How to Win the EN Blogger Contest: Do’s & Don’ts

As a winner of the inaugural EN Blogger Contest, this year’s panel of judges encouraged me to offer some advice to those considering throwing their hat in the ring this go-round. Here are some pearls of “wisdom.”

DO act like you’re excited about eventing. Automatic bonus points.

DON’T use bad grammar, misspelled words or abbreviations invented by teenagers (LOL, LMAO, IDK, etc.). Use smiley faces sparingly 🙂

DO give the impression that you know what you’re talking about. Casual namedropping of four-star riders, sentences that begin “This one time at Badminton,” etc. are all acceptable.

DON’T start sentences with “This one time at Badminton” if you haven’t actually been to Badminton.

DO realize that writing for EN is hard work. If burning the midnight oil to write News & Notes and fielding neurotic text messages from Jenni isn’t your cup of tea, this might not be the gig for you.

DON’T be afraid to suck up to the chinchillas. They’re the ones who really run the show, and don’t you ever forget it. (Chinch made me write that.)

DO stray from the beaten journalistic path. Ask yourself, “Would Horse Illustrated publish this story?” If the answer is “yes,” consider sending it to Horse Illustrated. They might actually pay you. (Just kidding, we’ll pay you too.)

DON’T procrastinate. All entries are due on Friday, July 1. Tick tock, tick tock.

DO take my advice with a grain of salt.

Complete contest details here. Good luck!