CONNECTED (http://blog.caldems.com) is a blog which seeks to foster discourse about current events, politics, community, and issues of concern to Democrats. We hope that participants in the blog will contribute from a diverse range of viewpoints.
As a blogger, you’ll be writing short pieces (“posts”) for the main page of the blog. These should be timely, interesting, concise, and relevant to the stated purpose of the blog. Other users will have an opportunity to respond by writing comments for a particular post.
We ask that each blogger write and submit at least one blog post every other week. You’ll be assigned a day in the biweekly schedule; this is so we can publish new posts regularly throughout the week. If the content of your posts is time-sensitive, let editors know so they can publish it at the appropriate time.
Content & Style
If you are unfamiliar with blogging, check out some political blogs (such as the ones in the Blogroll). What you write about is up to you—politics, current events, policy discussion and opinion, and political satire are all welcome. We especially encourage posts which address some aspect of Cal Dems’ Issue of the Month. Talk to one of the editors if you’re unsure about a topic.
For the purposes of this blog, it’s generally best that posts be:
- Concise: Stay to the point to hold your readers’ attention. A well-written piece of 500 words or more may be better suited to a Smart Ass article.
- Informal: What you write for a blog doesn’t have to sound like an essay for a class; feel free to write with your own voice, use humor, etc.
- Readable: If it’s hard to read, visitors will skip over it, so write in complete sentences, use proper capitalization and punctuation, make text bold or italic for emphasis, etc.
- Thoughtful: Simply repeating what somebody else has said is boring; try to add an original angle or perspective to the topic.
- Stimulating: Encourage readers to think critically about the topic; try to engage them in discussion via comments.
- Web-savvy: If you find interesting material online that is relevant to your post, link to it!
The Harvard Dems blog has some useful tips as well.
Blog editors will have final discretion over what gets published on the blog; they intend to publish most submissions, but occasionally may delay or slightly modify a submission.
Caveats
Excerpts from newspapers or other published works may be included so long as they are appropriately cited (and linked to, if possible). If someone else contributed to your post, please credit that person (you can include a note at the beginning or end). If you submit a post that previously appeared in another publication, mention that as well. Plagiarism will not be tolerated.
Topics to be avoided include ASUC and Cal Dems Board elections, as well as BCR/The Patriot. If you feel the need to address one of these topics, consult with one of the editors.
While you are encouraged to present your own opinions so long as you are respectful to others, please note that this does not entitle you to act as an official spokesperson for the club.
Be respectful of others on the blog and on campus. “Flame wars” with or otherwise disrepecting commenters or other writers, “sockpuppetry” (posing as another user in order to promote one’s own work), and allowing unauthorized persons to access restricted areas of the website will not be tolerated.
Bloggers may have their privileges revoked at any time. They agree to comply with any policies set forth by the Editors, and are expected to act in such a way as will reflect positively on Cal Dems.
Becoming a Blogger
All visitors are encouraged to register for an account and participate in the blog by way of comments. If you’re a Cal Dems member interested in blogging, email one of the editors to find out if there are positions available. You can also get involved with the Policy, Values, and Communication Committee and the Smart Ass magazine, whose members regularly participate in the blog.
We occasionally feature so-called guest bloggers from other student groups on campus. If you’re active in a group besides Cal Dems or Smart Ass and want to be a guest blogger, contact one of the editors.
We hope you enjoy participating in the blog, and encourage you to contact the editors with any questions or concerns!