Researching Blogs
At one point or another, every one of us has written a blog. But some people's blogs are great, and some need improvement. It's not a bad thing if your blogs aren't perfect (I know mine aren't), but that just means they need to be improved. In this blog, I am going to teach you how to effectively and efficiently research for your next blog post.
The first thing you must do when you are ready to begin research for your blog is to decide on your scourges to get information from. This is definitely the most important step. I'll say it right off the bat: Wikipedia is NOT a reliable source. But, luckily for you, there are many different sources out there that a reliable, and accurate. The Numismatist is a magazine we all get, and is always filled to the brim with interesting, well researched, and important numismatic facts for you to put in your blog. I love using the search tool to find old Numismatist articles that could help aid me in creating a blog, essay, or exhibit.
Another great source for correct information is every book that Whitman has ever published on numismatics. Some of the greatest numismatic authors of all time (Q. David Bowers, Ken Bressett, Bill Fivaz, etc.) have their books published by Whitman. The Red Book is great for basic facts like composition and mintage, but there are some many other worthwhile books out there for you to find! Someday I'll post a blog with a list of my favorite numismatic titles for your personal enjoyment. Check with your local library, and you may be surprised at the amount of numismatic literature!
The advent of the internet has given collectors the opportunity to learn about numismatics in a way that had never been possible before. However, there are many sites that are unreliable, and do not have factually correct information. But not all websites are bad though. PCGS CoinFacts is one of my personal favorites, but thee are many other great resources out there, you just need to know how to weed out the bad ones.
When taking notes from your sources to have that information put in your blogs, it is imperative to NEVER WRITE DIRECT QUOTES FROM ANY SOURCE UNLESS YOU GIVE THE SOURCE LISTED IN YOUR BLOG ALONGSIDE THE INFORMATION. Always paraphrase your notes, so when you write your blogs you won't be copying what others have already said.
When all is said and done, write your blogs properly, and write your own blogs.
Keep collecting,
Thatcoinguy
Comments
TCHTrove
Level 4
Very educational & helpful. Accurate facts are important since many of us DON’T know everything, and those new to collecting may be depending on US to learn!
Kepi
Level 6
All good reminders for all bloggers to keep in mind. Thanks! ; )
Rebelfire76
Level 4
Some very valid points coinguy. I have found over time that some information does become general knowledge, especially coin facts and general history. However, I concur that some research and specific bits of information, especially “quoted” from resources definitely need cited. And while some blogs are well written, proof reading only takes a few minutes to ensure you aren’t fumbling over your own words.
I. R. Bama
Level 5
Great reminders for all of us!
CheerioCoins
Level 5
Good blog. I also think blogs should be at least eight sentences to even get some facts in.
AC Coin$🌎
Level 6
Intersting blog . You are the best . My respects
Mike
Level 7
Good blog. I would add Rick Tomaska. Expert on Half dollars. He has written six books. . Thanks for the blog!!