Lately, I’ve noticed that other bloggers seem to have different thoughts on what it means to be a citizen of the Blogosphere. The behavior of some bloggers, both professional and amateur, is something that is still being developed. It’s amazing, really. I’m actually considering writing my thesis on bloggers when the bridge cometh.

But I still wonder if there really is something to the lines of Blogger Etiquette. If there isn’t, perhaps there are a few things we should do. It’s helpful to you, because a blogger who’s kind and thoughtful to others often gets kind and thoughtful hits. With that, here’s a few ways you can make yourself a good citizen of planet Blog.

1. COMMENT!

I cannot stress this enough. We all know the pain of hopping over to our blog, only to see nothing but a deserted “No Comments” line next to our blog entries. A similar feeling goes for forums by bloggers. If you see a blog entry that you feel is particularly good, leave a comment. Yes, it’s a lot of information you need to write out, but it only takes maybe two minutes at most, and if you frequent the blog, more then likely the cookies will insure you don’t have to enter it again.

Incidentally, other bloggers may consider making it easier to leave comments, using things such as ClickComments to make commenting on your blog easier.

2. Put sites you like on your blogroll

Your blogroll is that little thing on your site that lists certain websites you add to it. You might think it bad to add sites that could take your traffic, but Blog Tutorials provides a different interpretation:

No man is an island. Similarly, your blog must not be all alone in the blogosphere or the rest of the Web. Chances are you’ll write about a website or a news story you found online, so why not link to it? Chances are you’re going to meet new blogging friends and colleagues, so why not link to them?

The other bloggers will see that you are linking traffic to them, and they might just put you on their blogroll if they like your site! (NOTE: My blogroll is empty right now due to the fact that I just transferred my blog over. I’ll be filling it up again as time goes on.)

3. Try not to be prejudiced in your blog

You’d think this wouldn’t be an issue, given the diversity of the internets. However, Lorelle VanFossen points out that there are still bloggers out there who set a criteria based on race, sex, or in her entry’s case, religion. Her advice:

As a self-publishing blogger with no one standing over your shoulder to make you reconsider your words before the world reads them, take care with your own prejudice and where you aim it. I vote for thinking of your audience on a global scale, not narrow judgments and assumptions.

Try to remember that there are more people out there then just people like you. It’s something I have to understand still as well, so you’re not alone.

4. If you have a question about a blog entry, ask!

Similar to the commenting problem, most people are too nervous to email bloggers regarding a post they made. Why? Some might they’re afraid that the blogger will think the question stupid. Others might believe that the blogger won’t respond. The solution for this is to realize two things. First, there are no stupid questions. The mere fact that you have asked is enough to warrant a response. Second, at least email the blogger. If they never respond, then you know that they can’t take an email. Don’t ever assume.

5. Offer blogging services pro bono (That means for free.)

Before you yell at me about monetizing and all that, realize that in order to make serious cash, you must first be able to put your name out to get the cash. For blogs that can’t afford to pay you, writing an occasional entry for them will give you a link from there. Should they become famous, they’ll remember you. At the least, you’ll have a place you can point to to say “Hey, I did something for them!”

These are just a few guidelines for being a good blog citizen. Do you have any other tips?

Technorati tags: blogging tips, blogosphere, blogging, productivity, personal development, citizenship