Blog Etiquette

My original post for today was meant to be my very first video blog (vlog) but due to infuriating minor technical difficulties that will have to wait for another day.

Another topic that I have wanted to touch on for quite some time is "Blog Etiquette" and a few of the do's and don't of blogging.

As a blogger I believe that I have a personal responsibility to represent myself of a particular way in the public space that is my blog. As I am entitled to determine the content of each and every one of my posts I feel that I have to abide by self-dictated guidelines of what it is that I want to portray for all the world (aka: my small yet wonderful group of readers) to see.

Samantha's Do's and Don't of Blogging

Do portray an image of yourself that you can support. Be honest and candid but be prepared to back-up your opinions when necessary.

Don't assume that the Internet is a valid place for your "honest opinion" if it borders on racist, homophobic or sexist even if you do believe in freedom of speech.

Do use your blog to vent feelings that you might otherwise bottle up. Oftentimes your readers are a good source of advice and support. Just be prepared for negative feedback as well as positive.

Don't use your blog as a space to rant. What might have seemed cathartic after a really bad day at work/date/fight with your sister won't seem so relevant tomorrow and it will probably come back to haunt you.

Do put up lots of funny pictures...of yourself. Remember you get to approve the content before hitting "publish"

Don't put up pictures of other people (embarrassing or not) unless you know that they are comfortable with having them out there in the public domain. Keep in mind that some people prefer to fly under the radar. (This applies to Facebook too people!)



One exception is pet photos. Feel free to embarrass them all you want!!


















Do share your life; the good the bad and the ugly. Your blog is yours for a reason and readers want to know about you.

Don't share details about your friends, family, workplace or even arch-enemies. Only mention first names (or even better, nicknames) and to be safe DON'T blog about work unless absolutely necessary (or you want to get fired and are looking for a good reason. Keep in mind fired could come with a lawsuit so you know what, just don't bother).

Do comment on other blogs and share your thoughts, opinions and feedback in a constructive way.

Don't us the comment section as a way to be mean or rude. Remember, if you wouldn't say it to her face don't say it in her comments.

Do keep in mind that your image is yours to control. The content of your blog should be something you are proud of now and will be proud of in the future.

Don't forget that your grandmother or future employer could stumble upon your blog (hey, it could happen. Grandmas do all kinds of cool stuff these days!) Make sure you'd be able to face either one if they do.

Do blog because you  have something you want to share.

Don't stop blogging until you have nothing left to say!




One more to thoroughly embarrass the poor guy...but only because I love him!




















So tell me, what are your blogging "Rules of Engagement"? Anything I should add to my list?