I stumbled onto this recordingrevolution.com video while getting stuck in my morning YouTube loop. You know, where you initially watch something that someone's recommended to you and then find another interesting one in the related videos list on the side. Repeat until real life interferes. That's a YouTube Loop.
 
This video conveys very basic advice. But every point made is something that should be burned into your core principles.
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6L2nEJ9wqc
 
Also check out Graham's other vids, which are clear, basic, non-technical and practical advice for all aspects of home recording, mixing and mastering.

I've never heard the suggestion to mix in mono.  Makes total sense after hearing him explain it.  

we've been talking about mixing in mono here, for at least 10 years.

good stuff.

batsbrew
we've been talking about mixing in mono here, for at least 10 years.

Which is great...unless, like me, you've only been "here" for 6 months or so. The "mixing in mono" tip was meaningful and useful to me.

point is, the information is out there, in quantity, 
and here, if you can get the search to work......
 
and folks who are new to mixing,
and really want to excel,
should be looking this stuff up on their own, left and right, really devouring all information available.
 
 

of course, i'm just yankin' your chain a bit,
and bitflipper's post is spot on.

Dave,
I stumbled onto Recording Revolution almost the same as you (browsing UTube Vids).
I've since signed up for the site and have watched all of the videos there. 
You're exactly right when you say it's basic advice, but their videos give you solid footing into getting repeatable results.
For instance, although I knew that mixing in mono had it's benefits, it wasn't until I saw the video (and the demonstration) that I was reminded to go make that a strength of mine.  Before, I would use it sparingly (like if I was having a BIG problem).  Now, I start there. 
Funny thing... I've been mixing for years but it's vids like these that bring you back to what you knew to do all along.

I'm a big fan of Graham's. He is one of the guys behind Dueling Mixes, the other being Joe Gilder from http://www.homestudiocorner.com/
 
 Both give good advice and have many free videos. I'm a Dueling Mixes member and really like getting to practice mixing other genres that I wouldn't normally do, since I mostly just mix my songs. Great feedback from the forum there too.

batsbrew
of course, i'm just yankin' your chain a bit,
and bitflipper's post is spot on.

 
Still, to do a search, you need search terms. How the heck is a noob supposed to know to search for "mixing in mono?"
 
Mixing In Mono. Sounds like a good song title for Todd Rundgren!