When dealing with other people there are always rules of etiquette to follow and blogging is no different. Here are some top blog etiquette dos and don’ts:
- Do give credit where credit is due. If you borrow information, data or even a good idea from someone, give them credit.
- Don’t publish verbatim content on your blog or cut and paste without quoting the author. (And seek permission if it is more than a sentence or two you’re quoting)
- Do thank people for commenting, even if you’re not thrilled with the comment.
- Don’t attack people who disagree with you or post negative comments.
- Do pay attention to general grammar and spelling rules – no one wants to struggle through a blog post.
- Do remember that you have the right to delete inappropriate posts. However remember that controversy and negative comments can fuel discussions and turn a one comment blog post into a two hundred comment blog post
- Do participate on other blogs and create a profile which includes a link to your website rather than including a link in your comment.
- Do watch the language. Curse words are rarely appropriate.
- Do make your posts easy to read.
- Do be professional and remember that everything is up there for anyone and everyone to read. Present yourself like you would if you were standing in a room face to face with your audience.
In general, blogging is just like any other communication whether it is online or off. Treat people with respect and strive to put your best foot forward – professionally and personally.
Awesome Jeanette! Thanks for sharing this posts. I will use this post as a training resource when I am teaching my students about blogging.
J
The Cartoon Coach
Thanks for the reminder about blog etiquette! People have a tendency to write things that they would never say in person, so it is a good idea to always conduct yourself in a manner that would be similiar in a face to face appearance.