Nine words not to use in blog posts (or any other writing that you want to have credibility):
These words — remnants of the age of press release and marketing hype — invite not only disdain but also challenge.
Nine Words Not to Use in Blog Posts
These words — remnants of the age of press release and marketing hype — invite not only disdain but also challenge.
BL Ochman | March 16, 2005 | Permanent Link | Comments (12) | TrackBack (
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Categories: Blogging and Moblogging
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Of course it’s always better to be specific; e.g., “9 out of 10 Internet users” is better than “most Internet users.” Your list contains sins of bad writing, but they are not terrible sins.
It’s definitely correct to advise bloggers to write well, but keep in mind ‘Blog speak’ is a new dialect in the making, and artful English online might not adhere to convention. It’s more a case of what suits the technology. Titillating content might trump good English, which in turn coins a new turn of phrase. The Internet has already had a considerable influence on language, so too will blogging.
Happily, the blogosphere has a built-in hype meter. If someone gets too carried away in a blog, commenters or other bloggers act like an anti-hype machine. I think that’s a great thing about blog writing.
The point I’m trying to make is that blog writing should be more honest, more open, more conversational than traditional corporate speak, which nobody listens to anyway.
I think these words ought to be avoided in media releases, and elsewhere. They are lazy words they tell the reader you’re stretching it. It’s OK to say biggest if you can substantiate it, but its better to play it down because these ‘try-hard’ claims annoy blog readers and journos
One thing I try to tell clients is, “Never say never.” Does it always make sense to follow the rules? After all, you never know when an approach that might be wrong most of the time might be just the ticket in a particular and unique instance. Of course, this isn’t the first thing I tell clients. First up is the idea of understanding the audience, whether it’s the biggest consumer audience on the planet or the smallest specialized constituency. Ah, if only more organizations took the time to get to know their audiences, truly engage them, and strive to meet their needs! This is the best approach to communication; everything flows from this — even the idea of breaking the rules.
Hee hee.
First, let me say I always seek to use the best, most effective and unique verbiage to express my thoughts. Only when I’m describing my biggest error or smallest success will I do otherwise.
Great post! Thanks for the reminder!
Quote:
“We’ll develop the best online strategy for your business”
From http://www.whatsnextonline.com
Pot/kettle conundrum error
I never fail to note that I can only say, with the biggest humility, that i always enjoy being uniquely embarrassed in the best possible way. It’s not the first, or the last time that will happen.
Good on ya, ma’am, a sporting response! Can I just say that, as the leading supplier of long-winded verbiage in my street, my mission is to be very excited by the announcement of the decision to design and develop the only world-leading riposte to your response which will provide at least 20% more verbiage for the same total cost of ownership. Emilio Gruntfuttock, Chief Verbiage Officer at Lotsoflongwordssoundclever Inc, said “this is the biggest and best marginally unique set of superflous verbiage it has ever been my privilege to invest in.”
that dangling particple has to go!
Blog Writing Tips: 9 Words Not to Use
BL Ochman lists 9 words not to use in your blog posts.
I think this may relate to the difference between dialogue and discussion. A “blogger” may suspend belief temporarily to allow others to contribute and build a case without initial position. The words you have “banned” may be divisive or take too strong a stance. It is like facilitating a meeting.