Online Content Writing Courses, Training

sites, universities offering such courses

[contentmaster]

Are there any universities, websites, associations etc that conduct online courses on good content writing...I know that the best teacher is experience and live projects......however, are there any courses that can be joined to add to one's knowledge...

Any websites that conduct online exams where one can test their abilities?

[grandpa]

A couple of college level english/journalism courses could improve your ability to write quality content. Learning to research a topic is every bit as important as being able to write coherently, IMO. I'd think the biggest difference between writing web content and anything else is that you want to factor in specific keywords and phrases to the web content.

Any websites that conduct online exams where one can test their abilities?

Not exactly exams, but rankings... Google, Yahoo, MSN.

[AlexMiles]

Three things can drastically improve your writing.

One - read it aloud real fast after you've finished, and only pause where there really is punctuation. If you can manage that without stumbling over any word, its fine.

Two is to delete it after you've finished and start again from memory.

Three is to sell the sizzle, not the sausage!

.

[RockyMtnRR]

Say it with me:

Feature/Benefit

Who cares if it has a MicroWidgitron5000 compliance? Nobody.

Who care if the MicroWidgetron5000 compliance allows it to bake bread for you? Lots of people.

[thaedge]

I often think of doing what you said Grandpa and take some classes myself, but just havent gotten around to it.

Ive always been a good writer (and a horrible speller).. but that was short stories and essays (also called Bullsh!t) for exams. Not exactly the same as trying to convince someone that my Blue Widget is better then the Red Widget the store next to me sells.

If you do take a class, make sure they cover persuasive writing or something similar in the class.

[Beagle]

You could also look into marketing classes. Many of them cover copywriting, and don't ignore the internet. But before you pay any money, try to talk to someone who's taken the class and see if it's really something that will fit your needs.

A website where you can take some tests on your basic grammar knowledge is the site for The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation (easy to search for if you disregard the amazon links). The author would very much like you to buy her book (no connection to me), but there's a lot of good stuff on her site that's free, too.

[Hullabaloo]

There are some very good writing courses available online, falling into a couple of main categories:

1. Writing courses (found usually through sites dedicated to authors and writers). Course participants are in a 'class' with other students and can interact with an instructor via email, as well as particpate in chat sessions etc.

2. Writing courses in an ebook format or on CD - these are effectively self-paced courses with little feedback or no feedback from the author/instructor.

To locate potential courses I suggest searching for sites with either:
a) "freelance writing course" if you plan to write articles for your site, or
b) "copywriting course" if you plan to write better sales copy.

I'm not sure about the avilability of exams and testing unless you attend an actual college or university online.

I hope this helps!

[contentmaster]

Thanks Beagle, Hullabaloo for the inputs

i plan to do a comprehensive search too.actually i am looking for an online course...something like a step by step course....maybe even a group course where i could learn tips on content writing etc.