Ten Commendments for writers who blog
May 27, 2009
Inspired by a couple of panels I was on at Marcon:
- Never post anything you wouldn’t want read by your boss, spouse, child, or grandmother.
- Never “correct” reviews of your work. You can ignore them, or point out they exist, but don’t start an argument with a critic. Even if you win you lose.
- Don’t pimp your work on someone else’s site unless invited to do so.
- Never write anything, even private e-mail, in anger. Assume any e-mail you write will be posted on someone’s blog. (see #1)
- Don’t game the system. i.e. Don’t have your fans vote you up on Amazon, Digg your site, or post glowing comments on review sites. Any short term gains will be eclipsed when you’re found out.
- Never threaten legal action unless you’ve already retained an attorney who is prepared to file suit on your behalf.
- If you quote another blog, give credit.
- Accept the fact that someone is always wrong on the internet. This cannot be fixed.
- Don’t insult the fans.
- When in doubt, post a top ten list.
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#1 should be the “cardinal rule” of blogging/tweeting.
I don’t give a crap what my mother thinks
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