I have a question. I think it's a serious question, although it doesn't rank up there with questions that will change the world, or even change someone's life. But depending on the answer, it could change the way I do things.
Sometimes when I read other people's blogs, I'll notice a comment made in their blog comment section from a blogger that I've never noticed, or read, before. If the comment piques my interest, I will go visit their blog and read what they have to say.
Now when someone puts a blog on their blogroll, I assume (I hope correctly) that they are saying to fellow bloggers, "These are the blogs that I enjoy reading...go visit them, I hope that you enjoy them too". But what happens when it's an interesting comment that draws you to someones blog? Is it o.k. to comment on that blog too? Do you need to ask permission from the person who's blog contained the comment? You know something like "Hi _____, I noticed that you received a comment from _____. I clicked on their name, and really enjoy what their blog is about. Would you mind if I comment on their blog as well, or do you want to keep them all to yourself? Do comments become the property of the blogger?
Before you think that I am totally whacked out...I am asking this question, because my sister, mentioned early on in blogging that she wanted to keep some of the blogs that she found in her search through blogland, to herself. I can totally understand her feelings on this matter, since she had to put up with me following her around when we were younger. So I figure she doesn't want me "dogging" her footsteps now that we are adults. As a result, when I see someone new in her comment section, I read their comment, but I don't click on their link.
Me, on the other hand... being the younger sister, doesn't mind if my sister, or anyone else for that matter were to comment on everyone's comments from my blog. I enjoy reading all of your blogs, so my assumption is that you would all enjoy each others blogs. But, since I am fairly new to blogging, I would like to know what is the proper etiquette? Do people even care? I just want to be sure because I wouldn't want anyone to feel that I am "dogging" them, or stepping on their toes.
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17 comments:
good question Lynn - I am awaiting peoples' responses, since I have no idea about blog etiquette.
My opinion, since I don't know anything about blogging etiquette either, I like it when people comment on my blog. If I read someone's blog I think it is polite to comment at least a couple of times to let them know you are there and reading their blog. If I am the writer of the blog in question it often makes my day to have someone leave a comment or to make a new friend. If I am the one reading a new blog I think that it is polite to show my appreciation to the writer of the blog. Except, for me when someone has say more than 50 comments I don't feel obligated to say hello. But, that is just me. I don't comment every single time I read every single blog, but I try to comment once a week or so to the blogs I read regularly and I try to say hello when I visit a new blog. I never heard of keeping bloggers to oneself. I think that is a disservice to the writer of the blog. Sorry for such a long comment. I love your blog, glad I met you via a common blogger.
Marsha said what I was thinking better than I could. I don't see anything wrong with following a link from one blog to another, whether it's a comment that someone has left or a blogroll link. This is how I find new blogs to read. In fact, it's how I found your blog (through a comment you left on Sari's/The Geek Inside's blog). I'll probably go visit Marsha's blog for the same reason.
I don't see this as following someone around. I think of it more as sharing interests with someone. If someone else I know reads a blog that I've started reading, I can usually guess that the blog would be something I'd be interested in as well.
The only types of comments that drive me nuts are people who leave comments just for the sake of getting comments on their own blog. Kind of like, you pat my back, and I'll pat yours. I didn't realize that people actually did this until I read a post by someone asking for advice on how to attract more readers. She wondered if she should comment on other people's blogs every day or only when she had a new post on her own blog. I noticed that this person's comments were always "fluffy" and didn't seem to have much thought behind them. Not that I am very good at coming up with witty things to say (most of the time I just ramble - can you tell?). Sometimes I can't think of much to say but feel it's polite to leave a comment to say "hi, I stopped by today." I still try to do it with heart and not with the intent of attracting attention (but that's my personality offline as well).
Whew, looks like I'm raising the bar as far as long comments go...
Good question, and like the others, I don't the answer as it relates to blogging etiquette. But I will take a stab at as it relates to your sister. The sister connection changes the equation. Because you know each other's actual identity in addition to virtual identities. Honoring her request about comments is the sister thing to do. I've you and your sisters share with one another quite a bit on your blog, it's normal and respectable that she would want relationships outside of the one she shares with her sister. Everyone needs some space of their own and some of us compartmentalize to accomplish this.
In general, I know that by littering the web with comments, I will subject myself to being peeped in on others, unless I choose to make anonymous comments (I don't). I have accepted that my virtual self is open to interactions with strangers, and welcome them to visit my blog. If someone finds me via the comment section of another blog, that's fine. Admittedly, I have found others that way. I confess, I never considered if it was appropriate, since it was so easily accessible. I assumed...and maybe inappropriately.
Okay I admit it...I sorta remember saying something like that early on in my blogging life...but I was a newbie blogger and was just being overly sensitive about things. But honestly...I didnt really mean it. Please feel free to comment on anyone's blog...I'm not trying to keep mine all to myself...trust me! Mea culpa, mea culpa.
I don't think that there are any blog rules other than the regular terms of service. ;o)
As for etiquette I don't know anything about that.
The way I see it is that the blogosphere is a free enterprise of potential friends. I don't see anything wrong with clicking on a link either from the blogroll or from the comments to check out someone who seems interesting. And I don't see how a blogger would be upset that you're visiting one of their commenters...I mean that's what the spam commenters are hoping for. LOL
Blog on.
It's perfectly okay to follow the links from the comments of other people's blogs. I do it all the time.
I usually say hello when i visit a blog for the first time, and say where i came from:
"Hi there, i'm here from XXYYZZ's blog. This looks like fun." Or some such. Then i lurk around and read for a while to see if i want to come back.
Google Reader is a huge help with this.
Of course, i havre no credibility as an etiquette expert. :)
I don't think it matters. However you discover a new blog is cool. Like I found yours via Patches' blog and I read hers via Menos'. I don't think it matters.
If it really random, I might say something like "Patches insisted I read your blog and comment..." but that's not always a given.
The blogroll is a separate issue I will avoid.
Patti - Evidently the experts have spoken.
Marsha - I like it when people comment on my blog, too. I don't think I even know 50 people, so I doubt that anyone will feel overwhelmed reading my blog anytime soon. Sounds like you are enjoying Mississippi (I just sang the little tune for spelling Mississippi, when I typed it...how strange is that?)
Lynanne - I think it's sad that some people are so wrapped up in "What's in it for them", that they only want to comment on others blogs as a way to get people to comment on theirs. You're right, their comments tend to be filled with "fluff" rather than substance. Of course, someday's my head is filled with fluff and then so are my comments):~)
Patches - I totally "get" the sister thing, and had no problem with her comment. I just wouldn't want someone else to find me commenting on the same posts as them and wonder whether or not I am so uncreative that I can't find different blogs to comment on. I initially found your blog because of a direct link in which she named your blog, from Meno's blog...I don't think I've ever thanked Meno for that. I'll put it on my list of things to do.
Joan - Now you've asked for it! Just kidding. Thanks big sis! (is "big" better than "old"?)
Renee - Good point. Well taken. I find it hard to believe that there are actually spam commenters out there. And by the way...I think that you know alot about etiquette both in the blogosphere and in real life. How are the plans for Darly's birthday coming along?
Meno - Thanks for the green light. I thought it was o.k., just wanted to be sure. Sometimes it stinks being such a people pleaser! As far a credibility as an etiquette expert...don't sell yourself short.
Egan - I think you're right. It doesn't matter how we find a blog that we enjoy reading, it just matters that we find it!
What's so different about a blogroll? Is there something that I am missing? Something that I should know about it??? As you have written..."Inquiring minds want to know".
Nah, there's nothing to it. They tend to be a tad bit more political. Some take it personally if you don't include their link when they've added you. Some people use their blogrolls for different things though.
I'm kind of mean though and if someone asks me why I haven't added them, I tend to hold off or not add them at all. Like I said, it's kind of complicated to explain and way too political. I see I'm not on yours, but I honestly am not offended by that. Some bloggers seem to get annoyed if they're not included. I consider it an honor, but not a slap in the face.
However you find a blog is cool. It honestly shouldn't matter what led you there.
Funny topic since I'm vising your blog because of the comments you left on Egans!
I used to worry about if it was OK to comment on someone's blog if I found theirs through a mutual "blog-friend." But I figure that the whole point of blogging is to open up your horizons. Clicking on someone's link in a comment can sometimes open you up to new and amazing ideas. Most bloggers I know are cool with it and encourage it.
As for the blogroll, I agree with Egan. It's highly political, but for reasons I am unsure of. The blogroll that exists on my blog is there so I can easily navigate to the blogs I stalk/comment frequently without having to go to my favorites folders. I'm lazy, what can I say?
Egan - I guess I must be pretty oblivious. I figured that people put names on their blogroll to direct others to blogs that they like...you know doing something for face value...I didn't realize that there were political undercurrents involved.
Arm - Welcome to my blog. Now that I've heard of the whole political thing from both you and Egan, I guess I better pay more attention to who is and isn't on my blogroll. To be perfectly honest, my sister helped me set it up and I pretty much forgot about it. Guess that shows you how lazy I am. I like your idea about using it to return to blogs that you like without having to click on favorites. Guess I have my work cut out for me.
No, don't change a thing Lynn. Maintain your blogroll as you want. I like to think of mine as blogs I read regularly and recommend to others. Try not to put much thought into. As your blog traffic grows, that's when it gets a bit more complicated. Now I must read your newest post.
Lynn, I guess the experts have spoken!
I do feel better that I wasn't the only one who didn't know what a blogroll was all about either.
I just find blogs I like by reading other peoples' blogs and comments they receive and it just goes and goes.
If someone wanted privacy wouldn't they just write in a journal and keep it on their nightstand?
I thought it was all about community, or as arm commented, about opening up new horizons.
;-)
That's what makes it interesting.
You don't have to pay attention to it if you don't want. The only reason the thing is so political is because some people make it that way. They get upset because they aren't on someone's blogroll and will stop visiting their blog because of it. Recently a fellow blogger was complaining to me because their name was taken off a mutual blog's blogroll. I told him that I hadn't even noticed and he shouldn't dwell on it. I just think it's lame.
My BFF is like you, though - her boyfriend set up her blog and left off the blogroll and she hasn't added one because she's not sure how. Ok, maybe not "like" you, but you know what I meant, right?
I should clarify...lame to get upset about it. I don't think blogrolls are lame. Sorry!
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