The Art of the Blog

For those of you who don’t know, blogging isn’t my full time job. Sorry to disappoint, but for 40+ hours a week I’m a programmer. In fact, it isn’t even my second job, as that would be my father-in-law’s home business. It’s actually my third job. And while it keeps me in Big Macs, I won’t be retiring on it anytime soon. So why do I do it if the pay is meager, the fame is fleeting and there is virtually no chance of meeting hot chicks?

Why because its fun of course!

At it’s simplest, I just enjoy writing. And every writer wants his work to be read. (this is where you readers come in) I enjoy blogging and I likewise enjoy reading the blogs of others. And I don’t confine myself to reading only Apple related material. I tend to read (and enjoy) any well written blog that has an interesting subject.

And yet lately I have begun to notice that bloggers are beginning to forget their place in the giant “media-food-chain”. Many have begun to feel a certain sense of entitlement. A swell of pride, if you will, has arisen in their chest and they lack the humility to see it. So let me lay out for them, and you, some rules to keep in mind while writing a blog.

1. There are a select few writers out there who can make a good living as a blogger, odds are you aren’t one of them. Accept this and move on. Being bitter never helps.
2. If people don’t read your blog it’s because you suck. Good writing is hard to find but great writing is impossible to hide.
3. No one ever won an arguement on the internet. Ever.
4. Bloggers will always be less trustworthy than traditional media. This is due to the fact that anyone with an internet connection, 20 min. and 18 or more brain cells can become a blogger. It takes a little more effort to become a journalist.
5. Bloggers will not topple the main stream media, the revolution isn’t coming and communism still doesn’t work.
6. No matter what you write, somebody will hate it. (and in your comments section they will probably call you gay)
7. If you’re not making money, you’ll be amazed at how quickly blogging becomes “not fun”.
8. There is no substitute for an editor.
9. Thinking before writing is a great idea, its a shame so few people do it.
10. The internet makes it very difficult to tell the difference between a well-read expert and a moron with access to Google. Try and keep this in mind when writing. (this is also why Wikipedia can be unreliable)
11. There are a lot of stupid people out there and they all have opinions. (which also tend to be stupid - see #3)