AMY GAHRAN: The Right Conversation

10 Ideas: What To Post to a Conference Blog

I've been working hard lately to get the unofficial conference blog up and running for the 2006 conference of the Society of Environmental Journalists.

Now that it's up and the crew of volunteer bloggers is mostly trained in how to use our blogging tool, Typepad, they're starting to request more guidance on content. Most of these contributing bloggers come from print media. They know how to write, but they've never blogged before -- and most of them also have little or no experience in creating any content specifically for online media.

Consequently, they aren't familiar with conference blogs. That's fine -- many people aren't, although that's starting to change. I've worked on some conference blogging efforts, so I've pulled together a list of 10 kinds of posts that work well on conference blogs.

As with any conversational-media effort, it helps to know your audience, as well as your community of contributors (both bloggers and commenters). What skills and expertise do they bring to the table? What do they want? Ultimately, that should be your guide.

Here's my list...

Web Writing Tips: BlogHer Notes

So I'm in my second afternoon session at BlogHer, The Ten Types of Web Writing. Lisa Stone and Lynne D. Johnson have started out by opening up the floor to the question "What is web writing"

Dina Mehta -- who came here all the way from India -- commented: "I think web writing is about conversations."

Well, I can't argue with that. I think even if you're starting with a monologue, you'll end up with a conversation whether you want it or not.

Speaking of conversations, here's that IT Conversations podcast featuring Robert Scoble and Shel Israel (authors of Naked Conversations) that I mentioned in the session. Shel Israel, near the end, discusses some sophisticated measures they had to take in response to inappropriate comments on their blog.

More highlights from this BlogHer session...

Need a Writing Coach?

Sometimes personal attention makes all the difference. I've helped many people improve their writing and conversational-media skills -- especially people who must write for their career but who are not primarily writers by training or inclination.

• Are you having trouble organizing your thoughts, or choosing the right words?
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I can help you with any kind of nonfiction writing: reports, articles, weblogs, web site content, position statements, instructional or explanatory materials, and more.

Here's how it works...

My Writing and Editing Services

I began my career as a magazine journalist, and moved up the ranks to managing editor positions. I love writing, journalism, and editing, and continue to handle those types of projects for my clients.

Specifically, here are the kinds of services I offer in this area...