SOCIAL MEDIA + YOU

I read a lot of blogs. I don’t discriminate against genres, I read whatever I feel like reading, whether it be about social media, entertainment, sports, personal etc. I have my go-to’s and then I have the ones I frequent less often.

Here are a few things I’ve learned about Blogger Etiquette:

Blogging is meant to do two things:

1. Provide a place for the writer to express themselves and/or inform their readers about something the reader may not already know about.
2. Offer a place for community between the writer and readers.

Many of us have the first part nailed down. We either write on a blog or we read it. We’re good at that part. It’s easier to be the reader than the writer, but there are so many good writers out there. The problem isn’t the writing or reading of the blogs.

What I often see lacking from so many good blogs is the sense of community.

Comment sections are often left blank… that bums me out. I think the comment section coupled with the opportunity to share the post and spark a conversation through social media is just as important as the post itself. Insightful feedback is not only beneficial to the post’s author, but it may provide some clarity or “devil’s advocate” work that would otherwise be lacking from the post.

I find myself reading good blog posts, having thoughts about the post, but never voicing them to the author or the readers. I never really thought about it until I started caring that people weren’t responding to my blog posts… but I’m not being a good blogger.

So I’ve started voicing my opinions in the comment section. If I don’t have opinions, then I let the writer know I thought it was funny, or thought provoking, or just good. I also post links to good blogs on my Twitter and Facebook page. If I’ve found something good, I should share it.

Here are a few things to consider as a blog reader:

• If you have thoughts about the post you’re reading, leave a comment.
• If you like a blog post, like it publicly.
• If you think others will like the blog post, share it on social media.
• If you’ve done all those things and you find yourself coming back for more, follow that blogger - and let them know that you find their stuff insightful.

Here are a few things to consider as a blog writer:

• Ask questions and provoke conversation throughout your blog post.
• If someone takes the time to comment on your blog, and asks YOU a question, answer them back.
• If someone follows you, and you like their stuff too, follow them back.
• Give a shout out to those who share your post with their friends, it’ll go a long way.

Lastly, remember that anything you read on the Internet has to come from someone’s brain. They have thoughts and feelings, and they probably worked hard to craft those words into sentences. Give them credit, and encourage them by letting them know you read it and you like it.

C’mon bloggers, let’s all be friends. Do you think you have good blogger etiquette?