Online Etiquette

Often in the blogging or online world in general, people can feel unappreciated or like they are going unnoticed. I at often times feel that way after I've spent 30 minutes working on what I believe to be a great blog post or posted a super cute picture and it doesn't receive a single comment...so I know that my fellow bloggers probably feel the same way I do many times as well.

I used to be one of those online "lurkers" who liked to read and catch up with people in the online world in silence, that is, until I stumbled upon Chris Brogan's blog and read his 9 Simple Touchpoints of Loyalty. I have since made an effort to put my lurking days behind me and shower those people who write blogs I like or even status messages on Facebook that I notice, with kind and positive words as often as possible. Most of the time I don't receive any feedback from those I comment about, but every now and then I do, and it really makes my day and puts a smile on my face! That's why, if I am a reader of your blog, you know it, because as a loyal reader I do my best to show my appreciation for what you do as much as I can.

So, I urge you to read these 9 Simple Touchpoints of Loyalty and do your best to abide by them, or at least a few. What a happier social network we would be if everyone showed their loyalty and respect online the same way they do in person!

9 Simple Touchpoints of Loyalty

1. Comment on other people’s blogs as often as you can.
2. Reply to people or help them spread the word on Twitter and/or Facebook.
3. Write posts filled with admiration for people you enjoy online, and send links to their work.
4. Connect people with like-minded people before they ask (using LinkedIn or similar).
5. Wish people a happy birthday, or luck with their test, or other related-to-them encouragement.
6. Share job opportunities. You never know who’s looking for more when you’re drowning in too much.
7. Invite people to coffee. Just 20 minutes might really change someone’s day, week, month.
8. Write recommendations on LinkedIn to those whose work you can vouch for. Do it before they ask.
9. Send 10 emails a day to people you’re in danger of falling out of touch with, and make them simple and request-free.