What is a blog
A blog is a weblog, a diary of current events. The Blog can be used to share topical information
and raise awareness around issues. Only certain people can post in the blog, as the blog area is
used to pass on important information rather than being for general discussion. The typical length
of a blog post can be anywhere between 250 and 100 words - just don't make it too short or too
long for people to read.
What is a forum
A forum is a discussion area, where people can ask questions to the community. The discussions
can be started by any member of the community. The discussions can be used to encourage
knowledge sharing and generally provoke other members to interact with you by giving you their
feelings on your post.
Below is some guidance on how to write your blog and forum posts. The key is to be open-minded
and encourage feedback from other members – even if they do have another opinion.
Writing and commenting on posts
Writing a blog post
1. Start with an engaging title
Keep them short and snappy and avoid any puns. Just tell them exactly what the blog post is
about. Writing the title to encourage users read your blog. Do not use too many exclamation marks
or questions marks – use them sparingly.
2.Write posts that you would want to read and respond to
The point of writing a post is to pass on information and/or topical opinion and to encourage other
members to comment on your post.
3. Invite comments
Posts which actively ask users for feedback always get a higher rate of comments. Questions like:
‘What do you think?’; ‘How do you feel about this issue?’ can entice users to respond to your post.
4. Offer your opinion
Present your thoughts on a subject to trigger other people to contribute their views. Keep your post
open ended and don’t offer your opinion as the only sensible option.
Commenting on blog posts
8. Follow up comments users leave on your post
A big part of your contribution is to follow up on comments that users leave on your post. Even if
you don’t know the answer to a query it is better to leave a note of some kind. Doing this increases
your reputation on the site and engages the users who will be more likely to comment on your
posts in the future.
9. Comment on other posts
By commenting on other people’s posts you will increase the level of conversation and make the
site more engaging for users. This will increase your reputation on the site and ensure that your
posts get a high readership.
Writing a forum post
10. Keep it short
Use the first post to open a discussion. It could be in the form of a simple question or more in
depth, but should elicit a response and be kept to a minimal length to allow easier interaction.
Commenting on forum posts
11. Follow up on comments users post in response
Try to respond in a timely fashion to users who’ve taken the time to add a comment to your
conversation. Obviously, if other users are continuing the discussion and you don’t need to
respond, you don’t have to. It is of utmost importance that you try to respond to single comments,
though, to keep that user interested and to encourage them to respond again.
12. Comment on other posts
As with the blog, by commenting on other people’s forum posts you will increase the level of
conversation and make the site more engaging for users. This will increase your reputation on the
site and ensure that your posts get a high readership.
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