Christopher Ross:: Having someone else proofread one’s blog (or other to-be-published material) is the best way for mistakes to be caught. Ideally a trained proofreader. (Just because someone can read English doesn’t make them *the best* choice to proofread English. I can drive a car but that certainly doesn’t mean it would be wise for me to drive in the Daytona 500. )

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:26:40 +0000

Speaking for revising, the story goes with famous painter, J.M.W. Turner, that he would even correct paintings as they hung in the gallery. A good work is always a work in progress, I guess.

By: Fotografi

Fotografi — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:05:39 +0000

5 golden rules, thanks.

By: Monte (Samuri Hillbilly in WV)

Monte (Samuri Hillbilly in WV) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:52:00 +0000

I belong to a content writers group and I’m the only male in the bunch. The ladies all pride themselves on being one take wonders and wouldn’t think of revising. At times I’ve been frustrated by my need to draft, revise,revise, revise, then proof a time or two and finally publish. They aspire to be poets and novelists while I aspire to sell more content. I’m usually the top monthly earner in the group. The 5 Universal Writing Rules are certainly all that.

By: Make Money Online Tips

Make Money Online Tips — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 06:29:19 +0000

I think you should rename your blog guestblogger.com :p Anyways revising is very important because any mistake shows unprofessionalism.

By: Glenn Abel

Glenn Abel — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:28:23 +0000

Bloggers are in an unusual position, considering the long history of writing for mass media. In trad media, someone always reads behind you, looking for errors and possible libel.

So I would add to this post:

6. Know the basics of grammar and spelling

Spend some time learning fundamental grammar and studying the often-misspelled words (there are two of them in that sentence!). This will enhance your clarity and cut down on revision time.

The time you spend (a half day, maybe?) will come right back to you as you write.

Write for Blogs

By: PraShawn

PraShawn — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:24:44 +0000

Proof reading is a good point. I think anybody who take their self serious should consider proof reading the posts. Thanks for sharing.

By: mikethemasterdater

mikethemasterdater — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:55:41 +0000

I proof my brains out but something always manages to sneak by me! I think I am getting a bit better at it but what I would like to know is does it ever end!??
Will these little demons keep sneaking past me?? lol…

By: krissy

krissy — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:18:37 +0000

I always rewrite before posting. Or at least proofread to see if my post needs to be rewritten at all. Thanks for reminding us.

krissy knox
follow me on twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/iamkrissy

By: Christopher Ross

Christopher Ross — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:07:33 +0000

On point two, I’d suggest as often as possible to find somebody else to do the proofing. Sometimes we’re a little too close to our writing to see the mistakes.

By: Agent SEO

Agent SEO — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:31:57 +0000

Thanks Issac…

I often times find myself just hitting the publish button before I revise my content, only to go back later (or immediately) to find mistakes or tweak content.

It can be maddening, but it is necessary to write content that people will be able to use not just right now but for a long time to come.

Thanks for the article

By: Robin

Robin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:21:48 +0000

It always amazes me how many bloggers fail to just run spell check. It is so fast to do. Errors in grammar are far easier for readers, to overlook. We are all guilty of them. Even your article here had one.

As long as, spelling is good and writing is decent, content will be able to shine through. A page riddled with typos and poor spelling, certainly loses readers.

By: GigiSehatBadanSehat.blogspot.com

GigiSehatBadanSehat.blogspot.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:38:19 +0000

hello…i vote for your blog on bloggers choice awards 2009.
it will be honour if you would vote for my blog too for foreign language category…success for you!

Gilang
Gigisehatbadansehat.blogspot.com

By: Sheila Atwood

Sheila Atwood — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:59:11 +0000

Some times when I am writing my ideas take a different direction that seem more appropriate. So the delete button comes in handy when I go back and read my post.

What I hate is when my next post just doesn’t formulate. I chase it around on paper, in my head and on the computer.

So change is some good advice I can use.
Thanks.