When you are participating in our class weblog, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Get to the point: When you post a long message to the blog, get to the point and stay there. Say what you need to say, but don't ramble. If you are writing a long posting, you might want to consider writing it in your word processor first and then copying it into the blog. That way you can edit it in a more flexible environment, and even print it out and proof read it if need be.

Whether your contribution is long or short, be sure there is a point to what you are writing. Are you asking a question? If so, formulate it clearly and be as specific as possible. Are you responding to someone else? Be sure to respond to what they wrote, not what you wish they had written. Are you taking a position on an issue under discussion? Before you post your message, be sure your argument is clear and concise.

Use proper English: Few things are more frustrating than reading text filled with grammatical and spelling mistakes. If you find that you have trouble with syntax and spelling, I definitely suggest composing your postings in a word processor, running a spell checker, and then cutting/pasting the text into your message. Save lol, ur and wb for your IM communications.

Make a valuable contribution: If your posting raises important issues, based on the readings for an upcoming class, if you raise new issues we did not get to in class, or if you reformulate the day's discussions in a new way, you will be helping everyone (yourself included) to get more out of our readings.

Be civil: Online communication is a "hot" medium, in that we tend to want to respond quickly, and sometimes forcefully to ideas presented by others. Unfortunately, text also lacks inflection and other nuances of language and so one's intent can easily be misunderstood. Too often offense is given where none was intended by the author of a particular posting. In order to avoid giving offense, consider what you are saying carefully before you save and publish your postings.

Don't be intimidated: A weblog is a good opportunity to try out ideas that you might otherwise feel uncomfortable floating in class. It is also a great venue for continuing a discussion that we had to end because time ran out. Please take advantage of the opportunity that this list provides to take some risks.