Tips For Writing

If you ever update your status on Facebook, you're a writer. If post response comments on other people's posts (Facebook or anywhere online), you're a writer. If you email people, blog, tweet, or use any other form of social media to add any kind of content or response at all, yep - you're a writer.  Hey, there are a lot of other forms of written communications these days than writing papers, folks. Welcome to the modern times!

What, didn't you think other people read those things that came out of your mouth (hands)? That's basically the point of this blog. Whether you realize it or not, every little comment, post, or tweet you make says something about you. Sometimes it pays to think twice (or even just once) before hitting the button to save your quip.

1.  Don't be a Debbie Downer.
It's ok, we all need to vent once in a while, but seriously: no one likes to see a stream of nothing but negativity. Most online-savvy users these days understand that online writing often lacks the human element that's present in verbal conversations. If you really want to vent, again, that's fine. Just remember to temper it with some more upbeat things once in a while so you don't sound like Debbie Downer.

Think about it -- Do you share all of your complaints out loud? Just take a moment and do online whatever you might do in public. Sometimes you might be like me, and find that once you've written that message, it's really best deleted instead.

2, Filter Out the Noise.
Does this message serve a purpose? Are you just complaining? Is there a point to what you're sending? Try to filter out some of the "noise." If you post a conscious thoughtstream, does this make you sound scatterbrained? Overly critical? Indecisive? Whatever the case, if you post it, it's a guarantee that at least somebody is looking at it. So consider how you come across in the long term scheme of things.

3. Take a Moment.
When we head to online communities, we fire off quick comments on other people's content. While the expression is all fine and good (no, really - it's great!) we sometimes forget that this online world of media is instantaneous. The second you click that "post" button, numerous other people may be reading what you've said immediately afterwards. When writing more formally, you learn more critical ways of thinking and consider your words carefully. Try to incorporate the essence of this in your daily writing, as well.

Remember that it's even OK to edit or delete a comment and re-post it if you mess up. Put the yellow caution light on and slow down in the first place and you'll warrant fewer word pileups. :) If you're too busy to do that right now, then maybe you're too busy to be on Facebook. Sit down with it later when you can be less distracted!