How to be a Blogger and Vlogger in 10 Easy Lessons

Blogs have become one of the most popular ways to share information online, but actually starting your own blog can feel like a major project.  Seasoned blogger Shane Birley breaks the task down into simple steps to introduce the core skills needed to create a successful blog.  From the outset he emphasises the need for safety online and of seeking parental permission.  Many of the skills relate to literacy and creative writing – planning a story, brainstorming, making mind maps, finding your voice, identifying your audience.  In fact all his tips on writing are valuable and relevant to a wide range of applications, such as writing by hand, finding time to write, not editing while you write, as are the tips on editing (don’t rely on spell check, read it out loud).  The publisher suggests that the book is suitable for 8-10 year olds and the presentation certainly matches that, but the reality is that for most social media and blogging sites the user need to be 13 years of age or older. Introducing video into a blog requires additional skills such a thinking about the set, choosing moving or still images and lighting, as well as using video editing skills.  Podcasts are another route, using audio only, with practical advice on location – apparently wardrobes make great recording booths.  Advice on where to post your blog and how to upload vlogs is included, as well as how to share posts.  The later steps deal with tackling problems – how to trouble shoot, deal with trolls and blogging etiquette.  Birley’s final words sum it up nicely: ‘whatever you blog about, good luck, be brave, enjoy, and most of all, be you!’