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.
~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~
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
Great post, Rich!
One rule I can think of is that if you're commenting on people's blogs, it's ok to give your opinion if it differs, but you should not attack the person who wrote it just because their opinion is different.
Hi, Rich:
It surprises me that a list of rules has to be presented or created for people to behave towards each other here. Aren't we all supposed to be professionals? The members' blogs and comments, from giving SEO tutorials and teaching each other to navigate this site, reveal how people truly are in 'real' life--be it caring, giving, or just self-serving. It is to be hoped though, that with repeated reminders just like yours, common courtesy and sense will prevail. Thank you for keeping the discussion civilized.
P. S. I think I just observed a 'flame bait' discussion not too long ago, but I could be wrong. It's not the first time that happened. LOL
Rich, great post. Yolanda is right, it is a shame that we need to be presented a list of common curtesies that every professional should understand inherently. Thank you for bring what should be understood front and center.
Ines, you have a giant GOLD STAR over your head! You go girl!
Janie
AAAAaaaaahh! You guys are going to make me cry <snif, snif> OK.....
((((((((((GROUP HUG)))))))))))
Rich, even though I agree that there are no hard and rules to blogging, it is good to at least have a guide to take a peek at every once and a while.
What you have put together are all good concept to follow, and I think that most of the people on here do that, unfortunately there will always be a few that like to show everyone what a fool they can be.
Hi Rich-
As always, solid suggestions for conduct. This should be on the required reading list. Thanks : )
To me flamebait was always so hard to define and it is getting worse. I have always thought Wikipedia's definition leaves a lot to be desired: "Flamebait is a message posted to a public Internet discussion group, such as a forum, newsgroup or mailing list, with the intent of provoking an angry response (a "flame") or argument over a topic the troll often has no real interest in."
That would suppose that you have identified the troll and you are baiting them. I can see it in a closed environment but with the WWW and web 2.0 there is such a huge potential audience reading and responding. Where does provocative end and flamebait start?
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat post Rich.
Hi Rich,
It is always a good idea that just when you think you know what you should, you read someone else's post and I am sure if it is read carefully, you can learn something new. A very good post and I wish I could encourage a few others to read it. But they won't and in the end, they lose because they never gained the respect they could have had. In my world, respect comes before credibility. An excellent post! Worthy of the distinction of being featured. Well Done!
William
Well, now I have a better idea of what flame means. It must be nice to have so much time to waste causing trouble.
Thank you for this information, Rich.
There was an idea for a bloggers code of conduct floating around the internet when things got out of control in the tech blogging world earlier this year. These entries about a bloggers code of conduct are on Bill O'Reilly's blog.
Call for a Blogger's Code of Conduct
Draft Blogger's Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct: Lessons Learned So Far
I think it is in the draft that there is a star badge for blogs that expect civility or are civil, will uphold civility in the blogosphere or something like that. In the comments there's something about "we don't need no stinkin badges."
Of course most people don't need a code of conduct, they are going to behave. They follow the golden rule. Those who don't aren't going to stop being jerks because of a new code. As Sandra said for those of us that are REALTORS® there is a code of ethics. There is not any clause in the code of ethics that says if it's on the internet you don't have to abide by the code, but some people act as if there is. Just a small number though.
I don't believe a code of conduct would work. I think in a community like AR Guidelines are important.
No rules?? Geez. I seem to learn of a rule every day. Or, are they simply guidelines???
Other "guidelines" I would add are"
If you comment on someone's post, respect their territory and don't use someone else's blog as link bait to your own blog. Lots of that going around.
If you blog, please give us SOME content before the more and more popular "READ MORE" link. If Active Rain is merely the place to link to other blogs, at least give us something. Otherwise, Active Rain is merely a directory for other blogs or web sites.
The concept of "live and let live" is wonderful, but if the Active Rain guidelines are not respected, bloggers will increasingly be living "alone".
GREAT POST.
Part of the reason we are real estate agents is because we don't like rules. Rules that say 9-5 or M-F. Rules that dictate what we wear and how we act.
But just like real life, cyberspace teaches us that there are standards that must be adhered to or the consequences will have to be faced. Being rude online eventually brings to cyberspace what being rude in real life brings. And the opposite is true, too.
Great blog. It's nice to be reminded of these common sense rules from time to time. So far my experience as a newbie has been very good and I've had several really nice folks help me out. I actually avoided this website for months because I was so intimidated and then I decided to jump on in. After all, everyone has to start somewhere at some time. Your message is a good one to read from time to time. Thanks for making it fun with the graphics.
Rich,
Maybe Activerain need to repost this once a week so everyone can abide:)
Hi Rich - great list of guidelines and I'd say, from your fingers to the eyes and ears of those who can't seem to get these simple easy-to-live by rules you wrote. I've seen so much whining and pettiness of late here that it just makes you wonder what those people must be like in person. We are all judged by how we appear here on AR, and unfortunately for some, they're not coming across very nicely in the words that are being written.
There are posts and comments belittling others, bemoaning and whining about things, posts pitting one person against another - just really childish petty behavior. When I come upon things like that I find myself wondering if those who write that kind of stuff have any clue how they really come across to those reading it.
I love Lenn's additions to your list!
And to Ines - you are one shining example as Rich and others have stated. You are THE gold star in that competiton - never whining, accepting constructive criticism with beautiful grace, and always sharing with us what you're learning and doing. Rich and Maggie said it perfectly. I'm joining in with Monika on the hug from New Hampshire!! ;-)
Ann
Rich~
Thanks for taking the time to assemble this matrix of the flow that reminds me of the new summer rose blooming today in my garden. It opens and makes the world more beautiful as it unfolds, just as this vital community does. I am not sure about removing the thorns, but , as you point out, there are ways to present them within a structure that makes sense.
Rich, I'm so glad to see this Featured! I'm also glad you found all this valuable information and posted it.
I agree with each and every one.
I also think Rule 8 means don't give out personal HOME information of others. I've seen that happen elsewhere online. That's dangerous territory.
Thank you again!
Rich-
Excellent post- Somehow we'll get the message across.
It's quite frustrating, so much of this is common sense.........
Great post!!! I am new to blogging and these are some terrific tips!! Much appreciated.
Your mortgage partner for life,
Rey "Steak Dinner" Gallegos
Senior Loan Officer
mailto:rey@Steak-Dinner.com
www.steak-dinner.com/
Five Star Mortgage
Your complete community mortgage broker!
Thank you for your referrals!
Great post, Rich. Looks like a good book to read, so have added it to my list. Rules, as guidelines, are important. Not sure there are rules that are absolutes. And given how blogging is evolving, and the real estate market is always changing, "rules" will likely evolve as well. Looking forward to the next post.
Jeff
You walk like you talk. Thanks for continually taking the high road... and adding conscience to AR.
If commenting for AR points, which certainly sets the stage for meaningless banter, the least we can do is be polite and stay within the general guidelines, whatever they are, of the community.
Good stuff, and you know we already appreciate your help with us.
This may sound kind of "dumb" but I love rules/guidelines. It makes a community a great place to "live". Why? People love to run amuck and do things "their way". If us (as humans) all did thing our way there would be more blatant abuse than you can imagine. Thanks for the reminders and of course...bookmarked.
P.S. I went back to look at the picture...I must be old...the three amigo's or something like that?
Sally - The 3 Amigos is one of my fave movies!
Well...
I had a comment and then I read Hubba's (Jeff Turner) comment.
So for my comment see his because I would rather not just re word what he has to say :)
TLW...ROAR!
Hi Rich -
Another great post! The importance of playing nice . . . Thanks!
Tad - yur Welcome!
Gary - your thoughts and input are greatly appreciated. Next time I'm in your area, let's hook-up, okay?
Jeff D. - that will probably be my premise, that no rules necessary apply, unless it's some kind of company or corporate list, and there are many of those...
Ann - yes, it does get rather tiresome. I wonder how many new members jump ship because they come across that kind of petty AOL chatroom behavior?
Yes, we need to have an Ines LoveFest!!!
Maureen - thanks for sharing the links to Bill's site. Ya gotta love his stuff! I agree, any rules or code would be difficult to enforce. Guidelines within a public forum like AR makes more sense, and allowing the membership to police itself, for the most part...
Maureen M. (again) - where does provocative end and flame bait start? Now there's a really good question. There's the line from the old radio show, "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" I think it's a matter of willful intent versus sensationalism. By the time you read through the full article, you can pretty much discern which it is. Some attempt to cleverly disguise their 'flame baiting' in a cloak of injustice or self-pity, hoping to dupe the masses into feeling sorry, or empathizinig to their views.
Celeste - thanks for the Dad's Day greeting!
God, Grant me the Serenity to Accept the things I cannot Change,
COURAGE to change the things I can and
Wisdom to know the difference.
~ Reinhold Neiburger
Rich I saw your listing in Union today.
It is beautiful. What a view, great exterior paint!
It will be a great place for a family. I even took some pictures. :)
Alex
Rich,
New logo? Are you feeling ornery today? ; )
Pete - for many of us, there's been a HUGE learning curve as we've gotten our blogfeet wet in the Rain. There is a weatlth of great resources and wonderful encouragment here on this platform!
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
Thanks for the well written post, I am check your posts ofetn for articulate insight and good information.
Oh and...Great Sombrero!
Russell: Man, I wrote this one over a year ago! Seems like ages! Glad you enjoyed it!
Liz: Ya know I love ya!