Being a beginner blogger can be scary! You’re out there, doing your thing, when you realize -oops!- you offended someone! You forgot to link to your source or reblogged an idea or accidentally promoted your blog on someone else’s. We’ve all been there, don’t stress! Here are a few “blogiquette” guidelines for you to follow.
These are obviously my personal opinions, please feel free to contribute your own blogiquette rules in the comments!
“The Brainstormer” print by Nan Lawson on Etsy
Why do you blog? You have something unique to share with the world. So share it! It’s okay to share others’ ideas once in a while. In fact, it’s good to share the work of people you admire, and it can be a great way to meet other bloggers. But if you are constantly “re-blogging” instead of just blogging, your readers will catch on fast.
Sharing is one thing, but it is never okay to steal the work of others without giving the creator credit. Here are my general rules for sharing content:
Credit, credit, credit. When I talk about an idea, post, or photo I found somewhere else, I like to go a step beyond linking to the source and write a few sentences about how and where I found it. I also use the writer’s real name, as long as they use it publicly on their blog. This can make your words of appreciation go even further.
Don’t take everything. This especially applies to DIY tutorial-type posts, including recipes. If I were to use every image and word, readers would have no reason to visit the original post. Borrow one or two photos, write your own description of the post or project, and allow your readers to follow the link.
Comments make bloggers happier than cupcakes. But there is a right and a wrong way to comment! First and foremost, be genuine. If you like something, say so! But don’t go overboard.
Don’t use your comments to promote yourself. There is a box to include your URL with you comment, feel free to link to your blog or site there, but don’t link to yourself in the body of your comment.
Read first, comment second. If you have a question after you read a post, go back and read it again. Then check in the comments to see if anyone else asked. If you still don’t see the answer, ask away! But please stop back and say thank you if the blogger took the time to respond.
Respond to comments, visit readers’ blogs when possible, leave comments generously. Participate in conversations on Twitter and Facebook.
Personally, I try my hardest to respond to comments by new readers and people asking questions, as well as any especially awesome comments. If someone @ replies me on Twitter, I will always follow them back. I check out my commenters’ blogs and leave comments when I have a moment, and I comment on blogs who mention me or my blog when I spot them. I understand that many “big” bloggers can’t possibly do this for all of their readers, but for now, this loose policy works for me.
Do I even have to say this? Bloggers love to be talked about, and because of this, they have lots of ways to find out who is talking about them and what they are saying. One time I found someone had pinned a project from my blog along with the caption: “Cute idea, but this girl needs to get a job.” Now, I write about pretty benign topics, so I don’t expect much controversy and, truth be told, worse things have been said about a lot of bloggers. But there is really no reason to bash others in any way – that is not the way to become popular!
So, what do you think? What guidelines would you add to my “blogiquette” list?
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Great post! I try to respond to comments on my blog (there aren’t many!) but a lot of times I’m at work when I’m approving them (on my phone) and unfortunately I’m not able to respond. Then I’ll be all forgetful and not do it when I get home either. I think several of these are just common sense too.
This happens to me sometimes because I read them on my phone and forget to respond when I get home. I try to sit down once a week (usually Sunday) and go through to see if I missed any.
These are GREAT!! And you already know how I feel about the “Read the post BEFORE commenting” one, lol. I have to add one – if you email a blogger and ask for advice/experience/opinion/etc and it requires a lengthy response on behalf of the blogger, which they send to you, PLEASE be kind enough to at least acknowledge it with a thank you!!!! Someone once commented on a post asking specific questions about our Elvis wedding in Vegas and asked me to email them about it, which I did, in detail, and……I never heard from them. No thank you, nothing. Kinda rude, no?
Grr, that would make me so mad! We like talking about ourselves, that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate a thank you, right?
I totally agree with all of these Blogiquette Rules. I believe them to be extremely important characteristics to maintain as a blogger, but moreover, as a person. I try my best to live my life by these principles in general, and it translates to my blog. It is widely the case that people transfer their persona’s onto the blogging image. I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong, supportive, creative, kind and thoughtful bloggers.
And I love your sweet blog!
Meg
Seriously, they seem like they should be common sense, right? Sometimes people seem to forget their manners on the internet : (
This is a great list Kira. It’s my pet peeve when someone leaves their blog url in a comment when it’s already linked in their name, but I must admit I may have done it a few times when I was a beginner. I’m glad you addressed it here.
Leaving thoughtful relevant comments is really important. Sometimes I read though the comments on my favorite blogs , and go see what’s up on their blog because I related to something in their comment.
Also, when I first started reading blogs I felt weird commenting, because I didn’t know the person. It was especially hard to do it if I was the first commenter, but now I get how much comments mean to bloggers, and I always leave a comment if I like a post. The “likes” are nice, but it means so much more when a comment is left.
I’ve actually started deleting URLs from comments, I decided it my own personal policy. And I agree – thoughtful, relevant comments are the BEST!
I’ve done that a time or two as well. Or I just don’t post the comment at all, if it’s totally irrelevant.
:/ I am a little nervous because I have shared my URL in a few posts before. HOWEVER, and that is a big however, I shared the direct link of how my project turned out (the same project they were tutorial-ing.) I always give credit in my posts though. Do you think it is okay to share the direct link to the same project in order to show the outcome? I have had the authors of the blogs thank me for sharing how mine turned out.
All of these are really good things to know. I’ve been trying to up my commenting on people’s blogs, rather than just lurking, which means a bit of extra effort if I’m reading on my iPhone or through an RSS reader, but I think it’s worth it to let people know I like their stuff.
I am seriously in love with this post, Kira, and try to do all of these things on a daily basis. Although I need to remember to ask commenters more questions to keep the convo going, I do always thank them and always visit their blogs. If someone takes the time to comment on my blog, theirs at least deserves a read. And you’d better believe I’ll be spreading this post like wildfire!
Love, love, love this list! I am trying to work on commenting and the like.
Also, most days I’m too busy to read a lot of blogs, but I always set aside an hour or two on the weekend to catch up and comment on the ones I love (including those who support mine).
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by blog reading, right?? Good idea to set aside time specifically for reading and commenting!
This is a FANTASTIC post–if only all the bloggers out there would read it… (sharing on Twitter now in hopes that they do!)
Irecently had this message brought home to me because I WAS part of a Facebook group that was protesting Lifetime Networks upcoming show The Client List. I noticed something in the comments of one member that I thought would make a good blog post. (My post was a criticism of an individuals comments) Because my post was about dispelling myths about Corporate Spas such as Hotel and Resort Spas, I posted it to the same list. This did not go over well. The indivudal whos comments I used as a baseline recognized herself in my post and managed to have me removed from the Facebook group. That says something about fascism and freedom of speech and I learned a lesson but I would add that when you use an individual as inspiration for blog posts, don’t make it easy for them to find your post or there will be war.
This is a great list! I always try my best to source and give a shout out/link to others when I get an idea from their blog. I’ve experienced the read first, comment second one back with my wedding blog. Someone asked a couple of questions on a project, of which all the answers could be found in the post if they had just read through it.
Great list and beautifully done! I love banners and they gave the post a really nice touch.
Thanks Bailie, I just can’t stand text-only posts!!
OMG Amen sister! You couldn’t have said it any better
I get emails all the time asking for design advice, which I willingly give out on my blog when the topics are popular and I really feel like my readers will enjoy the answers.. but I have this same “reader” who emails me almost weekly now with design questions. Her most recent email actually said “wow I should really be paying you for this!” I mean.. as a licensed Interior Designer, yes.. yes you should. I have a hard time saying no to people though, but this chica never thanks me and just keeps piling on the questions! Ughhh!! Now I feel like a bad blogger for not catering to every single person’s questions!
OMG Amen sister! You couldn’t have said it any better I get emails all the time asking for design advice, which I willingly give out on my blog when the topics are popular and I really feel like my readers will enjoy the answers.. but I have this same “reader” who emails me almost weekly now with design questions. Her most recent email actually said “wow I should really be paying you for this!” I mean.. as a licensed Interior Designer, yes.. yes you should. I have a hard time saying no to people though, but this chica never thanks me and just keeps piling on the questions! Ughhh!! Now I feel like a bad blogger for not catering to every single person’s questions!
**sorry for the duplicate post.. I didn’t mean to sign in with twitter, you can delete it!**
I definitely know the feeling, and it can make you feel disheartened because you WANT to help people and you don’t want your feelings about a select few to put a damper on your future interactions with others.
But girl (can I be honest for a sec?), don’t sell yourself short!! If you’re putting a ton of time and effort into helping people for no appreciation, credit, or MONEY, stop! If I were you, I would do two things: Create a policy and post it. Something like “Your Modern Couple would love to help you with your design problems and projects, but unfortunately, we don’t have time to get to all requests. Fill out this form and if we want to include your question on our blog, we’ll be in touch!” That way you’re not committing yourself to helping EVERY SINGLE person. Second of all, giiiirl, cash in on that! After a certain number of emails, it is absolutely okay to say, “I have really enjoyed working with you and would love to continue, here is my price list for consultations.”
I know it can be scary to put numbers to what your knowledge is worth (I am in the process of considering my own blog building business venture) but people won’t take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously!! Feel free to email me if you want to chat a bit more, I promise not to charge you ; )
Thanks Kira! haha it all sounds so easy when you say it! It’s just kind of annoying because when I do send people my rates (which are extremely reasonable) I never hear from them again. I don’t want to lose readers because I’m being greedy, but in the end. I guess it’s what I have to do. Thanks for the support friend
awesome post. I really like the images you created to go with it. Blogging takes a community doesn’t it? When people break the rules, it hurts everyone. Comments are better than cupcakes
No comment days are sad days.
I agree!! “no comment days are sad days”
I love this post!!! We’ve discussed this on Twitter before…and you couldn’t have said it any better. Very thorough! Now I’m thinking back to when I started blogging and mentally checking to see if I followed your commandments… I think I did?! Or I hope I did! I try to ignore the rule breakers, but that’s all we can do… unless we want to start an internet bar brawl. No need for nonsense. Again, great job Kira. Well said!
This is so helpful, Kira! I’m a new blogger myself, and things can get so confusing/overwhelming on the blogosphere! I’m been reading your Primp My Blog series, too. Just wanted to let you know that I’ve learned a lot!
Thank you so much for posting this. As a totally new blogger (like less than 10 posts!) It can be a bit intimidating jumping right in when everybody around around you seems to know what’s what.
This little list is going up on my studio wall for sure.
Thanks again, and keep up the good blogging…your posts are a pleasure to read!
Caitlin
This is such a great post… I think the ‘don’t be a selfish blogger’ one is especially good. And what Layla said on people asking you to email them with stuff/ideas… I get so many emails asking for stuff, such as Edinburgh tips (which I do reply to but maybe not that quickly) and hardly anyone ever replies! Never been sure why that is!
Lots of good tips here, especially the one about GIVING CREDIT! Stealing other people’s work is wrong.
Reblogged this on Such heavenly love. and commented:
Relevant (:
This is a great list! Thanks for posting it!
In regards to people putting their links within the comments & it being seen as spammy, what are your thoughts then on being on Facebook and commenting as your page? You sign in as the page so that it doesn’t say “Name of person” but instead “Name of shop” when commenting. Is that spammy too?
Definitely not! I comment on tons of pages on Facebook as my blog, and for me, it’s really more for anonymity than self-promotion. Just be sure to leave thoughtful, relevant comments : )
Thanks for the quick reply! I too was looking at it from an anonymity standpoint but was concerned it could look otherwise. I do, however, still question commenting like that with other photographers for fear it might not seem kosher (like I am impeding on their “turf”). I have to ruminate on that one a bit more…..
Kira, this is such a great article. I love the tips. I think they were all very helpful and I totally agree. There is nothing more annoying to me then someone who only comments on my blog to ask me to follow them, the second most annoying is when the comment left has nothing to really do with what I wrote. Like “cute pics” I took forever to write, edit the post and I want genuine feedback! Thank you for linking this post up to my blog. Very helpful!
This is an excellent post. I agree with every single guideline 100%. There is nothing worse than a blog comment that says something along the lines of : “this is cute! Follow me!!!! http://www.Ionlycareaboutfollowers.blogspot.com” ha obviously I’m exaggerating but that is honestly my worst pet-peeve ever.
Sidenote, I can’t believe someone made that comment when they pinned a blog post of yours. Not only because it was incredibly rude of them but did they really think that you’d never see it? Man some people, I swear. Why even say something rude like that in the first place! Ridiculous.
Hi,
Thank you so much for this very helpful series! I am starting my own blog and feel quite daunted at the task… (This is also my first comment on a blog ever, so I guess I really am taking the plunge!)
I just have a quick couple of questions – I did check through the article and the comments so hopefully you haven’t answered it already…
When you do use content from another blog, is it enough to give credit or do you have to ask them for permission first as well?
Equally, if you take your own picture of a product from a famous brand, I’m guessing you should link to their own website or at least acknowledge the source, right?
Sorry for these very specific questions but they’ve really been holding me back… I don’t want to do anything wrong!
Thank you!
Lovely post, thank you
I appreciate how caring your blog is!
Ps. posted your pin on my blog… hope you don’t mind!
It’s nice having experienced bloggers looking out for us newbies. So, thank you! Your blog has been so helpful to me.
This was a Great Post! Mos Def going to take it all in, I am a new blogger so this is very much appreciated!
Really appreciated this article! We (my sister and I) started a blog this past fall and wow, i am finding it to be a steep learning curve! And i’m finding there definitely is such a thing as blog etiquette, just like cell phone etiquette!! I love your tips and agree that as a blogger, i LOVE to receive comments…it affirms that people out there are finding what we post to be of value!! I definitely make sure i respond to each and every comment, though ironically, i have never had a blogger respond to any of my comments! Interesting hey? thx again!
Amen! These are some great tips. Thanks for sharing!
Great post. Picked up ALOT of tips! Thanks
Great tips!
I think there should be a great internet manual someplace, where all the hints and tips for everyone are listed.
When you are first starting out, it is so hard to judge what is accepted and what is not.
I think though that everyone has to start somewhere, and if you mess up, it is nice of someone to politely let you know! Just so you don’t mess up again in the same way!
Perfect advice for everyone and anyone no matter how experienced or new you may be to the “interwebs” of communicating! I know a smile stretches from ear to ear when I see I have new comments or followers!
Love this! Just found your blog, and I am loving all your tips. Thank you very much!
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I’ve recently started a blog, and am new to blogging in general – this is so helpful! Great post to keep in my back pocket.
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Thanks for these great tips. I am very nervous about the ‘rules’ and found these tips super helpful.
I find it disheartening when people I follow on Twiter or Facebook don’t follow back – sometimes people forget we all had to start at the bottom.
Chasing the Donkey recently posted..Wind breathes life into a pig
SJ – I’ll admit that I don’t have time to monitor and follow back every single person who follows me on Twitter or Facebook, but if someone is engaging with me, sending me @ replies, writing on my wall, and commenting, I follow back, for sure! I think many bloggers do the same – just something to keep in mind! ; )
Cheers Kira!
Chasing the Donkey recently posted..Clearing the rubble
Hello!
I just stumbled onto your blog and been reading your posts lately. (I tend to do that, find a blog and read everything! ha) and I really love this post! I need all the tips I can get, haha and plus it’s nice for someone like me to learn a bit. I’ve been blogging for long time, just switching and switching to finally a blog that actually will stay with me. And I’m searching for the purpose of my blog. It’s hard to really figure out when I’m balancing with school and other stuff. But I think the important thing is have your life set then you can blog at ease, you know? I went through the process of changing major, finding 3 new roommates, competing for miss deaf america title, and so many things in just few months. It’s overwhelming but I know it’ll take a while.
Just thought I’ll drop a line
I enjoyed reading this post. Great reminder about being kind to your fellow bloggers by following some simple guidelines. Luckily, I’m new and haven’t had any bad experiences yet.
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THANKS… you stuff is real informative, beautiful and helpful as it has really helped me as a new blogger =)
Thank you so much! I stumbled onto your website I don’t know how, but I got so much out of it in the past couple of days. Thank you.
Thank you. I am currently in the process of a “beginner blog” and I feel so incredibly clueless! It’s important to me that I learn blogettiquette from the get go. I have sooo many questions, I’m perusing your posts, but if you (or any readers) know of a great place to begin (how to find relevant blogs to follow, how to gain readership…), I’d be very interested to connect! I need help.
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Great post, thanks for sharing!
What if part of your blog is reviewing or just making your own judgements about certain topics/events. Is it better to stay true to who you are and say how you feel or edit your thoughts to avoid offending potential readers?
Thanks!
I have been reading your brilliant posts over coffee this morning and this one in particular struck a chord with me. Lately I have been noticing a lot of “follow for a follow” bloggers. Being fairly new to this and starting my own blog as a way to share the things that I love and those which inspire me, I love your suggestions on “Blogiquette” for ways to improve interaction with fellow bloggers. Nicely done!
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