Comments on: Do you Write Outlines for Your Blog Posts?

By: Spencer Fry

Spencer Fry — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:10:45 +0000

Without a doubt I always outline my articles. I don’t spend a lot of time doing so, but I want to get a sense of the structure I’m going to present.

By: Janis Lyn Johnson

Janis Lyn Johnson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:44 +0000

I write a weekly 700-word Hope and Inspiration blog column, much like the format of a newspaper. I don’t make outlines. I create a first draft in stream-of-consciousness form–just to get everything down before I forget. Then I go back in and edit as many times as needed to make the essay as clear and concise as possible.

This is when I make weak sentences stronger, take out all adverbs, etc. I do all of this off-line, then paste it into my blog.

To check out my column, “What It’s Like For Me: Coming To Terms With Humanness”, go to http://www.JanisLynJohnson.com.

By: scheng1

scheng1 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:27:53 +0000

I dont do outline. After all, I can edit the post anytime. I dont want to treat blogging as essay exam or college coursework.

By: Flek

Flek — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:10:01 +0000

I do agree with Gina. Though I make some outlines before making a post, the most successful posts were those which has been made without any outlines. Till the day the good posts ( at least I believe so) are the ones that are spontaneous.

By: Jason Ulsrud

Jason Ulsrud — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:27:28 +0000

I’m fairly new to the blogging world and have never classified myself as a writer. Mostly I write based on what strikes me as something that needs to be said.

I don’t put a great deal of forthought into what I write. However, I will review it 3 or 4 times and change grammatical errors. So if you find errors in this comment, it’s because I’m typing on my iPhone.

By: Website Promotion Blog

Website Promotion Blog — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:38:36 +0000

I also try to structure and outline a long post on a more general topic. It gives my readers clearer understanding of the content and a better vision into the overall subject I write about.

Quick news and SEO tips among other website promotion tips published at my blog follow a different plan. They’re flowing as the heart of the matter needs to be swiftly pointed out and put forward.

By: Jacob @ Safe and Dry Blog

Jacob @ Safe and Dry Blog — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:25 +0000

Outlines and brainstorming are key to any writing…period.

Content for sites, blogs, or term papers…it’s important to have a path and have a solid collection of defendable points. Otherwise you can get off topic easily and end up talking about smurfs when you really need to be discussing the topic that you’re being paid to present.

By: hokya

hokya — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:59:12 +0000

i usually visit other blogs, then make an outline post (about what effective post is) on my local connection (offline)

but, i still write my post originally, not plagiarizing them… :-)

By: Prasanga

Prasanga — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:05:37 +0000

It is easy to let the words flow, but I have chose to review clickbank products and that need some research before writing the review. I think it is more fun to write free flow content, but this is tough because there got to be atleast 400 words. It is quite hard to come up with that amount words with a free flow writing. If there is some research done then it is easy to come up with 400 words. great post thanks for sharing.

By: Danielle Douglas

Danielle Douglas — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:49:29 +0000

I tend to write my blog entries in a Word document where it is a free flowing process. Then, I review and make the necessary edits before I copy, paste, and add the finishing touches i.e. pictures and links in WordPress.

By: Rupesh

Rupesh — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:31:29 +0000

First I surf web and try to get the knowledge. Then I write free flow articles. I edit my article once before publish. Thanks for starting this topic.

By: The Blog Is Mine dot Com

The Blog Is Mine dot Com — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:30:44 +0000

Sometimes I figure out a structure, and then fill the outline with stuff, sometimes I just write the full post from the beginning.

By: Susie McCray

Susie McCray — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:06:01 +0000

Deciding whether to use an outline or not, in my opinion, really depends on what I’m talking about. When it is some really good information that I think will be helpful, I’d rather plan what I want to write. But if it is just me wanting to share how I feel about something, I write freely.

By: Jon Peltier

Jon Peltier — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:12:47 +0000

The majority of my blog posts are step-by-step tutorials, teaching people to do useful things in Microsoft Excel.

I don’t usually make an outline, but I still follow a logical and linear process. I follow the featured protocol on my computer, taking screen shots as I go. I upload the images, and put them into a new post. Then I fill between the images with descriptive text. If I’ve omitted a step, I go back and take another screen shot.

By: Robin @HeartofWisdom

Robin @HeartofWisdom — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:01:17 +0000

I start with a title and bullet list in a draft to document the idea. When I feel inspired or passionate about the topic I write the post.

I have several titles with bullet lists waiting for me now– no writers block- I have too many ideas and not enough time.

Usually the title gets changed and the bullet lists sometimes turns into a paragraph for each point. I know I need to “let go of more words” I’m working on it.

Great topic.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:46:16 +0000

I would say I am free flowing, It depends on the day, if I see an article or some other form and READ it will give ideas of my own.
I do however come across some good information and at times like to share.
All depends. Thanks

By: Lose Belly Fat Fast

Lose Belly Fat Fast — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:07:09 +0000

I know it shouldn’t be like this, but I tend to write posts on the whim of the moment. If I remember something that helped me lose weight, or a particular piece of knowledge that I think will be valuable to my readers, I fire up my text editor and I publish it right-away.
I’ve been getting good feedback, though: some readers have told me that they can tell the passion that I put in my posts, and, to me, that’s the best compliment ever!

By: Galvahaha

Galvahaha — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:44:29 +0000

Think a post out in advance? Hmmm.

Since my posts are simply stories – and not a list of things that will make you a better person – advance your career – or inspire you to a higher level of blogging income – I like most other commenters above – simply use the free-flow method as well. Quite often I will start off with a story about my Aunt Myrtle in North Upscaleville – only to find out at the end that the real story that comes out only mentions the fact the old broad is rich. And then I clean up all the parts that no longer fit and reorganize the structure to give the best reading experience.

I use no bullets in my planning. But I always have something that just has to get out.

I would love to be someone that teach others all my great wisdoms and move them to a state of greater financial bliss – but at the moment – I just hope I can make you laugh – and maybe if I’m lucky I might make you think to.

But I do enjoy your posts very much! Very helpful indeed, yet I am still waiting for a google ad check to appear in my mailbox :).

By: Fredrik

Fredrik — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:58:05 +0000

No, I don’t write outlines..

By: Mike Skel

Mike Skel — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:15:10 +0000

I always outline my posts.

I have not done any or experienced any free flowing post yet. And I am really wondering, how people can write any article or post free flowing way, except may be a short story ?
Or am I understanding the ‘free flow’ style of writing in wrong way ?