Taboos of Writing

Apart from the logical rules of writing, such as using correct grammar and proper comma placement, there are many different rules and views that I have come across in my "writing career." Here are a few that come to mind:

• In research papers, do not address yourself, or address the "audience" using the word "you" unless it is a personal story. 
• Always put your thesis/thesis statement in your first paragraph.
• Try avoiding contractions so that the paper sounds more formal. 
• If you do not have a lot of information to write about, do not write "fluff" sentences or paragraphs to take up more space on the paper.