Not that I consider myself I a "highly effective blogger", but I couldn't pass this one up.  Trinity Prep School got the ball rolling with her list and asked each of us to contribute our top blogging advice.  I've learned a few things by trial and error since beginning my blogging journey last year. ***Yes, I realize my list has eight items rather than seven....I've always been an overachiever!***

1. Be transparent.  Do you really have it all together?  Then we don't want to know about it!  Everyone has his or her share of struggles.  Be willing to be real.  That being said...

2. Don't whine.  I am all about honesty, but whining is not becoming of a blogger.  I'm not talking about the occasional "I had a crummy day" sort of thing.  Try not to let whining permeate your blog.  If you find it becoming your theme, maybe it's time to make a list of things you're thankful for!

3. Pictures, pictures and more pictures!  I need to work on this one.  The biggest response I received to any post is the ones I included pictures.  We like to put a face with the family.  Besides that, we're all just a little curious about how homeschoolers around the country (and the world) are living their lives.  OK, maybe we're also just a little nosy!

4. Post often.  Are you just busy, or have you given up blogging all together?  Let us know where you are.  Up until the last few weeks, I was posting almost every day.  I'm working on getting a bit of blogging time back into my schedule.  

5. Don't get hung up on your hit counter.  It's sort of like weighing yourself...don't become obsessed.  It's not a competition.  Let it go!

6. Be a good example to your children!  You wouldn't allow them to turn in work with misspelled words, so you shouldn't either!  Don't forget to spell check.  I just cut and paste my post into Word.  Does anyone know if you can spell check within HSB?  On a side note, I think it's time computer designers recognize blogging and add the word to spell check!

7. Remember why you're blogging.  When I first began blogging, I spent more time messing with the template and adding cute little extras than I did actually writing.  Keeping my blog clean and simple allows me more time to focus on content.  Do what works for you, but don't forget what's most important.

8. Go out on a limb.  I have encouraged several friends to begin blogging.  Invariably, they all say the same thing, "I don't have anything to say."  If you're breathing, you have something to say!  What are your interests?  Your passions?  Your pet peeves?  We all have them...be willing to share yours! 

I would love to hear your ideas.  Copy the graphic below and add it to your blog.  Link back to Trinity Prep School and then stop by here and leave me a note so I can read your list.  Happy blogging!