FanPost Reminders -- Do's And Don'ts

by Jess Root on Nov 6, 2011 8:09 PM MST

OK. We went a while with very little activity in the sidebar. Now we are getting regular posts. This is good. However, over the last week, we have gotten lots, but with a small problem. They weren't FanPosts, they were just questions. So, because we are getting more activity and because it seems like we need a couple of reminders, please look over these dos and don'ts.

Do:

Write FanPosts. I honestly think this sets the SB Nation blogs apart from every other community out there. You get to write/blog for an audience already there. It is a great way to get other fans' thoughts, to vent or to get started in writing about sports.
Write something of content. The general rule is to have a post minimum of 75 words. This means have an opinion, write it down and get ready for the consequences.
Proofread. This is just to make it look good and so others want to take you seriously. Plus, on good FanPosts, I promote them to the front page and distribute them to Google and our partners so they show up in other sites. If there is too much editing I have to do, I am less likely to do that.
Rec' posts as a reader if you like them. Everyone likes recognition. If enough people rec' a post, it stays at the top of the sidebar longer. (BTW, please rec this page to keep it around longer).
Write a good headline. It helps readers know what you are writing about. Also, if I promote it, I don't have to change it. I usually redo headlines on posts I distribute.

Don't

Post a simple question. These can be posted as FanShots.
Needlessly use profane language.
Attack community members (in posts or comments)
Use FanPosts for self-promotion to another site. If it is an ad, I delete posts and ban users as spammers. People pay the company for ad space here. If you are an aspiring writer, use the FanPosts to share your thoughts as part of the community, but not to get readers over there. If you want a built in audience, you have it here. If you want to be a regular contributor, email me and we can discuss being part of the writing team. I was once like you not long ago.

I think that covers it all. Please rec this to keep it up longer. Any questions?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 7 recs |

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Comments

Good points

I have noticed with some of the FanPosts that proofreading seems to be at a premium. If something has seemingly been written haphazardly or the spelling/grammar are just that bad, people tend not read what you have to say. Make a concerted effort to assure your post is cleaned up and you will likely get plenty of views and comments.

Follow me on Twitter @TylerNickelASU

by Tyler Nickel on Nov 6, 2011 8:47 PM MST reply actions

Yeah

If you are going to take the time to create a 75+ word post/blog I don’t see why you wouldn’t try and go over the mistakes everyone tends to make.

by Airwave on Nov 6, 2011 9:54 PM MST up reply actions

Very good points

I don’t post too often myself, but I read almost everything on the site.(I Love my Cards)
Proofreading is greatly appreciated by the readers.

No more night. I have seen the light. Let it shine on bright.
HANG HIM HIGHER!!!

by Cuckoo for Coco Puffs on Nov 6, 2011 9:15 PM MST reply actions

If you have a lot to say, format your post with paragraphs at the very least

The ratio of people who will read your fanpost correlates entirely with how long it is, but if someone clicks on your link and it’s a text wall, expect most to give up right there.

by tw3kr on Nov 6, 2011 10:21 PM MST reply actions

+1

Good point!

Like the Cardinals? Revenge of the Birds is where to go.
Like Arizona Sports in general? SB Nation Arizona is where you'll get it all.
Follow me on Twitter! @senorjessroot

by Jess Root on Nov 6, 2011 10:52 PM MST up reply actions