In a blogosphere dependant on linking and social bookmarking, it’s all too easy to rely on other people’s information when developing content for your blog. To standout in a crowded playing field, you have to put more of yourself into your writing rather than just being a source for links and resources.

The following is a list that differentiates ideas from information, tips that will help you distinguish your blog by encouraging you to formulate and express your own ideas and opinions. It could mean the difference between a successful blog that connects with its readership and a blog that gets lost in a tide of endless information. Make the distinction.

Are you just linking and describing other articles or are you adding to its impact through elaboration? Here are some tips on getting your own ideas out there:

Give your readers some direction with the information. Is there a call to action when you are compiling information? Where can you readers go after they’ve read your piece? Should they go to other sites, should they go to the library, should they contact some expert or representative? Shed some more light on your topic by telling your readers where they can go next. Act as an authority that provides actionable suggestions, rather than just relaying the message. Your readers will thank you.

For example, if you were blogging about some political scandal reported by a major news blog, simply quoting the cold facts may not achieve the impact you’re looking for. If you are truly a force within the blogosphere, you would provide contacts or petitions that can be used in an effort to make some change. Phone your MP, Congressman or Senator! Provide your signature! Join our protest! Outline a course of action so your blog becomes a launching pad for activity.

Provide original conclusions by comparing and contrasting different stories and sources. Often juxtaposing separate articles or stories can elaborate on an important point you are trying to make. Making the comparison will reveal the reference points in your discussion and will generate comments on possible correlations between separate events, coming to a formidable conclusion regarding a trend or development.

For example, if you were creating a post about an upcoming concert, you can compare that development to other musical events taking place within the same time frame. A post about one single event soon becomes a piece explaining how that city became a hotbed for entertainment. Comparing and contrasting similar articles will encourage you to make connections and come to new and unexpected deductions.

Relay your own experiences with the subject matter being discussed. When you provide information, it often helps to explain how it has personally affected you so you can give your readers a better idea of what to do with it.

For example, if you are creating a post about blogging strategies, be sure to include a quick synopsis of your own experience, explaining what worked and what didn’t, so your readers can formulate their own action plan. Be open and personable so your blog isn’t just about your subject matter, but about you as well, solidifying its uniqueness and exclusivity.

Provide context for your posts. When discussing a topic or mentioning another article, provide some context so your readers can see the bigger picture. For example, if you are blogging about a recent crackdown on crime in your city, you can provide a timeline of developments or incidents that sparked the most recent actions. Provide the setting, timeframe and key parties involved in the stories you mention. In providing the context, you can come to a better understanding of a situation and speculate of where it has been and where it will be going. Your readership will be sure to chime in as well.

Leave plenty of room for discussion. You don’t want your post to be a closed window. Finish your post with your own two cents or an open-ended question to encourage comments and further discussion. While you are being instructional with your blog, you have to indicate that you are learning with your readers, so that they will be prompted to share their own thoughts. Leaving breathing room in your blog posts, rather than simply reiterating points and developments, makes your blog a place where perspectives can collide and bounce off each other. For more tips on generating such discussions, look to our article “5 Ways to Inspire Comments on Your Blog”.

These are just several ways of making your blog a center for ideas rather than just information. To be a truly valuable and authoritative blog, you have to connect the dots, provide context and show paths and methods for future action. Take charge with your content and make it your own!

Remember every person is unique in the same way. Even if a group of people were told to blog about the same story, do you think every post would be identical? Put yourself in your writing and your blog will become a more effective and distinct resource within the blogosphere! What are your views? Where do you draw the line between ideas and information?