Blog Etiquette

Is there such thing as Blog Etiquette? If so, what are the rules? So I did what I do best. I got on the Internet and did some research. I found many good websites including THIS one.

Some of the things that I thought appropriate were:

Comments- If you read someone’s blog and enjoy it, it’s good form to let them know. But don’t let the comments validate your blog. Simply allow them to enhance it. Anonymous comments suck. Don’t leave them. Also, don’t be frightened by dissent or bad behavior in your comments either. The dissent is actually doing you a favor, and if someone is acting improper, simply give them a warning and then ban them the next time. I could really type so much more on this topic, but I’ll hold back for now.
*Although I have not had any personal experiences with anonymous or inappropriate behavior, I always struggle with whether or not I should leave a comment. I am hesitant for fear that this person will not approve. I know that may be my own insecurities. I will be the first to admit that I LOVE IT when I know people are reading my blog and leaving comments. Who doesn't?

Be Regular- Nobody likes to visit a site only to see the same post from last month sitting there. Eventually they’ll just stop coming.
AND
Don’t be long winded- At least too often. There are times when it’s alright to expound a bit. But let that be the exception, not the rule.
*Okay, Okay, so I know some may think that I have taken this one a little too seriously. As, I have been known to post multiple times in one day and I am well, long-winded (to put it Kindly). I try, but I don't always succeed. Just say "Say Goodnight Mickee" and love me anyways.

Link Love- Link to those you read, as well as provide relevant links in your posting so people don’t have to look stuff up on their own.
*I'm still learning this little trick. But I like to think that I am getting better at it. But this leads me to another question....If you find a blog that you find interesting and choose to visit them often, or add them to your blog roll. Do you tell them that? Or do you truly assume the stance of "Stalker" and just lurk around without them knowing? I have ready many 'blog etiquette tips' and 'rules' in my little research but nothing that really clarifies this one for me. Especially since I have stumbled across a new found phenomenon (thanks to Kristina) that they seem to refer to as "Blog Stalking". It truly seems to be a light-hearted way to link people with common interests together. In this type of atmosphere you strive to be "stalked". As I scroll through comments left on the blogs I frequent and ultimately make it to new blogs, I am always left with that awkward moment of "should I" or "shouldn't I" leave a comment? Or let them know that I had been lurking around their blog?

I am with Kristina when she says: "All you blog stalkers out there, come out.... There's nothing to be ashamed of! I'll even leave a comment on your blog and actively stalk it, and you'll get a little mention on my "Blogs I Like to Stalk" list. It'll be quid pro quo. ....... (<-edited in an effort to adhere to the rule of "Don't be Long Winded" ->see above)

I'm quite interested however, to know what the rest of you think. So, speak up? And for those of you that are "lurking", leave me a comment. For those of you that aren't "stalking" me, but are friends and family to our site and comment challenged, I outlined a way for you to leave me your comments in this previous POST.

**P.S. Kristina-Thats like TWO shout-outs in ONE post and the SECOND one this month. You owe me sista! ;) Don't worry, I won't always be this needy. But you are the one that introduced me to this whole "blog stalking" affair, so until I learn to how to fly on my own, I will continue to lean on your wisdom and grace as a professional "blog stalker".**