2017 Blog Hints and Guidelines
2018 Summer School
Blog Hints and Guidelines
We will be using this site to blog: http://sistersolidarity.blogspot.com/
This year we will be blogging about Summer School and creating an online newsletter. Your Leadership Skills instructors will share information about the blog and each LS class will elect/appoint a blogger. You will need a laptop or smart phone to blog.
Navigating the Sister Solidarity blog
You will need a gmail address. If you don't already have one, you can create an account here: http://sistersolidarity.blogspot.com/ (make sure you put your password and user id in a safe place where you can find it again).
If you would like to be added as an author (so you are able to post a picture, article, video, etc.), email _________ or text it to _________. She will add you as an author and send you an invite.
You will need to respond to the invitation. You can then sign into the Sister Solidarity Blog.
1) Once signed in, you will see at the top a Dashboard, entitled Your Name's blogs. Your name will be displayed at the top.
2) There is an orange box with a pencil for new posts next to Sister Solidarity (the blog) and next to that another icon with an arrow. The arrow allows the user to go to "Pages" and to edit.
3) To post a blog, here are the steps:
a) Sign into the blog URL (: http://sistersolidarity.blogspot.com/) .
b) At the top you will see the option “new post” Click on that.
c) Create a title for your post.
d) Write or paste in your blog text in the rectangular box on your screen. Most of us have found it easiest to write the blog first in another format (i.e., Word) and then copy it into the box. Or, you can type into the box. (Make sure your proofread!)
e) There is an icon above the text box that you can click on and insert a picture or a video. You do not have to add a photo or video. It does help attract readers.
f) When you are ready to post, click preview to see how the blog post will look to the viewer. Make any changes you need. When you are satisfied with your post, click on the publish tab.
g) You can use the edit button to make changes after you publish if you need to.
h) This site can be a bit confusing to navigate, so do not be afraid to move your mouse over different buttons to figure out what they do and explore.
What makes a good blog?
· One message per blog – each blog posting should convey one thought or idea.
· Each post should be less than 500 words. Readers may feel overwhelmed if there is too much to read in one post. Short blogs are the most likely to be read.
· Be aware of readership and format. People keep getting bigger monitors and smaller phones. Therefore, blogs should be easy to read either on a smart phone or a laptop.
· Use your “voice” in your blog, so that the reader feels you are talking to them.
· Readers like pictures. Post an interesting picture and add a description, it helps readers outside Penn State and those at Summer School feel connected to the events of the week.
· If you can take a short video, use that. Generally videos should be less than 2 minutes. One minute is ideal. Readers will decide whether to watch it based on length and it is easier to upload.
Additional tips:
· Write the blog in another format first – like Word and then copy over into the blog.
· Always spell check and grammar check your post. Although it is very hard to proofread your own work, reading it out loud is an effective way to catch missing or incorrect words. If you have someone else who can look at it, ask them to review.
· When you are enthusiastic about a topic, it will show in your blog. You do not need to be an expert writer to engage your audience.
· If you have a camera or a cell phone with you, keep it close. You never know when a photo opportunity for the blog will arise.
· I’m sure you will soon come up with your own tips, so please share.
