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Social Networking: 7 tips to keep from being Anti-Social

phones It's called "social" networking. Make no mistake about it, most of us are here to network not just have fun. On the other hand, there are a few groups that are created for just for breaking away from the every day. If you are here to network don't forget the social aspects. Here are a few reminders:

1. Respond to comments on your blog - If someone stops by to express their opinion or give you some kudos, acknowledge them. Not only is it polite, but it encourages them to return.

2. Keep blog topics positive - Occasionally you may cover a tough topic, and say something that needs to be said. This will be taken a lot more seriously if you are positive in your delivery and keep topics helpful and encouraging.

3. Offer genuine commendation to others - If you read a post and really enjoyed it or found it insightful, let the writer know. I am not talking about a "Nice post" line to get yourself some points. Be specific. Mention what in the post was helpful, and how you might use it.

4. Keep comments related to the topic at hand - Nothing derails a great conversation like someone jumping in and changing the subject. If you comment, stick to the topic that was blogged about and keep links to a minimum. Blatant self promotion will only annoy others and make them ignore your future blogs and comments.

5. Disagree, but don't Attack - Having a difference of opinion is not only acceptable, it is how a community learns and grows. Personal attacks will cause others to feel that you are not objective and don't have a real point. Keep opposing arguments civil, and be sure to mention that it is purely your opinion, and that you welcome responses to change your thinking.

6. Subscribe to your favorite bloggers - It increases their popularity and is a sign you are being "active" in the rain.

7. Add selected individuals to your Associates list - When appropriate, adding someone that you have had positive dealing with is a great way to increase your circle of contacts.

Remember, it's networking but it will only be effective if you are social.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Posted by Eric Carlsen on 05/13/2007 01:08 PM

Comments (37)

active rain, blogging, social networking

37 Comments on Social Networking: 7 tips to keep from being Anti-Social

MAY

2007

Good tips thanks. I have added associates but have not subscribed to any yet. I wll subscribe to yours as my first.

Thanks Jeff!

I took a look at your blog, and I agree with your last post...blogging is not a waste of time. I'll be stopping by again.

Thanks for the useful tips Eric.

Great post I agree with it. Really agree with 1 and 5. BUT HATE EVERYTHING ELSE!...just kidding.. had to do it. good post.

John - Hope the tips prove useful. Thanks for dropping by

Matt - Touché...A sense of humor could be an honorary point #8

Thanks for the tips -

I need to work on a few of these and I will =)

I think that probably goes for all of us...a work in progress. Thanks Abraham.

This post led me to your blog with a post on getting urls linked. I subscribe to it just for that article. Keep it up.

Great tips for AR and in real life. If you respect the ideas and opinions of others even if you don't agree with them it will provide you with great dividends down the road.

I like this post. it is simple and to the point. We have heard this before and it has been written here on active rain before in one form or another but I like the way you say it because you emphasize that this is a social network. I think we have members that do not understand what a social network is or how to deport themselves. Thanks for writing this.

good tips.

i get good comments here..... my blog on my website gets nast comments.

Jim - Thanks for subscribing. I hope to provide more useful tidbits in the future.

Teresa - I appreciate your commendation. More people applying the Golden Rule is always a good thing. By the way your blog is an AR staple.

Tom - Glad to hear that the AR community is treating you as they should. Hopefully the voices here will continue to lead by example.

Thanks for the tips on blogging etiquette. I haven't been blogging long and posts like this help all of us maintain proper protocol. This network is for all of us... young & old. Ha!

The strength of any network, social or otherwise, is in its connections and you offer some great tips on this. For content, numbers 2 and 5 are my favorites. I really don't like to read the rant posts, especially those where the writer fails to offer any solutions. And when there is disagreement, I always think 'attack the idea, not the individual'.

Great reminder. I went back to review my posts and make sure I have commented.

Simple but good advice.

Bruce - I love the exchange that AR offers, I am new as well, and am just trying to take it all in and give something back too. P.S. - Great job establishing a niche blog.

John - Your regular and positive participation on AR is something all of us could learn from. Thanks for adding some words of wisdom in your comments.

Mott - Grateful you stopped by. Give and take is what makes this community worthwhile.

Gary - It is a battle to stay current (though today has been my biggest response test). P.S. - I lived in Florida for over 5 years and had no idea where Brevard County was...now I do.

Tracy - Thanks for the feedback. I hope people take to heart your post from yesterday.

Good stuff....I like your tipssssss. Ver helpful.

Very good outline Eric. Participating in a netwrok like AR is not rocket science but it does require common courtesy. Folks need to feel free to voice their opinions. We do not have to agreeable all the time. Personally I love a good debate or heated discussion. It's how I learn.

Hello Eric...

My Name is TLW and I am guilty of not staying on topic. And for the record...I will just keep doing what I do best.

Which is of course to put forth the effort to lighten up other people's day. So if that means going off topic...Then so be it :)

Personally I feel very good about the way I conduct myself on Active Rain :)

TLW...ROAR!

Hey, TLW, I feel pretty good about the way you conduct yourself here too, even after you revealed your secret name. ;-)

Lighter days are usually better days.

Happy Mother's Day

Great and useful ideas. I had already subscribed but hadn't been aware of the associate option. I saw a few that had added me............now I shall check it out further. I really like the idea of responding to the responders. I try and do that, and now will try harder.

Thanks for the great info , we all need a remind now & then to be sociable!

No running with scissors!

Great post, especially number 5 and 7. The whole idea is to network after all. -Charles

Wow...all of the comments are certainly appreciated.

Brian - I totally agree...opposing views can really educate all of us. Differing opinions does not have to turn into a mud slinging contest.

TLW - I admire your candor. From what I have observed many others here in AR do as well. Thanks for stopping in.

Jim - Thanks for keeping it light. Great posts on Knoxville and Tennessee in general.

Teri - I wish I had it down pat...I'm just getting going and will keep trying too.

Kathleen - Good advice. I use a paper cutter for just that reason...too heavy to bring with me.

Charles - Grateful for your encoragement...let the networking free for all continue.

Eric - Thanks for the great tips. These are things that everyone who is blogging here should make an effort to do. I know I personally read much more than I comment on, simply because of time, but I do try to make a fair number of comments. I know I always appreciate them. It's amazing what one can learn in teh process of social networking!! :)

Jeff

Jeff,

Your visits and comments are certainly always welcome. Thanks for the positive feedback.

MAY

2007

Eric, These are great ideas! I've learned to be nice here and leave my negative comments to myself. I love to be social too. I could use another good friend!

Lizette,

Thanks for your comment and for stopping by. I enjoyed reading through some of your recent blog posts.

Eric,

Strong tutorial on how to network here in AR. I think the associates and subscriptions are overlooked features that I need to address.

Eric, all great guidelines for any blogger to follow. I haven't quite figured out the associates thing yet, but I'm working on it. When I add someone, do they show up on my list, or vice versa? I've seen it do both, but not consistently. I guess I'm just confused. Thanks for the great pointers!

Esko - Thanks for your comments, hope the post was helpful.

Ryan - When you add someone as an Associate, they will show up under that area on the left hand pane. You can even create categories to keep all your Associates organized. Once they are under your Associates section, they will receive a message that you have added them. You will then show up for them under the last section in their left hand pane entitled, Associations. More to the point, when you look at your personal blog, Associates are people you have added...Associations are people who have added you. Hope that helps.

good stuff...thanks for the tips

Cheers,
Uzi Husain
Arizona Realtor, serving Goodyear & The Phoenix metropolitan area

Thanks for clearing that up for me Eric. I never did understand who added who and showed up where. Makes sense now.

I tried to comment on one of your points but I liked all of the suggestions. I love reading blogs but it is hard to always comment. Especially when there are so many good comments already on a post.

MAY

2007

Good points, Eric. I especially like#4. Nothing derails a conversation like an off-topic or self-serving comment.

Uzi - Thanks for stopping by.

Ryan - No problem. So many bells and whistles it's a challenge to keep them all straight.

Michelle - Agreed...Commenting takes effort, thanks for making one here though.

Brian - I think most Active Rainers do pretty well with this, hopefully more catch on.

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