Avoid “Bad” Manners While Blogging

By chance or intentionally but I’ve dug out this old good article into Jim Edwards’ 2005 archives.
So, go ahead – read it and apply if any

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Avoid “Bad” Manners While Blogging – by Jim Edwards

© Jim Edwards – All Rights reserved
http://www.IGottaTellYou.com/blog/
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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 starts, 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.

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Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the
co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how
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Blogging takes determination, effort, and consistency. It requires a lot of thought and consideration for what the target audience is looking for and how to present that information. Depending on the subject matter and the audience, there are a variety of tools and strategies that can be used to engage the readers. What works for one blog may not work for another. For example, if your blog is about particular products or tangible items, then monetization with affiliate ads may be useful. But if your blog is about the importance of participating in political elections and knowing the candidates, then affiliate marketing may not be as successful.

We have included our top eight (8) tips for blogging success:

1. Blogs should be newsworthy and contain valuable content. Blogs that go on and on and on and on……well, you get the picture. Don’t just write words for the sake of filling white space. Make sure your words have meaning and add value.
2. Graphics and pictures can add to visual appeal and clarify messages. Just be sure to use them appropriately. Don’t over-use them and don’t fill pages with pictures. People visit blogs to find out what you have to SAY.
3. Write simply. If you use elaborate words and flowery text, people will not become as engaged and loyal. Even if you are writing about a ‘sophisticated topic’, use simple language and remember that people are skimming rather than reading anyway. This is not ‘talking down’ to your audience but simply respecting the fact that they are looking for information quickly. Read the rest of this entry