I adore my boys and find the way they relate to the world fascinating. I also see a bit of myself in both of them. Like A, I struggle with anxiety in large groups of people and come off as socially awkward, or worse, a snob. Like Z, I easily discern the motivations of others and have difficulty holding my tongue. In the blogosphere, as in life, this means that I’ve had to muddle through and learn what is socially and unsocially acceptable the hard way.
- Ask permission before copying. Many bloggers are now posting Copyright criteria on their blogs. This is helpful for wading through what is/isn’t acceptable to a certain blogger. You may have noticed that I added my own copyright logo on my sidebar. You’ll understand why in a moment. If you like someone’s idea and want to post their pics or ideas on your blog, just ask permission first. More than likely they will be flattered that you like their idea, and rarely will anyone ever say no, but it’s just better to ask first. I’ve broken this rule many times out of laziness and sheer thoughtlessness. However, all it took was seeing a few of my own posts practically plagiarized on someone else’s blog to realize the importance of asking permission first. There was a link back to me, but it was one of those click “here” deals—which leads me to number 2… Edited to add: In the comments section, the general consensus seems to be that a link to the original post is all that is necessary and permission need to be acquired first. Most also agree that an after-the-fact courtesy email stating that you will/have linked to them is nice, but also not necessary.
- Link back with blogger’s name AND blog name. For the most part, just get rid of “here”. I have often said “picture can be found here” or “for more click here” with a link on the word here. I still find myself doing this. I thought this was a perfectly acceptable way of linking things. That is, again, until I saw my entire post that I slaved over lifted and then linked so minorly. All of my personal pictures and some of my words were lifted and then linked with a “more can be found here” in small print, at the very end of the post. I was also referred to as “some random blog” which hurt my feelings. Obviously this blogger wasn’t trying to make a personal attack, to the contrary she loved my ideas and wanted to share them with others. I confronted her with my feelings and she was more than willing to change her wording. This situation helped to open MY eyes as to how we refer to each other’s blogs. None of us are “random”. We’re purposeful. So, when linking back I think it’s good to say “found this cute idea by Beth @ The Stories of A to Z ” instead of just “here”.
- When possible, link to the original source AND the source that led you there. What do you do if you see someone else’s idea posted on a site and you want to feature that idea too? I say try to get permission from the original source and link BOTH sources. I had a situation recently where many people were featuring one of my ideas with my pictures, but linking only to the source where they found my idea. They didn’t include a link to my page. This indirectly made it seem like it was the other blogger’s idea instead of my own. Blogland is so wonderful because we freely share our creativity, tutorials, and ideas. But we’re all human and would like credit for our ideas. I think it’s okay to want credit for discovering and featuring those ideas too. Just site all and link, link, link. It will make everyone happy and doesn’t really take that much extra time (i.e. idea and pictures from Beth @ The Stories of A to Z found via Suchandsuch Blog).
- Keep your unsolicited advice to yourself. As I previously stated, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut. Sometimes I like to be “helpful” and let others know what I think would really make their project even more fabulous. If I have commented on your blog with such “helpful” advice, please forgive me. If I’ve said to make your blog pictures bigger, or to move things from here to there, forgive me. I’m learning. In commenting, unless someone has explicitly asked for your advice on something, just be positive or don’t comment at all. AND….
- Negative Anonymous commentors need not comment. Remember what you learned in preschool? If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all? It still applies. And seriously, if you just have to say something negative and mean then at least have the “decency” to own it with your name and profile. Being ‘anonymous’ is cowardly.
- Add your email to your profile for easy communicating. This isn’t so much of an etiquette tip as it is a blogger tip. I have replied to hundreds (thousands?) of emails without realizing that I was just replying to the “no-replycomment@blogger.com” mythical inbox in the sky. If you’ve wondered why I didn’t get back to you with your question, I probably did. You just never received my email. If you add your email to your profile, everyone can easily reply to you without having to look you up. Please consider doing this!
- Return a comment for a comment??? Not always possible. When I had fifty followers, I would often wonder why some bloggers would never visit my blog and return a comment for a comment. I really wanted people to come for a visit and see some of my projects. Everyone loves comments, but now I understand why some bloggers never had a chance to visit. They were just too busy. I finally started inviting some bloggers in a personal email (not blog comment) to visit a particular post that I was especially proud of. If you have ever thought to yourself, why doesn’t she ever visit my blog??? I recommend emailing the blogger and inviting her over. Not everyone is going to be able to return each of your comments for a comment. Some bloggers would never be able to leave their computers if they did! Don’t take it personally.
- Respect boundaries. I recently had a blog friend ask me for advice in dealing with a boundary issue with someone who knew her through her blog. This person looked her up on facebook and sent her a message to her facebook account. This made my friend very uncomfortable. I had to laugh (and friend, you’re going to laugh when you read this) but early on in blogging I also violated this. exact. boundary. I searched for a blogger who I adore and asked to be her facebook friend. She didn’t really know me at all and her facebook page was not open to her readers. This was clearly a boundary violation and although I sent her a message saying “I’ll understand if you’re scared of my stalker-like behavior and don’t want to be my friend…” I shouldn’t have done it. Rule of thumb, if you don’t have a good back and forth blog relationship established, don’t facebook, skype, snail-mail or call them. You WILL look like a stalker.
- Remember you’re a guest. When you visit someone’s blog, you’re in their “home”. Use the same manners you would as a guest in someone’s house. Again, I struggle with this. I’m not always gracious in thanking those hosting blog parties. I don’t always thank the giver when entering giveaways. My comments are sometimes lame and self-promoting (i.e. that’s so cute, I did the same thing with blah, blah, blah, blah….). I sometimes just skim pictures and don’t thoughtfully read the words. I’m often a horrible guest.
I’m still learning social graces. Forgive me (and tell me), if I’ve offended you along the way.
So how about you? What do you think of the list? Anything to add? Edit? Omit? Let’s talk!
Kylara H.H. says
I know this is quite an old post but I was wondering if in the last 3 years any of the ‘rules’ have changed and if there are any more that should be noted.
I, like Jessica, was linked to your blog from Amanda’s at Serenity Now’s Commenting series. I have just started a new Homemaker’s blog and found this post to be extremely useful. I also know that I am guilty of violating some as well. I often used the link ‘here’ in a previous blog I had a few years ago, but it wasn’t a craft/homemaker style blog.
I definitely have a better understanding of what is respectful to others. I do believe that most people starting out do not even think of most of these things, ie, it is usually not a disrespect issue, but one of ignorance. Without posts such as these, we would never even think of the impact of our choices and why there might be a better option.
Thank you so much for writing this post. It’s always a sign of an amazing day when you can say , ” hey, i learned something new today!”
Jessica says
Hi Beth, I just finished reading Amanda’s Serenity Now (commenting/blog series) and came across her link to your blog tips 🙂 You have hit on so many things I have wondered about being a newbie….funny to hear you have had these same thoughts and now 2 years later (from when you wrote this post) your blog is rocking! (I’m sure it was rocking then 2 :)Thanks for sharing and o, the part about facebook stalker is hilarious!
Hindmarsh says
Brilliant post! I came to your blog from Apartment Therapy and your beautiful wax paper garland. You're a very talented & honest writer. Looks like I'll be adding your blog to my list of frequented blogs!
Chip says
Beth, I have only just discovered you and your blog, and I must say I am enjoying it. 😀 Thank you for this post. It's got such great advice.
I did a very small post to share about it on my blog here:
http://chipmunkscorner.blogspot.com/2010/11/mannerly-blogging.html
Teija says
I'm learning about blogging.Thanks for the list. I never have understood mean people. I love your blog. Keep going!
Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun says
Dear Beth,
This is really just a fan mail comment ~ I love ALL your posts! I hopped to this one after looking at your "family rules" beauty… (Where I quickly thought: " why reinvent the wheel, when this is perfect?! One day I'll make one virtually identical.") This post on manners is so helpful AND so honest it seems to sum up all you share here… Thank you! As a busy farm mom, I don't get a lot of blogging time in, but I always enjoy my visits here and leave inspired!
hugs,
Leslie
(who needs to work on her run on sentences & misuse of punctuation!)
Mrs. bradley says
What a great list! I just stumbled on your blog via another couple (http://life-n-reflection.blogspot.com/ via my friend Susan http://www.fromthenarrows.com/)
sorry I don't think I can link neatly in a comment. & did ya really want to know?
I didn't know much of this- such as having an email posted is a kind thing! I hope I don't step on to many toes as I learn!
I'm enjoying your blog a lot thanks!
Jaimie says
This was awesome! I just saw you link to this post on Twitter 🙂 And I will be TOTALLY honest with you – about 5 minutes ago I wanted to violate rule #8 and I saw you on FB and wanted to be your friend but then thought, "Um, no, that might be stalkerish." No JOKE!! Then I clicked on this blog and you had written about it and I bust out laughing!! I have also been guilty of #1 and #2, even probably with your own blog (promoting it, of course), but now I know what to do better next time. Thanks for sharing!
Centsational Girl says
Great tips Beth, ones everyone should follow !
xoxo
Kate
Debbie says
Very good advise Beth!~ I would say I have been guilty of a few of these things for sure!~ In the beginning I had no clue to what I was doing, and I have learned along the way. Have a lot more to learn, and I appreciate your insight….I see you went to Lincoln school, so did I when I was a kid (Nutley NJ) doubt it was the same school though:) You where super cute!
Sugar Bananas says
Beth, thank you so much for posting these etiquette rules! I'm sure it took some time to gather this list and it's VERY MUCH appreciated. You've cleared up a lot of the gray area for me (and many others). This was definitely helpful and should be part of the "Terms and Conditions" we agree to as we start our blogs 🙂
MommaKiss says
good, great points!!
Holy says
Wow this is really nice and i liked reading this song, thanks a lot for sharing this with us,great work and fun. All the pictures are very nice.
r4i software
sarah says
In regards to your blog rule on unsolicited advice, I would like to say that for me personally I wouldn't want people to not say something in a comment because I didn't specifically ask for it. I think especially for newbies we don't always know what we can do and don't always think on our own of ways to make our blog better. It is understandable that some bloggers can be sensitive and may take offense to someones comment on how to make their blog better. And only looking at the comment as a negative that the commenter didn't like their blog. Instead of looking at how it was intended which would be mostly with the best of intentions. I approach blogging as I do anything else in life, for example I often ask people to tell me what I am doing wrong and to correct me, because I believe that if someone is never told something how ever will they change. Not everyone will come to see the same thing that others see. However, if blogger's are concerned with how their comment may be perceived they can always send a message or email, sometimes sending something privately can take away the sting that public comments can leave. Then again sometimes some bloggers no matter how to say something or how you send it they won't take kindly to what you have to say. Maybe after reading a blog for awhile we can learn something about the writer and how they may take something. Though sometimes how someone is perceived online in a blog, what we take from it and how we perceive them to be isn't how they are. We can never truly always be sure what is right. To each their own. Do what you think is right, if someone takes it the wrong way that is how they take it, you can't chose how something is received only how you intend for it to be received.
Lovely Scribbles says
What a great post, Beth! There's a ton of truth to what you say, and I love that you add a little humor to your explanations. Good stuff!
Michelle says
Thank you so much for posting this. I'm new to the blog world so all of this is great to know and now practice!! : )
Jo at MoJo Home says
Thank you so much for taking the time to write these blogging "do's and don'ts." I really appreciate your efforts because I just started my blog this month and am clueless on so many things. Great blog!
Vintage Dutch Girl says
Oh to have an email account linked to every comment!!! Oh the joy that I would experience!
Thank you for laying down the rules…it's SO nice to just see them spelled out for all the world to see (and hopefully heed) 🙂
Merry Christmas…
Kristi says
You are so right to ask permission and I'll do that from now on. I am sorry I refered to a craft by Linda at Craftaholics Anon once, then did her lovely craft and showed it refering back to her post. I didn't realize how that would hurt someone and I'm so sorry. I will apologize to her personally!
Angie says
Great post! I'm sure I am guilty of many wrongdoings!
Valerie says
Interesting post! I have been giving a quite a bit of thought since I am sooo guilty of the here and here hyperlink. I had no idea that it would be offensive to any blogger! I try so hard to practice blogger integrity, so this is something that I have considered and I think I agree with you!! Thanks for helping me to mind my manners!
Jess says
Love the thoughts- I just wanted to thank you for the confidence to start my own blog…I'm really enjoying it and I think it's what led me to survive all the transitions the last year!
jenjen says
Very good post Beth! I love your ideas! I have had some really mean anonymous comments and it makes me wonder why people are so mean spirited – what is the point?
Hope you are having a great day!
XOXO
Jen
The Yorgason's says
Thank you for this info. I am kinda new to the blogging and linking world. So this is great! I want to give credit where credit is due. I have been tons better. But it is nice to have it all laid out for you.
Nina Patricia @ The Adventures of Nina Patricia says
Well Said!
I stopped looking at RMS in HGTV because I could not take the nastiness of some comments there. And they weren't even my pictures!!! I subscribe to tons of blogs and some of their ideas…well…they are not exactly my cup of tea. I would NEVER think of leaving an anonymous message. That person put some effort into that work and I have no right to be mean.
I'm still a new blogger and trying to get the "rules". Thanks for a great post!
Patricia
this blessed nest says
oh wow. what a topic. and leave it to you & your sassy self to start an open debate or "suggestion" post.
i too, think if you link back with a PROPER link, then it is ok. writing for permission, i think is too much at times. obviously, if they have stated on their blog for ALL to see, then obviously i would write for permission. but proper linking i think is essential to have a respectable blog. and on the same topic, you have made me re-think my "found here" or "Via here" you are right. placing name & giving credit where credit is due is important. so thank you.
as far as the fb thingy. i have about 7 bloggers as friends on my fb page. i really don't mind the friend request. especially if, like you said, the two have exchanged comments and or emails. (that's just my personal opinion, however.) i know a huge part of blogging for me, is making friends AND my daily thrist for inspiration. so i think friend requesting and posting about another's blog with proper link-age is okay in my book. but again, that's just me.
great topic. anxious to read other comments.
TidyMom says
Great post Beth!!
I have a "Check with me before using any of my content, recipes or pictures" button on my blog because I found another blogger, grabbing my pictures and recipes and posting them on her blog with no credit to me – I quickly realized ALL of her posts were done that way! I contacted her, she removed mine and replaced it with someone elses! – some people just don't get it! ugh!
I seriously don't mind if people contact me first or after, but I do like when they let me know – but I have google email me when my link shows up on another blog – so that's a nice way to find out as well.
I also wish more bloggers would link their email to their account so we can reply to their comments – I get many a day that have no email – even some of my close blog friends, but I don't know how to tell them with out sounding "bossy" LOL
Pet peve #2 – MUSIC (OMG turn off the auto play) and tiny pictures – if you're putting up pictures, I want to see them! LOL I LOVE detail! I want to look close! LOL
~TidyMom
Marianne@Songbird says
You are so right about this. And I see so much of it.People publishing pictures without giving credit, even if it is from Country Living. If it is not your picture don't pretend it is.
But you know what really annoys me? People leaving spammy comments all the time like 'this is great now come and take a look at my blog', or telling me five times (yes I counted) 'I just found your blog, I became a follower, come to my blog and follow me too). That last part wasn't added but it was implied. Don't get me wrong I love comments. But comments are about the community and sharing, and when someone leaves meaningless comments all the time just to guilt you into visiting them in return I feel it diminishes the genuine comments too.
Reading through your comments here I realise I am guilty of one thing too. Although I always try my best I don't always visit everyone in a party I linked up to, let alone post a comment every time. I try to, but sometimes when my own post is received very well, making return visits to my own commenters is all I can manage. But I will try and better my life at that.
I really don't feel anyone has to ask my permission to use an idea I put out there in blogland. But linking back the proper way is definetely a must in my book.
And about Facebook. If someone puts her Facebook address on her blog I assume it is ok to ask to be their friend. Otherwise I won't.
Nancy says
very well thought out, girl, and as always, I always learn when I come here 🙂 have a beautiful week!!
Destination Seaborn says
What a great post! I'm new to blogging so I appreciate the insights of seasoned bloggers. Thanks! ~Lisa
The Boob Nazi says
When I had my real name on my blog, I had no problem with people facebooking me. However, now that I'm "anonymous," if people found me on facebook, it'd creep me out.
I don't like being facebook friends with people I don't know in real life, but blog friends are completely acceptable.
inmyownstyle says
Hi Beth- I am new to blogging and your post really was a great tutorial for me. I have seen bloggers put "here" for a link, but your tip is much better way. I will follow your advice.
Thanks
Carli@fearfullyandwonderfullymade says
First off, I have to say that your children are Gorgeous! and that's a GREAT picture of them! But this is a great post, especially for those of us who are "newbies" to the blogging world. I guess I better not link up my chalkboard platter thingy tomorrow until I find out whose blog it's from, lol, gotta do some more searching, lol! Thanks for posting this!
randee says
what a cute post! adorable!
just kidding, you brought up so many good things & so did your commentors. i'm sure i've broken many rules of etiquette in blogging and can only keep trying to do better. so i so appreciate helpful tips such as yours.
i think i'm losing myself on my blog because i'm trying too hard to be too "vanilla". crazy, huh? what do i care about how i'm viewed? i think you & amanda at serenity now are very real and approachable on your blogs.
don't ever change, i mean it. you've so got it going on!
i know this is a ramblin' comment but that's just how i talk. i think i'm a lot like both of your boys, who ARE ADORABLE, and i mean that. too.
peace –
Cindy says
I think you've made some terrific points, Beth. I also read thru your commenters' replies, and I have to agree with Kim about blog parties. I've taken to only participating in parties where I know I will visit all the links. I may not comment on every single one, but I at least click over. I stopped doing the hugemongous ones because I just can't spend a couple hours going thru the links (even though I'd love to!)
Since hosting my own weekly party, it is a bit irritating to have people link up and not link back to the party in their post, as well as linking up and never visiting/commenting on other party-goers' posts. I kinda feel used….
Thanks for all the helpful tips, and thanks for a wonderful blog that I love visiting 🙂
arkie says
I loved the information you gave in this post. I don't know much about blogging. I do enjoy reading blogs but am not a very good at commenting. (I need to find some more words to use other than: Beautiful! Great! Cute!)
I have a question. I really feel strange about reading comments that others have written on blogs. I can't bring myself to read them, as I feel they are written to the blog creator. Is it acceptable or expected that a blog reader read the comments left by others?
Amanda says
Hope you don't mind if I throw this out there Beth, but Trez asks a great question. I don't know of one for craft bloggers, but I'm pretty involved with food blogging and a lot of the same "rules" or etiquette apply to crafts as they do to recipes and food. There's a great site with tons of helpful articles on all different blogging subjects called The Food Blog Alliance. Again, it focuses on food, but many of the concepts apply here too http://foodblogalliance.com/
Trez says
OMG! I never knew there was so much involved in blogging!! Thanks so much for all the tips. I never borrow anything from anyone else or attend any of these parties except tablescape thursday becasue I don't know how! Is there a blogging 101 available somewhere??
Melissa Miller says
Beth what an informative post and I agree with you on everything you have listed here.
One of the things I do follow through with is to answer a comment with a comment. I don't have children or a full time job so I do have the time. I really enjoy it and the friendships I've made along the way. You included!
Enjoy this joyous season!
~Warmly, Melissa 🙂
Lindsey says
What a great list of rules to blog by. I am so glad you wrote this since I am new to the blogging world and was wondering about some of those things. Thanks!
Jen C. says
Beth – thank you! That's a tough subject – like a pastor preaching on tithing, but it's got to be said and is so helpful when it is.
As a new blogger, the rules aren't always obvious, and despite the effort of common courtesy that normally is usable in "real life" – blogland can be difficult to navigate. Thank you for sharing – so honestly – those mistakes from which you have learned.
Tammy@InStitches says
Thanks for the reminders, there sure is a lot to learn about blogging. Manners are always a good thing ! I really enjoy your blog and your projects.
Beth@The Stories of A to Z says
Kim,
You all are raising some excellent questions and points! Kim—I've been inspired by others projects and used their inspiration photo and linked to them and never asked permission before. I think just letting them know (even if it's after the fact) is a nice courtesy. I don't know. These should all probably be called "suggestions" rather than rules, because that's what they are. Nothing is black and white here but I'm loving that we're thinking critically about it!
Beth
Dayka says
I am laughing, and I am laughing LOUD. LOUD. I see you kept that small bit of information from me, but I still love you! Great tips, and I'm definitely guilty of just saying "Beth" with a link instead of listing the blog name as well. I think I've even done it to you before. Ew. Sorry friend.
I've read thru some of the comments, and they're good, too. The only thing I think is, I don't know why you would need to contact someone to ask permission to share something of theirs, if you're already providing a link back to them. I have posted things from other people once or twice, but I always send them an email or leave a comment saying "I loved your post about 'donkey lips' featured you on my site today!" It's free publicity (IF there's a proper link back to you)–why do I need to ask??? After reading this you'll probably be like, "Hi, I need for you to NEVER post anything from my site in the future. Okay? Thanks!" 🙂
Sue says
Great list, Beth. I think you covered a multitude of things and you did it with dignity and finesse.
I agree w/Amanda's comment about blog parties. This is a big pet peeve for me. I can't tell you how many I've joined up with and the host's party-goers do not visit other blogs. And I'm not talking about not visiting me and feeling slighted~ I've randomly checked other party goers sites to see if they are getting comments, only to find that the same thing. Isn't that the point of the party? To meet and visit w/each other to learn and enjoy things?
I've learned which blogs have parties whose party-goers do not "play well" with others and I will no longer be participating. And it would sure be nice if the host could make it around to your post at some point in time!! I know people are busy, but every host should greet her party guests.
okay, enough complaining…. Hope you are having a great time preparing for this joyous holiday!
hugs, Sue
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
This is a great post, Beth. 🙂 I've been blogging for just over a year and I learned some of these just by watching what other blogs do. 😉
I think you handled the subject matter gracefully. Here are some of my thoughts:
1. As someone who had multiple pages of her blog STOLEN over months and posted on another blog, I can testify first-hand that it really stinks. 🙁
5. I had a really nasty Anonymous comment once and it hurt my feelings…pretty much ruined my day. I agree that posting a rude comment Anonymously is very cowardly!!!!
7. I'm beginning to see this with my own blog. I only have 271ish Followers, but it starting to be tedious to reply to every single comment. I don't expect the "big names" (Nester, Big Mama, Kimba, Rhoda, Sarah, etc.) to reply to comments b/c they receive so many each day.
For people with smaller blogs, I think it's a great thing to reply to each comment when possible…it ups the likelihood of that person returning to visit you.
My BIGGEST Pet Peeve right now is blog parties. This may be controversial, but I don't think bloggers should bother linking up to a party unless they are planning to return visits or visit some of the links for the party. If "Suzi" came to a party at my house and just ate the food and sat in a corner waiting for people to come and talk to her, we'd think she was a bad guest.
I've noticed this happening more and more with some of the blog parties I enjoy linking to. I'll spend a good portion of my evening visiting blogs that have linked to a certain party (which I set aside time to do, knowing I'd be linking up). I'm lucky if one or two of them return the visit. More of the comments seem to come from my own Followers. There are a few I don't even bother visiting anymore.
I know the holidays are busy for us all, but it just seems to be the polite thing to do if you're going to link to someone's blog party. If you know you won't have time to return visits, then don't link up.
I don't mind people copying and pasting a "I'm stopping by from __'s blog party today. I hope you'll come visit me" into the end of their comments, but at least take the time to think of something original besides "that's so cute!" followed by a whole paragraph talking about coming over to Follow his/her blog, etc. That's a big turn-off to me.
Sorry to ramble, Beth!
I guess I've been a bit frustrated with the blog parties lately. I'll probably do Nester's and Thrifty Decor Chick's and then call it quits with the parties for Dec. 😉
Kristy says
I like your list – in fact, there's only one thing I would add. If I comment and ask a question, and you are going to answer it, please don't just answer it in the comment section of your blog. If your blog has a large number of followers, and its a Q&A post, that's one thing, but for the most part, even if I ask a question, I'm not going to keep checking your comments for the answer. If nothing else, post your reply in the comments, then copy it in an email or comment back to me.
And a comment reply is especially preferred, because then I know you took the time to at least check out my blog!
Also – my personal rule of thumb regarding credit/asking permission…I always give credit where credit is due, but I don't ask beforehand unless I want to quote you or use your pictures. So many of the things I do are inspired by others – for those blogs with large followings, can you imagine how many emails they would need to respond to if we each asked, "do you mind if I like back to you as my inspiration?"
Chelsy@ Sweet Pea Kisses says
Well, I've said it before and now I will say it again- you are one smart cookie!! I am still a blogging newborn and I have alot to learn…but your post will help tremendously. I immediately ran over to my blog to make sure I haven't commited any blogging crimes, and thankfully couldn't find anything. But I love your outspoken nature and am hoping if you ever see anything at my "home" that isn't right you will call me out on it!! Thanks again Beth.
Kim @ NewlyWoodwards says
This is a good list, but I think that different circumstances call for different "rules," too. I def. try to give credit, and I understand asking for permission. However, with that said, I think sometimes it's going a little overboard and difficult to manage if I always need to ask permission to put something on my blog if I am crediting it.
I'm still working out a system to even make sure I have the right person to give credit to. Since I've always been told that I should host my own photo (Do you agree?), it's a process. Save the photo. Add the url as the title for the photo. Upload to Flickr. Add the url to the Flickr page. Add to blog. Adding another step to this by asking permission makes it a little challenging. I often add photos way in advance before I decide to post it on the blog. So, did I ask them? Do I need to? That's my challenge. It's an ongoing process. But, your post has definitely made my consider trying to get permission for everything I use that isn't mine.
Sorry for the long comment, but this is something that I struggle with. I write the blog to document my life and as a creative outlet. I don't make money. I have a full-time job. If I made a decor item with the inspiration of another blog, do I need to ask permission to post a photo of my inspiration? Open question…. =) I'm anxious to read more responses.
DaisyGirl says
Thanks for these tips. I just started blogging and realized I need these tips!!! I know I've already done some things incorrect! Thanks!!! (I just found your blog and will keep coming back. I work with college students who have disabilities, so the story of your son on this entry hit very close to my heart.)
Tony and Julee Huy says
I also have a son with autism and on the blog where I write about our journey I kept having someone leave anonymous negative comments. I felt the same way: How cowardly!!
Great post!
Amy {The Red Chair Blog} says
What a great post! I'm glad you addressed the issue of trading comments. I really struggle with this. I try to visit every commenter, but it's SO time-consuming–and with a 14 month old toddler at home, just getting a post out takes a Herculean effort…and several naps combined.
I've been a victim of the "here" link issue, though to the best of my knowledge I've always linked to others by name.
I struggle with the "asking permission before linking" issue (just due to time constraints) and admit that sometimes I've done it and sometimes I haven't. I'm flattered when someone features me with a photo and a named link even without asking permission, so maybe this is why I've been lax about this. Curious to see what others think.
Amanda says
I forgot to add one other thing. 🙂 You mentioned your facebook ordeal. I have a person facebook, like everyone else, but I created a fan page for each of my blogs. That way, followers to my blogs can become a fan and see my crafting or cooking related posts, without all my personal posts. This would be a good option for you, or anyone who has a blog, but prefers to keep their facebook profile separate from their blog life 🙂
Gina says
Wonderful reminders! I've been guilty of breaking a few too! It's all about mutual kindness and respect, isn't it?
Jess @ Frugal with a Flourish says
Good post! I actually just realized I commented the "Here" fallacy the other day – oops – will go and correct immediately! Although I did include the blogger and their blog, I didn't link to it, which I normally do.
My attitude about linking has been that you need to treat your blog like a research paper and if you find a great idea somewhere else you need to CITE where you got it!
Hopeful Housewife says
Beth, Thank you so much for posting this! As a new blogger, I have often wondered about a few of these things. I have always hated the "here" thing.But I am really guilty of #1. I always post then email or send a comment to let the person know. Guess I need to start asking first. Headed to add my email to my profile! Thanks again!
Tricia says
This was a great list. I will say that the one thing that I am guilty of on occasion is not contacting the person I'm linking to when I do my inspire me posts. All too often I have a 2 y.o. grabbing at me and pulling me away. In an effort to get the post out there, I occasionally don't contact the owner of the blog right away to tell them that I featured them. I'm working on it. 😉
XO*Tricia
Amanda says
I've only been blogging for about 15 months. However, before that I owned a website (not a blog) for 11 years. The two are extremely different and I learned a lot along the way. The one thing that isn't different is that people, whether they know better or not, will steal your stuff and post it without credit. Honestly, even though the "more here" link stinks, it's far better than having someone just lift your stuff, post it on a blank blog and glean google adsense revenue from your hard work. I have a craft blog and a food blog. With my food blog, I always credit the blogger by blog name, personally I just think it flows better and sounds better than "more here". Besides, it can build a commoradarie (sp?) among bloggers when you mention them by name.
If you were to comment on my blog on one of my crafts and say something like "oh that's so cute, I did something similar with blah blah blah" i don't see anything wrong with that, and I don't see it as self promotion. 🙂 I think it ties in with the point you made about visiting all the commentor's blog. A lot of people (myself included!) will just stop by and say "how cute" or "that's adorable", but if you take the time to tell me about a craft you made that's similar, it makes me want to come and see what you do. Why? Because we obviously have similar interests in crafting and that's what entices me to visit some of the craft blogs that I do.
I recently was contacted by Craft Passion and asked if she could feature my light bulb ornaments. She didn't want to use the entire post, just pictures and she would write a short blurb to her readers and then link back to me. I thought it was great that she asked, but to be honest, I never would have expected her to if she were just linking over to me. Again, I think that's probably because of all my years as a webmaster, that's just how it's done in that "world". People link to you, then their visitors come to your site to get the info. The blog world is so different that way, and I am still getting used to that 😉
Anyway, I know I was long winded, but wanted you to know that I do enjoy your craft projects and I hope you enjoy mine. Have a nice rest of the weekend 🙂
Oh! And your A and Z are just darling 🙂 🙂
Linda @ Craftaholics Anonymous says
Same thing has happened to me!! Made me super mad! They pretty much take credit for everything you did, and the only credit you get "is here". HATE HATE HATE that!! Truly is stealing AND rude. I should post a copyright blurp as well. I've been thinking about doing it. Didn't know how people would take it. I'll follow your lead. thanks for sticking up for yourself!
Linda
Lorie says
My blog Christmas wish would be that EVERY blogger would have an email address on their profile! I love to respond to my comments via email and I am always sad when I type out a response and then realize that the email address is noreply@blogger.com!
😛
MOM OF 2 says
Good information. I was reading thinking..have I ever done any of that? I hope I always give credit where credit is due….I would love someone to look at my blog and say do this or oh you shouldn't do that. Cause I have no clue…
Heather@PixieDust says
great discussion topic! In real life I have a bit of a potty mouth, but the people I spend time with don't mind. But here, I have to be really cautious I don't comment "colorfully" – so I just write like I'm talking to my Grandma.
Dogmom Diva says
Beth, great post, I am also a fairly new blogger and I'm sure I'm guilty of many of these no no's. I try to respect people's boundaries but hey no one is perfect. I am also guilty of the 'here' thing, will work on that..
Miss Madison's Mommy says
Thank you for this post, Im soooo guilty too! I will do better I promise!
Darla says
I for one am glad to see this list. I always put the entire http:…….. address for a link click and have been corrected and even sent email telling me how to do the click here thingy..some of 'us' get a little too friendly, I'm guilty too!
My name is PJ. says
Oh Beth, I am totally guilty of #2! In fact, when I learned to hyper link, I thought linking to 'here' was savvy.
Thank you for doing this post. I've only been blogging since March and I bet I've alienated people on multiple occasions!