Some students had asked me some writing tips for online media. Here are those that I think are important.
- Write if you only need to write. If in doubt, don’t write.
- Write what you know. Don’t pretend, for it would show soon.
- Write what you enjoy saying. Your joy is contagious even if it is an online world.
- Don’t scold people.
- If you are angry, don’t write unless you want to injure yourself.
- Write with purpose. Don’t beat around the bush.
- Have a word count and stick to it.
- Kill the adjectives. No one likes descriptions these days. Say what you have to say and be off with it. Period.
- Remember – You are writing for the web. No one has the time to read voluminous articles.
- If in Facebook, don’t exceed 40 words.
- Keep sentences short.
- Always check your grammar. Bad grammar puts people off. They would think you are insincere.
- Checking spellings saves your reputation.
- Once you write a post, review it twice to cut down word count by a half. It works.
- Use pictures where you can. They enhance the visual appeal of your posts.
- Use active voice. Passive voice is for the British and nobody speaks the Queen’s tongue anymore.
- Post regularly. For that write regularly. For that read regularly.
- A post is your face. Don’t sully it nor allow anyone to do so.
- Never fight with readers. Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion.
Amaruvi's Aphorisms 