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Playing Fair in the Blogbox: "The Core Rules of Netiquette" - Blog Tips for Rain Drips

By
Real Estate Agent with Fathom Realty West Sound WA State 52404

Rules???  We don't need no 'stinkin' rules!

The more I write and publish to my blog here on ActiveRain and on SOUNDBITEBLOG, the more I realize there are no hard & fast rules for blogging, but simply opinions, preferences, and common sense social netiquette.

So let's start with Proper Netiquette, or, "Playing Fair in the Blogging Sandbox."

According to Wikipedia, "Netiquette is a catch-all term for the conventions of politeness and respect recognized on Usenet, in mailing lists, in live chat systems, and on other electronic forums such as Internet message boards. These conventions address the relationship between personal behavior and group phenomena, and outline a dynamic set of guidelines for conduct that is conducive to pleasant, efficient and agreeable interaction."

 

 

In her book, "The Core Rules of Netiquette," Virginia Shea suggests the following basic tenets:

  • Rule 1: Remember the Human: Basically, follow the Golden Rule and treat others as you would have them treat you.
  • Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life: A reminder to be ethical and to avoid any illegal behavior, such as copyright infringement or plagiarism (clip & paste).
  • Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace: There may be differences of behavior from one platform or forum to the next. Take time to observe how other members interact before taking the plunge.
  • Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth: I take this to mean writing good quality content, both in your posts and in your comments. Don't waste other people's time with meaningless banter. Don't clutter the platform with redundant self-promotion. Have respect for the founders/creators of the network, and abide by their guidelines.
  • Rule 5: Make yourself look good online: Yes, Virginia, good spelling and proper grammar ARE important. When you take a position of authority on a given point, be prepared to know what you're talking about and support your views. Don't post 'Flame Bait (a tactic used by those who want to draw attention to themselves by creating undue controversy or confrontation).
  • Rule 6: Share expert knowledge: Share freely from your pool of knowledge and experience. The ones who 'get' the most, are the very ones who 'give' the most.
  • Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control: Notice she doesn't suggest that we refrain from flaming. The act of flaming has long been a tradition on social forums. They can actually be rather entertaining at times. And let's face it, some people deserve to be 'flamed!' But when they burn out of control, becoming intensely personal and damaging, it's wrong. 
  • Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy:  I think this probably relates more to e-mail privacy, but it could apply to gossip as well. And let's not forget unsolicited SPAM! (Has anyone ever 'solicited' SPAM?) 
  • Rule 9: Don't abuse your power: Just because you may know more than the next person or may have been doing something a little while longer than the rest doesn't make you any better, or necessarily establish you as the resident expert.
  • Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes: Everyone has been a network Newbie at one time or another. Many of us have had the good fortune of meeting some polite, kind, and patient mentors along the way. We should follow their example by helping other new members.

On the HomePage of ActiveRain, the Founders have provided us with a wealth of Community Resources. Many of the articles contained on this resource page will give you a better understanding of what behavior is encouraged and discouraged here in the Rain.

Next time, we'll explore together whether or not any blogging 'rules' truly exist.

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social-media-is-a-conversation

Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail:  kitsapagent@gmail.com

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Rich Jacobson is a REALTOR® and licensed Broker with Fathom Realty. He's a Crab Hunter, Clam Digger, and Oyster Shucker, skilffuly vanquishing anything in a shell! He is the Social Media Evangelist for Life on the Kitsap Peninsula & The Western Puget Sound in scenic WA State.

Comments (140)

Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Jonathan - people 'flame-bait' all the time without knowing it. Some are simply 'wired' that way, and are very confrontational in their writing/commenting. I think it boils down to intent. Do you really want to stimulate meaningful debate & discussion? Or do you simply want to piss people off and put your own condescending ego-driven opinions on a pedestal?
Jun 22, 2007 04:38 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

Rich,

You obviously do not have to resort to "flame bait" to get a lot of comments;) Guidelines can't hurt, they can only help. Would you mind if Angie puts this post in her Newbie instructions?

Jun 22, 2007 04:41 AM
Yolanda Hoversten
Self Employed - O'Fallon, IL
Referrals for O’Fallon, IL & the Metro East

Hi, Rich!

I was just checking if you're paying attention.  LOL  On a side note, someone said that flame-baiting is senseless provocation, which I happen to agree with.  I wish I remember who said it..!  Have a great weekend.

Jun 22, 2007 04:48 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Yolanda - it isn't necessarly 'senseless' provocation. Some people do it just to create controversy and stimulate heated debate. It really depends on the actual intent and purpose.
Jun 22, 2007 06:27 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Karen - that would be cool. Go for it!
Jun 22, 2007 06:28 AM
Angie Vandenbergh
Crye-Leike, Realtors - Memphis, TN
A Crye-Leike Blogger
I agree this is excellent information. I've included it in the newbies welcome.
Jun 22, 2007 08:40 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!
Thanks guys.:)
Jun 22, 2007 09:02 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker
Angie & Karen - Keep up the really great work to inform the Newbies!
Jun 22, 2007 09:18 AM
Karen Hubert
Center Stage Design-real estate staging, Ancaster/Hamilton - Ancaster, ON
Home Stager
I've bookmarked these in case I need reminding.
Jun 23, 2007 02:23 PM
Liz Demaree
Keller Williams Realty - Maplewood, NJ

 

Thank you, Rich: I've just become a member of AR a couple of days ago. It's nice to see such a cooperative, friendly attitude from you and the other posts (posters??) I guess it will take a while for me to get the lingo down. 

Sep 19, 2007 12:57 PM
Mike Tetreau
William Raveis Real Estate - Fairfield, CT - Fairfield, CT
ABR, CRS, GRI, Sales Vice President
Excellent Guidelines....thanks for the well articulated rules to blog by......Mike
Feb 03, 2008 06:18 AM
Liz Carter
Liz Carter & Team Realty-Your Real Estate Resource For Life! - Katy, TX
Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)

Hi Rich, being new (4-6 months...times flys when your bloging:), this was great for me to read and bookmark.  The bottom line is the Golden Rule of course, but AR does tend to have a lot more than that...and I'm really trying.  Most people on AR have been very nice and helpful, but as in life you have those few who are real stinkers!  Thanks again, Liz

Speaking of spell-check, why does AR not recognize blog, or bloging?

Feb 03, 2008 08:51 AM
Sharon Alters
Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty - 904-673-2308 - Fleming Island, FL
Realtor - Homes for Sale Fleming Island FL

This is a good post for a blogging newbie. It is basically what I would do anyway, but it doesn't hurt to have a reminder now and then :) Thanks for writing it.

Aug 02, 2008 04:27 PM
Liz Carter
Liz Carter & Team Realty-Your Real Estate Resource For Life! - Katy, TX
Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)

Rich...

This was so strange...I got a new message with the above comment from Sharon in my in box, and could not figure out why.  So I came back here and read all of your old post and all 133 comments, it was like a time machine trip :). 

Apparently I was really impressed with you and this post and had checked the box to notify me of new comments...MYSTRY SOLVED :).

But why did it happen???  Did I need to reread it?  I thought I have been way above average in the polite, do unto other dept.?  Or maybe you need to re post this?  Either way it was a good reminder, and interesting to read comments from people I know well now, but didn't then.

One thing I would like to add, is at the active rain meeting in TX a few months ago everyone there was exactly the person they seemed to be from their writings, really amazing.

Also Like Margret, in two years I'm only encountered two bad things directed at me, not bad for this many people.

Also I believe that when I read something I don't like or disagree with rather than "offering up my opinion on it", I just move on and don't comment...it was there post, not mine, just let it be.

I have truly enjoyed my time here on the rain and 99.9% of the people I'm meet, and that includes YOU.  Even though you have chided me a couple of times, I really like you and you are a very nice, caring person.  Thanks for all your help and time, Liz

Aug 03, 2008 09:23 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Thanks for the well written post, I am check your posts ofetn for articulate insight and good information.

Oh and...Great Sombrero!

Aug 03, 2008 11:15 AM
Rich Jacobson
Fathom Realty West Sound - Poulsbo, WA
Your Kitsap County WA Real Estate Broker

Russell:  Man, I wrote this one over a year ago! Seems like ages! Glad you enjoyed it!

 

Liz:  Ya know I love ya!

Aug 03, 2008 07:36 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Richard - you posted these wise words before I joined ActiveRain but thanks to a reblog by Lyn Sims I was able to see it.  Thank you.

Carol Williams - although it is far from new, the topic is quite timely and although it was featured thirteen years ago, I suggest this as a SCS Second Chance Saturday candidate so additional members can see it for the first time or a time when it sinks in.    

Jul 24, 2020 10:26 AM
Carol Williams

I haven't been able to stay on AR long enough to put together SCS for three weeks! 

Jul 24, 2020 03:27 PM
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It has been brought out of mothballs!

Jul 24, 2020 01:03 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Bring it on Carol Williams to 2nd Chance if you're able to this week.

Jul 24, 2020 01:37 PM
Carol Williams

I haven't been able to stay on AR long enough to put together SCS for three weeks! 

Jul 24, 2020 03:27 PM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

This is an old post, Rich Jacobson and it was resurrected by Lyn Sims in her recent re-blog of this post. It is still timely and beneficial.

This is an excellent post, loaded with sound advice on how to co-exist in the blogging or Internet hemispheres.

Aug 08, 2020 09:25 AM