I was thinking of the various things we associate with the number 7, and I thought of the 7 deadly sins, which are Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Lust, Greed, Sloth and Wrath.
Then it occurred to me, why not relate it to something we do regularly? And the obvious answer was blogging. After all, it is all about words, right? So let’s look at the 7 deadly sins of blogging. There could be more than 7, but because 7 is our theme, we’ll stick to that number.
7 deadly sins of blogging
1. Stealing
Taking someone’s content/posts/pictures and passing them off as your own. That is stealing. It is called plagiarism. It means you are not only a sloth and a lazy rear but a thief. And you will be duly rewarded for your action by Google with a slap for duplicate content. But the deadlier sin is when the original blogger gets punished. How disgusting is that? Get a life!
2. Commenting without reading
Some bloggers are so kind and generous that they’ll visit lots of blogs, just to keep up the numbers, and comment, writing something stupid. Worse still, dumping links in the comments. This includes spamming.
3. Not giving credit where credit is due
You need an idea for something. You discuss it in your forum. Your tribe mates come up with ideas. You’re excited. You happily use the ideas with nary a mention of the originator. Imagine how that individual will feel when she sees her idea used, and lots of people saying wonderful things about it, praising it. And you use your right to remain silent because you can’t bear to share the fame. Gross.
4. Participating in bloghops, memes and joining groups only to drop links
This one is common. Linking up is fun. It is a great way to build your readership and your community. So you post, you add your linky and enjoy the visitors and their comments. Do you do the decent thing by reciprocating? Oh no. You don’t. Just remember that you cannot fool all the people all the time, and it is unfair to keep taking without giving.
5. Not playing nice – taking names and ranting about someone
You’re part of a group or a tribe and had a slight misunderstanding. Rather than sort it out privately, you rant in public. You think you’re being honest. You take names. When you don’t, you make sure you are descriptive enough for everyone to easily figure out who you are talking about and then enjoy the sympathy of your readers. That’s cheap behaviour. And it is disloyal. It won’t take the others long to figure out that one day you’ll be doing the same with them. Put that on your bazooka and play it!
6. Inviting a guest poster and treating her badly
You know how some people invite guests over to post and then go off to do their thing, leaving the guest to cope. Instead of connecting readers with the guest poster and keeping the party going, you take time off, assuming the guest will do the duty of the host – replying to comments, answering questions. Minus one to you if you did let the guest poster know that she’s welcome and should feel at home, and reply to comments. On the flip side, you go guest post somewhere and then disappear. You don’t respond to comments. What were you thinking?
7. Loading your sidebar with banners and popups
And driving your visitors nuts getting your page to load. When it eventually does, giving them hell with the advertisement overload. And heaven help you if you if one of those ads is offensive. How would you like that to happen to you?
Now that I got started, I could really go on. I think I will, briefly. Here is the second set of 7 deadly sins of blogging to add to the above:
1. Never bothering to acknowledge when someone shares your work. Not so hard to say thank you, is it?
2. Being snooty and condescending
3. Taking, not giving
4. Not replying to comments. (Yes, I am guilty of having some catching up to do!)
5. Neglecting your blog and then, the day you manage to have a post up, running around commenting expecting people to reciprocate.
6. Being nasty or disrespectful in your comments. How about if you have nothing nice to say, shutting up?
7. Not bothering to edit your post for spelling/grammar errors. Yes, it is a total turn off.
Ah, that said, I personally think the blogging communities I am part of, simply rock.
Let me now sign off with Mahatma Gandhi’s version of the 7 deadly sins. Nice lesson in there!
• Wealth without Work
• Pleasure without Conscience
• Science without Humanity
• Knowledge without Character
• Politics without Principle
• Commerce without Morality
• Worship without Sacrifice
Can you add to my 7 + 7 deadly sins of blogging? Are you guilty of any of the above?
Now let me ask you this:
Would you consistently visit a blog and comment simply because you enjoy it, even if that blogger does not reciprocate?
Stay tuned for the next one!
88 comments
Thank heavens, I have not committed those sins…phew!
It was a beautiful seven day journey thanks to Corinne, and I am getting emotional about it…sniff…sniff.
ruchira recently posted…A Recap and the season of Renewal
Me too, Ruchira! It is such fun to participate in these “Festivals” isn’t it? I usually feel a sense of vacuum when it is over. Quite like how I feel when I have to rush out of town, all the hurry leading to getting on to the train/bus/plane and suddenly, all is quiet – and we have time on our hands!
Looking forward to catching up with you. ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…When the going gets tough
Yeas, that’s the list i was looking for, actually. the other day i encountered no 6 and I was wondering why no one said anything about the behavior displayed. i was sorry and sad
Kajal Kapur recently posted…Lovelorn And Lost
You know what they say, Kajal. Shit splatters. 😀 Hugs! I am guilty of having to catch up with you. I always find that the moment i sign up for a daily blogging challenge, my workload also miraculously goes up. Is there a lesson in there, I wonder.
Hugs! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Weight Loss Tips You Will Love
7 deadly sins of blogging. I have not committed these sin and wish to stay far away. Point No 2 , I have realized is very common. Alas!
Refreshed Gandhiji’s 7 deadly sins and they show the humble person he was.
Yes, no.2 is aggravating, Kalpana. 🙂 I loved Gandhiji’s 7 too! 🙂 Cheers!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Book Review The Healthy Juicer’s Bible
I think the list is quite exhaustive!! Thankfully I’ve not committed any of these sins 🙂
You know the last question you’ve asked I’ve thought about it often….I’ve faced this with 2-3 bloggers…and I can say, yes, I will still keep visiting their page even if they don’t reciprocate…. For reasons a) give them the benefit of doubt… You don’t know them…perhaps they have been really busy 2) you get great content to read. You are nourishing your mind. That’s enough…isn’t it?
Aditi recently posted…The Se7en Days (part 2)
Aditi, nourishing our mind it is! And? Have you noticed how the community that comments also connects with you? I follow this principle myself – once we let go of the pressure of expecting something in return,life becomes easy. In fact, I’ve gotten noticed a lot by other commenters, even if the blogger whose blog I commented on did not acknowledge. It is fine, really. Good stuff is good stuff.
🙂 I’ll catch up with your post shortly. ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Not Exactly As Planned
Super post Vidya – unfortunately all of these happen all the time. However I have no problems with people putting links in comments on my posts – just makes it easier for me to reciprocate.
Suzy recently posted…Going Places – Ajanta Ellora
Thank you, Suzy.
The blogging world is not all that different from the real world, no? 🙂 About the links, I meant the blatant self-promotion some people get up to. Mostly, their comments will not relate to the post at all. Just adding a link to their blog, especially on Blogger blogs is okay. I found that useful during the AtoZ Challenge because we know where they’re coming from. For me, commentluv does the trick.
Thanks, Suzy. Let’s look forward to the next blogging binge!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Keeping My Balance Finding Inspiration in Unlikely Places
Yes looking forward to the next festival. Happy blogging. As I’ve said time and time again your Coffee with Mi is one of my favourite blogs.
Suzy recently posted…Going places – Write Tribe Festival
Vidya! Well said. Yes I do visit other blogs and am a regular commenter any number of places over the years where the person does not visit me back, and equally I would say I have followers whose blogs I never get to. I think it is because my topic is so specific, and some people will just never be interested in it. Likewise, I only have so much blogging time and I don’t even try to get to everyone, I just make sure I give a thoughtful reply to their comment at my place and let spirit guide me when it’s maybe a useful time for me to visit them 🙂
Julie Barrett recently posted…Near Death Experiences and Life Saving Angels
Julie, hugs! I have the audacity to think that some of my blogging friends (like you) are close friends and well, I can come around whenever I like. I know what you mean about blogs you never get to. The thing is, the entire blogging scene is such a full time activity and rather energy draining. Reaching a balance is a challenge. I know some people say they set aside two hours every day, but that would never work for me. 🙂 Still, I am trying to keep up. And then, I know we have a date at the bakery – so I am shamelessly fantasizing about that. Love you!♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Powerful Words
Very eloquently put. I too am glad to say that I am only guilty of not responding to comments in a timely manner!
Roshni recently posted…Seven types of teachers
🙂 Thanks, Roshni. That, I am guilty to say, makes two of us. I find it especially challenging to reply to comments during these daily blogging thingies. And then, it is so easy to pick up lazy habits :-). Have a lovely weekend!
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Weight Loss Tips You Will Love
What a post to wake up to, Vidya. And I hope this will be a wake up call to people. In blogging, as in life, what you give is what you get. There’s such a thing as blogging karma and it comes back to bite us, if we’re not careful! 😉
I’m so guilty of not answering my comments. I think I over think my response. Thankfully, I think, I’m getting a tad better at it. Also, you really made me think about not helping the guest poster with comments…hmmm…I might be slightly guilty of that too.
Did I tell you already that this a winner post? I think it must be made compulsory reading for every new blogger. ♥
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…Those Were The Days
Oh Corinne, this was almost a stream of consciousness post. I meant to write an epic kind of post but realized that it is not difficult to simply list what I see. Of course I am guilty to some degree of one or two – but then, I always make it a point to make up. Also, indecency is a big no-no, so I consider myself off the hook as far as being sinful goes.
Thank you for your kind words. Blogging is a wonderful activity that teaches us something every day – things that we can also apply to real life and vice versa. 😀
And thank you for the share. It is a great feeling to wake up to! ♥ (I just copied that from your comment!)
Vidya Sury recently posted…Life is about give and take
Not only new bloggers Corry but every blogger. We the older ones tend to commit the sins more. 😛
preetilata recently posted…De Madrugada
To err is human I suppose and I do my best. Your post is a real eye opener filled with truth. I have never had a guest poster on my site. I have always done all the grunt work myself. You kind of learn the way of things as you go in blogging but a lot of it is common sense and decency. My mom always taught me that if I didn’t have something nice to say to not say anything at all. Fortunately, there is always something nice to say and in this wonderful group (which I am honored to be a part) I have always been amazed at how wonderful the stories and content truly are. I have learned so much and feel very blessed for the knowledge and the friendships I have formed.
Kathy recently posted…7 Things I Must Do Every Day
Kathy, you put it beautifully. Seriously, just being decent and doing unto others what we would have done unto us is enough. Most of the time, people subconsciously do online, what they would do offline. Some people learn and emulate the good stuff. Some just don’t! Greed is an awful thing.
Like you, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and knowing some fantastic people online, most of whom I’ve also met in real life. Blogging’s best takeaway is friendship.
Hugs! I plan to catch up with all the blogs that participated in the challenge and visit at least one post by each. 🙂 Please stay connected!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Fragrant Memories
I thought may b I should not comment here as I walked out of the festival but ya I want to say about point 5 that some times people are not ready for private discussions . Keeping it as private as possible is just not their style. As much as ranting is a crime I have seen almost every one do it in one way or the other . I had the most horrible experience recently in blogging and I will remember it through out my life and always remember that blogging rapport and camaraderie don’t last forever . I will remember that people who r extra friendly with me and praise me unconditionally may just get rude and stay indifferent tomorrow . I will remember that I am also a human with self respect by the end of the day . I will also remember that just because u r in a group there is no need at all that people may speak or stand for u . I have to be extra courageous and confident . Sorry for the long rant reply . Has been the tough week for me personally and impacted my health ! Couldn’t resist ranting even here . M hoping to come out of writers block and ya rest all 6 points got blurry as of now but ya nice ones to keep in mind when you are in a huge blogging network
Afshan, I really don’t see the connection between you commenting on my blog and participating in the Festival. 🙂 So relax.
About your “rant”, look, all I’ll say is, it is easy to get carried away with a situation and escalate it far beyond its starting point. I am aware of what you are referring to. Feeling hurt when something unpleasant happens is natural, but the way it progressed (regressed would be a better word)was not nice at all for all concerned. Carrying on the discussion elsewhere especially when the concerned people were not around to clarify or defend themselves, in my book, is a big no-no. That is all. Rather than allow it to cloud your mind, simply pick up the learning and move on. After all, each day is a special gift, and you don’t want to waste it thinking about something that is gone, right? Go meet a couple of friends, have a wonderful weekend and I guarantee you’ll be back to your usual self.
🙂 Thanks for commenting, Afshan. Have a great weekend.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Seven Compulsory Health Tests for Women
Ya I badly need real life friends now ! I first thought I will write on blog and publish it every where and get this out of my mind (About the lessons I learnt in blogging) but I just couldnt do it. Not my way but some times when you are too alone and helpless you need company . Shit happens to every one right? I want to be out of the blogging shell for a whiel. ya going to shivana samudram tomorrow ((Long weekend)) . Its time for me to unwind and forget the mental torture !
I want to give my two cents or may be an 8th point from my side
1.) In blogging there should be a polite tone specially when you are talking to a person whom U have never met. After all U have just read their blogs and spoke to them for a shorter stint. Like U said when you gain that respect U shud treat the other with the same respect irrespective of age , experience and knowledge.and Its waste to be apologetic just to sort it out and be normal even when it is not your mistake. Specially when it is not being acknowledged U r just making your self CHEAP IN FRONT OF A HUGE AUDIENCE. We all know the age old adage– word is a sword when u use it its just natural to get it back and for any issue there is Your side , my side and the Right side !
Yes. ** RANT OVER ** 🙂
YA ONCE am back to blogging we shall meet again on a different post when probably I will be in a different mood.
happy ganesh chaturdhi in advance!
Happy Ganesh Chaturti to you, too, Afshan. May it herald good blogging relationships for you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Powerful Words
Ya that’s an apt word “relation ships” . It’s always better to be in a normal relation ship rather than being carried away by the grand frandships 🙂 they always leave a scar ! I know lord vigneshwara is known to stop bad ! Thanks for ur wish
Happy weekend !
Ah! On these 7×2 sins at least I can count myself blameless – Heaven for sure for me 🙂
C. Suresh recently posted…In Seventh Heaven
We’ll see about that, Suresh! Ha ha!:D It has been really nice to connect over this Festival. I’ll be around to read all your posts and your future ones. Incidentally, I found your deadly sins post so hilarious!
Cheers! Enjoy the next 20 days 😀
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Powerful Words
I am clear. He he.. No no… I have learnt from a few mistakes. I used to leave links before when I was self hosted and when commenting on blogger was a pain! And I used to have the ad banner which I removed for the very same reasons.
I totally agree on all the blog ethics you mentioned. This community needs to learn to reciprocate. At least during a challenge. SO if I comment on someone’s post and they don’t come even once during the challenge to reciprocate in some way, I am not going back to that blog ever. 🙂
Oh gosh, Jyothi, I’d better run over to your blog RIGHT NOW! 😀 He he. I promise I’ll catch up. We live and learn, no? Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Powerful Words
Educative post for a ‘freshie’ blogger like me!
I admire the way you shoot from the hip without being offensive!
One doubt about “4. Not replying to comments.” What’s the norm? Is there a time-frame for replying? Is it necessary/expected to reply to every Comment, especially the ‘Good post’ types?
Could you guide me to any blog or write-up on blogging etiquette? I just want to be sure I’m not inadvertently offending people.
Proactive Indian recently posted…Honest under all circumstances?
True, so far I am in the clear. I avoid guest posts to avoid misunderstandings. Like Corinne your writing style is pithy, to the point , simple and yet so very effective.
Hmmm….talent plus experience.
Alka recently posted…Those Arms Need Rest
Vidya ..I really needed this post today . I really don’t know how many sins I am guilty of , but one thing I can always promise myself is try keeping them to minimum 🙂 It had been great being connected with you throughout my journey of blogging :)Hope the soul connection continues 🙂
sridevi recently posted…Seven Lessons in Wellness and Healing that Life Taught Me- Day 5
This is a post which I will always treasure and will bookmark it to check myself.
Somehow I do not participate much in any groups, dedicating much time to online communities is beyond me.
I do visit some blogs even if ther is no reciprocation just because I like what is written there
Bhagyashree recently posted…The 7-year Itch
I loved each one of these points. I do believe that often we forget some of it, for example off late I have become slow on replying to my comments. And also the proof read is something I need to get more stringent on. Thanks a lot Vidya 🙂 the post is truly a keeper for all bloggers 🙂
Richa
Vidya it is wonderful post for all the sins we might commit knowingly or unknowingly…
I have personal challenge, once I have commented I have a hard time to check out replies…
Sugandha recently posted…Seven blogs bookmarked on my internet browser
Sugandha, thanks! Oh, I used to have a problem with that, too. With WordPress blogs that use the ReplyMe plug in, it is okay, you get notified. With Blogger and WordPress blogs that do not use the plug in, you can choose to be notified of comments, but that can be a bit of a pain. I mean, how many to subscribe to? What I usually do is with blogs I visit regularly, I comment on the new post and check the old post for replies at the same time. :-)It is a tough thing to work around!
Vidya Sury recently posted…7 Weight Loss Tips You Will Love
Somebody once took my entire post and published on their blog. Now they might say in their defence that they linked back to me, but they never made me aware that they are putting my content at their place, I found it accidentally. Then, they did not just put some lines and linked back to me, they put up the entire post. I call it stealing.
I may be guilty of taking and not giving though. When I receive comments, I do visit those who comment but I don’t always comment back. Reasons are many, like sometimes other commentators have already said what I wanted to say or sometimes the content is a bouncer for me. Sometimes it’s not my kind of blog. But yes, when I comment on some blog, I don’t mind if they don’t read me back or comment. That would just be a formality. I don’t wish for that.
I don’t drop links but I always give credit where it is due.
Another sin that I have committed is grammatical/spelling mistakes. I always review my posts at least 3 times before publishing but still sometimes when I read my old posts, I have found some mistakes. But yeah, since I am still learning this wonderful language so I think I am bound to make some mistakes in the process. 🙂
P.S. ‘Prove that you are not a spammer’ annoys me. I don’t know why! Therefore, I loved your ‘Did you smile today?’ 🙂 see, I smiled. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Vidya, great pointers there and nothing that I can see myself being guilty of :). Having been in a situation in the past where someone had taken my name negatively and viciously without ever talking directly, I would say that sometimes it is not always possible to privately sort out issues when the inclination is not there mutually. But I take pride in saying that I never used my blog as a weapon to hit back. I’ve moved on with silent dignity. I hate it when people use their blogs to air dirty laundry. I especially abhor making private information or communication public. I do agree that every issue can be sorted out in a civil manner and one must always choose that option or move on.
Rachna recently posted…A failed life!
A fitting finale to the Festival. This festi enabled me to browse through many of your posts and learn invaluable things on health and wealth.
Though I haven’t read all your posts, I was glad to be part of this challenge along with you. Thanks for the comments on my blog. Looking forward to continuing this interaction, dear Vidya. Fingers crossed.
Joy always,
Susan
And yes, I did smile wide today 🙂
Thanks for sharing this one Vidya….will keep the seven deadly sins in mind while blogging.
Diana Pinto recently posted…The number seven
Clap…clap..clap..Vidya, that was neat…I completely agree with you and applaud…glad I am sin free…:p btw, I do visit some sites where people dont reply to comments, but over a period, I have reduced reading them…:-)
Latha recently posted…That Night…
That was a wonderful post. I am indeed guilty of not able to reply to all of the comments timely. Also during this festival, till Day 5, everything went off well, but the last two days, I haven’t been able to visit many of the posts and hence couldn’t comment.
Thanks for reminding Ma’am! Will definitely keep them in mind.
Rekha recently posted…What Tiny Tots Teach You
Dear Vidya, this is such a honest post and I am glad you wrote about it so beautifully. I so agree that plagiarism is blatant stealing and we need to be ethical. At least, acknowledge the person who wrote it. You know I left a job this year coz they were doing plagiarism. This is not journalism and I am still looking. But, glad I left. Your post are SEVEN commandments that every writer should follow for growth. I am guilty of NO 7 and need to brush up my grammar and proof read before posting:)
vishalbheeroo recently posted…Never say Goodbye to, SEVEN
Unwittingly, unintentionally, I am certain I have committed some of these. I am going to try harder to make amends.
It is always good to be reminded about this kind of no-nos occasionally…so, thank you!
Rickie recently posted…Seven – Seven : Movie Review – BOSS Starring Akshay Kumar
Rickie, we all have. Once in a while, it is nice to stand back and take stock. I am loving your posts (in my mailbox). I’ll be around to comment. 😀 Thank you for the smiles!
–What horrible sins! I am sure I must be guilty of some of them!
Love you more than sunlight on Siamese cats. XXXxxx
My Inner Chick recently posted…A Room Of My Own & Other Groovy Stuff
So am I Kim, so am I. 😀 I love you more than peacocks dancing in the rain! Hugs!
I agree with the points. I am only guilty of one of the above, the late reply sin. I usually try to reply at once but then my internet connection betrays me. Interesting post 🙂
Sayantini Bhattacharya recently posted…The Seven A’s of My Life
Thank you for commenting, Sayantini. I often have the same problem. 🙂
“Neglecting your blog and then, the day you manage to have a post up, running around commenting expecting people to reciprocate”
Very judgmental a statement. None of us really know what’s happening in a blogger’s life, do we? May be that is ALL the time she had, to post and then make a quick round to make comments, then having to disappear because of other commitments? I know that IS a possibility. How? Because that’s what happens to me a lot of times, especially unlike FB updates one needs time to read blogs. And to read properly before commenting is a necessity.
Lol, I have committed a blogging sin by this comment 😉 But then I don’t go by this list of sins 🙂 Glad to know those that you consider as blogging sins, Vidya 🙂
Shail recently posted…Orange
Hi Shail, I hear you :-). Of course there are genuine instances when one has to take a blogging break and come back and connect. But there are many bloggers who do what I listed – making it a habit is not such a nice thing, right? Everyone goes through one or more of these situations at some point or other. Some of us try to make amends, some don’t bother. As I admitted, I am guilty of not being able to reply to comments right away especially during these daily blogging stints. That being said, this list is not cast in stone obviously.
🙂 No sin speaking your mind. Glad you did. That’s what comments are for. No rule we must agree with everything. Glad you came by. Happy Sunday to you!
You are bang on, Vidya!! Very deadly sins which should never be committed. I am guilty of not replying to comments this whole week… hopefully, will start from tomorrow and complete the backlog!
Shilpa Garg recently posted…7 C’s : Why I Love Write Tribe
You have said it all dear Vi. RESPECT!!!
I hope we all realize our sins and make amendments to it.
I am ever so guilty of committing the sin of not replying to the comments. 🙁
I am yet to catch up on your other posts.
P.S: Thank you so much for your every visit to my blog even when i could not return the favor. My sincere apologies to you. My new job keeps me tied up. I joined it just very recently. I could not even complete the challenge. Missed by two posts but anyways i am planning to write them in a day or two. I cherished your each and every comment on my posts. And it was awesome to be featured on your blog for one of my posts. It was again a huge honor for me. Thank you dear Vi. I seem to simply can’t express my gratitude in words…. see lethologica it is. 🙂 <3
Hugs Vi <3
preetilata recently posted…De Madrugada
Wow Vidya ..>For a starter like me these tips will go a long way … Love the crisp thoughts and there is so much to take away from the post … Blogging is so much of discipline and sharing … so much to learn from you ..thanks for being there
Shiva recently posted…Same Same but Different
Yikes! I couldn’t help but worry for a moment when I read these. They are so intense. I hope I haven’t been too guilty of any of them!!!!! Thanks for the reminder, Vidya.
Sandra Pawula recently posted…How to Find Time to De-Stress
Sandra darling, as I was telling Julie here in her comment, friendship transcends everything else. And we are friends. 🙂 Hugs! It is impossible to be perfect consistently 😀 As you said, this list is a reminder for me, too! Love you!
The blogging etiquette so to speak and you have listed it beautifully Vidya..
Personally for me, traffic is the least of my concerns, but everyday almost in every group I am in, it seems to be the driving force for many bloggers and joining groups or participation in a post, status messages, contests, prompts become a means to achieve that end-traffic…. but an interaction irrespective is something I look forward to over blog posts any day
Good day
Pins
Love your comment, Pins. I don’t worry about stats at all. But for those who monetize their blogs, it is something they have to do..and they have to work extra-hard to stay with the etiquette. 🙂 Like you, I too focus on the interaction, the connections and the pure joy of writing. Thanks for the lovely words!
A good list, Vidya…I have to say I am, sometimes, delinquent in doing my comment replies. It seems there is so little time! I never would have been able to blog were I still in my nursing position of 21 years! I love getting comments, though, & I must be more responsible in this area.
If it’s a blog I really enjoy and I’m reading for pleasure I don’t expect anyone to reciprocate. It’s nice if they do, but I’d rather have genuine comments from someone who wants to read my blog, not someone that feels they have to 😉
Terra recently posted…Books I don’t want to read (but I will anyway)
This is so true! Thank you for voicing these sins of blogging. As with all life, you should treat others as you wish to be treated. Just because you are hidden behind your computer doesn’t mean you are free to forget that rule. Namaste!
Jody Branch recently posted…I Cut My Hair For Angel Hair For Kids
Hi Vidhya, great post you have there. I am feeling little sad because I had to leave the festival mid-way owning to my net that was down for the entire period the festival was running. And now it seems wordpress website is down. Your post brought a smile to my lips. Thank you.
Not so much guilty as described in #2 but sometimes I do skim a post and not read it thoroughly before commenting. I will keep these tips in mind as I also teach Blogging 101 Classes.
Antionette Blake recently posted…Somber Saturday
Good reflections here Vidya that bloggers of new and old and reflect on. I’ve been blogging for more than a year now and have been learning on the way. When we visit each other’s homes, there’s social customs and etiquette so why not on the blogosphere. There’s no defined or clear rules out there. No one telling you what to do and what not to. But this post I think gives us all some blogging etiquette to live up to.
I do try to read every blog post i comment on – how can we add value to the writer if we don’t?
Also, it’s nice to get the occasional positive “good work” or “nice post” but any little addition can help me interact with readers more.
Thanks for this post.
Came here through shilpa’s FB link. This can pass off as blogging commandments i must say. Guilty of 7th point ie grammar and spelling, i hastily post sometimes. But my grammar and spellings are not that awful.
yes, i do visit some blogs even if they don’t reciprocate that is because i like their content. I do leave comments on their blog especially one blog i am fond of. The rest i don’t always comment but do visit.
BTW, i remember visiting you soon after your comment on my first parentous post:)
Vidya
This post should be a manifesto called ‘BLOGGERS ETIQUETTE’. I love your ‘no nonsense’ tone of voice..
It’s a wake up call and a great reminder to me not to take anything for granted and always treat yourself and others with integrity.
Ah my dear friend – although I check for grammar and spelling several times before posting, I think that I’m one of those that messes up every now and then….
xxoo-Fran
Fran Sorin recently posted…5 Tips on How To Unearth Your Creativity and Be Joyful
Okay Vidya…I’m one of those sinners you talk about. Gulp. Can I make an excuse or two? Guest posters…I have them…and there are times when the comments are directed entirely to the author and I just don’t feel it’s my place to add my two cents. If I’m mentioned as well, I’ll be the first to chime in…my siblings didn’t call me blabbermouth for nothing!
The other sin I’m guilty of…often when I’ve just posted something, I’m in a space to breathe and check out other sites and often leave comments then.
I’m here now, and I haven’t posted my latest, that’s for later today, or tomorrow…but it’s done and ready to go, so I’m in my breathing, and commenting phase. 🙂
There you have it, this is my mea culpa.
e-hugs
Elle recently posted…Are You Struggling To Keep Up?
Vidya,
Nice post. I loved it! Back when I had a bit more time, I would go and find lots of neat posts from other people and bloggers and sites. I would always make sure that I talked about the post in my own post, but I would always provide a link to the post so that the traffic would go back through the blogger’s/author’s site. I can see how people would like a post and just copy and paste it. 🙂
I think it just goes along the lines of “treat others the way you would be treated,” and “be generous and giving to others.” I think those two lines get at the heart of these “sins.” I absolutely loved the post. (Now can I start dropping links galore within this comment?) 🙂
Have a great one!
Victor recently posted…Need a “Life Check?” Get 15 Free Gifts! | VictorSchueller.com
You are absolutely right about those two lines, Victor. I remember I used to do that too. Even if reciprocation is not an issue, sometimes it is amazing how people don’t acknowledge at all, right? 🙂 You are one of the most wonderful bloggers I know, and such a “giving” one! Ultimately, blogging is just like real life – and you put it perfectly. Thank you for commenting! (yes you can drop links here anytime, because I am sure they’ll add value ;-))
yes i am guilty. i admit it. many times i don’t edit for spelling and grammar errors. i correct as i go and place more emphasis on the info i’m sharing over my grammar. to top it off, i have a caribbean accent and i was raised in Brooklyn (Brooklynites have an accent all of their own). and to make matters worse, i write the way i speak. and if all that wasn’t bad enough, i was programmed by a previous employer, over a 2 year period, to always write in lowercase because she felt it was part of the small production company’s branding. so i have issues remembering to capitalize the first letter in my sentences and in names.
oh well, i guess i’ll never make it as a blogger. 😀
vanita recently posted…How To Increase Blog Traffic
Vanita, big hugs to you. You know you’re awesome. Admit it! I really don’t know anyone else who is so ready to go beyond the necessary to help their fellow-bloggers. You give so generously, so shut up 😀 Love you!
superb post. thank you for spelling out what so many bloggers need to understand about basic rules of etiquette. cheers
Liz
Thank you, Liz! Happy blogging!
I truly feel bad when I feel like I am taking without giving, but it happens. I try to compensate (on days I have a post, ha!) Seriously, I have a lot of blogger guilt, but I do my best to pay it forward when I can.
Hi Poppy!I happen to know you are a ‘giving’ person. 🙂 A mutual friend told me and I believe her. Sadly, there are those who simply assume they can take and keep moving. 😀 But then, it takes all sorts to make the world. Hugs!
Thank you for this enjoyable post Vidya. I am just beginning to blog again after some time and I have experienced some of these things myself. One of my favorite bloggers mentioned that blogging is all about relationships-think I agree!
Jennifer Kabir recently posted…Date Night with a Twist
Thank you, Jennifer! Yes, it is always about relationships! And so up to us to make it a happy one 😀 Have an awesome week!
A good summary Vidya ! One more on my list is read and appreciate what you really like, don’t like or comment when you don’t mean to, just for reciprocating. That to my mind is too shallow.
Thank you, Asha. I agree with you – I like doing that too. And I invariably do not say anything when I have no value to add. I share the post across my social media networks to compensate 😀
I am happy I am not a sinner of any of these. Good to see you came up with the list. All these lessons were so scattered.
Diwakar Narayan recently posted…Tathastu! …Happy Travellers!
Thanks Diwakar. When I started writing the post I didn’t realize I could come up with so many. Experience is a good teacher. Special thanks to you for voting for my post on Indivine. 🙂
New to blogging…am learning new things every day. Loved and learned the points you have mentioned in your post. thank you 🙂 will keep each one in mind 🙂
Welcome, Preethi! 🙂 Blogging etiquette is pretty similar to how we treat people in real life. 🙂 Being nice!
Very informative, thanks for the nice post, will take care of things in my blog. Felt a bit sigh of relief, i am not involved in such things. Honestly, sometimes I don’t find to reply to comments, will take of that in future seriously !
[…] written a post called 7 Reasons Why You Should Stop Blogging and read and agreed with the 7 Deadly Sins of Blogging. However, when Fabida, who writes at Shocks and Shoes brought this article – 12 […]
Hopping here from Corinne’s post. Great points you have highlighted ..
‘Would you consistently visit a blog and comment simply because you enjoy it, even if that blogger does not reciprocate?’ – Yes I would. This is because, I am a blog reader first . I have been reading blogs for the past 6 years, mostly fashion blogs. I visit few of those even now and comment here and there. Doesn’t matter if they do not reciprocate ..
Then I gradually started with my blog..
simple girl recently posted…AtoZchallenge – C for Chop
That totally makes you my kinda girl! 🙂 Thank you for visiting and commenting :). Now I gotta go see what you’ve got for Chop!
Blogging is not just about writing a post and forgetting about it.Involves lot of networking.As you rightly pointed out,we have to keep away from these 7 sins of blogging to thrive in the blogging network.Great list!