Sep 26, 2008

Blog Etiquette.

I've discussed this topic with friends on numerous occasions, & we all seem to always have funny stories to share about rude comments that people have left, inappropriate stories shared with the www, stalkers who won't reveal themselves, stolen ideas, massive amounts of blog bragging (a la Seriously So Blessed) etc. I did a quick google search of blogging etiquette this morning & came across some interesting things. I think I probably agree with most.
  1. You shouldn't link someone on your blog that you don't know without first asking permission via email. A person may or may not want extra attention to their blog from people that they don't know.
  2. Any direct reference to another person's blog post should be hyperlinked. It's polite. If you mention a friend who also has a blog... that's a personal choice, but I never mind when it's someone I consider a friend.
  3. If you can't say anything nice in the comments, don't say anything at all. Send an email if you have something critical to say/want them to make a correction (like my good friend Emma did with me a few weeks ago- I appreciated her pointing out something I had said that was incorrect, but more so that she did it in private vs. in my public comments section).
  4. Stealing people's pictures/posts/direct ideas without permission is a total no-no.
  5. Don't blog about anything that will get you fired or cause you to hurt/permanently damage a relationship (Dooce).
  6. Comment. If you read someones blog & enjoy it, let them know. Stop the blurking! If you're a regular reader, say something. Everyone does it, so it's not like it's embarrassing. It's fun to be a part of the community of blogging, but also to see how people found you or what friends you have in common. Refer to #3 for how to comment. Keep in mind that StatCounter doesn't really let anyone be anonymous anymore.
  7. Feel free to delete inappropriate comments from your own blog. It's your house, not theirs (refer to #'s 3 & 6).
  8. Blogging is a great way to make friends. I've made several that I consider dear (as my mom would say), & I hope to make more.

Those are the rules (for lack of a better term) that jumped out at me. Any other ideas?

13 comments:

suz said...

Is that blog real? {seriously so blessed} it gave me a tooth ache!

k. said...

It's not real. :) It's a satire on Mormon culture- young girls who try to make everyone believe (via the blogsphere) that they have absolutely perfect lives w. perfect husbands, children, bodies, etc. etc.

Jill said...

love the comment above.

isn't it funny, the unsaid rules that apply? it just seems courteous to me.

especially the nice commenting - it is amazing how the blog trolls come out when anonymous comments are allowed. if you have something to say - be open about it. no more passive-aggressive behavior.

Heidi said...

Here is my blogging etiquette question: When someone asks you a question in your blog, is it appropriate to answer in your own comment section and hope they come back to look for it? Or do you email them the answer? or do you answer them on their blog in a comment? I think I have done all three and never know which one is best!

k. said...

I mostly do the in-the-comments, simply because other people might want to see the answer as well. Or- if it's private, etc. I'll send an email. Just my opinion.

Jamie said...

Thanks for the education on blogging :) Since I am new to the world, it is nice to know what is expected of me. BTW - I would have chosen the Office too. You can catch Grey's on the Internet!

jocelyn said...

agreed on all rules. i was going to ask your opinion on what you think is kosher for answering a questions left in your own comment section (ie-do you answer back on your own blog or on the other person's blog), but it sounds like you already answered it!

suz said...

Your sister filled me in just after I had asked the question - we laughed over a few of the posts.

Anonymous said...

get over youself and your blog - neither of them are that good.

Kera said...

dear "anonymous"

You need to get a life. If you don't like this blog, Stop reading it. Obviously it has captured your interest thus far.

julie said...

this might be the best blog post i've ever read... i feel like linking it to my blog just so i can tell people how freaking lame they are at times. i have a cousin who may be the premier example of blog bragging. i puke a little in my mouth every time her blog pops up with something new in my google reader. by the way, i'm an old friend of pats (and kera's too!) and i stumbled upon your blog. it's great reading. (...and i can't get over the seriously so blessed blog...nonstop laughing)

the end.

k. said...

Julie, I totally remember you. I'm glad you liked this post a little more than my anonynmous "friend". :)

elise said...

per rule #6, i didn't want to lurk. i originally found your blog from rae before you were private. i check for recipes on wire whisk (have used several & love them!) and saw that you linked back to your personal blog. i really enjoy reading your posts & didn't want to be an "anonymous" lurker. :)