Some writing rules from George Orwell

I just noticed this link written by George Orwell while looking at Scott Berkun's Blog. I think the rules are worth trying to follow.

• Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
• Never us a long word where a short one will do.
• If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.
• Never use the passive where you can use the active.
• Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.
• Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

Check out the entire essay if you get a chance.