Comment Etiquette

LJ asked an important question in her blog today. Is there an unspoken code of ethics for responding to entries in weblogs? This isn't all she asked, but it covers most of what she was talking about.

So, is there a 'code of ethics' for blogging? Does it cover comments?

Most of the information I have found covers the interaction between the blogger and the reader rather than between readers. We Blog talks about being a 'good community leader' when using a comment system. Read Me has a section called 'Feedback and initiating contact'. These cover some of the issues but not all of them.

Here are some of my ideas about comments. They have developed from many sources and from my reactions to irritating comments in various blogs.

1. Comment frequency: The consensus seems to be 'the more the merrier'. Of course the blogger is not expected to respond to every (or any) of the comments. People will tend to comment more in sites where the blogger does respond. Acknowledging your readers makes them feel welcome. If you don't care about them why have a comment/guestbook system?



2. The blogger is editor/publisher and has the right to define the tone of the comments. Bloggers can ask for no profanity for example.



3. People are allowed to express opinions contrary to the blogger's. Rather than filling up another's comments it is better to respond at length in your own blog.



4. Interacting with other commenters is encouraged. If it gets out of hand the blog owner can step in and say that's enough. It depends on whether the comments are relevant to the entry in question.



5. Comments are a way for people to interact. Different circumstances will produce different reactions. Basically it is much like email and personal conversation - i.e.: be polite, express yourself clearly, and know when to let things pass.

I find communication within comments/guestbooks to be fascinating. Here we can interact publicly with people from all over the world. Rather than just reading others ideas we can express ourselves and expand our 'social circles'.

LJ I hope this helps. What do others think?