I wanted to think of a more "sophisticated" title for this, initially. But I couldn't, so I just went with what's plain and simple. There are a lot of great heroes and their works I look up to, and Joi Ito's gem on "Blogging style" is easily something I'd clip-and-save if it were printed on paper. Instead, I have the convenience of referring (and trackbacking) to it.
Here are some helpful things that've helped me when blogging.
- Stay hydrated. This might have been #2 were it not for me longing over the current fave drink of hot coco during these colder climes. Besides the metaphor of liquidity, when blogging, I like to keep myself warm with a glowing tummy. This, in another sense, is metaphorical for being pregnant with ideas. When I write, it can be like giving a speech, and on podiums, you often see glasses of water. Same thing here. Workstation ergonomics are obvious but having drink on hand is underrated.
- Express observations. There's a lot of things everyone (generalizing here) knows but no one says. Things that may be fantasized about, and not necessarily sexually, but don't get poured forth into the world. And yet, when they do, running the risk of being prejudicially judged or harshly criticized, one may also find lot of acceptance and others who feel the same way but were waiting for someone else to come forth first. At least, that's what happened to me a lot. I notice a lot of wonder in everyday things, and I want to share this. I feel compelled to, and that's what drives a number of my obsessions: watermelons, sunrises, friendly people, and love.
- Bring yourself new and exciting things. For most intents and purposes, I hate redundancy. Some life experiences you go through, and you don't need to repeat them again. I'm sure anyone who's ever been through a divorce feels this way! I'm not a complacent person, and by "new", that also includes a combination of what you're already familiar with?twists! Oftentimes on my blog, I'll revisit variations on a theme or comment on how things have progressed and changed. I may write about something that hasn't changed, but the greater context will include elements of what has.
- There can be no need to respond to criticism. I used to get very defensive about what I do. Since that is no longer "new and exciting", I don't do that anymore. Having written a great amount of criticism in my earlier years, you could say it's paycheck time. I got the bulk of my experience dealing with this when I was making techno music. My approach nowadays is usually to see if there's anything useful, anything I can really learn from critics (including those of my friends), and if they are well-intentioned and friendly people who genuinely want me to better myself, thank them for their input. Otherwise, I don't bother, because it is not only redundant, it's what I term lowmind. One nice thing to remember: they're spending a chunk of their precious time+energy on YOU!
- Become what you think you are not, but actually are. Following off from #4, there once was someone who repeatedly accused me of being contradictory. At first, I took this as a great insult, but upon thinking more, I agreed wholeheartedly with him. It's what I do: I love contradictions. I've since applied this to blogging, taking a delight in being a "walking paradox" because I am no longer under the stressful duress or obligation to "walk a straight line". Rather, I can tint the lines, being my most consistent when inconsistent, and admitting this. It makes me free, and I feel even more wonderful letting it out! In short, it gives me a lot to write about. Truth: we were all babies. Lie: we will always be babies. Think about it.
- Warp mindframes. I recollect my experiences as I?well, experience them! I don't censor myself. Sure, I make edits and there are bits I trim in light of keeping things punchy and fast-paced, but when I'm enthused, I really show it. Some need drugs and/or alcohol to do it, but when you're like me right now, sleepy and dazed and wanting to pound this out so I can get to sleep, you don't judge. Maybe you even find yourself in that bubble between waking and dreaming, and if you ask yourself: "What would I be doing in a parallel reality now?" you may very well have an answer. Write about it quickly, publish, and you can read all about it later. And chances are good someone else out there will grab onto it first, even before you've fully realized what you've done. That's sobering schtuff.
- React.
- Leave space to be filled in. Don't worry about covering all bases, it doesn't happen. Infact, it's good someone else has something to say.
- Color outside the lines?and with a different box of crayons. Sometimes, I do hold back… for a moment. I wonder if I should be unleashing something out there, and then the honesty of the situation hits me: unless I was writing a death threat, it's nothing to worry about.
BTW, I like emoticons, they're extremely handy. I don't give a damn whit if someone says they're "unprofessional", for that is irrelevant in their usefulness to get my messages across. 
Also, I read a lot of different blogs like recipes to sample flavors, to learn things, to see what I can apply to my own culiterary skills.
- Be lateral. If you need to step to the side or go off on a tangent, so be it. I don't see connecting the dots done as much as it could be. C'mon now, we're on Internet, with hyperlinks. (How much more conductive to the medium can ya be?) It's a joy to feel synchronicitous and assemble events in your everyday existance that, separated, seem isolated and lonely, but when put together, make a lot more sense. The more you blog, the more naturally this will happen too, because you'll be able to flip back through past entries and see the thoughtlines with rippleshock.
- Don't do it if it's not fun. There are exceptions, but the general guideline is not only to be yourself, but not to be but you aren't. (See how this contradicts #5 comfortably?) There are times when I wonder, "Should I blog about this topic?" and then I think about it for awhile, and it droops by the wayside like an impotent flagpole, and never gets to half-mast again. I dump those quickly, and scour for what really does get me revved up and passionate. There are topics I don't blog about, in part because they're covered far better by individuals who do find it fun. So if you've ever wondered why Torley hasn't done X or Y, this may be the answer. Perhaps someday I'll demonstrate a passion for X or Y. Not yet.
- Talk about what you want to share with others. It's funny, saying this on a blog, but it's true. As many internal references as I'll shower out, I'll want to blanket them in a snuggable context of the familiar, leading into the edgier curios that gets people curious. It's a journey, really, and when I'm out there on the road in Second Life, beaming from landmark to landmark, I'm constantly thinking about what a reader of my blog would find funny, useful, creative, etc. This encompasses all my other points, including the next lucky couple to come. I care about who's here.
- If you're going to write about your successes, write about your failures too. And vice-versa. I have a lot of history describing my struggles with hyperacusis, my fears of handling what's known as Asperger's syndrome, and many misunderstandings (I don't know any better way to phrase this). I've shared some family issues, and've related what didn't work out?like my music career?and as counterpoint, basked in the aura of Second Life. I find people who blog WINWINWIN
or LOSELOSELOSE 
all the time to be boring. You can be biased as only you can be, but do both!
- If you have nothing to write about, put a pretty picture up. (Self-explanatory.)
If you've got blogging advice for me, please let me know.