What makes a good blog post?

Keep people interested

• keep adding new stuff
• mix serious stuff with games and fun stuff
• think of a good title for each new post
• post about true stuff: facts and your own opinions.

Stay safe

• keep your personal details secret – that means don’t put your phone number, email address, school name, passwords, home address or too much detail about where you live
• be careful what you write about other people – for example, don’t insult people or use violent or racist language
• be careful what websites you link to – especially stay away from dodgy websites, for example ones that show horrible or violent things.

For more info about staying safe online, have a look at the Think U Know website.

Get your message across

- before you press ‘Publish’

• think about who might read your post – put yourself in their shoes
• remember that how you say something is as important as what you say
• let people know if you are serious or joking – you can use smilies to help with this, like for big smile or x-( for angry

- after your post is online

• reply to people who comment on your post (except if you think the comment is dodgy)
• comment on other people’s posts if they have been writing about the same sort of things as you – let them know about your blog.

Bloggers on the Enquire website

Remember to

• use your blogname, not your real name
• use nicknames (nice ones) or general words (like “my sister”, “my teacher”) for anyone else you are writing about (this is just for humans – you can use your pet’s real name)
• try to avoid saying things that could really upset or offend other people – this means not using swear words, and not being sexist, racist, homophobic or generally cruel.

The posts will be signed automatically with your nickname; so will comments.

Have fun blogging
If you have any questions, you can email Enquire at info@enquire.org.uk or call 0845 123 2303.