The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People  and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families  are inspiring books.   In an effort to support and inspire one another,  I decided to host The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Homeschool Bloggers.  Our blogs are each different and unique, just as we are.   Share your thoughts on what makes an effective blogger.   I’m hosting this project especially for all those who are new to blogging or considering the idea of starting their own blog.  As a veteran blogger, what is your best advice?   What did you wish you knew at the beginning of your blogging attempts?  These are my first seven thoughts:

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Homeschool Bloggers:

1. Be yourself:  let people get to know you.  We love to hear your success stories but sharing in your failures is when we see ourselves in you.
2. Meet people and make new friends:  random blog, add to your friends list, and welcome new Bloggers with an encouraging word.  Leave comments when you visit another blog and find yourself enjoying the entries.
3. Link to people:  refer others to your favorite blog entries; give credit to other Bloggers if re-posting an idea with a “Hat Tip” and a link.  Contribute to a blog carnival, or better yet, host one!
4. Share photos:  we like to SEE you and your family and love seeing examples of your homeschool in action!
5. Write regularly:  an outdated blog is boring.  If you’re on vacation or sabbatical, write about it, so we don’t think you’ve abandoned us forever.  Choose a time to write every day (or every other day).
6. Consider your readers:  check your spelling and grammar before posting.  Test all your links.  Be sure your font is legible and attractive.
7. Don’t be afraid to write in short installments:  if you are intimidated by others’ long entries and detailed posts, consider choosing a theme and writing a series of posts.

In making my own list, I realize I have seven times seven more habits or traits of effective homeschool blogging I could add.  But I’d rather hear from YOU! 

Write your OWN Seven Habits of Effective Homeschool Bloggers on your blog.  Grab this button to post with your entry.  Finally link back to this blog entry and post a comment so everyone here can visit your blog and read about your Seven Habits.

Featured in the 23rd Carnival of Homeschooling

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by HSBCompanyBlog

I can't wait to see what everyone else has to say. I posted about your project on the Front Porch and hope you get lots of responses.
Nancy's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers
Blessings,
Nancy Carter
Senior Editor of HSB

• Permanent Link

Posted by cyndiegirl72

It has been too long since I have been to your blog. I was reading down some of the entries. Love the muffin idea, anything that has white chocolate in it is for me. We also camp. We also always forget something. LOL. I love the 7 habits, I have them taped to my desk where I work to inspire me. Cute idea for blogging. I love to leave comments and receive them. Who doesn't? Am I right? It let's people know that you are out there. You are like them. They are not alone and neither are you. Great post.

• Permanent Link

Posted by JewelSea

I am a raw newbie and I don't have anything to add to this. But I love your site and will be back to visit. Thank you for your list of Seven. :)

• Permanent Link

Posted by gottsegnet

OK, sounds like fun. I'll think about it and work on it tonight...don't know that I'd consider myself "highly effective" or "highly successful" but I suppose that depends on what your looking for in that.

• Permanent Link

Posted by REInvestor

Here are my seven tips. Some overlap with yours but I couldn't leave those out.
http://homeschoolblogger.com/REInvestor/142816/

• Permanent Link

Posted by MaryG

This is a great idea Maureen! Thanks for thinking of it. I did a list on my page, but can't seem to do a trackback....it's probably an issue with Blogger! Blessings and good luck on your own homeschooling journey!-- I love reading your blog.

• Permanent Link

Posted by Dewgin

BTW-Yes I did change my graphics again! LOL!

Ok...here is the link to my 7 Habits!
At The Moment...

• Permanent Link

Posted by HouseMouse

I would love to do this, but I don't know how to "grab" the button. Can someone tell me how? I would so greatly appreciate it! Thanks -HouseMouse

• Permanent Link

Posted by TRINITYPREPSCHOOL

House Mouse,

Right click on the "button" and save as any other photo in your hard drive photo file. Then download to your blog like you do your other photos....depending on if you use flickr.com or photobucket. Hope that helps.

• Permanent Link

Posted by Jaybird

added my 7 tips.

Right HERE: Wealth of knowledge, people, a wealth!roflol! Can't wait to read the others!

• Permanent Link

Posted by Hannah Beth

Thank you for alerting me of this post. Its so interesting and I am sure it will be helpful for new bloggers! I wish I knew these pointers when I started blogging, and I'm still working on most of them. All of your points are very good, but I would also add that it is important to use spell check and correct grammar. (It maks reeding easyer wen one does not have two sift through misspeelings. ;-P)
I thought your first point was especially good. There are several blogs that I have read for a long time and have benefited from reading, but as for myself, I get more out of what I am reading when I see where the writer is coming from. I'm not saying that a writer should bare their soul on their blog, but when they are not afraid to show their own faults and human-ness, a reader finds them easier to identify with. When a reader identifies with the writer, the writer's point comes across stronger.

This is a wonderful idea! I'll be sure to pass this on!

• Permanent Link

Posted by Hannah Beth

Oh, another important point would be to carefully read the fine print at the bottom of each blog post before commenting.....
As you can tell, that ^ is something I'm still working on. :-/ I'm sorry about my last comment! I just saw that you meant for our two cents to be posted on our individual blogs, not in this comment section.

• Permanent Link

Posted by HouseMouse

Thanks for the tip! I got it saved and I'll use it tomorrow... Thank you!

• Permanent Link

Posted by writmm

I miss posts too...there are so many to read and so little time. I appreciate your chiming in about the co-op issue and will keep you in mind as we continue to grow!

I will try to think about some habits:)

• Permanent Link

Posted by TeachingDad

Your ideas are great - it seems that I am some where in the middle of developing a habit and an obsession. I usually blog when I have time. I might need to consider building time to blog. That is still a hard concept to adopt. I do try to share and express thoughts and such that is for sure. Do something enough and it becomes a habit.
Always Learning, Always TeachingDad

• Permanent Link

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

I loved this thread! Thanks for hosting this great question. I am going to have my daughter read it and get some ideas. She is always lamenting that no one ever comments on her blog.

Thank you also for lifting up my daughter in prayer. This past two weeks I have been suspended safely and peacefully in the hands of Jesus with the prayers of my friends (both virtual and real) and family helping to keep me there.

• Permanent Link

Posted by GAhomeschoolmom

Here is mine...
http://homeschoolblogger.com/GAhomeschoolmom/143111/

• Permanent Link

Posted by gottsegnet

ok, I think I violated most of my principles in this entry, but here it is:

http://homeschoolblogger.com/gottsegnet/143214/

• Permanent Link

Posted by Denise

Great project, Maureen! I've enjoyed reading everyone's wisdom.
My seven habits are posted at:
http://www.ahomeforhomeschoolers.com/denise-in-il/2006/may/31/seven-habits

• Permanent Link

Posted by ClassicalEducation4Me

I posted my Seven Habits here and I really enjoyed this ... thanks for the idea!

Kris

• Permanent Link

Posted by Theresa

Thanks for inviting me to respond. I'm getting mine up right now!
http://lapazfarm.homeschooljournal.net/2006/05/31/the-seven-habits/

• Permanent Link

Posted by jaminacema

This is a great idea! I have been enjoying reading all the posts and have added mine.

• Permanent Link

Posted by BearingWithLove

I wrote 7 habits for effective teen blogs. Thanks for the great idea!

• Permanent Link

Posted by spunkyhomeschool

I've written a few posts on blogging. Taken together they are what I consider my thoughts on "effective blogging"

Principles of Blogging

Discovering My Voice

and this is a post that was also reprinted in the Fall issue of TOS. It's my perspective on blogging in general.

Successful Bloggers and Homeschoolers

I also try to keep in mind something Hugh Hewitt said. Don't get hung up in numbers and rankings. They don't always tell the whole story. You may not have many readers but if one of your readers happens to be the President of the United States that's a pretty impressive reader. While I may never get even the President reading my blog, I pray that those who come across my blog are the ones that God would bring. To me they are just as important as the President.

Great question!

• Permanent Link

Posted by sunydazy

I am new to blogging and this is helpful information for me. I plan to post this on my blog with a list of 7 things that I like in other people's blogs, since I can't be considered 'successful' yet. :-) Thanks for the list!
Deborah @ LaKookaRancha

• Permanent Link

Posted by weunice

My seven habits are posted here ...

http://earlychurchfathers.org/fullcircle/index.php?entry=entry060531-174640

• Permanent Link

Posted by gottsegnet

ok, Maureen. I have to post a second comment because I had to change my original post for my other blog. This was fun...blogging help from someone who actually has traffic and is actually qualified to give advice. And I found out that your little topic is way bigger than what is going on over here...there are 55 entries already and the deadline is Friday...you should check it out! The link is on my blog.

• Permanent Link

Posted by Anonymous

http://rhymeswithright.mu.nu/archives/179392.php

I was inspired by Dana to write the above post, and linked yours as well.

• Permanent Link

Posted by OreoSouza

I'd like to see your other tips.

I agree with all of your tips, but most especially with #1.

• Permanent Link

Posted by Happyhome

I enjoyed your list and wrote one of my own. Thanks for the great idea. I added your link & graphic in my post, but my trackbacks aren't working.

I'm glad to have found your blog and will be back to visit.

Blessings,

Angela

• Permanent Link

Posted by Anonymous

About the habits, here's my link http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mamma1420/143743/

• Permanent Link

Posted by Kellyque777

Hello Maureen. I just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying your site, and that I added my own rendition of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Bloggers on my site, along with your originals. What a great idea, and thanks for starting this. God Bless <>< Kelly

• Permanent Link

Posted by andijeane

... to be more regular with my blogging. I'm definitely not highly effective, but I did put up an entry linking back here. Thanks for your tips, everyone!

~Andrea

• Permanent Link

Posted by HolyExperience

My reflections on Effective Blogging

And I *sincerely* thank you for granting the forum: why *do* I blog??!!

Sincere appreciation,
Ann V.

• Permanent Link

Posted by ktneis

I love to see a friend on the front porch with Jesus' friendly face. I enjoyed your 7 traits of bloggers, you have definately identified them. God's Blessings be with you.

• Permanent Link

Posted by HeidiHomeschools

I'm heading out for the day, but will work on this later this evening.
I'm fairly new to blogging, but I'd love to share your ideas.

• Permanent Link

Posted by shaunms

I have posted my own 7 habits as well. Not that I use them as much as I should!
http://homeschoolblogger.com/shaunms/144504/

• Permanent Link

Posted by HSBCompanyBlog

You are our Featured Blogger of the Week. Thanks for blogging with us at HSB and helping us all be more effective bloggers!
Read the entry on the Front Porch.

Blessings,
Nancy Carter
Senior Editor of HSB

• Permanent Link

Posted by HeidiHomeschools

I didn't think I could come up with 7, but I just started typing and out they came! LOL Anyway, they're on my blog for all to see!
Heidi

P.S. Thanks for visiting and posting on my blog~ the dental report is going up tonight too!

• Permanent Link

Posted by Anonymous

Great topic. I linked over at Bonny Glen.

Melissa Wiley
melissawiley.typepad.com/bonnyglen
liltinghouse.clubmom.com

• Permanent Link

Posted by elljazz

I came up with 8! Thanks for this interesting idea!

http://mydomesticchurch.blogspot.com/2006/06/i-read-over-at-melissas-that-maureen.html

• Permanent Link

Posted by FaithfulGrace

to being the featured blogger of the week. It is well deserved!

Great idea for a blog entry. I blogged my seven "habits" tonight.

Wishing you a blessed and great week,
Linda

• Permanent Link

Posted by HomeschoolCPA

I'm glad HSB mentioned your blog and this list. Very helpful. I added a picture to my blog as you recommended and added you to my friends list!
Carol
HomeschoolCPA

• Permanent Link

Posted by Alice Gunther

Maureen, thanks again for this great idea!

Here is the Cottage Blessings list: http://alice.typepad.com/cottage_blessings/2006/06/effective_homes.html

• Permanent Link

Posted by PinayMom

.. I am new too and I am still learning and finding my niche on the blogosphere. I love to write about my family and our adventures here in this country.

I am catching up right now and I really like your blog. Can you give me your RSS Feed so I can keep track of your recent posts? I am going through your old entries and finding lots and lots of information. Thank You!

• Permanent Link

Posted by DandelionSeeds

Oh... I love this... I'll get to it as soon as I can and let you know when I do...

Blessings,
Amy

• Permanent Link