As I mentioned in my previous post, when you are traveling in a foreign country, you want to do your best to learn the language in order to get around. It's also important to understand a little bit about the culture and the etiquette. Make an etiquette faux pas and the next thing you know a Japanese grandmother is ranting at you incomprehensibly. But, we'll save that story for another time...
The blogosphere has a certain blog etiquette you need to follow as well. To get it right, I decided to go to the experts - Toby Bloomberg from Diva Marketing (Blog) and Paul Chaney the Blog Coach.
When you are writing a post, when is it appropriate to give someone credit? How is that credit given?
Bloggers are the "nicest people" and most generous with "courtesy" links. Link when you find content that you've found on another post. It's almost an informal copy write acknowledgement. It's also a nice way to develop relationships with other bloggers who will find your blog via their stats and often acknowledge you in their posts - more Google juice for you.
Link with acknowledgement can either be part of a post or a notation at the end of the post. At the end of the post you can say something like [Via nameofblog] using the brackets and hyperlinking to the post in question.
What is a trackback? When does someone use it?
Trackbacks: A function used by bloggers to notifies other bloggers they have been cited in their post. Used when you continue or add value to the original conversation.
What is a permalink? When is it used?
Unique url of the post. This is the link you use for your first question.
When is it appropriate to comment on someone else's post? What is appropriate content and what is not?
Anytime you can add value to the thread. Appropriate is determined by the blogger. Some bloggers enjoy a good debate others even like flames. Some bloggers think anything goes. Use your good judgment in what you would discuss at any business meeting/conversation. Many blogs are now posting comment guidelines.
Sometimes bloggers will post a quick "thanks" if the blog author has tracked back or linked to their blog. Like you did on the first blog you were mentioned.
What is an appropriate action to take when someone posts a comment on your blog? Do you email them? Do you post a comment on their blog? Do you post a comment on your own blog under their comment?
As with any interchange, sometimes a response is expected. Sometimes not. Usually when a question is asked, when you want to extend the conversation/be chattier/thank the commenter. Again, it's a subjective call.
Email if you want to continue the conversation off list. A good way to further develop relationships. I often email new commenters a thank you since one never knows if the commenter will be back to read the comments on this particular post.
Some comment areas include the function to email you if someone posts a comment to the comment that you commented on...get that one?
Thanks Toby and Paul for taking the time to answer some basic questions for my readers!
Looking for more information? Here are a few more experts you can check out...
Questions About Blogging – Andy Wibbels
Blogging – Josh Hallett
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