Linking/Commenting

After getting a snotty email one day on why I never linked to someone, I thought I’d post this page as an educational announcement. I no longer try to reason why such things happen as I can only control myself. If you read my blog w/any regularity you know I’m usually pretty blunt, today is no exception.

There seems to be a lot of confusion on what is considered good blog etiquette. To take the confusion out of it, I’ve taken some time to jot down a few things I think might help you. You can also consider this official notice on how to behave on my little home on the net.

First and always, I blog for me. I also link for me. I link for a variety of reasons known only to myself. When I do link to someone, I do not automatically expect a link in return. However, I am always flattered when I discover blogs linking to me. Anyone is welcome to link to me from their personal site if they so wish, you do not need my permission. However, links to sites intended to generate business or search engine rankings are NOT allowed and will be deleted. While I read my share of adult-oriented content, I do not link to adult (i.e. porn) blogs.
If you link to someone expecting to get a link back, you are probably in for some disappointments. Not everyone blogs for the same reason. Expecting someone to magically know you want a link back is unrealistic. If you take the time to comment (more than once) on someone’s blog, sometimes that is enough. Sometimes it isn’t.
I currently do not publicize my blogroll on my blog. It may return in some fashion over time. I just found it to be too much of a popularity contest. And considering I have over 200 links on my blogroll now, I find it easier to manage via my RSS reader. If you remove your link to me because of this, I won’t be offended.
If someone not linking back to you is really that upsetting, you should probably turn off the computer. I’m not being derogatory, just honest. Worrying about things you can’t control only serves to make you miserable.
Commenting on my blog is encouraged and welcomed. Once you leave a comment, it becomes my property. Whether you agree or disagree with me is not important as how you behave. You can vehemently disagree w/me without being ugly, mean-spirited, or flat out hateful. I rarely delete comments as I like to get perspective on my madness. That said, direct attacts or anything that falls into the above mentioned no-no’s gets deleted w/o a second thought.
Very few people speak perfect English. Correcting someone’s grammatical mistakes via a post is usually offensive, IMHO. I often write in improper English on purpose. Being from the South, I also use a lot of colloquialism. I try to include this in my writing as it gives inflection that you would normally get from my voice. By doing so, you get a much clearer picture of who I am.

That’s pretty much it folks. I might not be the “norm” when it comes to bloggers, but I try to fall back on two axioms that seem to serve me well.

1. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. *Read it again*
2. Don’t make assumptions. Ask, if you have a question or unsure what to do.

Happy blogging!