Rules About Writing

Rules about writing in school: 

• Use short sentences, until you’re told otherwise. 
• Don’t use big words. The teacher will think you’re plagiarizing, unless, the teacher tells you otherwise. 
• Don’t write negatively. Everything should be positive. Don’t say that you didn’t like the book, character, article. Don’t disagree unless the teacher says you can. 
• Your peers might read this. Don’t say anything controversial. Don’t say anything that will make them feel stupid. 
• It is OK to not be perfect, but only sometimes. Eventually, the teacher/reader will get annoyed at your lack of skills. 
• At some point, you will feel like the stupidest person in the room. You might be. 

Rules about writing online: 

• Be concise, but intelligent. 
• Use proper spelling and grammar if you want to be taken seriously. 
• Tell the truth. 
• Very few people will actually read what you write; don’t be afraid to be controversial. In fact, the more controversial, the better. Be prepared to back up your statements. 
• Fact-check. 
• Be tough. 
• At some point, you will feel like the stupidest person online. Don’t worry, you’re not. 

Written for ENGL 712 Spring/Summer, UMass Amherst, 2015