Today I’m writing about something slightly off-topic. While I’m preparing my next computer related post, I feel I can contribute to the blogging community in another way.

Since I started PCMemoirs.com, I have seen many quality blogs and some that weren’t very good. I don’t claim to be an expert on the subject, but I feel that I’ve learned a lot during this time and now I can share some of that knowledge with other bloggers. As you are probably aware, there are many Web sites that tell you what to do right, but I will tell you what not to do.

So, here are top 10 things you should not do when you have a blog – in my opinion…

1. English language and spelling – If you cannot write decent English sentences without grammar or spelling errors, why bother at all? When I see ‘broken’ English in someone’s blog, I immediately leave the site. Learn the language first, then write a blog.
2. No regular updates – If you don’t have time to update your blog at least once or twice a week, you don’t stand a chance. There are many competitors who update theirs more often and have great content (and more traffic).
3. Boring blog design/no pictures – I know mine isn’t that great (still need a logo and a better banner), but I’ve seen some really uninspired blogs, with basic templates and some without pictures. Just-text-blogs are boring, not visually attractive and it makes me not want to come back.
4. Overcrowding the blog with ads – When you put 50 ads on your blog and don’t have great content, visitors are overwhelmed with pictures and they think you’re only blogging for the money. You can make money with your blog, but that should not be your first priority.
5. Check your facts – If you’re going to write about factual content, make sure you can back it up. Add references or don’t publish it.
6. Don’t plagiarise – Once I saw a blog post where the writer complained about someone stealing her content word by word in another blog. That’s something you just don’t do. If you like someone’s idea, opinion or facts, you can publish it too, but you must reference the original source.
7. No advertising – If you publish your posts and just wait for visitors to come and read them, you won’t make it. How should people know that your blog exists? You must tell them – with advertising. You don’t have to spend money (although it helps), but you must work hard to attract visitors to your site. There are plenty of Web sites with tips on how to do this for free. If you don’t advertise your Web site, you may give up on blogging very quickly.
8. Hate blogs – Blogs that incite hate or violence against some cultures, religions, countries or groups should not be published and read. Freedom of speech should not be abused. You can criticize, but don’t try to influence the readers to share your hate. 
9. Don’t give up – If you’ve been blogging for a while and haven’t made much money, don’t give up. There are many ways to increase your traffic and earnings. You just have to stay commited, update your blog as often as you can, be patient, accept criticism, and learn.
10. Don’t do everything by yourself – If you have problems, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Contact your fellow bloggers and ask for advice, what works, what doesn’t and how they make money. Learn from them and use that knowledge for your blog.

If you don’t agree with some point or if you have tips on how I can improve my own blog, please leave a comment. Thanks!