Top 20 Things I Learned at #Scio12
Monday, January 23rd, 2012 at 8:54 pm | Communication, Science, Writing
My experience at #Scio12 was unbelievably awesome! I met some really incredibly cool people who were so inspirational and motivational. I hope that I can maintain this momentum I’ve gained from this un-conference and use the tools I’ve learned to pursue the world of science communication.
Here are the top 20 things I learned at #Scio12.
1. Don’t worry too much about perfecting a post. Just click the damn publish button. You can always go back and correct it.
2. Don’t be afraid to try new things out on your blog. Try writing in different voices or perspectives. Mix things up a bit. Always keep things fresh for yourself and the reader.
3. Welcome criticism. It’ll make you a better blogger.
4. M&Ms are tastier when they come out of an automated dispenser and are personalized.
5. Writing a long form piece is like writing a piece of music. There are parts that are intense and parts that are slower moving.
6. Freelance writing is not a hobby, it is a job. In order to be a successful freelancer, you need a business plan of short and long term goals. It will keep you on top of things. As a freelancer you are also your own administrator so keep track of jobs coming up, money coming in and money going out.
7. Freelancing can be a lonely profession. So finding a space where others also work can be helpful and break the loneliness.
8. Sometimes writing can take over your life and you to take care of yourself. In order to write better you must take the occasional break such as walking a dog or reading a book.
9. Blog posts are considered published works so it’s okay to submit those for a job.
10. Bloggers have skills networks want, they can create a their own website, and are motivated to write on their own time.
11. Guest blogging is the way to get people to read your blog and get more traffic.
12. Blogging is not only limited to SciAm, Nature, or Wired. Consider blogging for industry like Sigma and Thermo-Fisher. Don’t always think mainstream. BUT, if you feel you have an awesome idea, don’t be afraid to aim high.
13. No one parties like #DSN.
14. It’s okay to reuse old blog posts. You can re-edit to put a new spin on them if you like. This is especially important when blogging about the same topic and you don’t want to repeat the background story.
15. Content is king. Don’t get obsessed with making a fancy layout for your website. Write it and they will come.
16. You define your blog and you can define it however you want. Just because your research specializes in chemistry, doesn’t mean you have to blog about chemistry. You can do whatever you want.
17. Be a good co-worker. Don’t be the person who the editor hides from or cringes every time you call. Do good work and you will be recognized for it.
18. Write in the morning before you’re full time job. That way when you come home, you’ll be excited because you got the ball rolling.
19. Just because people don’t comment on your blog, doesn’t mean they aren’t reading it.
20. Choose a media you’re comfortable blogging with. It doesn’t have to be writing. It could be podcasting or video.
Thank you again for such a wonderful time at #Scio12. I look forward to seeing you all at #Scio13, or the #AAASmtg in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, my hometown.
Until next time,
Sarah
