A cross between an online journal and a bulletin board, everyone from rock starts, politicians, business leaders and your average "Joe" or "Jane" can instantly become a center of influence online using blogs.
But, as with any social interaction, certain rules apply (my grandma calls them manners) in order to be viewed as behaving "properly."
One of the things that give blogging such strong appeal as an online publishing method revolves around "comments."
Blogs that allow "comments" enable readers to respond and elaborate on the information posted by the blog owner.
These comments and the free exchange of information, opinions, links, and new ideas creates the dynamic and growing content that makes blogging such a popular online activity for both publishers and readers.
However, rules and unwritten customs about the proper use of "comments" on a specific blog are also where most of the problems and controversy will arise.
Since a successful blog eventually becomes a community of people (albeit in cyberspace), proper social behavior is critical to be an effective and accepted member of the community.
Keep these basic rules in mind when approaching a new blog that allows commenting by readers so you won't find yourself on the wrong end of a scolding by people who operate with a different set of rules than you.
As with any social circle, violating the group's rules and customs will instantly cause a negative backlash.
** Keep It Relevant **
Stay on topic with the post you're commenting about in a blog.
Nothing will earn you the wrath and disdain of your fellow posters and the blog owner faster than posting an off-topic comment.
** Watch What Others Do **
Different blogs operate under different rules. What rates acceptable in one blog would earn you a verbal thrashing in another.
Before posting (especially if you have not posted to a specific blog before), look to see the types and quality of posts others make regularly.
Are they long or short?
Do they contain a link to the person's website?
Is there a "signature" under their name?
** Be Polite **
It's fine to disagree with people when making a comment, whether it's the blog's author or a comment made by another reader.
It is not, however, acceptable to launch a personal attack on anyone or make nasty comments in someone else's blog.
If you feel the need to do so, do it in your own blog.
It's the same principle of you can say whatever you want in your own house, but when you're in someone else's house, you act right (and better than you do at home).
** You Can't Respond to Everyone **
If you operate a blog and someone asks a question, try to respond, but both sides should understand that you can't respond 100% of the time.
Telling my sons to masticate with their mouths closed got their attention because it sounded risque, but it took longer to teach them to take what was nearest when food was passed. They'd contort their bodies to be nearest the biggest piece.
Eat-and-run children aren't particularly interested in learning table etiquette. I tried motivating mine by telling them to pretend we were eating at the White House. Then one asked if we had to pretend we were Republicans too.
Nevertheless, I knew I was making progress when my boys started to correct me. I'd make the mistake of talking with food in my mouth when correcting them. I persisted and eventually achieved the true sign of success - another parent complimented my children's manners. That's like receiving the Oscar for etiquette!
When my sons progressed to pointing out others' mistakes, I was proud; but I realized I hadn't succeeded in teaching them not to point. When they were taught to say "Thank you", they were also taught to say, "You're welcome"; but something went wrong. It seems the entire, English-speaking world needs to be re-taught to say, "You're welcome" - NOT, "No problem"!
Yelling - yes problem. I didn't understand why my mother hated my yelling questions from another room - until my children yelled questions for me. However, modern technology made not yelling easier for them to learn than it was for me. They grew up within reach of phones - phones with intercom buttons.
Then there are cell phones, which have led to new bad manners. When I see people using cell phones in restaurants, I see it as a call for help. I want to go to the table to politely explain it's not polite. I don't because I think I'd have to yell to get their attention.
When in doubt about what to do when dining with others, I told my sons to do whatever the host did - even though that doesn't always work. My high school, math teacher attended a luncheon for Mrs. Einstein. A small orchid decorated each guest's plate. Everyone had to eat the orchids - because Mrs. Einstein did.
Both G.entp3 & Knight Pierce Hirst are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
G.entp3 has sinced written about articles on various topics from Blogging. www.greateducationonline.com. G.entp3's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
Knight Pierce Hirst has sinced written about articles on various topics from Web Development, Humour and Internet Marketing. KNIGHT PIERCE HIRST takes humorous looks at life. at. Knight Pierce Hirst's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.