Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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).

13 comments:

Jennifer said...

I agree with you on almost all of your points. With the exception of readign the other's comments-- I always forget then after I post mine, I'm like 'crap; someone said almost the same thing. ;P

I love coffee too. And, I have an infatuation with Italy-- although I've yet to visit. One day. Hopefully sooner than later. Was it as fantastic as I think it will be?? =)

Happy Tuesday!

A Psych Mommy said...

Yes, the spam thing is annoying, I agree. I don't always read through every comment--some blogs have over a hundred comments on a single post (such as My Charming Kids)--I skim them, but I don't read through every one so I'm guilty of that :)

Oh, and I'm not sure if this falls under blog etiquette or not, but the music thing is one of my pet peeves--you know, when you go to a blog and music automatically loads? It freaks me out since my husband who's practically deaf turns the volume way up and forgets to turn it down. But I think I probably have a unique situation.

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

I am guilty of not reading others comments. Oops! I think that is what the other commenter's just said! I am a true follower, and if I read what other people say, I will forget my train of thought and start thinking what they are saying!! LOL

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry said...

Hi ladies, you all have made me think about "reading through all the comments first" because that can be quite ridiculous when there are 20+ comments before you. Even if there are only a few comments, sometimes you're busy, you read the post, then you want to just leave your comment and move on. I have totally been "guilty" of that.
Thank you all for pointing that out!

Unknown said...

I've noticed a lot of spam here and there and often wonder if the blogger responds. I've gone to one or two that was on my blog and couldn't read the language!

I always check out new commentors and followers on my blog because I'm always looking for new friends and interesting blogs. But I don't follow if it's 'not my cup of tea' because I think it would be unfair to blogger.

I always read ALL of the post and try to read all of the comments, but sometimes I scan due to time constraints.

About the 'stuff', I'm following one blog that takes a long time for their page to load but I really like her so just wait; but most often if a page takes too long, I don't wait; just don't have the time!

Very interesting post and questions and interesting comments thus far!

Hit 40 said...

I liked Jane's comment. There are one or two blogs that take way too long to load. I would guess it is the big picture on the top of their blog of the kids.

The clutter also drives me crazy! I really do not like the rolling signs of ads or awards. It is hard to read while the signs roll on the side of my vision.

I usually quick scan the comments. I am looking for what my blog friends typed.

Michel said...

is your whining comment directed at me, because that's my deal!!! It's how I roll. It's what I do!?!?

However, I do agree with most - although I haven't really gotten spam yet and now feel inadequate! DAMN YOU JANE'S DAUGHTER!!!

I also gotta admit I don't read all the other comments (but I did on this one because I didn't wanna get called on it - and assumed there would be a pop quiz or something.

SOOOO how do you feel about comments that are longer than the original post?!? haha!

tera said...

I completely agree. I have not been up long but even I have had the occasional comment from someone I don't even think reads my blog (or anyone's blog, for that matter) who is just wanting to plug their site or product or whatever. It only took a couple of these for me to set mine to post comments after owner approval.

Unfortunately I think some people think that because it's ok for them to put whatever they want on their own blogs/websites, it's ok for them to do it on other people's as well.
And, you're right, it's just rude.
Sheesh. Some people's kids...

Mike said...

I completely agree. I have not been up long but even I have had the occasional comment from someone I don't even think reads my blog (or anyone's blog, for that matter) who is just wanting to plug their site or product or whatever. It only took a couple of these for me to set mine to post comments after owner approval.

Unfortunately I think some people think that because it's ok for them to put whatever they want on their own blogs/websites, it's ok for them to do it on other people's as well.
And, you're right, it's just rude.
Sheesh. Some people's kids...

Oh did someone say that already HAHA!!!

Beth said...

You could totally write a manners book! And then when they order the book, you could throw in a nice bracelet.

What? I'd go for it!

Oddly, the word verification below for me is plite. I always try to be polite.

Smart Mouth Broad said...

The more I come here, the more I'm convinced we must be related. In fact, I'm not sure that your mom isn't somehow related to my mom.

I'm with you on the spam. The funny thing is that I put the word veri on my blog to avoid spam. Got it anyway. Removed the word veri and haven't had any since. Coincidence, I'm sure but odd anyway.

I'm with the others that I have a hard enough time trying to find the time to read everyone's blog that I love so I don't always take the time to read the comments. On one hand, I may be repeating another's views but on the other, my comment is genuine. And I would totally forget what I was going to say if I read other's comments.

I agree with you totally (now that you've reversed your commenting view) Let's get rid of the tacky, tacky and all show a little class. Hugs to you. And get the guest room ready, I'm very close to running. (PS. I don't care how clean the house is....I'm that kind of friend)

Sorry I was a blabbermouth. Sometimes, I can't shut up.

Dee-Zigns Handcrafted Jewelry said...

Gaston/Mom - Well said!!!!

Hit 40 - I find the rolling things distracting as well, but I try to "roll with it", lol.

Michel - Yes, you got me! The whining was directed at you! so stop already! pop quiz coming soon :).

Tera - I agree with your last paragraph, I hadn't thought about that.

Otin - LOL, I love your humor!

Beth - Sorry, the word veri "plite" wasn't meant for you! LOL!

Smart mouth - So weird about the word verification, but whatever prevents the spam, I'm all for it :). Sometimes I can't shut up either, maybe we're twins?

Laura said...

I agree with A Psych Mom on the music. I'm a medical transcriptionist, so I use headphones & when I take a break to read a blog & then BAM!! loud music, I leave. Plus I have a hard time reading a post when music is playing in the background. I guess I have a one track mind.