One Year Anniversary Review: Comments on Comments

Comments were one of the main reasons I started exploring various Content Management Systems (CMS) a few years ago. After 10 years with a static website, I wanted feedback. I wanted interaction. Sites were just beginning to offer comments outside of guest books and contact forms, and I craved a responsive and interactive audience. A […]

How NOT to Comment on Comments

I’ve had a few comments on comments, and even discussed mean spirited comments, and now it’s time for a basic tutorial in how NOT to comment on comments. I’m not talking about comment spam comments. I talking about a tutorial on the technique of commenting in the comments on blogs and how to get a […]

How to Handle Tough Questions (and Comments) from an Audience

Reporting Spam Blogs – Splogs

Quick Online Tips recently posted “How to Complain and Report Spam Blogger Blogs”, a good look at the procedures you need to take to report, and hopefully remove, splogs. A splog is a “spam blog”, a blog that copies content from other blogs without permission (though there might be a link back), using that content […]

You Must Be Logged In To Comment

You must be logged in to comment. Okay. Tell me the truth. When you encounter a blog that compels you to respond, what do you think when you encounter “You must be logged in to comment”? Does it make you want to overcome your natural inclination NOT to share your email and private information with […]

The Committee to Protect Bloggers – Risking Your Life for Your Words

Abhijit Nadgouda of iface, someone I don’t know personally but consider a friend, recently introduced me to The Committee To Protect Bloggers, a part of Civiblog, a multi-blog hosting service acting under “an international initiative with the aim of giving voice to individuals and organizations involved in global civil society.” I’ve written about a lot […]

The Day I Looked Forward to Casinos, Drugs, and Penises

A few weeks ago, this blog was hopping with comments and massive traffic. It was exciting. I threw myself into the joy and spent way too much time monitoring the blog and rejoicing in the sudden popularity. And, as I knew from past experience, it soon died down. My blog stats leveled back out from […]

US Federal Protection for Political Bloggers

The Blogging Journalist brought my attention to a CNET article, “Political Bloggers May Get Federal Protection” you should consider reading if you are pushing the freedom of speech issues or tackling political issues on your blog. The impact of this legislation might spread farther, so be warned and get involved: Bloggers would be largely immunized […]

Full Disclosure on Corporate and Commercial Blogs

The Blogging Journalist showcases the Dan Gillmor on Bloggers and Disclosure: It should go without saying that the bloggers should make this disclosure, right? No question, the ones who parrot a company line — down to using the company’s words — ought to be more forthcoming about the connections. It should also go without saying, […]

How To Avoid Flame Wars

It is exciting when someone comments on your blog. It’s part of the thrill of interactivity and relationship building that blogs offer. But what happens when those comments turn sour? Harvard Law’s Dave Winer discusses “How to Avoid Flame Wars” and says: When you’ve written something strong and personal, before posting, re-read it and pause […]

Comments on Comments

I want to seriously talk to you about the responsibilities of hosting comments on your blog. It’s fun and it’s a great thrill to get a response to something you’ve written, but it also has responsibilities, both by you and the comment poster. We can’t control the comment poster, but we can control our response […]

Learning About Blogging and How to Blog

Blogging has entered a realm of its own, from fad to industry. People are entering the blogosphere daily, thousands every day. I’ve been blogging for over 10 years and had no clue I was doing it. It was called “online journaling” and some called it “web diaries” or “blithering idiots writing on the Internet”. I […]