Steve “Crocodile Hunter” Irwin recently passed away, September 4, 2006. An incredible Australian personality, Steve Irwin died yesterday when, during the filming of another television show, a sting ray fatally pierced him. Although there’s been some controversy surrounding Steve Irwin, the way he lived provides inspiration and many lessons for all of us. Including bloggers.

1. Do it With Passion: No matter what Steve Irwin did, he clearly had an unbelievable zest for live, and a passion that was palpable through the television and silver screen. Although he was loved by many and disliked by a few, that level of emotion was utterly magnetic. All of his crazy death-defying stunts aside, you couldn’t help but notice him and have an opinion about it. How do you feel about your blog? Are you crazy-stupid passionate about what you’re writing about? Are you trying to fake it? The best blogs exist in a continuum that is at once insightful, fascinating, intimate, and profound. But the secret sauce, as always, is the incredible sense of excitement, energy and love for the topic at hand.

2. Have a Thick Skin: Controversy and criticism courted Steve Irwin’s career in spite of his enormous success. The jaded would comment on his simple-sounding catch phrase “Crikey” — and the sophisticated would try and breakdown his opinion on matters such as conservation and tourism. In spite of his detractors Steve Irwin carried on ad persisted. Do you have the conviction to stand your ground on the topics you feel passionate about? Are you prepared to stand for something in the face of withering criticism? There’s a reason why political blogs are so hotly followed — their authors are not only passionate about their topic, but are willing to defend their opinion. And in so doing, act as surrogate for their own audience’s beliefs.

3. Give back, give back, give back: Steve Irwin had a lot of success, but never forgot to support the causes that his own beliefs stood upon. Whether it was using his own money to purchase large tracts of land for their own preservation, or founding his own charitable foundation for conservation Steve Irwin put his own time and effort where it mattered … to others. Are you giving back to the blogosphere community? Do you recognize sources when you report the news? Are you charitable with your own back links? Are you able to contribute to any charitable causes related to your blog? When you do act with no expectation of reward, your participation in your community will get noticed, and only good will come of it. You’ll get more links, more mentions, more favours, more opportunities and more work as a result.

Steve Irwin: 1962 — 2006. Rest in Peace.