Be Professioanl With Your Capstone Weblog

Guidelines for the Capstone Bloggers

Put time and effort into what you write.
Never post a first draft. Edit what you write. Write it as a MS Word document, edit and then cut and paste into your weblog.

Put effort into the content.

• Write enough to communicate meaning with the reader, but avoid overkill.
• Demonstrate your knowledge and experience as a professional by correctly using the terminology of media.
• Connect your entries to topical events and issues in media.
• Offer your own style and voice and be consistent with it.
• Be genuine.

Always attribute! Plagarizing, fabricating or other BS is not tolerated in the blogging community. Such misdeeds will often be challenged publicly and will haunt you in your professional efforts.

Add graphics or photo when it’s appropriate.
Offer Links.

• For example...consider this links about weblog guidelines: EduBlog, Educational Weblogs, The English 105 Weblog, Yahoo! Employee Weblog Guidelines, Rebecca Blog Webog Tips
  
• The more links you offer the better the chances are your blog could turn up in a Google search.
• Link back to your sources (this offers transparency, attribution and validity to the points you want to make).
• Update entries on a regular basis.

Going Public- Remember the World is Watching
Never reveal personal, private information.

• Never blog about your personal life.
• Limit contact information to a web-based e-mail account.

Never write about proprietary or privileged information (never disclose company secrets or information shared with you in confidence). Off the record means off he record.

• If blogging about internship or job-related experiences, inform your employer about your weblog.
• Invite the employer to read your blog and offer feedback.
• Ask about restrictions or limits on what you can and cannot blog about.
• Ask if the company has any specific weblog guidelines you must follow.
• If the employer prohibits blogging about work experiences, then comply.

Be Positive- Showcase Your Ability to Think Critically and Creatively.

• Offer solutions instead of only pointing out problems.
• Be clear when expressing opinion or comments.
• When engaged in criticism, remain constructive.
• Recognize opposing positions.
• Support your points with evidence and attribution (include links).
• Never engage in personal attacks.
• Develop a routine so regular readers can expect timely updates.
• Entertain and inform your readers
• INCLUDE PICTURES: Offer interesting and appropriate images and context.
• Write engaging headlines.

Be Prepared- Avoid Legal Entanglements

• Be truthful & ethical.
• Read and understand the Blogger User Agreement.
• Understand the impact of what you write.
• Remember libel applies to weblogs.
• Remember false light applies to weblogs.
• Remember invasion of privacy applies to weblogs.

Other Tips- Read & Comment

• Read other weblogs.
• Routinely search for weblogs discussing topics of interest to you.
• Bookmark weblogs you think are written well or speak to you.
• Offer constructive feedback and comments on blogs you visit.