Etiquette for Bloggers: the Question of Good Manners in a Virtual World

I have been planning on writing this post for ages. Maybe longer…

The Question: “What are proper manners when it comes to blogging?”

I’m not generally one to concern myself much over being “proper”, but it seems that some general guidelines in the blogosphere can define the difference between a successful  blog and a forgettable one. I have gone back and forth since I started Gypsea Tree as to the best way to respond to comments. Below are the three different options I have taken:

1. Respond to post comments with my own comment. The thing I like about this is that it feels more like the blog is providing a  discussion. To me a huge part of blogging is about creating communities and dialogue. Many of my favorite blogs start such great discussions  in the comment section that I will check back on posts I have already read simply to see the progression of the conversation.  I know that a lot of people leave comments and never return to them. That seems a bit like shouting out into the void and then forgetting all about what you said. What do you think?

2. Reciprocate a comment left on my blog by visiting the commenter’s blog and leaving a comment there. The upside to this is that every blogger craves comments so it’s a great way to return the favor. The downside is that there is no visible response on your blog and it looks like you are ignoring people. It also halts further discussion.

3. Send an email response. A while back I visited a blog that I only occasionally read. It’s a fairly big blog and gets quit a bit of traffic. The blog author responded to my comment with a short email and I thought it was the coolest thing! The fact that she took the time to do that impressed me as I didn’t expect any response. I love emailing reader’s at Gypsea Tree, but I mostly do this if they don’t have a blog I can respond at. (Although sometimes you all say such lovely things I want to send a little note either way!)

So what do you think? You are the Gypsea Tree readers and responders so it’s your opinion that matters to me! I would love to hear how other bloggers maintain their comments section.

Please leave a comment with your thoughts. For this post I will keep all responses here in the comment section.

{PS. Thank you for all the kind birthday wishes!}

Gypsy Flight

I curated my first treasury!

{Please view it here at Etsy!}

Like a Ghost

I’ve been very busy and working overtime this week so I can get off early on Friday for my birthday. I may be a little scarce for a bit, but I will be back soon! I hope you are all having a lovely week!

I’m a little obsessed with Etsy’s Treasury East. Isn’t this one beautiful?

{source}

Here Comes the Sun

A few days ago I was layering with wool sweaters. Today I could almost, almost get away with sandals. Oh Sunshine, please stay here for a while!

I get a strange delight out of taking pictures of the sun. It makes me feel as if I’m tricking the laws of nature because I don’t look at it while I’m taking the picture, but later I can stare directly at the image all I want and not worry about going blind or any of those other horrific things that can supposedly happen… I feel so clever!

Yesterday we ate dinner down by the water and I was happy to spend a little time in the sunshine afterward. I’m trying to remember to bring my camera with me more often.

I’m still constantly rocking back and forth between the elation of leaving my job for something new and the panic of venturing into the unknown.

Travel plans are in constant flux. I think we have decided we will have to rule New Zealand out for now as getting there is just too expensive. The last few days I’ve been thinking more and more about South America. I’m realizing that what I am needing now is someplace quiet. I don’t want to spend a lot of time in any major cities. Wild beaches and tropical jungles sound particularly appealing.

…But then again, who knows, tomorrow I may want to go to Paris!

The Curse of the Indecisive.

{all images property of Gypsea Tree}

Did you know?

We have already established my ardent love of all things Edward Gorey. However, I’m not sure I have ever mentioned my rather fanatical obsession with LOST. (Gotta keep this short as it’s on in 10 minutes!!!) Tuesday nights are officially “LOST Night” around here. I was absolutely delighted to come across this wonderful blog post combining two of my great loves. Isn’t the internet just the best???

If you too are a fan: click here!