There is no longer any doubt that blogging has captured the world’s imagination like few other Internet phenomenon have before or since. The immense popularity of blogging however has only served to focus attention on numerous bloggers that are seemingly unaware of blogging etiquette. If you have been a frequent observer of the blogging phenomenon for a number of years now, then you probably know what we are talking about. Blogging is as much a privilege as it is a right, and it will only serve the blogging community as a whole if everyone keeps a few simple things in mind.
Blogging is a unique means of expression in itself, and that what was once a fairly invalided audience has now transcended geographical boundaries to encompass the rest of the world. While the personal approach remains a valid means of expression, the modern day blogger should at least make an effort to be understood by a wider range of readers.
While blogging was once primarily a way to share your innermost thoughts and ideas to the world, the vast popularity of blogging has resulted in countless pages seemingly dedicated to trivial posts. While such everyday occurrences may be significant to you, not everyone in your audience will feel the same way. You may therefore want to start blogging about more things that would be interesting to your readers, instead of merely blogging about what you had for lunch!
A good blog is always written by someone who knows what he is talking about. This means that you would be a far more effective blogger if your blog focuses on a subject that you are intimately familiar with. While no one is expecting you to know every single thing there is to know about your chosen niche, you should at the very least be in possession of a bit more knowledge and/or experience than the majority of your readers. Keep in mind that your readers will gradually come to depend on your blog as a source of information that they cannot get anywhere else, and being knowledgeable in your niche would ensure your reputation as a person of authority.
Ripping off other people’s content is a no no. Even if you have nothing to post on your blog for a few days, this is still a lot better than stealing content from someone else. You certainly don’t want other people to steal your content, so don’t do it!
Finally, always write as if your reputation is at stake. Even if you are writing under a pseudonym, there is a possibility that your blog will be traced back to you someday. Always be accountable for your thoughts and actions online, and act the same way that you would in real life.