Don't Forget Your Manners When You Blog
There are many unwritten rules to the blogosphere, mostly related to comment spamming, link etiquette and so on, but what about plain old-fashioned manners? That's something that many people forget when they leave comments anonymously on blog posts, but it's important to remember that just because you're writing from the comfort of your own home (for example), you should still phrase your opinions and thoughts on your blog with a thought to being polite.
Recently, some bloggers have come under fire for writing their personal opinions (albeit brutally honest opinions) on their blogs about work done by Paul Tilley, the former creative director of the ad agency DDB Chicago. Sadly, Tilley committed suicide, and fingers are pointing at the criticisms written on those blogs as some of the factors that drove him to it.
The lesson for bloggers to learn from this is to use caution when you write your blog posts and comments. Consider the far-reaching effects of your words and what your ultimate purpose is before you start typing.
We could use more people like you encouraging just good ol’ fashioned politeness in the blog world. And, how about a plea for avoid unnecessary profanities and references to sexual acts. I was reading a “mommy blog” today and was taken aback at the kind of language young mothers are using to talk to each other. We should all realize these–our words–will live on the INTERNET forever, including when our children are old enough to read them.
You’re absolutely right, Chris!