The time has come, says Cathy C. , to talk of many things. Of blogs, and comments, posts and such, and cabbages and kings.
I’ve been doing a bit of blog surfing lately, reading interviews, interesting posts, and commenting when I see something I like. So, I’ve gathered a few suggestions for blogging etiquette (and such).
Firstly, when someone comes by and leaves a comment, try to remember posting a simple “thanks for stopping by.” Treat your guests royally, especially if your guest is new to the blog neighborhood. And most especially if your guest has left a comment so nice, you feel like a King (or Queen)!
Secondly, don’t make it too difficult for a visitor to post a comment. It’s one thing when a guest has to decipher the squiggly letter thingie. It’s another thing entirely when a guest has to sign up with a server, fill out a half-page form, remember a new password, and promise the first born child before posting the teensiest comment. I know it’s important to keep the bad old spammers away, but seriously? You don’t want to keep the good guys away, too. Especially if you’re hosting a blog tour-and the blog hostee can’t post!
Thirdly, you might want to consider visiting a commenter who’s visited you. Tit for tat, blog-speaking. It only takes a moment to share a little blog love.
I think that’s it. Except for working cabbages in here, somehow. I’ve just always liked that part of Lewis Carroll’s The Walrus and the Carpenter… Oh, I know! Leave me a comment with the word “cabbages” in it. Making relative sense, mind you. And I’ll pick one of the comment writers to get the latest writing book I finished (Query Letters That Rock! It’s autographed, and it’s full of good query info).
Update: You have till the end of March to post your lovely cabbages comment. And I should probably add that Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell penned the prize, Query Letters That Rock. You can read more of their fab tips if you visit The Renegade Writers (see my Favorite Detours). Those Renegade Writers Rock like Cabbages! (I just made that up-do you think it will catch on?)
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Mark Twain said caulifower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.I want to be a cauliflower! Please put my name in for the book!
Per your request, I am using “cabbages” in this sentence.Does that count?? Have a great week!
Love the Twain quote, Danette! And Jules, you always make me laugh. You meant to, right? :-)Will throw your names in for this fantabulous book. I’ll give folks till the end of March to get cabbage creative, then I’m picking a winner.Good luck, soon-to-be cauliflowers!
Great points on blogging. It’s all about communicating. That’s what makes the internet great. Your attitude plays a big part in how you are received. For instance, Sebastian Cabbage, who played Mr. French the popular 60’s television series “Family Affair,” was always the epitome of class when dealing with his two young charges or the general public in the park.
What I like about your blog is 1) I learn something. That alone is worth the price of a visit. 2) I am entertained. No small feat, mind you. 3) I am getting better at following directions. 4) I really enjoy corned beef, with cabbages of course!
Kudos to Bill for good use of an obscure reference. The game is on!
Ha! Yeah, I’m always amazed at the stuff packed inside Bill’s head :-)And speaking of heads, mine is swelling from the kind words left by Anonymous. But how will you win? Perhaps the cabbage contest will draw out the identity of the mysterious Anonymous who often makes my day.
If I win, just send my autographed copy to: Barack Obama, c/o 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. He could use some help with his writing.
Oh, Anonymous, I needed a smile this dreary morning. 🙂
Hi Cathy,As always, thanks for the solid advice–this time on blog-etiquette. While I want to be a welcoming blog hostess, I’ve recently had problems with spammers and needed to make some adjustments to the permissions section, but I tried not to make it too difficult for folks to stop by and leave a comment. I generally avoid blogs where the moderator has to approve the comment. Who want’s to pay a service charge at gin joint just to buy a drink?I love visiting your blog; it’s always so welcoming and informative. Donna Volkenannthttp://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
Thanks so much, Donna! Glad to be of service…and I feel the same way about waiting around for my comment to be moderated. Not that I don’t get the reasoning behind moderation, but it kinda makes me feel like a kid, waiting for permission to speak!
Sounds like a great book. And as a Polish girl I love, love, love cabbage rolls 😉
Oh, it’s a mighty fine book, Krysten. Good luck (and good luck with those cabbage rolls, too 🙂
Woo-hoo!! Thanks so much, Cathy! I’ll email you. And yes, it was completely there to make you laugh, hope it worked!