Thursday, September 18, 2008

Blogging Etiquette

I'm a firm believer in reciprocation - if someone does something nice for me, I need to be willing to do something nice for them. I also feel the Golden Rule is an important rule...if not the most important rule. And of course there's Karma - to the extent that what goes around...comes around.

Having said all that - I haven't really "practiced what I've preached." That's right, I'm calling myself a hypocrite. I know there are no official written rules about blogging. However, in my mind I've always felt like it was an unwritten rule - or rather good sportsmanship - to comment on fellow bloggers blogs...especially those who comment on my own. Am I alone in this thought process? Don't get me wrong and feel like I keep a tally of everyone who does or does not comment on my blog. This isn't me calling anyone out, - just myself. I really have dropped the ball on this one.

But before you send me to the dogs, let me plead my case.

1. Google Reader. Does anyone else use this? I LOVE IT!!!! It sends an RSS feed every time someone posts something new on their blog. This way I never have to make several unneccessary trips to hundreds (that might be an exagheration) of blogs to see if they made a new post. Instead I click on my igoogle account and view all the lastest post in one full swoop. NICE! So I do read your blog...how do you know? If you're reading my blog I can gaurantee I'm reading yours...even if your name isn't listed on my sidebar. That's right, I'm stalking you!

2. Work. You would think with the convenience of Google Reader that it'd be easier to post a comment on your blog. Not the case. My work frowns apon personal internet use. (Imagine that!) I'm sure it doesn't make sense to you, "so she can read our blogs at work but she can't comment on them?" Commenting on a blog is a little more obvious. Clicking on igoogle (aka: google.com) is a little more subtle.

3. Too much computer. Let's be honest. After staring at a computer for 10-hours a day the last thing I want to do when I get home is stare at it some more. Not that you're not important to me...but really. My eyes are tired! Plus at this point I have already forgotten who's blog I read for the day and who's blog I need to comment on.

4. Just plain lazy.

Yep, it's pretty selfish of me to take, take, take...always reading and never commenting. I'm sorry. I really am. Will this change my future behavior? I can't make any promises. I will try to get back to the blogging etiquette...but if I'm not successful - please don't block me from your blog. It's my little bit of sunshine during my bleak days at work.

8 comments:

Josette said...

you have to comment on my blog to keep it alive. plain and simple. don't want it to die do ya???

Minna Dyer said...

I blame my google reader for not making comments also, and I know many others in the same boat.
I do try to make a round of comments every once in a while : )

Jeanna said...

See, my unofficial rule is that you MUST post more than 3 times in a month, you MUST!

Rule breaker...

Jeff said...

I appreciate your comments......when you leave them! :)

Collette said...

Bloglines was the death of my comments as well. I always think of comments...they just don't get left very often.

The Babkm5 said...

You crack me up girl! I love your blog and will always have time to leave a comment for you..your posts always seem so thought out. You have awesome and interesting topics :)

Anonymous said...

Ha! So what do you think of CAPS LOCK?? I just posted on this aspect of blogging manners myself...

I think you're right: generally, commenting is expected to be reciprocal. However, reciprocity can also be overdone or too obvious - don't you think?

I'm thinking of people who unfailingly comment if you leave a comment, but their comments are always like "Great post!" or "Wonderful!" It becomes really clear that they probably don't actually read your posts and just want the comment back...

Jen Demaris said...

I dont keep tallies if that makes you feel better! (your turn to comment on mine now)