Mind Your Manners - Blogging Etiquette

I've had some emails and even questions on people's blogs about what kind of etiquette is expected in the "blogosphere". So I thought I'd share a few of the things I've learnt in my time as a blogger (about two years).

• Always credit anything you use that is not yours. If you use Flickr and YouTube embeds, they will automatically link back to the original owner. But if you use information from another website, provide it's name and a link back to it. Or if you quote an article, link back to an online copy of that article.
• If you want to offer critique of something, use a polite, constructive tone. Remember, people are very attached to their work (be it blogs, photos, videos, whatever) and it's ok to share constructive criticism, but openly bagging something is not cool. How would you feel if you were on the receiving end of that yourself?
• Give your blog a title, and tags (labels).
• If you read someone's blog, comment on it from time to time - all bloggers love to hear from their audience.
• Keep your blog clear, the paragraphs reasonably short and check your spelling!
• Don't assume your audience understands something as clearly as you do. Explain!
• Keep it upbeat. A raging rant just gets your readers cranky... and they're likely not to come back.
• Use pictures and videos to break up the text.
• Try to use a template or layout that is easy to read. Some of the grooviest looking sites give the reader a headache after two paragraphs.
• Variety is the spice of life. Don't post the same subject or same format every time you post. It makes your blog easier to read if there is some variety.
• And remember: Do unto others as you would have done unto you. If you wouldn't like something said about you, or your work not referenced, or criticism aimed at you, think twice about doing it to others.

Happy Blogging!