Learning the ethics of the blogosphere

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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A couple of weeks ago at Ashvegas’ blogger meet-up, we got to talking about blogging ethics, which I’m slowly learning, and Edgy Mama and Screwy Hoolie had a couple of good points I’m trying to put into practice.

Screwy noted that the key to success as a blogger is to visit lots of other bloggers’ sites. Leave comments, praise and flatter. Then beg for them to send some linky love your way. The quid pro quo dominates life in the blogoshpere. Just like when you sign up with one of those blog aggregators – you’re pretty much obligated to stick their button on your site before they’ll add you to their directory.

It’s difficult enough to find time to update my own site, much less find the time to surf and comment on other people’s blogs. But I guess it’s the blogtastic price one must pay.

Edgy Mama noted that the relationships in the blogoshpere mirror real life. You flirt a little with other bloggernuts, maybe you start to date. Maybe there’s a fight along the way – someone forgot to add you to the blogroll or dissed your comments.

Still, one thing leads to another, and aside from the one-night stands, you’re married. You have to keep your marriages limited because, as you might guess, the marriage takes work.

We didn’t talk about blogdivorce – is it as messy and emotionally wrenching as it is in real life?

Also, I stumbled upon this post regarding blog depression, which is on point.

Anyway, the point is I’m still learning, and loving, the blogosphere.