10 Don’ts of Blog Commenting

Have you ever left a comment and then felt a strange sensation in your gut that made you wish you hadn’t pressed the submit button?  If you are planning on entering content into someone’s blog that they have likely worked hard to develop, take it seriously. The guy on the other side of the comment box certainly does. Take it from a long time commentor and commentee, here is how not to comment on this or dare I say any other blog.  Most of this is common sense etiquette that fall into the “do unto others” category. Yet, every day, I see comments on Clickfire that defy these “don’ts.” So here it is, spelled out in detail.

1. Don’t post affiliate referral codes in comment posts to try and get commissions. This seems obvious etiquette but I am amazed at how much this goes on.
2. Don’t copy and paste a comment post that you or someone else has previously posted to another blog or forum.
3. Don’t make trite comments like “Great article.” If you read it, say why it was great.
4. Don’t use incorrect grammar or mispellings. Doing this makes the blog look like a low quality blog. Or the blogger has to spend time correcting the errors.
5. Don’t post links or signatures to promote a site. If you post a link, make sure it offers value to the readers.
6. Don’t post off-topic comments. Let the price of tomatoes in China be debated in China.
7. Don’t lie in your comments. This has been said before by a greater authority than myself. Trust me, someone will bust you.
8. Don’t post profanity. It seemed cool in elementary school. Some readers relate to coarse language, others are offended by it.
9. Don’t use someone else’s blog as an outlet to post legal complaints you have with a service. Especially, don’t post someone else’s private emails as a comment. You may have a legitimate beef, but it usually doesn’t serve a blogging audience to read private legal correspondence.
10. Don’t issue personal attacks or insults. Be a lady. Be a gentleman. Fake it if you have to.

Now, care to leave a comment?

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