likesthecoat (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
likesthecoat) wrote2007-03-30 11:22 am
likesthecoat) wrote2007-03-30 11:22 am
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[internet cafe] for the Captain: Common Internet Practise for the Beginning Blogger
I. You and Your New Journal
So, you've made yourself a Livejournal. Congratulations: you've joined the ranks of writers, cartoonists, artists, teenagers and roleplayers the world over in sharing the minutiae of your life with complete strangers. A common question that all bloggers (yes, you are a blogger now) must ask themselves is, What is my purpose here? What do I wish to share with the world? Am I here to educate, to entertain, to communicate? Deciding on your focus will let your audience know what to expect from you.
Of course, you can always change your focus at a later time, but be prepared to lose a portion of your audience as a result. If you begin as a technoblogger and decide later to post only movie reviews, the techno audience will be, understandably, put out.
Which is not to say, of course, that you have to select a single subject. One of the most popular bloggers currently is Wil Wheaton, who posts about writing, acting, family, politics, and poker, in an entertaining and thoughtful style. You could do worse for someone to model yourself after.
The key to being a successful blogger, no matter what your subject, is to be 1) entertaining and 2) informative. Once you start posting what you had for dinner, it's perhaps time to step back and reconsider your desire to blog--unless, of course, you are writing a cooking blog and post recipes every day.
II. Safety and Privacy
For most bloggers, the issue of privacy is often considered after they've had to deal with bullying or stalking rather than before. However, a few precautions taken before beginning will help prevent all but the most determined of harassers. Unless you are writing a professional blog or are self-employed, do not use your full name or any other kind of identifying information. If you decide to meet anyone IRL (In Real Life) that you've met on the internet, do so in a public place first.
Decide how you're going to deal with controversy. Trolling is the most common sort of internet conflict: it is basically being an arse for the sake of being an arse. The thing that gives the internet its freedom, anonymity, also gives many people the urge to release all social niceties and be the bastards they can't be elsewhere. How best to handle a troll depends on one's personality: winning the argument is rarely enough to end it.
There are laws in place regarding internet stalking, but given all the jurisdictions in question there is no one law for them. Harassment can be reported to the police or handled through other channels, should the need arise.
III. Socializing
Otherwise known as the fun stuff.
Though I dislike the term "social networking", the purpose of any journaling site is to communicate with like-minded people: to network, socially. Seek out people who share your interests. Join communities. Comment on entries. Make friends. (Something I'm sure you'll have no problems with, Captain.)
I realise this is a long-winded answer to a brief question, but yes, if you wish to name your journal, do so. Often the name is a phrase of great personal meaning. Your username and your journal name are a quick way of introducing yourself to others, to let them know what to expect from you. There are several ways to personalize your journal: the name, the design, the mood theme (the little animations or graphics to shorthand how you're feeling), and the user pictures.
I expect you to find this just another form of adventure, sir. Do enjoy yourself.
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That was pretty awesome...even though I really had no reason to read it