For those new to the blogging world and it seems even those who have been around a while, I thought it might be a good time to go over what I think are the top 5 unwritten rules of blogging etiquette. These are rules that most but not all bloggers seem to follow and if you don't realize you are breaking the rules, you should because if you break the rules, you might lose followers.
5.) Write original content. Do not copy and paste or plagiarize anyone else's content or blog posts. Adding a link to someone else's post is fine and mentioning that you got an idea for a post from someone and linking to their post is fine. But if you can't come up with your own content...don't post anything until you can write a post in your own words.
4.) Don't steal other people's pictures and post them as your own. Because of the new rules and laws for bloggers you can now be sued by people if you use a picture without permission. If you would like to use a picture someone has posted...the best thing you can do is just ask..formally in an email that way you have proof that you got permission if the question ever comes up.
The other thing you can do is to make your own pictures. That's what I've started doing. If you have "paint" on your computer and most computers do have this on them. You can make picture of solid color and write things on them like I did for the picture in this blog post.
3.) Spammy links in comments. It's not ok to leave links to porn sites, or sites that have nothing to do with blogging. I will sometimes leave a clickable link back to my blog in my comment but only sometimes and I only do that for people who also leave clickable links back to their blogs in comments they leave on my blog.
2.) Negative comments- It's ok to disagree with a blogger but it's not ok to name call or post vulgar language on another blog.
1.) And the #one rule in my opinion is if someone takes the time to leave a comment on your blog, reciprocate and leave a comment on a blog post of theirs. It doesn't have to be the most recent one if you can't relate to it, just scroll through some of their posts and find one you can relate to and leave a meaningful comment. *This does not count if the only blog post of yours a person leaves a comment on is a giveaway post. I reciprocate when comments are left on everyday posts not just giveaway posts*
This is to me anyway, the biggest pet peeve I have when it comes to blog posts. Not having people reciprocate in kind when I take time to leave a comment on their post.
That spammy link thing really ticks me off. Luckily my spam guard catches most of them, but I still find them irritating.
ReplyDeleteGood post, Mary!
I think rule #1 is very important. I always always visit any blog and comment when they visit mine. I think it's just the good thing to do. They put thought into their blog just like I did and I always want to recognize that and respect that.
ReplyDeleteRule #1 here too. I try to always comment back if I know someone has a blog. Haven't had too much in the way of spammy links like that thankfully. Disqus is pretty handy for catching and blocking those things.
ReplyDeleteAnd adding to the list. Don't leave your own review in the comments of the blog post. Drives me crazy. Have had what I'm guessing is street team members do that. Totally new to the blog. No hey enjoyed your review or anything indicating they actually looked at the post. Just a cut and paste put their review in my comments. Or said something like if you haven't read this book you need to! Well, yeah, I read the book. I just reviewed it. I know they're talking to other people stopping by but it's just rude to me.
Grrs. Thanks for letting me vent Mary! lol
Rule #1 here too. I try to always comment back if I know someone has a blog. Haven't had too much in the way of spammy links like that thankfully. Disqus is pretty handy for catching and blocking those things.
ReplyDeleteAnd adding to the list. Don't leave your own review in the comments of the blog post. Drives me crazy. Have had what I'm guessing is street team members do that. Totally new to the blog. No hey enjoyed your review or anything indicating they actually looked at the post. Just a cut and paste put their review in my comments. Or said something like if you haven't read this book you need to! Well, yeah, I read the book. I just reviewed it. I know they're talking to other people stopping by but it's just rude to me.
Grrs. Thanks for letting me vent Mary! lol
Rule #1 the cat does do, I take pictures from movies, famous people and wikicommons, those should be fine
ReplyDeleteThose are all great thoughts. And I work at keep those five out of my blog.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
This is a great list, and I wholeheartedly agree with all of them.
ReplyDeleteRule number 6: I don't want to catch any of the faculty abusing the students...if anybody is watching.
ReplyDeleteShelley- Yep, that irritates me too.
ReplyDeleteKeith, Couldn't agree more.
Anna- That's a good one too. Thankfully no one has done that to me.
Pat- Yeah those should be fine.
Rob-Bear- That's good.
Amy- Thank you.
I have always seen windows paint as a good-for-nothing piece of software. Seeing your image still keeps it a bad software, and you are a great digital artist!
ReplyDeleteIf someone begins to follow your blog, is it blog etiquette to follow theirs (even if you are not so interested in their posts)
ReplyDeleteThat's a first one for me. I haven't herd any other bloggers saying that one. I usually only follow those blogs which I find I like.
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