I follow you, then you follow me, or else.

Blog etiquette, does everyone know what it is? How do you feel about it? Does it bother you when people are not courteous on your blog?

With so many people blogging these days, I believe that personal blogs are kind of like a person's home. Would you stop by a person's home and not use your manners? Let's face it, these days, many people don't have manners or don't use them. This is especially relevant in blogland. Read on...

As I wander around the blogosphere, reading other blogs, a few things drive me crazy. Tell me if you haven't thought some of the same things?

Please don't spam. One thing that really gripes me are the people who leave comments for the sole sake of promoting their business. You know who you are, you blatantly post your url in the comment section without any reference to the post. It's one thing if there is relevance to your link, but I'm referring to those commenters that clearly haven't read the post they are commenting on. Would you leave your business cards and brochures at someone's house you just visited?

Please don't expect anything in return. I'll explain this, if you link to a blog that you find interesting, informative, entertaining, whatever the reason, do not expect that blogger to link back to you. That's not how it should work. Maybe you find a blogger who is following you, you go visit their blog to thank them, and find their blog not your "cup of tea". Do you automatically follow them? Would you return to their house if you didn't have anything in common? I say no. Be honest with yourself and true to yourself.

Commenting. If you are going to comment, please read the post first, then browse what others have already said in the comment section, because if what you are about to say is the same thing, best left unsaid. Think before you comment, be mindful of the blog author who took their time writing the post..Take the time to actually read their post, otherwise what is your point for following them?

While commenting, please do not ask a blogger to follow you. This is really tacky.

Please don't clutter your page with "stuff". If I visit your blog and it takes too long to load because it is bogged down with crap, I will move on. As much as I find it interesting and would like to follow, I will not. We're all busy, so clean your "house" and make it easy for people to come in.

Please don't whine. All the time. Enough said.

Even if you're blogging to make money, as many are doing these days, be courteous, be interesting, be respectful, have class, and above all, use your manners, damnit! Treat other blogs like you would treat your own.

How do you feel about this? I'd really like your honest feedback?

Disclaimer: These observations and statements are the opinion of the blog author. If I have upset anyone, I don't feel I need to apologize as I don't usually apologize for voicing my opinions. I'm not a manners expert. I'm a jewelry artist (this is a relevant link).