Proper Blogging Etiquette (Grandma Calls it "Manners")

Recently, Jim Edwards, a well-known ebook author who I respect and have learned a lot from, wrote a great article about proper blogging etiquette that I'd like to share with you.

In this article, Jim examines how bad manners in blog commenting can earn you what he refers to as a "smackdown" not only by a blog owner, but also from others who make comments in a certain blog.

Here's the article...

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Avoid "Bad" Manners While Blogging

- by Jim Edwards

© Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved
http://igottatellyou.com/blog/
===========================

Blogging, the hottest trend in online publishing right now, is currently spreading like wildfire across the Internet.

A cross between an online journal and a bulletin board, everyone from rock stars, politicians, business leaders and your average "Joe" or "Jane" can instantly become a center of influence online using blogs.

But, as with any social interaction, certain rules apply (my grandma calls them manners) in order to be viewed as behaving "properly."

One of the things that gives blogging such strong appeal as an online publishing method revolves around "comments."

Blogs that allow "comments" enable readers to respond and elaborate on the information posted by the blog owner.

These comments and the free exchange of information, opinions, links, and new ideas creates the dynamic and growing content that makes blogging such a popular online activity for both publishers and readers.

However, rules and unwritten customs about the proper use of "comments" on a specific blog are also where most of the problems and controversy will arise.

Since a successful blog eventually becomes a community of people (albeit in cyberspace), proper social behavior is critical to be an effective and accepted member of the community.

Keep these basic rules in mind when approaching a new blog that allows commenting by readers so you won't find yourself on the wrong end of a scolding by people who operate with a different set of rules than you.

As with any social circle, violating the group's rules and customs will instantly cause a negative backlash.

** Keep It Relevant **

Stay on topic with the post you're commenting about in a blog.

Nothing will earn you the wrath and disdain of your fellow posters and the blog owner faster than posting an off-topic comment.

** Watch What Others Do **

Different blogs operate under different rules. What rates acceptable in one blog would earn you a verbal thrashing in another.

Before posting (especially if you have not posted to a specific blog before), look to see the types and quality of posts others make regularly.

Are they long or short?

Do they contain a link to the person's website?

Is there a "signature" under their name?

** Be Polite **

It's fine to disagree with people when making a comment, whether it's the blog's author or a comment made by another reader.

It is not, however, acceptable to launch a personal attack on anyone or make nasty comments in someone else's blog.

If you feel the need to do so, do it in your own blog.

It's the same principle of you can say whatever you want in your own house, but when you're in someone else's house, you act right (and better than you do at home).

** You Can't Respond To Everyone **

If you operate a blog and someone asks a question, try to respond, but both sides should understand that you can't respond 100% of the time.

We all get busy and a blog, unless it maintains a paid membership, is often supported as a labor of love.

--

Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how to use free articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted visitors to your website, affiliate links, or blogs...

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Great article... thanks Jim! :-)

Proper blogging etiquette boils down to this...

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Sound familiar?

Grandma may have said something about that too...

Mine sure did! :-)

So, before you leave a comment on this or any blog, I suggest asking yourself this question:

If this were *my* blog, would I want someone leaving this comment?

Your answer will determine whether or not you should click the "Post" button.

It's that simple!

Comments

[Les Baker]

Tony - After several years of correspondence (E-mails to each other) I finally got connected with you. MSN "blocked" me all the way. I have found great interest in what you were (are) doing for several years, now. I would like to be an "affiliate" of yours, but I don't know quite how to do it. Today I got connected with CLICKBANK. Now, I don't know what to do. I know AutoCAD (civil engineering design), but can't seem to follow the "internet" instructions. I have time to help "spread the word". Just don't know how. I need to earn some $$, and I don't have much to start. I really appreciate Wally Wattles and similar info.
I would appreciate any help. Tony, I want to thank you for the info you have already sent to me. I dave not known how to connect with you. Les Baker.

[Tony Mase]

Hi Les,

Please see this article at my support center:

http://ebookempowersupport.helpserve.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=14&nav=0,1

I'd love to tell you there was a better answer than that...

But there isn't. :-)

Thank you for your interest!

Tony