Write with respect, and avoid unwarranted nastiness.
These were part of a list of things to watch out for in writing, which Sun Star Cebu editor-in-chief Isolde D. Amante yesterday shared in a meet-up with 30 bloggers and fellow journalists who discussed how to improve online content.
Amante, one of four speakers, said using correct grammar draws in more readers.
“Write with respect – respect for the language and respect for your readers,”she said.
She went on to say that it’s also important to “laugh at yourself” once in a while because mistakers will be unavoidable.
Her list of suggestions include: Avoid overwriting, excessive self-consciousness and lack of facts.
She encouraged everyone to try “free-writing” wherein one writes nonstop for 10 minutes without any inhibition.
“It’s also important to gather writing tricks,” she said, like using a highlighter to note striking phrases or sentences, or writing them down for future reference.
Gerald Yuvallos, founder of istorya.net, emphasized the importance of building a community.
“Don’t burn bridges, be friendly,” said Yuvallos.
Other speakers were Max Limpag, co- founder of Innopub media, and Nick Wilwayco, public affairs senior manager of Smart. Limpag encouraged journalists to learn how to code and use html.
The meet-up was held at the Coffee Bean Scent and was sponsored by Smart Communications.