Blogging, the hottest trend in online publishing right now, is currently spreading like wildfire across the Internet.
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 gives 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. A successful blog ultimately becomes a community of people (albeit in cyberspace), so proper social behavior is essential to becoming an effective and acceptable member of the community.
Keep these ground rules in mind when approaching a new blog that allows reader comments. Don't fall for the wrong ending of reprimands from people who run by different rules than you.
As in any social environment, violations of group rules and conventions quickly provoke negative reactions.
**Stay relevant**
When commenting on blogs, stay on topic.
Nothing provokes the anger and contempt of fellow contributors and blog owners more than posting off-topic comments. ** See what others are doing **
Different blogs have different rules. An acceptable price on one blog would be a verbal flogging on another.
Before you post (especially if you've never posted to a particular blog before), check out the types and quality of posts others regularly post.
Are they long or short?
Do they link to that person's website? Is there a "signature" under her name?
**Be polite**
Whether it's the author of the blog or the comments of other readers, it's okay to disagree when others make comments.
However, it is not acceptable to attack someone personally or make offensive comments on other people's blogs.
If you want, do it on your own blog.
It's the same principle that you can say anything in your own home, but when you're in someone else's home, do the right thing (and do better than you do at home).
