Where are your blogging manners?
A few weeks ago, I was reading a sports article on the Houston Chronicle’s website. For those who don’t know, the Chronicle is Houston’s main newspaper. Anyway, the Chronicle has switched to a blog style format that allows readers to comment on stories. In this particular story, a reader respectfully disagreed with the reporter. Apparently, the reporter is having trouble accepting that readers now have power, and he responded with insults and a mini-tantrum.
It was totally unprofessional, but it highlights an important subject that often gets overlooked: blog etiquette. Here are some blogging etiquette guidelines that would make Emily Post proud.
1. Never repost someone else’s content without asking their permission.
2. If you quote a small excerpt from another post, provide a link to the original source.
3. Thank those who link to you.
4. Respond to your comments in a timely manner.
5. Let readers know when you’re posting affiliate links.
6. Don’t attack others personally; respect should always be given to those who disagree with you.
7. If you comment on other blogs, add value to the conversation. No drive-by comments like “Great post” or “I agree.”
8. Don’t use a keyword for your commenting name. It’s a cheap tactic that makes you look like a spammer.
Do you have good blogging manners? Which rules of blogging etiquette would you add to this list?
May 10th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
I'd add that, if you moderate comments on your blog, set something up to let readers know that.
I've left comments on blogs, clicked Submit, and then nothing happens.
It's also a good idea to have a Subscribe to Comments option.
May 10th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
I would add this one:
As a blogger, if you don't moderate your comments, then please check them on a regular basis and weed out the useless comments like "good post" and such. It bugs me to no end to see a string of comments like that, and makes the blog look bad.
Charles
May 11th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
@Charles–I agree. It makes your blog look amateurish when you let those comments through, and it gives readers less incentive to leave a comment in the midst of that spam.
@John–That's a good idea. It can be annoying to leave your comment and not know what happened t it (did it go in moderation? Did it not submit for some reason? etc.)
August 14th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.