Blog etiquette question

[Gina K. Designs]

I have a question about blog etiquette for some of you long time bloggers. I had links to many of my favorite blogs on my blog. One of the people who I put as one of the blogs I read asked me to remove her link because I did not ask permission to link her and she said unless someone particpates on your blog, you should ask permission first. So, I removed her and everyone else who I hadn't asked permssion or who never left a comment for me.

Is that true? I've been talking to a few friends who thought that that sounded weird but I pulled everyone anyway just in case. Now I'm in the process of sending out permission requests of some of those people but can someone tell me if I really need to do that or was this person just a rare type or something. LOL

Gina K.

[Aimee30]

I would love to know too... this is the first I have heard of this....

[kristransue]

I would have totally done the same thing, it is interesting to know that you should ask permission. I otherwise would have just considered it flattery to link a favorite blog or website on your blog. I think you have done the right thing asking others for permission, I just didn't know that was necessary.

Perhaps there should be a Miss Manners for blogging?

[Gina K. Designs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kristransue

I would have totally done the same thing, it is interesting to know that you should ask permission. I otherwise would have just considered it flattery to link a favorite blog or website on your blog. I think you have done the right thing asking others for permission, I just didn't know that was necessary.

Perhaps there should be a Miss Manners for blogging?

Well, that's the thing, I don't know if that's true. I would love people to link me. I would never require permission. And, she was the only one who said anything. But then I got scared. LOL! Maybe Michelle Laycock can answer this one. She is the blogging queen! She must have the rule book. LOL
Gina K.

[laurakj]

Well, if it is, I am just as guilty. I have a lot of blogs linked to mine. I would think people would be FLATTERED to have their blog linked, not offended. But some people like to control everything I guess. If my blog was one, go ahead and put it back ;) no need for permission! (But I just gave it didn't I? LOL)

[gamblemom]

sorry but I think its weird. I am not a very good or regular blogger but still. If you like to visit someones blog and think its something you want to share with your readers/friends, why would you need permission to link people there. If they wanted their blog to be private then they shouldn't allow un-invited guests. I don't get it. Your not stealing anything from them, if anything , you are making them more popular. I don't see how the link could hurt them.

[Gina K. Designs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamblemom

sorry but I think its weird. I am not a very good or regular blogger but still. If you like to visit someones blog and think its something you want to share with your readers/friends, why would you need permission to link people there. If they wanted their blog to be private then they shouldn't allow un-invited guests. I don't get it. Your not stealing anything from them, if anything , you are making them more popular. I don't see how the link could hurt them.

Well, that was my understanding too. I always see people have a "Blogs that I like or read" thingy on their site. Wouldn't you think the person would be flattered? :(

[SunshineMama]

I've only heard of this once before and I still don't get it. Like the other posters here, I would consider it the sincerest form of flattery if someone linked to my blog from theirs. I mean, after all, most of us put those links under titles such as "Recommended Bloggers," "Blogs I like," "Blogs I Frequently Browse," etc. etc. That just shows that we think a lot of what they do and that we love their art and want to share it. I personally wouldn't worry about it unless someone asks to take them off your list. I think the LARGE majority of people would consider it flattery.

Now, I HAVE had people email me and ask if they can link to my blog and I always give permission, but I just figure they're new bloggers and they think they have to ask permission. Like another poster said, if that person didn't ever want someone to link to their blog, they should make it private or password protected or something.

I love linking to other blogs....that's how I found many of the blogs I read today. If it weren't for those links, I wouldn't be reading!

I check out the stats on my Typepad account and try to make sure I visit the blogs that link to mine and leave comments when I can. We're all a big community linked up in some way or another and I like to spread the love as much as I can.

[AmyR]

When I first started I never thought to ask permission to link to other's blogs. Then ppl would ask ME if it was OK so I thought I must have totally missed a huge "blogging etiquette" thingy. I've never had someone ask to remove their link tho :shock:

Now I actually prefer that someone asks - and I ask to see their site too - I've had trouble w/ spammers and some VERY unfriendly ppl and whatnot so I just want to be sure that I'm not getting linked on an adult-content site or something (you never know these days ;)).

That said tho I've come across lots of other blogs that link to me and I'm totally fine w/ whether or not they asked me in the first place - I'm actually tickled pink when I see MY name/site on someone else's blog!! :mrgreen:

[emmiestamps]

I too have to agree that it seems weird to me, I am flattered to find my name on the list of blogs on some one's site. Blogs are typically a public diary and it would seem to me that if you didn't want to be linked and get the extra attention from the link (who dosen't want extra attention *wink*)that you would chose to have a private blog, one that you can only enter with a password.

That said the only time I would be ask to be removed from a site would be if it contained "adult type material" that I didn't want to be linked too.Not that, that has ever happened but you never know.

[Skittl1321]

I don't think it is necessary to ask permission to link to someones blog or website. That's what the internet is, a collection of links that lead us to other things.

However, I think it is good manners to take it down if asked. I wouldn't take the others down though.

On my livejournal I occasionally have people post they "friended" me, and I always wonder why- I really don't care, except maybe it gives me the opportunity to check out their site too.

[kelly.sutterfield]

I don't have a blog, but I can understand where this lady is coming from. If she doesn't read your blog, or agree with some content on it, then she wouldn't want her name attached to it. It could be construed by some as endorsement. My personal opinion is that if you really like what someone else is doing on their blog, then the polite thing to do is ask if you can put a link on your blog.

[Lisa Lisa]

If there is a little "add me to your type pad or Blogger" link on the side then I just do it. I take that as an open invite...KWIM.

other than that I just use my judgment. I have asked a few ladies...but generally If its a public blog and you read it then IMO its something you are sharing about you on your blog... your reading list so to speak and OK to add whomever you DO read. that being said...if someone was offended by me adding them I wouldn't hesitate to remove them. I honestly use my link list to view blogs I frequent. Helps my browser favorites stay organized where I want it them to be!

Hmmmm...maybe they want it to be more private and don't know how to make it that way in their Blog Service.

[Faereygirl]

I've never asked really....and honestly if someone wants to link me, rock on! I would be thrilled to see my blog linked on someone else's site!

[Colleen Schaan]

I am new to blogging (a few months) and I was one of those that did ask permission to link people. (I guess I just wanted to make sure those people did not get upset because my blog was not "up to par" or something. When I asked permission, I gave my address and that way the person could check me out first. Every response I got back was positive...and people were thrilled to be linked. I too think of it as an honor, but I also know that I don't always think like everyone else. This is an excellent question!
BLOG ON!
Colleen

[JulieHRR]

I learned a while back that blog etiquette asserts that you should ask permission prior to including someone else's blog link in your side bar menu.

However, it's probably a "given" that it's OK, if someone has an "Add me to your Typepad People List" or something similar displayed on their blog, as it implies that they have no problems with being linked elsewhere.

[MSBetsyZ]

It might not be common yet in bloggers' world, but it used to always be standard to request permission to link to someone's website. If the blogger has something that says, "link to my site," than I would consider it a blanket approval.

[housefan]

Why put a public blog on the internet (not the kind that requires a password) and then not want people to frequent it through any way they get there? I think it is just purely odd.

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSBetsyZ

It might not be common yet in bloggers' world, but it used to always be standard to request permission to link to someone's website. If the blogger has something that says, "link to my site," than I would consider it a blanket approval.

I always knew that, and yet, it never occurred to me that the same would apply to blogs! I was very glad when someone told me. :grin:

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by housefan

Why put a public blog on the internet (not the kind that requires a password) and then not want people to frequent it through any way they get there? I think it is just purely odd.

It may be an "association" or "affiliation" type issue.

[stampmouse]

good question. I think I would have to say like most of the web its public domain and it isn't necessary to ask permission to put their blog on your website. I would think they would be flattered. Isn't that the point of having a website or blog is for the public to see it. But then I would out of respect remove it if they asked me to.

[Cat]

It's very interesting to see what others think about this. I would assume if you're saying "I love these blogs" then include a list of blogs (and hyperlinks), you wouldn't need permission. But, if you were referring to a person's blog, and referencing something they posted, or encouraging others to go there and post or whatever, permission would be appropriate.

Reading a blog is like reading a book or a newspaper/magazine article.... You don't have to ask an author's permission to say: I really like to read these books. But, if you're referencing material in the book, or something specific from the article (you get the idea) you would ask.

[Cat]

Ooops, just realized you asked for a "Blogger's" opinion... I don't have one, so my opinion is FWIW!

[robynstamps]

I think it would be nice to be asked. I, for one, do not link my blog in my signature line because I only have it open to a few people. If I wanted it public then it is going to get around one way or another.

Robyn

[shayles]

Great timing - I was just going to add Blogs I visit to mine today. I guesss now I had better get those 'asking for permissions' out. Thanks.

[Jovi]

I linked my first �stamper� blog last night� I should probably send her a note to see if it�s okay! ;)

[amysings]

It has always been "acceptable practice" to ask permission to link to other websites. Back in the olden days, when only geeks used the internet, that's how we did it. It was a way of tracking where your information was on the web. It was also usually a reciprocal thing--you link me, I'll link you.

While I still think it is good manners to do so, I can't imagine getting upset at having a blog linked on another blog.

[sra_nelson]

For friends that have shared their blogs with me, I usually ask before putting them on my sidebar. A lot of them blog just to share their information with their family. I like having them in my sidebar so I can visit them when I'm blogging but it could mean some extra and potentially unwanted traffic at their blog.

If it's a more "public" blog---like a blog I read by a favorite author---I don't ask permission.

[jutta]

Hellooo?! I don't blog, but I know that if you do it's on the internet! That's a public place! If you don't want people looking, then get a little book like I had in sixth grade. It had a lock on it. How does this person know who is looking? She can't know, so why would she care about a link? I don't get it.
Jutta

[Michelle Laycock]

Yes, long-time blogger here...

It is customary to ask permission before posting someone's link on your blog. In many cases, the person whose link you are posting has a right to know and should have the option to link exchange with you - you link to them, they link to you.

I've never posted a link in my "Friends" column without asking someone first.

I was taught this etiquette by a fellow blogger and fellow librarian back when I had a Library Science blog in 2001-2002.

I assume the rule still applies today?

[Michelle Laycock]

I'd like to add that if the person you are linking to is a long-time friend and you know the person will say yes (I have a link to my downline's website and didn't ask permission) then it is fine.

However, if the person you are linking to is known to you on a professional level (another stamping business owner included) then it is customary to ask.

You shouldn't assume that they will be happy to be affiliated to you.

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[Michelle Laycock]

I just did a search and found this:
http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2006/07...n-my-blogroll/

It appears the rules have perhaps relaxed abit over the years and bloggers are now commonly posting links without getting permission.

I'd say, then that use common sense...

Personally, I will continue asking permission before I link, but that is just me.

[Michelle Laycock]

One more thing...

With regards to Splitcoastbloggers... if I notice that someone's blog isn't up there and they haven't yet asked me to add it, I always ask them first before adding them to the club.

[Suzy_H]

It is your personal blog and if you are posting links to places you enjoy that is your business. Unless that was a private blog that someone gave you in confidence (ie diary with personal info with screened participation).

In my community if we want our journals private we make them friends only - you have to approve someone to even see your pictures or words.

[JulieHRR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michelle Laycock

I just did a search and found this:
http://lorelle.wordpress.com/2006/07...n-my-blogroll/

It appears the rules have perhaps relaxed abit over the years and bloggers are now commonly posting links without getting permission.

I'd say, then that use common sense...

Personally, I will continue asking permission before I link, but that is just me.

Me, too! :grin:

[jfstamps]

I guess I had never thought about it before, but I can understand. My blog has some religious info on it so I could see some people not wanting linked to mine if they have different religious views. Thinking about it from my point of view too, I would like to have a look at the blogs that were linking to mine, just to make sure like AmyR said they aren't inappropriate, etc.

I was actually going to put up a list of blogs that I frequent today, so I will probably be sending out emails asking for permission.

[neece]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GinaK

I have a question about blog etiquette for some of you long time bloggers. I had links to many of my favorite blogs on my blog. One of the people who I put as one of the blogs I read asked me to remove her link because I did not ask permission to link her and she said unless someone particpates on your blog, you should ask permission first. So, I removed her and everyone else who I hadn't asked permssion or who never left a comment for me.

Is that true? I've been talking to a few friends who thought that that sounded weird but I pulled everyone anyway just in case. Now I'm in the process of sending out permission requests of some of those people but can someone tell me if I really need to do that or was this person just a rare type or something. LOL

Gina K.

I've never heard that before... I think her request for you to ask permission is odd; definitely an exception, rather than the norm. IMHO, you don't need permission to link a blog.

Since that particular blog owner asked you to remove the link, I would oblige her. For whatever reason, she wanted her blog removed from your links, though I can't see why??? If she's really disturbed about someone she doesn't know viewing/linking her blog, she should password protect it.

Just about every scrapbooker I know of who has a blog has Ali Edwards' blog linked in their favorites (as well as several other well-known scrapbookers' blogs). Honestly, I think Ali and the others would have a lot of emailing to do if they were to tell them all that they needed permission.

Quite frankly, I am flattered when someone links my blog. Not speaking for Ali or anyone but myself, but I *think* Ali would be flattered that so many scrappers are reading her blog. Most blog owners appreciate the traffic from links, kwim?

It really is up to you what you link on your blog. And you don't have to ask permission. Though I would always want to honor a specific request to remove a link. KWIM?

JMHO

[staramaze]

interesting stuff... I use technorati and stat check; and it helps me see WHO is linking to me, even in a post... I like to know; and I have in one case asked someone to remove my link; as their blog contained content I was uncomfortable with and didn't want to appear to endorse.

But because I am constantly checking I have rarely asked someone if I could link to them; And I link out to a TON of people! I figured others were also checking their stats and link backs too... I always just thought someone will let me know if they didn't want to be marketed via link from my blog and if they wanted me to remove the link I would; without being offended.

I would however ALWAYS ask someone before I used a blog link in a post... like a featured stamper or something. This has happened to be a couple times; and while I was flattered; and would have likely given my consent, I was disappointed I was not asked.

[Gina K. Designs]

Okay, for the record- "You all have permission to link me to your blogs to me, don't even ask, just do it. (I am flattered!!) LOL!

There. I don't anyone to think that it is my opinion that you need to ask for permission, I just wanted to know what you guys thought. It seemed like a strange request so , og course, I came to the pros. I find it exciting, flattering and just plain fun to link with people.

I emailed the person who asked me to unlink her and asked her why. I also asked if I could post it here. She said yes and it was for religious reasons. (Different faith than me.) And, she doesn't come to SCS. I found her through a link ,through a link etc... She actually is a scapbooker. Very nice person, just has different views than me. LOL. So, I am now satified that it wasn't my questionable content. (Just kidding.) But I now understand her reasons. That meakes me feel better.

That being sad, thank you all so much for welcoming me to your blogs. I got a lot of emails. LOL!! And, if I am linked to yours, leave me there...please.

This was very informative. And those of you who responded who don't have blogs, thank you, your info is important too! Michelle Laycock, thanks for the update of the new relaxed rules. I think I will continue to add what I like and if someone feels that they should be not be linked to me, they can email me and I will removed them. Until then, non of you are safe! LOL
Have a great night!
Gina K.

[Skittl1321]

For those not wanted to be affiliated with content- I think of it this way.

It's not so much that by being listed they are affiliated with my content, it's just that my blog has my list of blogs I click on each day so I can read them. It's really not there for anyone else to use but me. As long as they have a public webpage, I can go visit.

Now if they specifically ask for me to remove it, I probably would- BUT I still probably wouldn't ask permission- it's the easiest way for me to keep track of every site I visit each day. If my "readers" click them too, that's secondary.