Critical Elements in Blogging

First, and crucial in establishing your credibility, you must check your spelling. After perusing TexasTemper, I think I had grossly underestimated the power of misspelling word after word. I think most readers are willing to overlook a single spelling error as potentially a typo, but to read further and discover that not only are words misspelled, but it has resulted in the use of words incorrectly associated with their intended meanings. (Please see the use of the word "isle" in place of what was intended to be "aisle", first paragraph, fourth line)

Second, you must be consistent in your word use so that you can allow the reader to sense when you are intentionally manipulating your text for effect. I'd say one of the most easily recognizable and commonly used is typing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS to indicate a sense of anger, almost as if the author is yelling. A reader would not be able to infer this type of meaning from the text in TexasTemper because of the inconsistency even in whether or not to capitalize the names of political parties. Democrats and Republicans are typed with capital letters beginning their names in some instances, and in others they are not. Skillfully manipulating the style of your text, while remaining in compliance with fundamental grammar and writing rules, can bring a level of intrigue to your writing that will captivate the reader again and again.

Last, making declarative statements about your opinion without elaborating further does not engage your reader. Give them something to think about. Everyone has an opinion, and getting your reader involved and listening not only has the potential to influence their belief on the subject in your favor, but even if they disagree with you it won't be because you didn't defend your point thoroughly.