The term “blogging etiquette” might suggest we HAVE TO follow some type of rules when we blog.
That’s not the case, at all.
A blog can be anything we want it to be and we can act however we choose while online.
To me, blogging etiquette equates to taking the time to writing responsibly, showing respect to other bloggers and caring how I am viewed in blogosphere.
Today’s Lesson
When I wrote the post, Blogging Etiquette, – The Unwritten Rules, I expanded on what I saw as blogging etiquette and included things such as,
- Write original articles
- Check and recheck your grammar and spelling
- Give credit where credit is due
- If you comment on other blogs, do not alienate the author with derogatory comments.
- If you allow comments, let your commenters know you have read what they wrote (even a short thank will do)
Just as there’s a certain decorum in real life situations, and all of our actions can have consequences (good or bad), the internet is no different. It’s just the audience is much larger.
Based on what you see in blogosphere, here is your chance to write the wrongs.
Today’s Assignment
If a book was being written on blogging etiquette, what you you like to see included?
Raise your hand and share your thoughts.
~Barbara.
Hi Barbara,
I would want to point out in a chapter the importance of what is on our blog roll.
If someone is interested in my blog then chances are they could find similar blogs and other great resources, if they only started clicking onto the blog roll.
I think the blog rolls are over looked and it is a shame more people don’t check them out.
.-= Check out BunnygotBlog´s awesome post: Earth’s Own Little Universe =-.
Hi Bunny,
What you’ve said is very true. Blogrolls tell readers more about the author, who may influence/teach/inspire them, what they read and like you suggested, for anyone looking to expand their knowledge base, checking out the blogrolls of our favorite bloggers is a great place to start.
I was thinking in the terms of offering, like when someone visits your home you offer them a seat and a drink. Hospitality!
.-= Check out BunnygotBlog´s awesome post: Earth’s Own Little Universe =-.
My big one would be don’t expect things. Be grateful that people comment or that they accept guest posts or review your ebook, but don’t expect it as if it’s your due.
On a side note re polite comments. I posted a comment the other day on the site BlogTO.com a site about Toronto and the nasty comments I got back were outrageous. I’m so used to polite discussions, that I was totally blown away by the unnecessary derogatory comments on the site.
Needless to say I’m never commenting there again.
.-= Check out Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome´s awesome post: Harness the Power of Regret to Achieve Your Dreams =-.
Hi Alex,
You’re right. We shouldn’t expect other bloggers to act a certain way – just because that might be what we believe, or what we would do.
I’m surprised anyone would be derogatory toward you as you’re always so polite and grateful in blogosphere. I hope you were able to let that go knowing you did nothing wrong.
I’m not sure exactly what I’d want to see in a book like that, but I’d definitely read it! 🙂
.-= Check out Positively Present´s awesome post: words to live by: dare you to move =-.
Hi Dani,
Like you, I would also be interested in a book on blogging etiquette.
Hi Barbara – The title of this post really caught my eye. When I think of blogging etiquette, the thing that first comes to mind is giving credit where credit is due (as you mention above). In the blogosphere, where ideas are really the currency, it can be easy to “take” someone’s idea. Since we are all sharing anyway, pointing out what might have inspired something you wrote is a small thing to do, but really goes a long way. Nice lesson 🙂
.-= Check out Amanda Linehan´s awesome post: Using Your Intuition =-.
Thank you Amanda,
You’re right. If we do get an idea from another blogger or a comment left on our site, etiquette would say to link to the source. Unfortunately, some don’t believe that’s necessary and want to take the credit for themselves.
Hi Barbara,
If such a book was being written, it would be great to have a section on the importance of respecting your audience. It is amazing to me how some blogs treat readers as if they are idiots and scam them with ebooks or other gimmicks to make money without really having the substance to back it up.
One blog had this deal to buy this book and it turned out that everything in the book was already given for free but the blog owner did not mention it. So it was money down the drain and as a result, I never went back to that blog.
The desire to make a living by being your own boss is a fine goal but it can be achieved with being a scam artist. So a chapter on that would be awesome.
Apologies for the passion of this comment but it really bothers me when people try to cheat their audience.
.-= Check out Nadia – Happy Lotus´s awesome post: A Monk, Bowing and Palms Coming Together =-.
Hi Nadia,
How sad is that? I think it’s one thing to turn our blog posts into a book, but to not tell the readers they can find the same information in the blog – if they’re willing to dig, isn’t very ethical.
I totally understand why you feel cheated. I would have, too.
P.S. I wonder how many readers they lost for the same reason you stated. And, was it worth it?
The blogging etiquette needs to be adheared to so the increase in relevant and unique content is added to the web and the index which is Google. If we all followed the way described above the web would be exceedly efficient when it comes to getting information that you need and fast.
Hi SEO,
That’s an excellent point. When searching online, instead of us landing on sites that are filled with ads and useless content, we would be directed to value based blogs or websites that correctly answer our question(s).
Aside from what you wrote, I cant think of much else I would like to see in such a book. But for me, giving credit to where credit is due, including quotes and photo credits is high on my list.
Respecting your reader is another one. I see a lot of finger pointing, name calling and shaming on a lot of personal finance and personal development blogs. Its a huge turn off. So mutual respect and not treating your readers like idiots would be high on my list as well.
.-= Check out Carla´s awesome post: Stealing your words – post and comment scrapping =-.
Hi Carla,
Fortunately I haven’t seen what you mentioned, but that would be a huge turn off. Readers are why we write. Why would we ever want to alienate them? It makes you wonder, what is the blog author thinking, hey?
The toughest chapter to write would be how to handle trolls and the nasty folk with civility.
I had someone recently dis me a bit on a post. I wrote back based on all I’ve learned from the nicer bloggers, which is about giving the benefit of the doubt, thanking the writer for taking the time but standing your ground when necessary. I thought he’d go postal on me, but it ended up working out with an “agreeing to disagree” resolution, or so it appears so far.
.-= Check out Lori Hoeck´s awesome post: Distractions help movie heroes and self defense =-.
Hi Lori,
Good point. The nasty folk and trolls WILL show up. Thanking your commenter and agreeing to disagree will hopefully put an end to the discussion. As bloggers we need to remember we will get some who will disagree with our opinion. Being prepared is half the battle.
Great topic! I wrote a post about blogging netiquette last year at http://tinyurl.com/663ea3 – I highlighted 10 points that I found to be most useful. (my favorite one that keeps me on the straight and narrow is to always remember….my family could be reading my posts! I don’t want to say anything that I wouldn’t say in front of them).
Even though the times have a’changed….some things should always be worthy of great importance. Netiquette is one of them.
.-= Check out Barbara Ling, Virtual Coach´s awesome post: A friend is ALWAYS a priceless gem and you’re never too old for more =-.
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for sharing the link to your post. I love #9
Life is too short not to be concentrating on that which WE want to achieve.
One blogging etiquette I would like to see is based on a practical issue I had and that is taking different time zones into account.
I would have loved to comment immediately when I did a guest post but that was not possible as I live on the other side of the world.
So that has made me think about that and should we count that in.
So an etiquette could be ‘checking the time zones and then agreeing on a posting schedule when doing a guest post.”
Also when posting some people can never be the first commenters.
Should that be an etiquette and post at different time zones once in a while?
Well, this post got the grey matter working, thank you Barbara.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Regrets, mindclutter and weakness in completion. =-.
You’re welcome Wilma,
You’re right. When guest posting, in order for us to be able to answer comments in a timely manner, having the post go live when we’re awake would be ideal as we could answer the comments as they come in. I do think that is something that should be included in the conversation between the blog authors.
I also know what you’re saying about never being able to be one of the first commenters if the author publishes when we’re sleeping.
Not only is your gray matter working, but I’m thinking this is worthy of a whole blog post. Watch for one in the near future….. 🙂
Hi Barbara,
I’m a big fan of knowledge sharing and connecting people to the resources and tools that they need/want/or are asking for.
On my stepmom’s blog, http://thestepmomstoolbox.com I use my own personal experience as a stepmom and humor to get tough point across – things stepmoms don’t necessarily want to hear (or read) but need to – especially if they want to move from pain and suffering to more joyous and happy state of being.
I also believe in what comes around goes around – so if I can help another blogger or published author (or later this week, a wicked good Scottish band called Albannach) promote their work, I will. And not because I expect them to do the same for me, but because what they’ve done is valuable and needs a connector and a maven to promote it and get it into the hands of those who need it.
What else? Respect. Courtesy. Gratitude.
Peggy
.-= Check out Peggy´s awesome post: Your Moment of Bliss =-.
Hi Peggy,
I love your attitude – that of helping others. As you know, with a blog we can actually do quite a bit. Not only can we write posts that help others, but we can also point others in another direction (to another blog or a wicked good Scottish band called Albannach 🙂 ). Yes. We are “connectors” on the internet.
“Just as there’s a certain decorum in real life situations, and all of our actions can have consequences (good or bad), the internet is no different. It’s just the audience is much larger.” This is so true. To me, the most basic rule of not just blogging, but any online interaction, is to be just as respectful as you would be in real life.
Hi Vered,
Amen. The internet is not all that different than real life. Not only should we be respectful, but we need to remember we’re leaving a trail of breadcrumbs anyone can follow.
Hi Barbara,
I agree with the ideas here and enjoy your community as a whole, too.
From my perspective, to put it simply, have manners when blogging – the kind we all hopefully learned by the time we finished kindergarten. When adding to discussion in comments, do that – add to the discussion and don’t simply bash the author.
I also think Alex had a good point about not expecting things, too.
My personal etiquette is to, first and foremost, support others and their blogs as much (or more) as my own blog. I believe there’s enough readership, interest, and success for everyone if we all continue to share and give. This may go against popular blog etiquette or success formulas, but I’m just not wired any other way. 😉
Great post, Barbara! 🙂
.-= Check out lori´s awesome post: Start A Blog =-.
Thank you Lori,
Isn’t that the truth? “There is enough readership, interest and success for everyone…” We certainly shouldn’t feel competitive. Although some may advance faster than others, have more readers, comments, etc, that certainly doesn’t mean what we have to share doesn’t have value. Some people can read the same thing ten different ways, but it might be our words that resonate with them and help them to better their lives.
By the way Lori, it’s great to see you blogging.
One thing that has happened to me a time or two is getting an email from a fellow blogger that comes across as obnoxiously know-it-all offering unsolicited advice and criticism. Believe it or not, other people are as smart as you are!
Hi Tracy,
I wonder why that is? Why just because we’re online others feel they can email us and give us unsolicited advice? In those cases it’s probably best to reply, say “thanks” and hit “delete”.
You know, for better or worse, I have noticed that online people tend to be much more blunt and offer more unsolicited advice/opinions in ways that most wouldn’t offline.
Not that I don’t think a bit of helpful advice or criticism is never okay, it’s just that I think people should ask themselves how necessary their little nuggets of information really are. Is it about helping somebody else or solving a real problem?
.-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: Friday Photo Fun =-.
Very interesting post idea, Barbara!
1. Don’t comment unless you’ve actually read the post.
2. Apologize if you err. Fess up and move on.
3. Be careful of “cuss” words. What may seem funny to you may offend others. (I sometimes worry I may have done this so I censor myself more now.)
4. Keep comments on-topic. E-mails are for off topic, I think.
That’s all that spring to mind at the moment.
Off now to check out the drama over at that blogTO.com blog Alik mentioned. 🙂
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: Now, Where’d I Put Those Passports? =-.
Hi Jannie,
Great tips. I agree, cuss words can turn readers off. Like you said, we may think they’re funny, but others won’t. And yes, we can lose readers if we continually use swearing on our blogs. (I can attest to that. I’ve landed on many blogs where the swearing was so plentiful, I left and never went back).
Re: Comments on topic. Generally that is true, however, I have written on this blog that I don’t mind if they go off topic – especially if a blogger has a question they are trying to find the answer to. Plus, many of my readers are brand new bloggers and may not know that “staying on topic” means not to change the subject in the comment section.
Hey, I know this is a little off-topic, but do you have a good recipe for blueberry pie?
Just kidding. Just kidding!
Good insightful reply, as always. Thanks. You remind me that there is so much to learn about blogging when you are new to it. And I guess we never stop learning, as blogging evolves.
Cheerio!
.-= Check out Jannie Funster´s awesome post: Now, Where’d I Put Those Passports? =-.
Take 4 cups of fresh (or frozen) blueberries, add in… 🙂
Hi Barbara,
I really don’t have anything new to add, although I would strongly second what Vered is saying about treating your blogging etiquette just as you would real life situations. And I think a big part of that is that then you’re being true to yourself – and real for your visitors – because it’s the real you that’s showing – not somebody different than the real life you.
.-= Check out Lance´s awesome post: Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Hi Lance,
Well put. We need to be real – both on and offline. Our readers grow to enjoy our work because they feel they know us. How sad it would be if the day came we all met in the real world and were completely different. It would be like we were scammed.
Barbara,
Oh, I am some kind of excited.
If there were anyone at all I would want to write such a book, it would be you! I am completely serious, Ms. B.
I would say if folks are commenting on your blog, it would be nice to go over to their blog and at least check them out, even if you don’t comment on a particular post. I think this is especially true if the person is starting to comment regularly on your blog.
George
.-= Check out George Angus´s awesome post: Buzzing Around the New Blog of the Week =-.
Hi George,
Don’t get TOO excited. There’s no book in the works – yet. 😆
Great point. When new visitors start showing up on our blog, we should at least pay them one visit. Although their blog may not hold any interest for us, we could just leave them a comment to say “Just popping in to say hi. Nice blog, ______(fill in the blank).”
Thank you Barbara for another interesting post and write up of good things to consider and be aware of…
I would add to answer or reply to all your comments. I have read the article, all the comments, and tried to make a thoughtful comments, but on a number of the new blogs I have been exploring my comment has been skipped over – sometimes a conversation has started between other commenters, sometimes it just goes over and onward.
I realize some bloggers do not reply to comments at all, I can see that, but when someone comes back three or four times to find the reply and there are replies to others but not yours….maybe because I am a new arrival?….I am not thinking about going back again. Is there such a thing as a private blog?
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: I LOVE THIS MAGAZINE =-.
You’re welcome Patricia,
I hear you. I’ve seen comment sections like that – with conversations only between a select few and other comments are ignored. In fact, I don’t know about you, but I feel unwelcome.
When I see that, I don’t go back, either.
To answer your question. Yes. There are private blogs – where the author only shares the URL with their family and friends. Normally those aren’t indexed by the search engines.
Hi Barbara – Great post and so are the comments. I can’t think of anything that hasn’t been covered. I think the main point of being honest and respectful and considerate are as important for writing a blog as it is for commenting on one. I do think it is insulting to comment without really reading the post, just to be there, ya know? And you can always tell.
.-= Check out suzen´s awesome post: Be Happy! A Good Choice! =-.
Thank you Suzen,
That’s true. As blog authors we can tell if someone hasn’t read the post and comments just to “be there”. Unfortunately (for the person who left the comment) the other commenters know that too, and are less apt to click on the link of the author. It could be viewed as “borderline spam”.
Here’s a tip for blog owners. Never let the comment section of your blog get out of hand. Free exchange of opinion and ideas is all right as long every body remains respectful of each others view points. The moment someone crosses the line? Shut down the disrespectful commenter. Better yet – delete his comment. If he or she is incorrigible – blocking the commenter from your home is all right. Your blog is your home, right? Every one had better act accordingly.
My comment is no doubt inspired by a wonderful article written by Steve Pavlina, Free Speech in Online Communities: The Delusion of Entitlement.
.-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: Giving Good Loving To My Top Follow Friday People =-.
Hi Jan,
Excellent tip. In fact, that’s something some bloggers don’t even think about. Derogatory or disrespectful comments can completely change the dynamics of the comment section, so like you said, by shutting down or deleting the comment from the culprit we can quickly solve that problem.
Yes. our blog is our home – in cyberspace. We wouldn’t allow that in our real home, hence there’s no reason to allow that on our blog.
Thank you for the link to Steve Pavlina’s article. He’s a favorite author of mine. I’m looking forward to reading his viewpoint.
Hey Jan, as a forum owner, I loved that link!
I wonder how many of the people who have criticized me for such draconian policies as not allowing people to call each other the c-word would allow it in their own bricks and mortar business?
.-= Check out Tracy´s awesome post: Friday Photo Fun =-.
I think one key is balancing connection with conviction.
It’s easy to have differences in opinion, so I think it’s important to support that (as Wooden would put it, “we can disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable.”)
.-= Check out J.D. Meier´s awesome post: The 80 Year New Economy Cycle =-.
Hi J.D.,
I love how you come up with those great one liners – “as Wooden would put it, “we can disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable.”. That is spot on.
Hi Barbara. I think it’s important to choose our words wisely. Online communication leaves a lot to the imagination when we can’t see facial expressions and interpret gestures. Being as clear as possible with our message makes all the difference.
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: 5. Another Thyme, Another Artist =-.
Hi Davina,
That is so true. When we blog, all anyone is seeing is our words. By not being careful how we word our posts and/or comments, we can easily confuse our readers. Even though we know what we mean, we have to ask if our readers will, as well.
Hi Barbara!
Etiquette is indeed quite an issue in blogging. I for one, when I was starting was just blogging without taking notice of copyright issues and giving credits to sources, like images and links to original posts I quoted on my article.
Good thing there are blogging buddies who reminded me of such lapses in judgment. Now I am learning.
.-= Check out elmot´s awesome post: Noynoy Aquino, People Power III and Coffee =-.
Hi Elmot,
That’s an easy thing to overlook when we start blogging – attributing credit to the source. Thankfully your blogging buddies pointed that out to you. Some bloggers are not that fortunate and end up learning the hard way and have to go back for months and start adding links or deleting images.
I agree with Vared and Lance…it’s the same as real life and I think it works like real life. If you want respect give it, if you want truth be truthful,
if don’t want to be judged, don’t judge.
Oh and I still make spelling mistakes. I’m not detailed oriented and if spell check misses them I will too. Even when I proof read it. So fogive me Barbara for I have sinned…with spelling errors!
Hi Tess,
Yes. Blogging and real life are the same. We get what we give.
As for spelling mistakes, like you, I still make them, too. And, we won’t even talk about typos on Twitter, Facebook or comments when the fingers type faster than the mind can keep up and I hit the “submit” button prior to proofreading. *Smiles* It keeps me humble. 🙂
I don’t think I saw this one mentioned, but for me, layout & design are important issues. So often we think it’s just our content, but from where I sit, I don’t want to be inundated with useless sidebars, ads, flashing stuff, etc. If it supports the post or overall blog writer’s mission, okay. If not, please keep that stuff to a minimum! I have enough to flood my eyes with as it is. (smile)
All the comments here were great — loved reading them, and Nadia’s was spot on, I thought.
.-= Check out Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s awesome post: The Unique Gift Awakening Brings =-.
Hi Megan,
That’s another great point. We often think of blogging etiquette as how we act, but how we present our blogs is important, as well. Being aware if what’s in our sidebars (or headers) is relevant to the content becomes something we need to consider. If our readers are turned off before they even have a chance to read the content, than all can be for naught.
Hi Barbara – great post to comment on:
I hate passive comments .. non-entity ones .. sure they can refer to something relevant – I don’t like seeing similar comments on everyone’s blog – means they’re commenting, but not paying attention to the info in the post.
If I’m not up to commenting properly .. I’ll make a relevant comment to that fact – perhaps I shoud leave it altogether .. today I took the time to write a good reply to Daphne’s blog – I made the effort, as I’m struggling right now, then the ? bombed me out 4 times from posting it .. so I gave up – but said I’d be back ..at least Daphne knows I tried.
I will always reply to comments and some of you – are so excellent at replying to all comments received – it’s the only way to go.
I really get irritated if people can’t be bothered to come over to my blog, when I’ve commented on theirs – I understand it’s not going to happen all the time .. but if I make the effort and do it regularly – then it should be reciprocated.
I hate blogs that plead with me to spread their word .. there are ways of doing that and ways of not doing it and pleading “aint’ on” …
Certainly do not be impolite – leave it .. don’t comment.
If you can – you want to have your goal in sight .. eg if it is going to be a book – you might as well save time now and correct and adjust as much as you can .. so it’s an easy transposition.
Thanks – that’s me done for a while!
All the best -Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Garnets, Tolkein, Silver and Gold …. =-.
Hi Hilary,
We must have been commenting on each others sites at the same time. I just read your great post about the buried treasures.
I like what you said about commenting properly. If we’re not in the mood to write our thoughts on our first visit, we can always go back and add them when we’re up to it. In fact, that happens with me a lot. If I’m reading blogs late at night, I hate to comment when I’m tired so I will go back the next day.
That’s a good point about bloggers who plead with their readers to spread the word (via Stumble, Digg, Twitter, …). It’s one thing to ask for help once in awhile, but if it’s all the blogger does, we soon realize they’re only in it for themselves and we quit reading/visiting.
Responsiveness counts. This means responding to comments and making other bloggers feel welcome for sharing their thoughts. This Barbara is something that you do extremely well! (In my humble opinion).
.-= Check out Ricardo Bueno´s awesome post: 7 Online Networking Mistakes to Avoid =-.
You’re so sweet, Ricardo.
Thank you for your kind words. I do agree. Responding to comments and making others feel welcome on our blogs does make for good blog etiquette.
Hi Barbara – I would love to see a book on blogging etiquette – it would save a lot of bloggers from making serious mistakes.
Definitely – no leaving comment spam. When linking to folk, try to link to their keywords for the article.
If you’re writing an opposing viewpoint post and referring to an article written by another blogger, be courteous. Remember that “President of the Company” dude that time?
Don’t leave comments insinuating that a blogger has somehow copied another blogger, or continually try to persuade the blogger’s community to visit the blog of a similar blogger. That used to happen quite a bit on my blog. One blogger did it a lot and it offended me to the point that I stopped visiting his blog.
Become an active member in the blogging community – try to get to know folk, instead of just leaving meaningless comments for the sake of it.
I’m sure there are lots more but those are the ones I have a real bee in my bonnet about.
Hi Catherine,
Those are all good points. The one I really like is how you say to become a member of the blogging community by trying to get to know other bloggers, and not just leave meaningless comments in hopes others will click and visit.
As you and I both know, it takes time to build a reputation online and to build a community. Can you believe we’ve both been blogging for over two and a half years now? WOW! Such fun!
Hey Barbara,
I agree with you that these etiquette are something that every blogger must follow. Copying content and paraphrasing is something that anyone can do, and it takes creativity and intellect to create the original content.
Thanks for this enlightening post.
You’re welcome Rick,
Your comments ended up in my spam folder, thus I’m answering them a little out of sequence.
Well put, “Copying content and paraphrasing is something that anyone can do, and it takes creativity and intellect to create the original content.” It’s sad how some miss out on being creative and instead just steal other peoples work.
Grammar and spelling?
Oh, C’mon!
Okay, if it’s a business blog, and you’re a web designer trying to attract clients, okay…I can see that your presentation and your words have to be aboslutely impeccable.
But if it’s a fun blog…if there’s the occasional spelling mistake…Aww…who cares? What’re people gonna do? Report you to the Blogo-Land police?
But one thing that really annoys me is when comments get censored.
Granted, one shouldn’t use foul or abusive language. But I’ve seen comments get deleted because the OPINION didn’t agree with the rest. Or two people use slightgly off-color language, and one person gets edited, while the other person doesn’t.
I’ve also seen someone express their opinion, and get crucified and openly abused by other commenters, and the author doesn’t step in to calm things down.
When that happens, it appears that the author is playing favorites, and the blog loses some of its integrety, I reckon.
*smiles* Friar,
No, I’m not saying we can’t have ANY typos, errors in grammar, and/or fun with words, however I do think if we consistently put out sloppy work, it’s a reflection on us.
You’ve raised a good point about comments getting censored, edited and/or deleted. Where does the blog author draw the line?
What you shared about a blogger getting crucified and openly abused in the comment section is a great reminder for blog authors to prepare themselves for what they would do if that were to happen. Both Alex and Jan (earlier comments) also touched on this topic, and like you said, a blog author can lose their integrity (and readers) if they don’t step in.
Hi Barbara,
I think I’m too late to offer an original suggestion but having read all of the comments, I think this could be a useful book, especially to those getting started with a blog. There seems to be a lot out there for people who want to learn marketing strategies for how to make money as a blogger but very little in the form of all the tips mentioned here. I agree with Megan that layout is important, and I like your tips to double-check spelling and grammar, and to give credit where credit is due. I also think a blogger makes a strong impression when he/she replies to comments. Thank you for another interesting topic!
.-= Check out Jodi at Joy Discovered´s awesome post: My Happy Place, Your Happy Place =-.
You’re welcome Jodi,
I’m on the same page as you. When we start blogging we often fly by the seat of our pants, not knowing if what we’re doing is right or wrong. And although blogging doesn’t have any rules, per se, it would be nice to know if what we’re doing is in line with what’s “expected” (a loaded word) in blogosphere.
Congrats Barbara on this honor http://www.bloggingtips.com/2009/09/29/101-top-blogs/
.-= Check out Patricia´s awesome post: Comfort =-.
Thank you Patricia,
Within the last few hours I noticed I was getting traffic from that site. When I clicked over, I was shocked, humbled and honored to have my blog included.
Isn’t it great that Barbara is acknowledged. Barbara you so deserve it, CONGRATULATIONS.
.-= Check out Wilma Ham´s awesome post: Regrets, mindclutter and weakness in completion. =-.
Thank you for your kind words Wilma, I truly appreciate it.
Barbara, I’m stopping in to say congratulations on being chosen as one of the top 101 blogs. You have been committed to your blog for a while and consistently offer your time and energy to Blogging Without a Blog. Well-deserved! 🙂
.-= Check out Davina´s awesome post: 5. Another Thyme, Another Artist =-.
Thank you Davina,
As I told Patricia, I was shocked and humbled to be included on the list. I hope to live up to the expectations that comes with the honor.
Barbara,
I had to come back and add my congratulations. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than you.
I am so glad to be a part of this community, I always feel good when I come here.
George
Hey George,
Thank you for coming back and thank you for your support. I’m happy you’re part of this community, too.
I’m sure glad I’m practicing the etiquette you have stated here. However, I’m still struggling with grammar. 🙂
.-= Check out Walter´s awesome post: Why are we having problems with problem? =-.
Hi Walter,
I’ve no doubt you’ll do great with your grammar. Just give it time. 🙂
Barbara, I’ve just read the good news. Congratulations. You so richly deserved this!
.-= Check out jan geronimo´s awesome post: Giving Good Loving To My Top Follow Friday People =-.
Thank you Jan,
I couldn’t do it without great blogger friends like you and all the others.
Hi Barbara .. many congratulations .. I love your numer 00! …
I know I said I don’t like black – but that was the way I scrolled quickly through all 101 Great blogs – per the http://www.bloggingtips.com/2009/09/29/101-top-blogs
One other thing that I’ve thought of .. re the time zone and different country elements – is the use of language .. eg boot for your engine in the States I think; truunk for our boot!
This can be important as I’m surprised where my few readers actually are situated .. so we need the universal language .. or to be aware that we need to explain perhaps; another small point is the English way of spelling things – such as colour, and your way color.
Thanks – interesting post with good comments – I’m so pleased I’m here – so much to learn as we go through
Have a good week – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Check out Hilary´s awesome post: Relocating – to Melbourne, to a Lily Pond, back just 156 feet ….? =-.
Thank you for your support Hilary,
*Smiles* This time my black header paid off, hey?
You’re right. In different parts of the world we do have different spellings for words. I remember when I first started blogging I thought they were typos, but when I would research the blogs closer, I realized the blogger was from a different country – and that’s how they spell certain words.
Although we’ll probably never see a universal language, I do like your idea of explaining in greater detail when we use what could be considered as slang. Bunny mentioned that on an earlier post, too.
Yes. Together we learn as we go. How fun.
Hi Barbara – I suppose to a new blogger I’d suggest that they return any comments by commenting on the commenter’s blog (unless they are the devil), and to make sure you credit other people if you have borrowed their writing (thanks Natural for the devil phrase).
.-= Check out Robin´s awesome post: Relaaaaaaaaaaax =-.
Hi Robin,
Yes. Visiting the blogs of those who comment on ours is important and is giving credit where it’s due.
P.S. Glad to see you credited Natural with the “devil” phrase. She’s a hoot, isn’t she?
Hi Barbara,
Nice post. I am new here and it’s really an honor to be here. Don’t have anything to add, i just want to express my concerned about your post. Hope i could get more information’s in your post. I will bookmark this one.
Thanks,
Chris
.-= Check out Chris´s awesome post: Ladies Electric Razor =-.
You’re welcome Chris,
It’s great to have you here. Enjoy digging through the archives or reading the posts showcased in the sidebar.
I hope to see you again.
Hi Barbara
Found your site via your comment on John Hoffs site.
Great site… I was particularly impressed with your “About me” piece at the top.
I might adopt the same style on my own website.
.-= Check out Keith Davis´s awesome post: easy peasy! =-.
Thank you Keith,
It’s great to see you here. What I like about the “about me” piece is it gives new visitors a glimpse into what they can expect to find on this blog as soon as they land on it.
I hope to see you here again soon.
Happy Blogging!
Speaking of comments, I think showing appreciation to your readers and letting them know you are serious about your comments by installing plugins such as Commentluv (like what you’re doing here, bless you :)) and Keywordluv creates not only a sense of community but also of trust.
Hi Jack,
Yes, we need to show appreciation to our commenters. The CommentLuv plugin is my all time favorite as I love how it rewards the commenters with a link to their latest post, thus helping to drive more traffic their way.
This Blog promotion is awesome the sheer feedback that Barbra is giving all of us interested in bogging is amazing