George Orwell's 6 rules for writing well

Most years, at around about this time, I remind myself of George Orwell's eternal rules for writing well. I also add my own personal catch-all rule: Say what you mean, and mean what you say.

Never use a metaphor, simile or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.
Never use 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.