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Blogging Ethics

Blogging EthicsI haven’t written about blogging in a while, but because I meet so many new bloggers each day, I was compelled to raise the issue of blogging ethics.

First, though, let me ask you a question. 

Have you ever received a comment on your blog, and then gone back to return the favor only to find that you came upon a blog that had nothing but a “join my opportunity” article?  Yep, I’m sure you have!

Or, how about those blogs where you cannot comment unless you join it?  Frustrating isn’t it?  And how about those backlinks to your own blog?  Do you remove their comment luv link so you won’t be associated with a spammy, broken or “band neighborhood” back link?   At what cost are you willing to be a go-giver, just to do the “ethical” thing?  

Here are some ethics I’ve put together.  I know most of my regular blog readers already know this, but I also know that you run into the same frustrations.

1.   Have a WordPress, self-hosted blog!  Lately I’ve noticed some people on social sites   telling others that they don’t have to have their WordPress blog hosted.“Do it for free” they tell the newbie.  Yikes!  How can that ever work out while building up relationships?

2.   Write about things you know about.  When you learn something, teach it on your blog.  Many will thank you for it.  One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is that I learn from each one that I read.

3.   Personalize your blog post.  No matter what you are writing about, you do have an opinion on it don’t you?  If you write about a recipe, tell a little story of why you like it, or share an experience of how you served it and with whom.  This gives the reader a chance to know who you are, and gives context to your information.

4.   Always edit your blog.  If you run into trouble here, buddy up with another blogger and edit each other’s posts.  Two heads are better than one, unless you are a professional writer.  Someone may point out not only a grammar mistake, but also can suggest you tweak it a bit.

5.   Always reply to your readers’ comments.  There is nothing worse than commenting on a blog and the blogger doesn’t respond to you.  It’s just bad manners, and tell your readers you really don’t care that much about them!  They will probably not return.  

6.   Watch those gravatars!  You need to have your thumbnail photo attached to your conversation.  Some people use logos, but in this whirlwind of internet marketing, people always remember a face far better than a logo.

7.   When you go to another person’s blog, don’t only leave a comment, but join them on the social sites.  You can share their article on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and so on.  This will help you build relationships.

8.   Relationships!  Isn’t that what blogging is all about?  Some disagree.  But if you go to their blogs, it looks like a grave yard.  How the heck will Google bots ever find you?  Relationships are important not only for blogging, but it leads to masterminding, business ventures, and friendships. 

I am a firm believer of building relationships on your blog.  It has done wonders for my business, and also, I get to know people so well that if I meet someone that wants to join a certain MLM or business opportunity that I am not in, I refer them to my blogger friend that is.   It’s good karma!

9.   Never bash a person.  You may see things differently and disagree with a blogger’s point of view, but remember your reputation is at stake when you comment.  There are ways to disagree.  You can say something like “Although I use a different method, I thank you for showing me …”  After all, the blogger is writing about something he or she has done that works for them.  Respect that!

10. Please read the blog BEFORE you comment!  I’ve stumbled upon blogs that go way over my head.  But I read them carefully and give a good comment.  I get tired of reading comments that have little to do with the blog post it is supposedly commenting on.
      
11.  Be honest.  Remember what your mama told you: “honesty is the best policy” – it is true.  As you write your blog, just be who you are.  People see through you wether or not you realize it.  Your words come from YOU.  Let them shine.

 

So my fellow bloggers, as you get out there and blog, remember one thing: “What goes around comes around.”  The more you go-give, the more people will reciprocate.  

 

And, if you find it difficult to reach out and connect, join a Facebook group, a blogging alliance, a tribe.  There are so many ways to connect with others that are sincere, ethical bloggers.

 

So, what are your thoughts?  Do you agree or disagree?  What would you add to my list of ethics? I would like to know.

Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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49 Responses to Blogging Ethics

  1. Rachel
    Twitter:
    August 24, 2015 at 1:23 am #

    Hey Donna,

    I am so glad I asked you for this post. I really wish I had this three months ago, it is brilliant.

    I agree with you – Read a post before you comment. I don’t know how many times I think some people comment, without reading the post properly but I put it down to browsing the post rather than reading it. How embarrassing to get caught out doing that.

    And editing, I nearly have a heart attach when I see my own typo’s. Horrified is not an understatement. And when I see them in other posts I wonder how others feel?

    When I first starting blogging and heard about commenting on other blogs I did not like the idea at all. I thought it would be a tedious job – how wrong was I? It has increased my learning, I communicate better because of it and I have met so many wonderful minds – yourself included. This blogging business is really my caper now, I just love the challenges.

    Thanks for a wonderful post.

    Rachel.

    • Donna Merrill August 24, 2015 at 2:05 pm #

      Hi Rachel.

      It did take me a while to dig this one up but I’m glad you asked me! It seems to clarify what one needs to be doing while being a blogger. Ethics are so important.

      I cannot tell you how many comments do not go through on my blog because I see someone has not read my post at all. Or they just say good job. Either they are lazy, misinformed or worse…trying to bet back links. To this day, some may creep through but I delete them.

      It is good practice to read a person’s blog that has commented on yours before you answer. This way you don’t forget lol. I know it has happened to me many times and it is quite horrifying to me when this happens.

      When you are a blogger, you just have to know that you will be reading five or more blogs per day. And once you do, you don’t find it tedious at all…Indeed, it does increase your learning.

      I’m so glad to know this business is your caper now!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..7 Great Blog Posts August 2015My Profile

  2. Mohammad ismail January 18, 2013 at 10:16 pm #

    This is once of the best and informative post i have read, some people are posting articles without knowing the basic step of communication and writing skills.
    You have the ability and know the way of how to convince your reader to read the whole article, very creative post, just keep it going.
    Thank you 🙂

  3. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    December 16, 2012 at 4:06 am #

    Excellent tips, Donna! You’ve given me some good ideas for future blog writing, and a well-deserved kick in the pants. Thank you! 🙂

    For the most part I’ve used my blog for sharing lessons I’ve learned from studying Think and Grow Rich. That’s great, as far as it goes, but I want to branch out more and share what I’m learing from my mentors and fellow bloggers.

    Willena

  4. Lydia Brown December 15, 2012 at 6:19 pm #

    Donna you put together some really valid points. One that stands out to me is as I read comments on other blogs and my own that it is so obvious the person did not read the blog so why bother just hoping the blog owner will come visit your blog and to get your link out. So sad those are people who don’t understand the long term plan. Enjoyed this post and glad you titled it blogging ethics. Having worked in the field of human services for years I like the idea of pointing out standards to live and work by.
    Lydia Brown recently posted..What is Affiliate Marketing?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 15, 2012 at 6:37 pm #

      Hi Lydia,

      I am a strong believer of Ethics in all walks of life. For you, having worked in the field of human services must have been a difficult task when it came to ethics.

      I have some clients in that field and I can tell you stories……lol

      It is also true that people don’t see the long term plan. Whatever you sow you reap!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Self-ConfidenceMy Profile

  5. Shelley Alexander December 15, 2012 at 12:02 am #

    Hi Donna,

    You are right on the money with blog ethics. I have experienced many of the things you mentioned while visiting blogs and it’s so annoying to me. Thanks for the great reminders on the right way to blog.
    Shelley Alexander recently posted..Chocolate Ganache Cherry Walnut TrufflesMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 15, 2012 at 6:34 pm #

      Hi Shelley,

      I kind of ranted, but it is my pet peeve when people are mislead when they first come in. Also we need the mindset of our ethical responsibility as bloggers.
      Thanks for stopping by,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Self-ConfidenceMy Profile

  6. Sid December 10, 2012 at 8:28 pm #

    Great post Donna. Definitely agree with all of these. However, may I suggest an alternate way of looking at your point #1 – having a self-hosted blog. Although I do that, I don’t see a problem with non-Wordpress blogs at all. In fact, there are many niches where having a blogspot is recommended because then you can connect through Google Friend connect and so they all can easily follow each other within the tribe. I suspect things will change with the emergence of blogging platforms like tumblr too. Don’t you think so?
    Sid recently posted..PostJoint Review: Guest Blogging PlatformMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 12, 2012 at 9:50 pm #

      Good point Sid!

      I also see a problem with non-Wordpress blogs. Sometimes when I go on them it takes me a while to even figure out how to comment.

      I know many of my friends prefer blogspot and are happy with it. But from my trainings with many people they all point to WordPress.

      I don’t know much about tumblr, never tried it, but it now peeks my curiosity.

      Thanks Sid for your great comment,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Self-ConfidenceMy Profile

  7. Jose Palomino December 10, 2012 at 11:18 am #

    Hi Donna, I am new in Blogging but i am learning every day. I am happy i found your blog, Congratulations, you really have good info. I think you are going to see me here often. Thanks.

    • Donna.Merrill December 10, 2012 at 2:27 pm #

      Great to hear Jose!

      Being new to blogging can be a bit confusing. Just write from your heart and remember that 80/20 rule which is you give good content 80 percent of the time, and write about your product or services 20 percent of the time.

      Also, leaving impressive comments on other people’s blogs will take you a long way. You will be surprised how many people you will meet.

      Good luck with your bloggging!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  8. Amberr Meadows December 9, 2012 at 2:56 pm #

    This is a fantastic list, and much of what you’ve written I’ve reiterated on my blog in a Blogging Basics Series.Reciprocity, relationships, and community building are crucial to building a successful blog. I especially agree with #1—you have FREEDOM to do what you wish.

    • Donna.Merrill December 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm #

      Thanks Amber.

      With freedom comes a great deal of responsibility doesn’t it? But the point is our emotional and mindset part of us that we are free to do as we wish.

      The more work we put into our business, the more we gain. Other than building relationships which is my favorite part of blogging, having ethics will really make you shine.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  9. Celeste Smucker December 9, 2012 at 9:20 am #

    Hi Donna…Great advice. I like the one about reading before you comment…I have seen some very strange comments suggesting perhaps the person really didn’t read the content…and sometimes the commenter even gets the bloggers name wrong, definitely suggests they aren’t really present to the post:)

    Thanks too for the reminder to share something personal, which makes the blog a lot more interesting to read and also to comment on.
    Celeste Smucker recently posted..To Live Younger Longer, Avoid Toxic Cosmetic IngredientsMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 10, 2012 at 1:51 pm #

      Hi Celeste,

      I like that one too. I can always spot someone who did not read my blog and therefore, I cannot approve their comment.

      I also read the blog that I visit, to make a good comment. From there I have met many people who have come to my blog.

      Funny, I just had to unapprove someone who made a great comment but used my wrong name lol!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  10. Mary Stephenson
    Twitter:
    December 8, 2012 at 6:38 pm #

    Hi Donna

    So agree with you. What I find that has actually turned me off on a few blogs that I once went to often. They used to put up my comments and now pretty much ignore comments and they don’t get put up. One site used to have hundreds of comments on a post and now has maybe three. I contacted them a number of different times and no response. Very strange and then there are the sites that rarely reply to comments…because we have too many. Well, good for you! So it makes me think I don’t matter and maybe what they have to say doesn’t matter to me either.

    One side of their mouth they say community and relationships matter, but they don’t seem to practice it. Of course maybe it is because I have not bought into their program yet and which is now a bigger reason why I would not.

    I like to hear when big CEO’s of companies say they remember where they came from and mean it. Not forgetting they once started out at zero and all the little people helped them become successful.

    It is all about good manners. Being yourself whether you are blog posting or commenting is really important.

    Enjoyed your post today.

    Mary
    Mary Stephenson recently posted..Problem Solving: Did The Cat Eat Your Cake?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 8, 2012 at 8:22 pm #

      Mary,

      You say it all when you wrote that being yourself weather you are blog posting or commenting is really important.

      And about those that put up comments and then don’t respond, well, I wouldn’t visit them either. If one cannot keep up with their comments and reciprocate, then don’t approve them all. Or if they get that big and cannot handle it, get a VA.

      The essence of blogging is to keep the conversation going. Guess those people lost their gratefulness.

      Good for You!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  11. Yorinda December 8, 2012 at 1:36 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    wouldn’t is be great if we all would be able to put your great suggestions into practice.

    One of the things I have been meaning to is replying to comments, which feels like another part of my learning and stretching my comfort zone.
    To make that worthwhile the ‘Reply Me’ plugin is very handy because then the person who commented will be notified via email.

    Thinking back to when I started blogging – there was so much to learn and there still is so much to learn.

    The point you are making about sharing the post on the Social Media Sites.

    Thank you so much for sharing this useful information!

    Cheers,
    Yorinda
    Yorinda recently posted..Uses of Sole the Himalayan Salt SolutionMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 8, 2012 at 8:17 pm #

      Hi Yorinda,

      I know there was so much to learn when we first started, but the learning curve never ends. Isn’t that the best part of it all?

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  12. nick catricala December 7, 2012 at 8:03 pm #

    Donna,
    very glad to come here to read yoru wonderful article about Blogging Ethics… why, because I did not have any a while a go and I am (somehow) ashamed for not understanding what blogging was about.

    Actually, as ususl, I always have agreat excuse.. the reasin why I did not have any ethics was because I was hanging around with teh wrong crowd on the internet and every one was doing the same think and even today most of them are still doing it day after day.

    Thanks to William Emis, I got out of it last March… he was teh one who coached me to stay away from “selling” on my blog… I did not know how “not” to seel on my blog… so it was not an easy job for him, but today I openly love to thank him for staying on my back day after day till I got it as I should.

    Well, it was not just him, but he was the first one who pointed out to me, then I start reading yoru blog, and otehrs in our group and wow, I say to my self, this is great, most of us just write of what we are good or not good at and have fun (I am having fun anyway) I have so much fun that when I get busy with life, my mind is always at my blog… what will I write, am I late, and so forth… NOT because I am competing… but it is so wonderful to come to read blogs like yours and learn so much about what we do in our industry and what our associates, group members are up to and how wonderful is for everyone coming together with one great and common intention.. to give to others.

    Thanks so much Donna… great job.
    nickc
    nick catricala recently posted..Choose WiseMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 8, 2012 at 12:36 pm #

      Thank you Nick for such an honest reply.

      So many people come in to the market place with the “wrong crowd” I am so glad you met William. He is one that has “ethics” down pat! I enjoy coming to your blog and always learning, but more than that, enjoying what you write about.

      True, we are all here with an agenda to make money in some way, but when it comes to blogging, the first rule is to give …give knowledge. And that could be anything. That is what I enjoy the most by reading blogs. I always learn something.

      Thanks again!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  13. marquita herald
    Twitter:
    December 5, 2012 at 2:57 pm #

    Great advice as always Donna. Your point about going with a WordPress self-hosted blog is so right on! I participate in a lot of author groups and forums and so many of them go for the free websites and then end up spending all their time complaining about how useless WP is – amazing. The other point I like is actually taking the time to read the article before commenting. Sometimes I read a comment and actually go back to reread the article I wrote because it’s like we’re talking about two different posts! I’ve taken to approving every comment and I also have a minimum word count before someone will receive the “comment luv.” Even with that, at least a couple of times a week I delete comments.
    marquita herald recently posted..30 Meaningful Acts of Holiday KindnessMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 5, 2012 at 4:14 pm #

      He He He Marty!

      I know what you mean when you said that you go to a comment and think you wrote about something else. Happens sometimes and I thought I was the only one getting confused!

      Isn’t is sad that people get the wrong impression about WordPress. Those free websites just don’t work. A lously 10 bucks a month to have it hosted is insane not to do.

      Thanks for the chuckle!
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  14. Michael Belk December 5, 2012 at 1:59 am #

    Hey Donna, it is nice to discover someone talking about ethics. My whole blog is about ethics. I am sorry I am just excited.

    You are right about your points on ethical blogging. I like a lot of them, leave valuable comments, talk about what you know, reply to comments, be honest.

    I enjoyed the post so much I read it twice. I am going to search your blog for more good content. thanks

    • Donna.Merrill December 5, 2012 at 3:25 pm #

      Hi Michael,

      Good to meet you. Ethics is something that I hold strongly in all parts of my life. I deem it important when relating to people. When it comes to Blogging and Social Media, Ethics are so important. This was a little shout out as a reminder to those who were unaware. Most of my regular readers are, but lately, I have encountered some people who were misusing their blogs and even social media.

      When this happens, I get inspired to write about it.

      I’ll jump on your site right now. Looks interesting to me.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

      • Michael Belk December 5, 2012 at 3:32 pm #

        Thanks, Donna
        I am glad to have you over at my blog. I am really happy to find another blogger writing about ethics.

        Many bloggers have good ethics but it is a challenge to find someone who will write about it.
        Michael Belk recently posted..Have humans became the new lab rats?My Profile

  15. Garen December 4, 2012 at 12:29 am #

    Donna,

    Yes and yes! I usually just delete their comment. So many spammers out there it’s not even funny!

    Yes, number 2 you can learn from everyone and it’s ignorance to think you’re better than anyone. I am sure each and other person I meet can teach me something. There is no shame in asking questions to stuff you don’t understand. 2 months ago I didn’t know anything about Twitter. I talked to a lot of people and now think I am an expert. I got 3K followers on blog setup site and my hosting review site is up 21K 🙂 No, they’re not bought followers 🙂

    Be honest, yes! I have talked to some fellow affiliates and they are pretty phony and upon talking further with them they talk like they’re Warren Buffett and it’s their world we are all just living in it. It’s sad that some people are that way 🙁
    Garen recently posted..Social Media Beats SpammingMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 5, 2012 at 3:14 pm #

      Hi Garen,

      Loved that comment! To me it takes a wise person to ask questions. It is a way to learn and grow. Look at you with Twitter! That is wonderful.

      As for affiliates, I like to affiliate with people I know and trust. Also, I won’t affiliate anything unless I tried it myself.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  16. Lisa
    Twitter:
    December 3, 2012 at 5:51 am #

    Hi Donna,

    My pet peeve is in your first paragraph – I was just on Triberr and I check out the links before sharing them and I found one just like that about “an opportunity” and NO blog, I thought “Are you kidding me?”. That really erks me to no end!

    #1 I don’t hold it against anyone if they don’t. I have seen some awesome blogger blogs. I started with one and still retain a couple too. I agree with the remainder of yours.

    #6 is very important, I used to see an image and saw a major difference when I switched to my photo. I was shy about it at first but so glad I did.

    #9 If I see something wrong I’ll send someone a message usually via Twitter rather than post it on their blog or an outright tweet. I love when someone does that for me. It shows that they care.

    #10 I just had a few comments today I’m still not sure about. They didn’t seem to make 100% sense to me. Sometimes it is hard to tell. I tend to give the benefit of the doubt if I go to their link and it’s a legitimate site. Am I wrong on that one Donna?
    Lisa recently posted..Can A Tweet Seats Event Create A Social Buzz?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 3, 2012 at 7:27 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      As for #10 No you are not wrong at all. If you get that gut feeling, go with it. If you are hesitant, you can always remove their comment luv to give the benefit of the doubt.

      I disapprove at least 10 people a day. This doesn’t mean I don’t like the person, but I know how back links work and I don’t want quantity, I want quality.

      So girlfriend, If those comments don’t make sense to you, you don’t have to approve them.

      That’s my two cents!

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  17. Raena Lynn December 2, 2012 at 8:15 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    These are great reminders for all bloggers, beginning and seasoned. I feel fortunate that most of the comments left on my blog are sincere and well thought out. One of the main reasons I receive quality visitors is because I am a member of a couple of great groups and tribes. However, I have visited many blogs and reviewed some of the comments, and it is so
    easy to spot a “quick note and leave” comment. Sometimes I wonder if they bothered to read the post…looks like a quick scan. Some comments are generic. A rushed comment left just to get a backlink is obvious. Spam comments are the easiest to find, which always get filtered.

    Being yourself will bring in the best results. My favorite bloggers are the ones I can relate to because they are relaxed and let themselves shine. It is all about relationships. It is true that people will buy from people they know, like, and trust. Good bloggers also provide value and interesting posts…that makes it easier to respond with quality comments.Thanks Donna…I think you are one of the bloggers I am talking about!

    Raena Lynn
    Raena Lynn recently posted..Trim And Focus. Do You Need 5 Staplers On Your Desk?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 3, 2012 at 7:24 pm #

      Thank you Raena,

      I know you are one of those seasoned bloggers that really don’t have to be reminded of this. But I want to thank you for explaining how you go to a blog and see what people accept as comments.

      I feel like that can be a big danger zone. Accepting those one liners that you can easily know that the person didn’t read the blog. I don’t accept that. Also I don’t approve any spammy comments either. All this effects our blogs with the back links.

      We work hard to do the ethical thing, so why let others bring us down? OK I may sound like a B@%ch, but hey, I do work hard on my blog and appreciate all those coming to it. If they want to come in just for a back link to their blog, I ain’t goona do it!

      Smiles,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  18. clare December 2, 2012 at 10:44 am #

    Hi Donna,
    As I said on your article on B3 – be a go-giver, that is my number one tip for blogging. And I agree write about what you love. I have to admit that I didn’t use to respond to my comments – bad me! I do now since I revamped my blog back in September and relaunched and it has had great benefits – lots of comments and rankings are way up.
    I would add to your list – remember SEO. i don’t think you need to be an expert, but why are we blogging? Mostly to build a business – right? So not paying any attention to the words you use and how they may appear on google is a big mistake. Also, the theme you use on your wordpress self-hosted blog can make a large difference too to your results. Actually I think you have inspired me to put together a document of tips for my readers! i have learned a lot over the past three years I have been online.

    and thanks for your contribution, Donna. You are always bright and enthusiastic – your spirit shines through and I look forward to getting to know you better.
    Clare
    clare recently posted..Melatonin and your Health: 11 Factors You Ought to KnowMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 4, 2012 at 11:37 pm #

      Thank you Clare!

      I appreciate your kind words. Yes, I didn’t mention SEO..Thanks for contributing. This is what I like about blogging and this sort of post.

      I love to ask my readers for input and you surely did. SEO is important, but well done and not over used. Since Google made so many changes, We need it SEO rich, but not too much.

      Ahhh we learn as we grow right? In almost three years I have learned so much.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  19. Steven Hughes December 2, 2012 at 6:51 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Well I’m aware of all these, it is refreshing to see in print. Let’s see, I don’t think there is anything more important than building relationships. If you go at this without building relationships, you really put up a wall that is difficult to get over. Building relationships is just so important in blogging, and everyday life for that matter, and avoiding them is foolish.

    Just overall great advice and direction, and more should follow religiously.

    Regards,
    Steve
    Steven Hughes recently posted..SEO: It’s moving fast, keep your eyes on GoogleMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 3, 2012 at 7:08 pm #

      Thank you Steven,

      You are part of the “building relationships club” lol! It is so important to do so. I do incorporate other things such a s ppc ads and webinars to my business. And that takes building relationships too. Oh those emails are longer than my blog posts he he.

      But as we blog, we do need to be go-givers, for what goes around, comes around.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  20. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    December 1, 2012 at 9:22 pm #

    Amen and hallelujah Donna!!! I couldn’t agree with you more.

    My blog post on Monday is about some of the unethical things I’ve run into lately that I do not appreciate one darn bit and shame on those who think it’s okay!

    Just an addition to what you’re sharing here. I also had a conversation with a prospect on Friday and she’s still running a blogspot blog. She’s an author and can’t understand why people aren’t visiting her blog. After my nice explanation she finally got the picture and will be moving her blog over this month.

    I could elaborate over some of what you mentioned here but you know me and how I feel about these issues. Especially the building relationships one. It still boggles my mind what people think and why they even got into blogging. Now I know everyone has their own opinions on the subject and some are the total opposite of mine. Fine!!! I guess I’ll just say this much. What kind of results are you getting? So if your way isn’t working then why not try mine.

    Thank you Donna for setting some people straight. Hey, we all need that little push every now and then.

    Hey, enjoy your weekend.

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..Cool Blog Tips In NovemberMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 1, 2012 at 11:11 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      I knew you would like this, especially about relationships being that you are the Queen of Relationship building. It is a good thing that your prospect is open to your suggestions. Why else would someone come for advice anyway?

      I have told some of mine, and because they were trained in the opposite way, it took a little more time to help them out. But hey, here we are doing one person at a time right?

      Thanks my friend,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  21. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    December 1, 2012 at 9:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Love this post!

    Who in their right mind would tell a newbie that they don’t need self hosting? For gosh sake it cost $10 or less a month. come on! If you can’t afford this, then you don’t need to be online until you do.

    Yep, now that I have a decent amount of comments I sure am getting very tired with the two line-non-related or no-value comments, and I now delete them. It’s such an insult for the blogger when people do that. Don’t come to my blog to dump your trash here 🙂 right?

    If you are going to be mean on a comment, then don’t come either. You sure can disagree with me. No problem, but being polite and respectful is the order here.

    Thanks for this post, Donna 🙂
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..Why Relying On Autopilot Marketing To Get Customers Or Clients Is Wrong?My Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 1, 2012 at 10:59 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      Yes, I actually heard from people and even seen it on social sites that some are telling newbies they don’t need self hosting. Imagine that!!!

      There is too much crazy information out there, that is what prompted me to write this post.

      And yes, I don’t accept that those that put a one or two line comment either, especially when it is totally unrelated to what I write.

      And yes, I accept a disagreement, and also more input. It makes my blog more interesting. I enjoy that as long as it is respectful.

      Thank you Sylviane,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  22. Michael A Buccilli December 1, 2012 at 7:35 pm #

    Donna, though I have blogging for some time now – you know that I have learned quite a bit already from you and it is very much appreciated.

    It is a good idea even for “seasoned” bloggers to go over your Ethics post here as I do agree 100% that blogging is about building good relationships with business and people.

    Teaching others about what you know helps not only build relationships but allows you to feel good about yourself as you are helping others to increase their knowledge base.

    • Donna.Merrill December 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm #

      Why thank you Michael!

      I am happy that I could be of help to you. Yes it is always a good idea even for the “seasoned” blogger to go over their “ethics.” Sometimes can get off of the mindset that we need to follow them.

      Oh yes, I love building relationships. Since we have met, I feel like we have become more than bloggers that share, but good friends.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  23. Mayura
    Twitter:
    December 1, 2012 at 6:07 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Absolutely, what goes around comes around 🙂 It’s always been true.

    Woopies… I’m not on WordPress though 🙂 But I know there are advantages on being self-hosted dear. However as I think someone can use a free platform, but with a custom domain with unique identity. When it comes to me I was stuck in free blog URL for months as I had no money to buy me a custom domain. I wanted to do something myself and earn it. Got my first project and I did 😉

    Writing about what we know is the thing about blogging, no? 🙂 Else, mostly I see is duplicate content. Also there was time a reader pointed out a grammar mistake on a post of mine. That’s awesome 🙂 I love when someone devoting time to teach me or point me something too. Nothing to feel embarrassed 🙂

    A thing I always worried is about not replying to comments. Gladly now I shortlisted blogs and mostly visit the ones does. And we can identify if someone just not reading and commenting, right Donna? 🙂

    I think #8 is the best shot dear 🙂 Relationships. That’s how we met, right? They always do wonders and that’s how I get projects too.

    I’d like to add another, which is sharing 🙂 If someone is much busy to comment, then it’s always better sharing if it’s a good read. What do you think?

    Mostly I see that people know and read this kind of good advice, but still not applying ’em. Could be bearing a totally different opinion or working for money. Also some people have no idea, but learn to do after reading such posts too 🙂

    Oops Donna… My comment was not on last post :O I just went there to read reply, but no sign.

    Cheers…
    Mayura recently posted..How to Add Google+ Followers Gadget in BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna.Merrill December 1, 2012 at 10:53 pm #

      Hi Mayura

      Oh I must agree that #8 is the key! Relationships when marketing are the best we can have. Yes, that’s how we me lol!

      You come to my blog, and always give great comments, we meet on social sites and syndicate one another.

      When I come to your blog..oh boy is it a learning curve for me. You write about more technical things. And that is something I did not study, but each week, I learn more and more from you. You might say You are my tech guru. lol

      I thank you so much for your wonderful comment,
      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

  24. Joyce Edwards December 1, 2012 at 5:35 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    At first I thought, Oh Boy, here we go with another schooling about blog ethics. My eyes at first were rolling in my head, but I decided to read the whole post. Well, I completely agree with you. Some bloggers just want to throw up on you and it does get to be too much. Thanks for the reminder.

    • Donna.Merrill December 1, 2012 at 5:53 pm #

      Hey Joyce,

      Great to see you! Glad you read it all. Now when you run into someone that has “fault” with their blog, you don’t have to respond directly, you can use me lol.

      Donna
      Donna.Merrill recently posted..Blogging EthicsMy Profile

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