Write Once, Publish Anywhere

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Guest Post by Ken Cenerelli

Developers love to write code and a great many also like to write blog posts. However, it can be hard to find time to publish blog articles and to keep your site updated. I want to use this space to share an idea that I have been trying recently to motivate myself to put out more content.

I have often said that every developer needs a developer’s blog. As Scott Hanselman eloquently states, Your Blog is The Engine of Community. The benefits of having your own site can be immense:

  • It is a place where you can share your opinions on technology.
  • You can showcase your skills and display your side projects.
  • Demonstrates that you can learn on your own time and that you are abreast of current technologies.
  • That you care about the developer community and you want to give back.
  • All of your posts are searchable and your work is easily accessible to future employers.
  • It shows that you can communicate your thoughts in a professional manner.
  • Serves as a portal to all your social media profiles.

I have been blogging more lately and I have recently adopted the theory of “write once, publish anywhere”. Based on the developer’s axiom of “write once, run anywhere”, it is the idea of producing one item but being able to use it at least two times. Another analogy that I can relate it to is simulcasting in TV. The television episode is created once and then it is distributed to multiple TV stations.

My blogging activities are trying to replicate this philosophy as I want to reuse my articles in several places. First I look for third-party sites that I can submit to initially. Once it appears on the site I then take the same piece and re-blog it to my own site several days later. This way I create content for two sites. I get the benefit of my work being listed on another’s site, RSS feeds, Twitter announcements, etc. and they get fresh material for their pages. As well, I am still providing new content to my own blog.

The nice thing is as .NET developers and Microsoft technologists there are a lot of places where you can contribute articles. The following links are sites you can use to post content to:

In addition, if you search for the term “Write for us” (in quotes) combined with the topic you wish to talk about you will generally find a blog or magazine looking for submissions. Granted, you do not want to author for just anyone so vet the site first. Read a few excerpts and see if the items are of value.

If none of the links above appeal to you then reach out to your favourite website or blogger and ask if they accept guest pieces. They just might surprise you and say yes. Then, once you have found the one you want — go for it! Work with the editors to get it just right for their audience. Even if your content is rejected in the end you will still have a post you can use on your own site.

Do you know of other sites that accept Microsoft-based articles? If so, feel free to add them in the comments!