When you are surfing the internet, it is hard to avoid seeing at least one or two blogs. They are everywhere! It is hard to imagine the internet without everyone having their own blog. With so many people putting out their personal thoughts and insights in their blogs, how many of them actually know proper blogging etiquette?

Whether you are a blog owner or you are thinking of commenting on one of your favorites, having an idea of good blog etiquette is key. Here are a few tips:

Tips for bloggers:

• Use original content. There is a reason plagiarism was against the rules in school. Stealing other people’s content is unethical and wrong. It is also boring for readers to read the same paragraph on different blogs. This does not mean that you should not use quotes, data or other meaningful information. Just make sure that you put it in quotes and include a reference. Give the author their proper acknowledgement. They just might quote you back!
• Do not be afraid of criticism. If you cannot handle reading negative opinions about what you wrote, do not create a blog. You cannot please everyone, so keep an open mind when people do not agree with you.
• When someone does leave a negative comment, be cautious if you decide to write back. Responding to a comment should only be done if you are politely acknowledging what they said. You might point out something that they missed, or correct them if they misquoted you, but do not attack them or write anything overly negative back. This can start a virtual fight that will be hard to stop. Since it will show up on your blog, you are the one who looks bad.
• Avoid personal attacks in your blog posts. When you are writing about someone, stick to facts. Show your readers that you are above smearing someone’s name.
• Remember, you are writing for a global audience. Once your blog is out there, you cannot decide who reads it. Everything you write reflects on yourself, so focus on not being ignorant or hateful. Try to be constructive and teach your readers something.

Tips for readers:

• Blog etiquette is similar to the unspoken etiquette in your day to day conversations. Avoid rude and immature behavior while commenting!
• If you are going to say something, do not hide behind an anonymous posting. Be brave enough to show who you are.
• If you are also a blogger, avoid constantly advertising your own blog or business in every comment. It makes you look like a walking billboard instead of a person with a real opinion.
• Post comments that are relevant and useful for both the blogger and your fellow readers. If you want to say hello to the blogger, save that for an email or IM. Keep your private comments out of the public eye.
• Avoid repetitive comments on the same blog.
• If you have a serious problem with a blog, you are not being forced to read it. If you have constructive criticism or a comment with relevant, substantial information, go ahead and leave it but make sure you are not attacking anyone. If the only thing you can say is catty and mean, just move on to another blog instead of starting a personal war. No one wants to read personal attacks back and forth.

Both bloggers and readers need to keep their reputation in mind. Although the blogosphere is large, your reputation can still catch up with you later on down the road. Some people will always have different opinions and feelings than you do. If you want to share yours, keep it mature. You do not need to, and probably cannot, change another person’s mind.

Keep in mind the three R’s – Be Responsible, Respect the people at the other keyboards, and Relax. Open your mind and enjoy the blogosphere’s endless possibilities!

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