Blogging Advice From a Longtime Newspaper Columnist

By: E&P Staff Bill Tammeus is offering blogging advice in the latest installment of the "Columnists Academy" series on the National Society of Newspaper Columnists' Web site.

The former NSNC president -- who has done the "Faith Matters" blog since 2004 -- was a longtime Kansas City Star staffer who joined the paper in 1970 and wrote a daily column for about 25 years before retiring in 2006. But he continues to contribute a weekly faith column on a freelance basis.

A sampling of Tammeus' blogging advice:

-- "Post consistently at the same time each day or each week or at whatever schedule you choose.... But don't be afraid to update the post with something breaking if it's appropriate."

-- "Use all the links you can...."

-- "Use graphics. Lots of clip art and free stuff is out there...."

-- "Develop a consistent voice by being you. Decide how formal or informal you plan to be on your blog and then stick relatively close to that. Don't be William Faulkner one day and 50 Cent the next."

-- "Let readers have their say in the comments section. I almost never invade that area with my own comment...."

-- "Try to limit the length of your postings (and encourage commenters to do the same)...."

To see Tammeus' complete blogging-advice piece, click here and scroll down a little.