F= Fair Play
The letter F for Fair Play is today’s A-Z Challenge .
Fair play means having a respect for the rules or equal treatment of all concerned.
From an early age, many of us had it drummed into our heads that we should treat others how we wished to be treated.
Playing fair is learning the rules and putting them into practice.
Yes, there are rules to blogging on your website.
This is what I’ve learned over the past year from an amazing Web of Writing Bloggers about Editors about playing fair.
- Be courteous. If you stop by, say hi. Don’t just you walk by and peek in the windows. Step up, knock and say hello.
- Respond to comments. It’s the same as receiving mail. Don’t leave it unanswered.
- Abide by copyright laws. Not sure don’t copy. Err on the side of caution.
- Don’t Spam. No one enjoys getting tons of emails that shout, “Buy, buy, buy.”
- Don’t post rude comments. Remember, you can always find something nice to say. After all you’re a writer.
- Delete rude comments that show up on your blog. It’s your blog, the content is at your discretion.
- If you read it, share it. Even if the post wasn’t your cup of tea, other people may find it delightful.
- Blog awards are lovely, but not all websites accept these awards. They are time-consuming. Check before you submit a writer for one of the many blog awards out there.
- Don’t put your followers or readers on the spot. It’s okay to ask for volunteers, beta readers and reviews but ask in a broad request post.
- Quote someone? Give them the credit and a link back.
Bottom line, remember your manners.
Do you have any tips about good etiquette on blogging?
What do you think? Does the anonymity of the internet give us a license to be rude?
Talk to me, the lights on and comments are now open.
You can find me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdelland Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.
Want to read more, check out the links below.
Confessions of a Blogger: The Etiquette Edition
Blogging etiquette roundup
Blogging rules and etiquette
The 5 Rules of Blog Etiquette
Jean's Writing 
Excellent tips and thanks for reminding everyone to play fair. I think people sometimes forget or maybe they just get really busy. There is a huge difference between someone being busy and being rude. If you are really busy and you are not sharing or visiting my blog or answering my comments, I can forgive that. Then there are people who are down right rude and that I won’t tolerate. I have removed disparaging comments from my blog that someone left in response to another person’s comment. It only happened twice, but both times I felt like the person(s) were deliberately provoking/instigating a fight and not offering anything worthwhile to the conversation. I no longer allow anonymous comments.
I don’t alway respond to every single comment. I’m guilty of that. If someone leaves a comment asking me a question, I try to answer their question, but if all they do is say something like, “I just stopped by to say hello.” I don’t always reply, but I make a point of visiting their blog instead. It’s been my experience that I can connect with them that way because they are more likely to see me commenting on their blog and I get a chance to read their blog and get to know them. Plus, I don’t think many people check back to see if you reply to comments if they don’t ask a specific question. Do you think I’m doing this wrong? Should I be replying to every comment? Do most of you check back to see if the blog author replies to your original comment? I’m seriously curious to find out. Thanks.
Melissa Sugar
http://melissasugarwrites.com
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No need to check my blog to see if anyone has commented. I’m notified by email every time someone leaves a comment.
There may come a time when answering each comment will be impossible, due to numbers. What a great problem that will be.
I wouldn’t be so bold as to say you are right or wrong but I enjoy the back and forth with my readers. Plus, I assume my readers are just as busy as I am. If they make the time to say hello, I like to acknowledge them. If the comment doesn’t require a response, I at least click the star to let them know I read and appreciate their time.
PS, looks like your new blog is coming right along.
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Fair play is the best way to go.
Joy Brigade Minion
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Great tips – do I have any to add? Hmmm…sometimes people set up their blogs with small type and on dark backgrounds. I swan on by – too hard for these eyes. So…I guess it isn’t rude just not friendly. I don’t necessarily agree with sharing things. I just don’t do it – maybe on a social network site but not on a blog. And I don’t answer every comment made to me either – I’m more likely to visit back. I think I know which blog writers do which thing and I take no offence. I think it is also kind to not make assumptions but that is in all of life – not just the bloggoverse. Keep on keepin’ on.
Jan Morrison, this crazy writing life
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Jan after reading a post, it only takes seconds to share via Twitter or Google+. I try to acknowledge comments because I understand how very busy everyone is and I appreciate the time they took to leave a comment. Right you are about assumptions.
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Agree. Good post. Fair play goes along with being a good Friend. I am glad you highlighted copyrights. Assume that all writing, images, music is protected. I am enjoying your A-Z blogs.
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Thanks Jena. I know this sounds elementary but sometimes I think it’s a good reminder.
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Oh I hope you didn’t think I thought it was elementary- I thought your post was a well-written and positive way to inform people. Press on!
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No, I took no offense. LOL thanks Jena
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Good job with F.
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Thanks!
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Great post, Emily – I mean Jean. HeHe. No pun intended. Seriously, great tips and reminders. I don’t know that I would call it fair play, just being polite – either works though. @sheilamgood at Cow Pasture Chronicles
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I think Fairness in all its forms is my overarching tenet. I remember writing in the 2015 A-Z Blogging Challenge about how unfairness makes me so cross. But none of us is perfect, so your reminder about Fair Play is well-timed and bears repeating. Hope your day goes well.:)
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Thanks Kimberly!
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