In holy writ, we find both principles and rules. The rules were given to support the principle. Jesus taught the principles of loving thy neighbor and loving thy God. Moses' 10 commandments were rules that helped the people live these principles.
In the world of blogging, we also have principles and rules. The underlying principle for blogging is respect. There are many "commandments" that help us live and adhere to this principle. They are listed below, along with our commentary.
1. Thou shalt not read the blog, take the time to read the associated comments, and then move on.
You people know who you are. This is showing NO respect. This is "I don't want you to know I was reading your blog!" This is the issue. It is this pattern that has spurred this discourse.
2. Thou shalt not simply call or email to show respect for a blog.
This is a common misconception. While a phone call/email is highly appropriate for holidays and birthdays, this is not one of the best ways to demonstrate deep respect for a blog post. Now, don't misunderstand us completely here...a phone call/email regarding a post is appreciated at some level. However, what matters in blogging is that the praise for your post is made public. We understand that most of you have good intentions and make this mistake due to a lack of understanding for proper blogging etiquette. This is what the scriptures refer to as a transgression, or sin of omission. You've all been through seminary and know what we're talking about.
3. Thou shalt comment.
Remember, the underlying principle of these commandments is respect. And public respect at that. To show proper respect for the hours and hours of hard work that someone has put into their blog, it is only reasonable for you to show your respect through a simple comment. The level of your appreciation and respect for the post will vary, obviously; and therefore, so should your comment. Who doesn't want that little extra boost of self-esteem, that increased sense of self actualization, that comes from seeing 8 new comments about how interesting/funny/witty/ insightful intelligent/kind/thoughtful/cute you are? We know we do.
Conclusion
Moses brought the lesser law. Jesus brought the higher law. Adrienne Bjorkman has brought the higher law to the world of blogging. What Adrienne has done goes above and beyond any of these "commandments." She has truly shown that you can magnify your calling in the blogging kingdom. She read our blog. She placed a phone call. She made a thoughtful comment. And then she did what we, the authors of this discourse, didn't even realize was on the sliding scale of blogger etiquette. She was so moved by our blog that she made a post on her blog to honor us and show respect for the hardwork we invested. Adrienne, we thank you. And now we are using our blog to show respect for your blog. You have shown by example how to live the higher law. You have been a beacon on a hill and we thank you once more. It is our humble prayer that we may all have Adrienne's courage and commitment to live the rules that will help us demonstrate the blogging principle of respect.
25 comments:
I am speechless.
YOu guys are hilarious.
You want comments? I'll give you comments...
Love the "commandments" of blogworld. I think I might have to make a new post linking to your commandments. :) Maybe that will inspire my readers to leave comments as well!!!
Hey - are you two still coming to Boston in Sept or Oct?
I can't remember when you told me, Les... but you should come stay with us. Looks like we'll be here at least that long. :) So COME!
If it's in October, you'd get to see some awesome fall leaves!
So what did you two do this past weekend besides go to Lisa and Bryce's welcome to provo party?
Just so you know, Sam will do a muscle pose now. It's CLASSIC. I need to get a pic of it. :)
Oh - how do you like your camera??? Have you learned anyhting new? I want to take a class...
That's probably good for now... you can't complain about me for a while! :) Happy Sunday!
~Marse
This is wonderfully witty! Reading your blog is always a joy. Thanks for schooling us all on the etiquette of blogging.
oh my this is something else. i needed to read it though because I am guilty of many of the offenses that you mentioned.
You have to get your head where you need it.
-Abby
Get bloggin'
-Savy
I am glad you were courageous enough to say what we have all been thinking . But it has been a while since we have had the pleasure of seeing a comment from you on our blog...
Lesley, I love your blog!
Oh wow. That is pretty good. Let's just say we are excited to spend a few days with you witty, couple!
I loved the low blow (maybe below the belt) from Jonathan. I second his remark. I believe I have also been at least a decent commentor, even though I do not view the blogs often. Nonetheless you have inspired me to a whole new level, that now will include blog checking at least 3 times/week. Thanks for getting the ball rolling on this, it was well overdue. -Sincerely the Rookie blogger himself, Evan Richard
Geez- not only do I have to read a bunch of words, but I have to comment and call to say how much I like the post? What, are you going to start giving me homework now?
I loved the well timed comment by Trevor on our blog....what was it....2 minutes before you posted this blog ;) To stay above the belt I did appreciate Trevor's post and compliments on our kitchen. Trevor we have done about 95% of the work on our house. Some of the large kitchen items we did have installed for us. However, maybe help on the coffee table warrants a trip to Minnesota? Eh? Just bring it in the overhead coompartment with you...we'll help :) Do I get props for the lengthiness of the comment? It's almost a blog post itself!
It was so fun to read your blog Lesley! I saw the link on Martha Fetzer's blog. It looks like you and Trevor are very happy...and I am glad someone finally said something about the necessity of commenting...it needed to be done. This is Jen Moore by the way, my blog says Jen Martin cause I got married this summer too!
So funny, I'm crying. You guys should really think about moving East. :)
Sorry, I wasn't meaning my comment to be below the belt. I really liked the post a lot. I thought there would be a post for sure about OSU beating Utah. Now that's a good day on many levels.
Clever, as always, you two!
So, I'm late in commenting. How many points do I get docked for that, Cappy? But, perhaps I may redeem myself by pointing out that you received not only one comment (this one) but TWO via moi. You see, because I've linked you to MY blog, Jen Moore (Martin) paid yours a virtual visit, thus allowing me to break even in the blogosphere Proper Blogging Etiquette Post Point Match, perhaps? Or does it... May I point out that you dodged quite the bullet: what is to be said for those who leave comments on your blog, but their comment wall goes entirely un-touched by the Winns? Hmm...just a little something to think about. BLOG ON!
Very well said, and clever too. I would expect nothing less from you two. I will do better on commenting!
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