50 Free or Low-Cost Web Courses for Web Writers and Bloggers

All over the Internet, you read how this and that person is an expert in something.  Yes, there are experts, but there is one thing that they all know.  You can never be an expert unless you are constantly learning new things about your craft.  Blogging and web writing is become increasingly popular, especially with the constant talks about the “death of paper publications.”   If you are new or an old-timer, and want to know more about blogging, web writing, or copywriting, here are 50 web courses that might be of interest to you.

50 Awesome Open Web Courses

Clicking on the links, it seems like the majority are free, so there is no excuse to not start learning more about web writing.  Additionally, many of these courses are offered by reputable university, like MIT.  There is an even a course or two offered by BBC News.

I know that I am definitely going to partake in a few (or all) of these courses.  Even though I have been writing professionally for over eight years, I can still learn a thing or two.

Photo Detail: Classroom Chairs 2, originally uploaded by James Sarmiento (old account).

Meeting Other Bloggers Is Always Fun

 

On Wednesday, I ventured out to Adam’s Morgan for the monthly DC Blogger Meetup. This time I was a mentor for new bloggers.  I love teaching others everything that I have learned, so I was definitely excited.  It was a great meeting, and I plan on attending Google’s first DC Meetup, and I am hoping they give everyone a Google Wave account. 

Even if you are not the social type, you should still make an effort to attend an outing with people who are passionate about the same things as you.  It actually makes you even more passionate about what you are doing because their energy rubs off.   It’s been over ten years since I got into blogging, and I love it more each day.  I know that it’s something that I hope to continue doing and it helps to meet like-minded friends along the way.

Here are the people who were there that night:

1. Tracy T. — http://thispersonstinks.wordpress.com  
2. Kier Duros – http://Durosia.com
3. A Glenn – http://jenesaisrein.blogspot.com
4. Phil – http://www.feedbacksecrets.com
5. Mike – http://NotionsCapital.com
6. Nusrat – http://knightleyemma.wordpress.com
7. AmyinDC – http://www.freeindc.blogspot.com
8. DaveW – http://www.autumnrain2110.com
9. Joelogon — www.joelogon.com/blog
10. Frank — http://swordandthescript.blogspot.com/
11. Jadxia — http://jadxia.livejournal.com

My next stop is to join a writing group.  I created one a long time ago, but after the first couple of times, no one started showing up, so I cancelled it.  Maybe it’s time to join an already formed one or create one.  Maybe this time I will have better success. 

It doesn’t matter what you love, there are others who love it as well.  Join a group or create your own today.

Photo details: This Is A Funny Group, originally uploaded by Photo Twister.

How To Rock Your First Blogger Meetup

meetup.com meetup, originally uploaded by urzzz.

This past week, I went to my first Blogger Meetup.  I had never been to a meetup before, so I decided to check it out.  We mingled, networked, and discussed our expertise with one another.  On that day, I learned what it takes to be a Rockstar at your first Blogger Meetup.

1. Smile – If you read a self-help book, the first thing they always say is to smile even when you don’t want to.  It helps to relax you, and it helps to attract people to you.  Even if you are having a bad day, and you decide on going to a meetup, force a smile.
2. Make Your Name Tag Stand Out – Usually in meetups, you have to write your name on a name tag that you display on your shirt.  I noticed that the people who caught my eyes were the ones who decided to doodle a cute design on it, and/or wrote the URL of his/her blog. 
3. Introduce Yourself to a Group – You do not want to be staring at the floor while everyone around you is networking.  Swallow a huge gulp of air, and approach the group who seems to be having the most interesting conversation.
4. Have an Elevator Pitch – First impressions are extremely important, and usually in these meetups, you only have one chance.  Create an elevator pitch, memorize it, and use it.  However, learn to make it sound natural because nothing is worse than a robotic pitch.
5. Educate Yourself – If you are new to blogging, educate yourself on the basics (e.g. different blogging platforms, terms, and methods).  Nothing is worst than a bunch of people talking, and you are totally clueless as to what they are referring to.

My first Blogger’s Meetup was amazing, and I am excited to attend the next one.  I met some wonderful people who knew what they were talking about and had passion for blogging. Here are the blogs of the people who

• A Glenn – http://jenesaisrein.blogspot.com & http://aureliaglenn.wordpress.com
• Dave Newman – http://groovysoup.com
• Margie Newman – http://flackrabbit.com
• Kier Duros – http://www.durosia.com/
• Kathleen Canedo – http://brutalism.net
• Mike Licht – http://NotionsCapital.com
• Pat Thibodeau – http://DCBlogs.com
• Yali Friedman – http://biotechblog.com
• Joe Logon – www.joelogon.com/blog
• Shevonne – http://freeagentwriter.com (moi)
• Bill – http://clarendonnights.com
• Marie – http://blog.mermedia.com
• Leon – http://www.ListenToLeon.net
• Jade – http://jadxia.livejournal.com

STOP the Insanity! Create a Blog Schedule

I am starting to write for more than one blog, so I have decided to start relying on a blog schedule. A blog schedule is a great way to organize and structure your blogging, so you don’t miss any deadlines and are on top of things. Below is the chart that I created:

I am going to take this and implement it into my Google Calendar, so I can get reminders and view it in my Gmail or iGoogle.

Here are some references to create your own version of a blog schedule:

• Develop an Editorial Calendar for Your Blog [Day 12 - 31DBBB]
• Make Time for Blogging with a Schedule
  
• Creating A Blogging Schedule

Have you created one?  What tips or advice can you give to people on how to create a blog schedule?