Ann,

It took me a few minutes to get over the "introverted" comment but now that I am perhaps I can begin the conversation.

And, for a blog writer, that is the beginning and end, I think. Writing blogs is about starting a conversation. Good writing counts and so does some story-telling ability.

I think we can also include writing posts that 1) are provocative, 2) raise questions people care about, 3) offer a point of view without being preachy, and 4) are timely.

That's a great article he wrote about you, and he's clearly well-headed down the path of "skilled blogger" himself.

I think a good blog post contains:

1. The subject clearly included in the post title. Creating a snarky or overly clever title is a lot of fun, but too many people are making the decision to read or not based on your title alone. I'm one of those people and I'm not always successful at following this rule.

2. Relative brevity - but that doesn't mean the post has to be short. Concise paragraphs with forward-leading transition sentences go a long way toward helping a reader breeze along.

3. An appropriate use of links. Links are like cooking with salt; they're fine to sprinkle in as you go, but you won't know if you've overdone it until later. I find that I sometimes need to rein in my instincts to link every sentence to something that supports it. It's not necessary to do so, and if anything it breaks up the flow of your narrative too often.

4. Spellcheck, spellcheck and spellcheck.

5. A punchline. That doesn't mean you've got to be funny; it just means that you need to drive home your point, and the end of your post is as good a place to do that as any.

6. Everything that you, Tony and Lewis have suggested above.

That settles it. Count Chocula for me every morning from now on!! I'm reflecting back on what could have made this such a great day, and the cereal was really the only thing different from any other morning.

Let's hope my dentist isn't an avid reader of your blog!

I would maybe add one more thing to our growing list, and that's "being yourself." I think sincerity is always the way to go.

Thanks again Ann!!

Tony

I think Tony is 100% correct with his addition here; be your self. It is the best way to go and if you are being somebody else, people will eventually figure it out and stop paying any attention to you. Presumably you are blogging because you want somebody to pay attention to you... right? It might as well be YOU they are paying attention to.

I love these conversations! Tim and Tony win. Authenticity should be number 1.

Ann, Like I said before, when I read most of what you write it sounds like your smiling. This is the first blog site I have ever commented to. People have responded directly to me making me feel welcome. I have to admit I am actually in awe that such credentialed individuals would deign to listen to my point of view let alone post it. Everyone is great on this site...Tim, Lewis, Mack and everyone else (sorry for not listing everyone...)

But I must agree. Ann is a great writer.

Thanks to you all!

Tammy, thank you for the praise. I can only speak for myself, as the newest member here, but I think you are right about a lot of things; this is an amazing group (I'm still in shock about being allowed to join this group), the folks here do make a person feel welcome and Ann IS a great writer.

I have a feeling that I am the most lovey-dovey in this group (Pisces with Pisces rising, what can I say), but this is an amazing group of people to be associated with. Thank you for noticing that too.

:)

I really like Ann's writings. I think the blogs are "Simple and Clear". Makes me think.