BC Weblog Guidlines

Are You Ready to Blog?
I've sent out an invitation to third-year students in Broadcast Communications to start weblogs now instead of waiting for the capstone class. I recommend keeping these weblogs professional. While I offer a set of guidelines for blogging during the first day of class, I thought it appropriate to post the information now.

Use these guidelines to keep on target with the BC Capstone Weblog mission of self-reflection, goal making, assessment and growth as working media professionals.

BC Weblog Guidelines

Keep It Professional-Put time and effort into what you write.

• Never post a first draft. Edit what you write.
• 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.
• Offer Links.
• 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).

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.

Be Positive- Showcase Your Ability to Think Critically and Creatively

• 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.
• Update entries on a regular basis.
• 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.
• 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.