Technical Blog Post
Write blog posts that respect the reader's time and deliver real value.
Structure
- •Lead with the problem or value - First paragraph answers "why should I read this?"
- •Use scannable headings - Readers skip around; let them
- •Code examples: minimal, complete, runnable
- •End with takeaways - What can the reader do now?
Principles
Clarity Over Cleverness
- •Simple language; define jargon when unavoidable
- •One idea per paragraph
- •One main thesis per post
Respect Reader's Time
- •Get to the point; cut preamble
- •Every sentence earns its place
- •If it can be a list, make it a list
- •Long posts need a TL;DR at the top
Show, Don't Tell
- •Concrete examples over abstract explanations
- •Real-world use cases over theoretical possibilities
- •Include failures and edge cases encountered
Technical Accuracy
- •Test all code before including
- •Specify versions and dependencies
- •Acknowledge limitations and tradeoffs
- •Link to primary sources (docs, specs, papers)
Authenticity
- •Share actual experience, including what didn't work
- •Write with voice, not corporate speak
- •Admit uncertainty when present
- •Opinionated writing is more useful than hedged writing
The "So What?" Test
Every post must answer: Why does this matter? What can the reader do now that they couldn't before?
Anti-Patterns
Avoid:
- •Long introductions before getting to content
- •"In this post, we will..." preamble
- •Unexplained jargon
- •Code snippets that don't run
- •Hedging every statement
- •Missing context (versions, environment, prerequisites)