Blogging Etiquette and Guideliines

Okay class, here's one more very important piece I require you to read, before you join me on this adventure. For those of you who are new to blogging, this information is key, and for those of you who have blogged before, I want to refresh your memories, and perhaps even impart some new knowledge about being a great blogger! Read on...

summarized from http://blogs.suite101.com/article.cfm/blogging_etiquette
by Zona Marie Tan 

FOR THE BLOG CREATOR:

  1. Bear in mind that you're writing for a global audience. Even though your blog may be a personal one, it's still public and accessible to anyone.  Therefore...

• Avoid using your last name, school name, addresses, or linking your personal email to this school account. 
• Do not write about non-public figures without seeking their permission first.  This is not a venue for personal or school gossip.

2. Be creative; don't steal other people's content. Just because you don't have anything to write to maintain your blog, does not give you the right to copy and paste work onto yours. 

3. Don't be afraid to have an opinion. It doesn't hurt to belong to one side of the fence. In fact, it might make your blog more interesting. 
   

4. Don't make your blog an excuse to make a personal attack on someone. Remember the old saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". 


5. Watch your language. This is a school assignment. It must be professional; use appropriate language.

6. Always return credit where possible. If you are going to copy a text, or use an image, please return the credit and link back to where you found the material. If you are going to use an image of a blog, save it on your own image hosting site. It's rude to copy the image source and link it directly to your blog. 

FOR THE BLOG READER/COMMENTATOR

1. Post comments that are related to the entry. This is not a facebook site. This assignment is more than socializing.

Image found at impressionsthroughmedia.com

2. Be positive, creative, fresh, and unique with your comments - do not just agree with the person who has posted before.  Do not comment if all you have to say is, "I totally agree" or "Great comment!" Make sure your comment has substance. 

3. Engaging in rude and childish behaviour just because you are an anonymous commenter or are behind a pseudonym, is not acceptable. As much as good manners is required in the real world, it works the same in the blogsphere!

If that's too many things to remember, just keep in mind these 3R's:  

• Be Responsible
• Respect the person behind the other keyboard
• Relax. Open your mind, and you will enjoy the blogsphere's endless possibilities.

Now you are ready to create your own blog!