The Art of Blogging

With several friends recently started a blog or just about to, here are some thoughts on blogging. much of the wisdom came from Michael Jensen (here and here), although I've added a few tips of my own.

1. Keep your entries SHORT in order that people can have a quick look and get something. The ideal blog entry is 200-350 words. If people have to scroll down they won't read it.
2. Second, you have to be regular and consistent in adding to your blog, or regular users give up looking. Keep your content to fresh an up-to-date.
3. Third, you have to keep monitoring and engaging with discussions. This means responding to comments on your blog, and reading-commenting on other peoples blogs.
   
4. Writing an inflammatory blog in order to get a bit of discussion going can backfire, because people will think you are a grumpy person in general.
5. In the blogosphere, the one principle that is a constant is vanity.
6. Some people consider just posting quotes or links without commenting about it to not be at the higher end of blogging (or simply not blogging at all). But remember that it's your blog.
   
7. Lists work really well on blogs. So do series. And pictures.
   
8. It is possible to be really really obsessed about blogging. Don't lose sight of reality. On the other hand, it can be a great way of making new friends (even on the other side of the world, or Sydney).
9. Integrate your blog across the net. It's called 'web presence'. For example, on facebook you can a. syndicate your blog through NetworkedBlogs; b. re-post your blog posts in a facebook note; and c. use your status update to shamelessly promote your blog.
10. Be careful what goes on your blog. Once it's out there, it really is out there and you have no control or idea who is reading it. There are some things too sensitive to post.
11. Check your spelling/grammar/syntax. It really stands out on the web when you don't, as I have discovered over time.

Is there anything missing? What would you add?